[Fraxum]

Originally Posted by BDivine76

Wow...didn't know the convertible didn't get the eLSD. I think that is part of the magic that let's the coupes put power down so well and would be missed.

As for me I would gladly give up the E-LSD and get back 40+ pounds and less complexity long term. I am sure when bouncing off of curbing @ 9/10s the E-LSD is worth it's weight in gold, but other than that I don't see the point. It should have been reserved for the ZL1-1LE IMO.

I am sure the ZL1 Vert will put the power down on the street or on mountain roads just fine and be tons of fun with the top down.

[oldman]

I'm still confused and a vert Zl1 manual seems to very rare. Does the loss of eLSD mean the vert is running the same 8.6 diff with the standard SS clutch base LSD unit? That is what I always thought, but there are several things that confuse me.

Facts supporting the Zl1 vert using an SS diff:
1) the weight reduction would indicate the vert manual is running the smaller SS diff
2) at least on Zl1 manual shaft MM6 is the same trans as the SS, GM uses the trans code to id the driveshaft (so I'm not saying the ZL1 has a SS trans) I am saying the manual vert Zl1 runs the manual SS driveshaft: 84306999
3) Looks like the F carried: PN 84627771 is used on the Zl1 vert manual and on the plain manual SS

On the other hand:
1) all ZL1 left side axle shafts are the same unit so that would kind of indicate that all ZL1s run the same 10.9 diff (even though it is possible that the SS diff has near the same diff to wheel hub stub length) PN 84372865. The SS has a different left side part number 84309455

2)The ZL1 non-vert and 1LE have the same right side axle shaft pn 84309457. The SS manual has a different shaft pn 84309456 I don't show any listing for a Zl1 vert shaft. i.e. it must already be listed meaning it could be either of the shafts above so that offers no indication if which diff the vert uses.

It is VERY hard for me to believe that the vert manual Zl1 if indeed it is equipped with a SS 8.6 diff, uses the stock SS right side shaft.

The only reason I'm asking is I think a great upgrade for the SS would be a 9.9 diff and axles with a standard LSD. Gets around the issues of GM electronics programming. Brings the OEM HD stuff to the poor slubs.

[radz28]

Looking at parts diagrams, I believe they were showing a 226mm gear for the eLSD. That's about 8.9". I believe GM listed other alternatives around 224mm or something for SS (non-eLSD). The only reference I've seen close to the 10.9", was the 9.9" Grave Digger diff' in the 5th Gen ZL1. Maybe I've missed something in my searching.

[Chutzpah]

I don't think you'll notice / care about the extra weight / miss the ELSD. The Vert handles so well, and is so damn fast, there's zero chance I could ever reach it's limits on the street.

As far as reduced vision with the top up, if you're one of the many that drive your special car only during nice weather, then you'll have the top down anyway. The 2019's have a rear camera which is great for the day, but not great at night. Regardless, the Z Vert has blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert, so driving either the hard top or convertible is pretty much dummy proof. There is no front collision alert in the Vert and honestly I don't see the need for it ( keep your eyes on the road). Judging where curbs are is easier with a Vert.

Getting in and out of the Vert with the top down is much easier than a hard top.

The sound of the exhaust is amplified with a convertible (go through a tunnel or under an overpass with you foot in it) It's an experience, that's for sure.

You'll be a rock star at cars and coffee.... there just isn't many of these cars out there.

Good luck!

[BigJ408]

I was in the same boat. The convertible experience out weight the PDR and ELSD for my plans. I wanted to cruise with the top down and have 650hp on tap stock. There is nothing like that feeling. PDR is nice but I don't really need it. ELSD would love to have it, but I am not really going to use it like it should. And the convertible does have mechanical LSD so that didn't sound too bad. Lastly convertible are rare and hard to find. If you find a convertible that you like I say, hop on it. And later you don't like it trade it in for a hardtop I doubt you will lose any money.


But Good luck you will be happy with either one.

[oldman]

Originally Posted by radz28

Looking at parts diagrams, I believe they were showing a 226mm gear for the eLSD. That's about 8.9". I believe GM listed other alternatives around 224mm or something for SS (non-eLSD). The only reference I've seen close to the 10.9", was the 9.9" Grave Digger diff' in the 5th Gen ZL1. Maybe I've missed something in my searching.

Sorry I meant 9.9, getting old. Yeah 2mm does not seem like a lot and the SS's case is one large iron snail with iron endcap, while the Zl1 non-vert has two aluminum end caps. meaning it the SS case could be actually stonger (and a whole lot heavier). The Hellcats have been exploding their aluminum case. Till shown other wise I thing the gen 6 eLSD is larger that 226mm. but I'm been wrong before.

[LT4Greg]

Hellcats are nice just not for me! nick, my advice is to buy a vert if that’s what you really want and enjoy the hell out of it! Even though my coupe has E-LSD and PDR I will probably never use it because I don’t plan to track it anytime! Mine has just 6 options and that’s what I was looking for in a ZL1 coupe either new or used. Once you find and buy a ZL1 then you will experience what us ZL1 owners do every time we get out and drive ours! The experience is something else especially when you hear the s/c whine when accelerating!��

[radz28]

Originally Posted by oldman

Sorry I meant 9.9, getting old. Yeah 2mm does not seem like a lot and the SS's case is one large iron snail with iron endcap, while the Zl1 non-vert has two aluminum end caps. meaning it the SS case could be actually stonger (and a whole lot heavier). The Hellcats have been exploding their aluminum case. Till shown other wise I thing the gen 6 eLSD is larger that 226mm. but I'm been wrong before.

I'm only going off of what little information I can find. I thought it would be bigger, but like you mentioned earlier, perhaps the gear ratio is the factor that might give a diff' that small (IMO) enough strength for that much torque. I also believe that's why there is apparently so much TM from GM.

[hawk02]

I owned three 5th gen Camaro convertibles prior to my '17 ZL1 coupe.

Everyone is correct, If you aren't tracking the car, you won't miss the ELSD or the PTM modes.

Driving a high powered, supercharged car on a warm summer evening with the top down and the tunes blaring is just about the closest thing to heaven you'll experience.

With that said, here are the big negatives as I see to owning the convertible.

1. You lose half the trunk space when the top is down
2. Drive with the top up and the windows down and watch the wind Buffett the back window. You'll swear the window is going to pop out at any moment.
3. A lot of aftermarket parts, primarily exhausts, will not fit on the convertible because of the extra bracing.
4. Even though the chassis is pretty damn ridged, it's still not as ridged as having a top. A lot more roll in the convertible.
5. The top requires a level of maintenance (cleaning, protecting) that's not necessary with the coupe.

I had a lot of fun driving my convertibles, but I don't miss the downsides one bit.

[Rayvan]

Originally Posted by JB'sZL1

For spirited driving in varying conditions: yes. Just cruising around town, no.

I can feel the difference in tight maneuvering in parking lots.
Parking with a stiff Torsen type, or even an Eaton, you can feel the front pushing, and scuffing when the wheel is near lock.
With my SS1LE, it's no different than parking an open-diff car. The front-end just does exactly what it's told...