[evanescent03]

I went from an F80 with a tune to an SS... then SS1LE and it was a huge improvement regarding auditory enjoyment as well as feeling much more substantial in the clutch/shifter department. The M3 felt a little lighter/flickable. the F80 (and now G80) loses of a lot of points with me because of the sound. They're amazing cars if you need something for a swiss army knife (kid hauler, road tripper, track day capable and robust), but the drama started wear off. the camaro drama/excitement factor is much higher but you do trade off some that German engineering refinement and prestige. you also lose all visibility which you'll miss at first but then realize it's no big deal, just don't swerve through traffic like a ****.

The ZLE is a huge step up in terms of power and aero.. and suspension from my car so i think the difference will be even more dramatic for you. From what i can tell, the ZLE will be best served on a larger and more open track. You won't reap the benefits of aero and HP *as much* on a shorter track.

i'm no physicist but it's correct that all the aero stuff doesn't really kick in until you're moving along pretty good. which is why I found it funny that folks were saying "if you remove your 992 wing, the car will be very unstable" ... okay, maybe on the autobahn or a fast track but pretty sure no one will spin off the road and into a tree at 60mph without the rear wing. Have they seen what folks strap to the roof of their car and drive down the highway? Huge travel totes, mattresses, kayaks.... ha!

anyway back on topic... the ZLE should be very enjoyable. be prepared to pay for tires, i've heard guys at the track (midOhio most recently) saying they only get like 3 days out of the SC3R ...

finally, if you drop a couple rungs at autoX just invite them out to a track day

[18SS1LE]

I went from e92 M3s to f82 m4 - ND Miata - 2BRZs - the current ZLE…

I would say on pure fun on the street nothin tops E92Ms and ND. I have not taken the ZLE to the track but it is by far the most capable car out of all these cars despite weight disadvantage

[Redline10000]

Originally Posted by evanescent03

I went from an F80 with a tune to an SS... then SS1LE and it was a huge improvement regarding auditory enjoyment as well as feeling much more substantial in the clutch/shifter department. The M3 felt a little lighter/flickable. the F80 (and now G80) loses of a lot of points with me because of the sound. They're amazing cars if you need something for a swiss army knife (kid hauler, road tripper, track day capable and robust), but the drama started wear off. the camaro drama/excitement factor is much higher but you do trade off some that German engineering refinement and prestige. you also lose all visibility which you'll miss at first but then realize it's no big deal, just don't swerve through traffic like a ****.

The ZLE is a huge step up in terms of power and aero.. and suspension from my car so i think the difference will be even more dramatic for you. From what i can tell, the ZLE will be best served on a larger and more open track. You won't reap the benefits of aero and HP *as much* on a shorter track.

i'm no physicist but it's correct that all the aero stuff doesn't really kick in until you're moving along pretty good. which is why I found it funny that folks were saying "if you remove your 992 wing, the car will be very unstable" ... okay, maybe on the autobahn or a fast track but pretty sure no one will spin off the road and into a tree at 60mph without the rear wing. Have they seen what folks strap to the roof of their car and drive down the highway? Huge travel totes, mattresses, kayaks.... ha!

anyway back on topic... the ZLE should be very enjoyable. be prepared to pay for tires, i've heard guys at the track (midOhio most recently) saying they only get like 3 days out of the SC3R ...

finally, if you drop a couple rungs at autoX just invite them out to a track day

Thanks for the feedback. I purchased the M3 because it was my all in one car. But now I have the chance to get a decent daily and use the ZLE as my track and Autox toy. I couldn't be more excited. I tend to visit smaller North East tracks such as NHMS, Club Motorsport, Thompson, Palmer and Lime Rock. Hopefully the ZLE will be able to handle these tracks pretty well. All of them have at least one long straight where I should be able to do 140 ish.

I will say after two test drives of the ZLE, I feel that the car is underrated for how good it is. It's so much more fun to drive than my modded F80. I also like the interior better. The M has an okay interior but it's no AMG. And the electronics are terrible! My backup camera won't work if it's too cold out.

[HSLdriver]

Small tracks: Not a problem, several ZL1s and ZL1 1LEs at Thompson (note that the car is very fast there, completely stock--including factory street alignment--gave me with a TSMP PB of 1:18.78).

Aero: New England track corners are probably too slow to have any appreciable effect (maybe the downhill at LRP could use the aero?); in fact, I would guess it adds more drag than aero at smaller tracks (i.e., I wouldn't be surprised if a ZL1--on the same tires--lapped about the same as a ZL1 1LE on TSMP-sized tracks).

Traction: Have not run into this issue. Note the high-performance supplement says, with PTM (i.e., traction control) on, "...after entering a curve and at the point where you would normally start to increase acceleration, fully press the accelerator pedal." In addition, I've recently been running all-off and have not had any issues with traction as long as I am progressive with the gas (maybe there is no issue, maybe I am overly conservative, or maybe it's the eDiff, but you can get to WOT pretty quickly, even without PTM on).

Other: if you want to be the fastest ZL1 at Thompson, get the A10 (not only do you get the benefit of faster shifts, but the M6 spends time in the rev limiter at corners 1, 3, and 4); alternatively, if you want to chase cars at TSMP, slow down by switching to the 220tw SC3s (they cost 1.4 seconds around that track, but last longer, are a little better in the wet, and can go down to 40F vs. 50F which can matter at the beginning/end of track season) or similar; 140 mph needs 5th with the M6 (rev limited at about 139 in 4th); given the choice, I'd spend PDR money on a Garmin; ergonomics can be rough (e.g., need to track with windows open but helmet does not fit through window opening?) but one help I found is knee pads (left knee was always bruised after a day at the track due to pressing against plastic on door, a pad helps); aside from what you may read, nothing special needed to jack the car (just a jack and jack stands, both on the pinch welds at the skirt cutouts); prepare for the logistics of a tank of gas lasting about 45 minutes on-track; it is lower than I expected (low profile jack needed or drive up on some scrap wood); it is very stiff (my seatbelt locks itself about once a week and I've hit my head on the roof three times). In general, it seems every bit the no-excuses track car you can drive to the track and back; it's not fussy at all and really needs no mods (OEM pads are great, comes with SKF hubs, etc.) to be shockingly fast, reliable, and predictable--enjoy!

[Redline10000]

Originally Posted by HSLdriver

Small tracks: Not a problem, several ZL1s and ZL1 1LEs at Thompson (note that the car is very fast there, completely stock--including factory street alignment--gave me with a TSMP PB of 1:18.78).

Aero: New England track corners are probably too slow to have any appreciable effect (maybe the downhill at LRP could use the aero?); in fact, I would guess it adds more drag than aero at smaller tracks (i.e., I wouldn't be surprised if a ZL--on the same tires--lapped about the same as a ZL1 1LE on TSMP-sized tracks).

Traction: Have not run into this issue. Note the high-performance supplement says, with PTM (i.e., traction control) on, "...after entering a curve and at the point where you would normally start to increase acceleration, fully press the accelerator pedal." In addition, I've recently been running all-off and have not had any issues with traction as long as I am progressive with the gas (maybe there is no issue, maybe I am overly conservative, or maybe it's the eDiff, but you can get to WOT pretty quickly, even without PTM on).

Other: if you want to be the fastest ZL1 at Thompson, get the A10 (not only do you get the benefit of faster shifts, but the M6 spends time in the rev limiter at corners 1, 3, and 4); alternatively, if you want to chase cars at TSMP, slow down by switching to the 220tw SC3s (they cost 1.4 seconds around that track, but last longer, are a little better in the wet, and can go down to 40F vs. 50F which can matter at the beginning/end of track season) or similar; 140 mph needs 5th with the M6 (rev limited at about 139 in 4th); given the choice, I'd spend PDR money on a Garmin; ergonomics can be rough (e.g., need to track with windows open but helmet does not fit through window opening?) but one help I found is knee pads (left knee was always bruised after a day at the track due to pressing against plastic on door, a pad helps); aside from what you may read, nothing special needed to jack the car (just a jack and jack stands, both on the pinch welds at the skirt cutouts); prepare for the logistics of a tank of gas lasting about 45 minutes on-track; it is lower than I expected (low profile jack needed or drive up on some scrap wood); it is very stiff (my seatbelt locks itself about once a week and I've hit my head on the roof three times). In general, it seems every bit the no-excuses track car you can drive to the track and back; it's not fussy at all and really needs no mods (OEM pads are great, comes with SKF hubs, etc.) to be shockingly fast, reliable, and predictable--enjoy!

Thanks for the sound advice! 1:18 is a really fast pace.

I'm willing to give up a little speed to keep the 6spd. It's one of the main things that sold me on this car.

Good call on switching to a set of SC3. That was already in the plan. I run them on my M3 and love them. I plan to get a second set of wheels. One for the race tires and one for the 200tw tires. I think early and late season will be more fun on the SC3 vs SC3R.

Thanks for calling out some of the cars downfalls, I think I can still live with them. The M needs a full tank after only 3 sessions.One less session isn't too bad. Also I hit my head on the roof during the test drive, yet I still want the car . Good thing it's just a weekend toy.

[ZX-10R]

Originally Posted by Redline10000

I hit my head on the roof during the test drive, yet I still want the car

[AMOR]

I'm coming from an F80 stage 2, with a manual transmission and Bilstein coilovers.
https://youtu.be/IG_N0abaXT0

Just got a 2021 ZL1 1LE a month ago, did the 1500 miles service yesterday. I call it an M3 on steroids. I love the car and do not regret getting it. It generates a lot of emotions, that many modern sports cars lack to deliver. The TREMEC manual transmittion in Camaro is far more superior to the one used in M3. I actually hated the manual in M3 and regretted not getting DCT, as that manual had a plasticky feel to it, not precise shifting at all and caused me to miss gears at times. On the Camaro it's totally the opposite, manual is very precise, has metallic "bolt-action" feel to it, really a joy to use. The clutch on ZL1 1LE is a bit heavy though and grabs at the very top, requires getting used to it. Do not fear the added weight, it is only like carrying 1 passenger in the M3, and the new one G80 added quite some pork and is now actually heavier than the Camaro. For comparison, the Mustang GT500 is >300 LBS heavier than the Camaro ZL1 1LE, so this car is not heavy, it's middle weight! As for your grip concern, on my M3 I was running 275/35 R18 all round and Nitto NT01 tires. With that setup and coilovers it had quite some grip, but absolutely no match for the Camaro's, as it has 305 tires front and 325 rear and running a 100TW tire from factory. You can't fit 305 up front on the M3 without modifying wheel arches. The traction electronics and E-DIF in the ZL1 1LE are also far superior to those in the M3.

What I DO NOT like (and what you will not like too, I assume):
1. Less prestige, not a GERMAN car. This is especially obvious if you go to service, GM's service lacks class big time. It's just not the place you want to go as an owner of $70K+ car. They should make a special lounge room for 1LE and Corvette owners or something like that lol.
2. Interior is OK but not as refined as German cars. I had M3 F80 and then M5 F90, now own a Porsche Macan also. German interiors are the best quality, period.
3. High fuel consumption. I expected this, but it eats twice as much fuel as my M5 F90 which also had V8 4.4 engine. And now fuel is $5/gallon, so it's quite noticeable. I've used to live in Northeast and been to Lime Rock, Thompson, Palmer and other tracks. Not all of them have fuel on site (or it may be closed). This car's tank is good for 1-2 sessions. So I suggest taking extra fuel with you just in case.
4. Small things that bother. Car remembers the driving mode that you were in during last drive. It can be Tour or Sport. But if you were in Track - it doest not remember that mode. Therefore if you like driving around in Track and hearing the exhaust/backfire more, then you have to switch to that mode EVERY TIME. Also car does not remember auto rev matching, I have to SWITCH IT ON EVERY TIME. Comon GM, why you could not sort this out by having an option in the MENU?
5. DSSV dampers are very stiff, they match aftermarket coilovers in terms of stiffness, if someone had those - you know. Stock 3R tires have poor traction in RAIN, and yes sometimes you have to drive in RAIN. After the 3R's are done I am planning to swap tires to Michelin PS4S for driving around town and RAIN track days. And will get a dedicated set of track tires, wheels. Maybe even same 19" factory wheels (second set), as they are really nice and lot's of tire selection in 19 size.

[Dabjbr]

Originally Posted by AMOR

I'm coming from an F80 stage 2, with a manual transmission and Bilstein coilovers.
https://youtu.be/IG_N0abaXT0

Just got a 2021 ZL1 1LE a month ago, did the 1500 miles service yesterday. I call it an M3 on steroids. I love the car and do not regret getting it. It generates a lot of emotions, that many modern sports cars lack to deliver. The TREMEC manual transmittion in Camaro is far more superior to the one used in M3. I actually hated the manual in M3 and regretted not getting DCT, as that manual had a plasticky feel to it, not precise shifting at all and caused me to miss gears at times. On the Camaro it's totally the opposite, manual is very precise, has metallic "bolt-action" feel to it, really a joy to use. The clutch on ZL1 1LE is a bit heavy though and grabs at the very top, requires getting used to it. Do not fear the added weight, it is only like carrying 1 passenger in the M3, and the new one G80 added quite some pork and is now actually heavier than the Camaro. For comparison, the Mustang GT500 is >300 LBS heavier than the Camaro ZL1 1LE, so this car is not heavy, it's middle weight! As for your grip concern, on my M3 I was running 275/35 R18 all round and Nitto NT01 tires. With that setup and coilovers it had quite some grip, but absolutely no match for the Camaro's, as it has 305 tires front and 325 rear and running a 100TW tire from factory. You can't fit 305 up front on the M3 without modifying wheel arches. The traction electronics and E-DIF in the ZL1 1LE are also far superior to those in the M3.

What I DO NOT like (and what you will not like too, I assume):
1. Less prestige, not a GERMAN car. This is especially obvious if you go to service, GM's service lacks class big time. It's just not the place you want to go as an owner of $70K+ car. They should make a special lounge room for 1LE and Corvette owners or something like that lol.
2. Interior is OK but not as refined as German cars. I had M3 F80 and then M5 F90, now own a Porsche Macan also. German interiors are the best quality, period.
3. High fuel consumption. I expected this, but it eats twice as much fuel as my M5 F90 which also had V8 4.4 engine. And now fuel is $5/gallon, so it's quite noticeable. I've used to live in Northeast and been to Lime Rock, Thompson, Palmer and other tracks. Not all of them have fuel on site (or it may be closed). This car's tank is good for 1-2 sessions. So I suggest taking extra fuel with you just in case.
4. Small things that bother. Car remembers the driving mode that you were in during last drive. It can be Tour or Sport. But if you were in Track - it doest not remember that mode. Therefore if you like driving around in Track and hearing the exhaust/backfire more, then you have to switch to that mode EVERY TIME. Also car does not remember auto rev matching, I have to SWITCH IT ON EVERY TIME. Comon GM, why you could not sort this out by having an option in the MENU?
5. DSSV dampers are very stiff, they match aftermarket coilovers in terms of stiffness, if someone had those - you know. Stock 3R tires have poor traction in RAIN, and yes sometimes you have to drive in RAIN. After the 3R's are done I am planning to swap tires to Michelin PS4S for driving around town and RAIN track days. And will get a dedicated set of track tires, wheels. Maybe even same 19" factory wheels (second set), as they are really nice and lot's of tire selection in 19 size.

You're right, it won't remember track as the drive mode... only does for tour and sport. That said, if you want to always hear the track exhaust, you can do that. Adjust the car settings. I set my suspension to Auto, Steering to Tour and Exhaust to Sport or Track. Done.

[AMOR]

Originally Posted by Dabjbr

You're right, it won't remember track as the drive mode... only does for tour and sport. That said, if you want to always hear the track exhaust, you can do that. Adjust the car settings. I set my suspension to Auto, Steering to Tour and Exhaust to Sport or Track. Done.

Yes I have the Exhaust Sound set up same way - Track mode override. However even with that setting I still hear more aggressive backfire in Track rather than Sport. I also like the accelerator pedal mapping slightly more in Track, as it is more gradual and precise. I just wish the car would remember the Track mode along with selected Rev match setting.