[Doc_Scott]

Greetings everyone! My name is Scott and I am finishing my Doctorate this May and am saving for my new daily driver! I previously have had a 2002 Z28 with H/C/I and a TNT Nitrous kit among other bolt-ons. Then I went to a 2004 Terminator Cobra with just about every bolt on under the sun, including a ported Eaton by stiegemeier. I daily drove both vehicles, both manual with the Z28 starting off as an A4.

Fast forward to now and I am torn between building a Z06 3LZ M7 with probable Hennessey 750 package due to the bolt ons and attached 3 year warranty and a new ZL1 A10 with the same Hennessey 750 package plus a Mamo TB and Borla S-Type, post graduation. It will be a daily driven vehicle, and due to family plans, I will basically have one shot at getting this vehicle and getting it the way I want it for the time being as the I want the car paid off by the time the kids will be 3-4. I am not in the downtown area, so daily driving an M7 is not a thing I am concerned about. Even if it was, I wouldn't really care. I am not going to drive it around a track, but it might be run down the 1/4 from time to time and I REALLY want to participate in the fun of the wanna go fast 1/2 mile events in Dallas for the sheer fun of it (I live 1/2 way between Houston and Galveston). Thus, I would like to hear what your opinions or experiences are regarding the two.

I know the Camaro is a better value, but I get the choice between the two so it's not as much of a deciding factor. The back seat is appealing to be able to at least fit a baby seat and a small child back there (my missus is 5'4", so not really tall). Lastly, this car will be driven across the country on numerous rode trips, so it is really going to be driven. Anyways, thanks everyone! I appreciate your input!

[greaser2]

I would choose on the trans. U want manual or auto?

[Markoz28]

Originally Posted by greaser2

I would choose on the trans. U want manual or auto?

^ Agree with this.

If auto, get the ZL1. The A10 is amazing!

[Realist]

I prefer the exterior looks of the ZL1 myself but if its only between those two cars with those specific transmissions, I gotta go with the Vette. Why no ZL1 Hennessy manual as an option for you? Either way you choose, ya can’t lose.

[Zack46]

Originally Posted by Markoz28

^ Agree with this.

If auto, get the ZL1. The A10 is amazing!

[Gbrownzl1]

How much is the Hennessy 750kit?

[Doc_Scott]

The Z06 would be a manual as I am not wanting to go for the long haul and buy and own this car and for a long time in the future, only to have potential issues like transmission shutter. No thanks, at least not unless something drastic happens and they yank or fix the 8 speed. The 10 Speed Auto is a marvel and I REALLY like the speed and the use of the paddles Even if manual paddles are slower, that's what I really want to do and the ZL1 can do that crisply and not overheat the motor. Also remote start. What are your thoughts for 4th and 5th gear in the ZL1 manual 6 speed? Do you find either one long like the z06 A8 transmission?

The Z06 HPE 750 package is around $9500. Its a lower pulley, new belts, kooks headers, mid pipe, green cats, Halltech intake, street and dyno tune, "engine management calibration" whatever that is, floor mats, exterior badging and interior badge WITH a 3 year/36000 mile warranty on all parts installed, plus engine. About 660 rwhp. The warranty is what sold me honestly. The 850 has that plus heads and cam, in addition to the supporting hardware, but only 2 year warranty so not interested in that...although the 730 rwhp is really tempting.

The ZL1 package, I am unsure if the cost is the same, but it won't be more expensive. The Vette would also get a Corsa Sport where as the ZL1 would also get a Borla S Type. Both black tips. Both would get a throttle body. I'm a disabled vet so gonna use my 0 down homeloan deposit refund, plus trade in, plus extra $ for the deposit and downpayment, so I have every intention of also adding some clean looking carbon fiber bits to either vehicle, both inside and out. I know either of these cars won't be the fastest there are, but it will be fast enough for me and look REALLY nice.

[angryBits]

Originally Posted by Doc_Scott

Greetings everyone! My name is Scott and I am finishing my Doctorate this May and am saving for my new daily driver! I previously have had a 2002 Z28 with H/C/I and a TNT Nitrous kit among other bolt-ons. Then I went to a 2004 Terminator Cobra with just about every bolt on under the sun, including a ported Eaton by stiegemeier. I daily drove both vehicles, both manual with the Z28 starting off as an A4.

Fast forward to now and I am torn between building a Z06 3LZ M7 with probable Hennessey 750 package due to the bolt ons and attached 3 year warranty and a new ZL1 A10 with the same Hennessey 750 package plus a Mamo TB and Borla S-Type, post graduation. It will be a daily driven vehicle, and due to family plans, I will basically have one shot at getting this vehicle and getting it the way I want it for the time being as the I want the car paid off by the time the kids will be 3-4. I am not in the downtown area, so daily driving an M7 is not a thing I am concerned about. Even if it was, I wouldn't really care. I am not going to drive it around a track, but it might be run down the 1/4 from time to time and I REALLY want to participate in the fun of the wanna go fast 1/2 mile events in Dallas for the sheer fun of it (I live 1/2 way between Houston and Galveston). Thus, I would like to hear what your opinions or experiences are regarding the two.

I know the Camaro is a better value, but I get the choice between the two so it's not as much of a deciding factor. The back seat is appealing to be able to at least fit a baby seat and a small child back there (my missus is 5'4", so not really tall). Lastly, this car will be driven across the country on numerous rode trips, so it is really going to be driven. Anyways, thanks everyone! I appreciate your input!

Similar boat here. I can share my experience.

I owned a 2017 Z06 M7 w/ Z07 package.
I now own a ZL1 w/ 1LE package.

After reading your post thoroughly and I think I understand your interests/concerns...

Short answer: Get the Z06. If you must have 4 seats and don't mind some bumps, get the ZL1 1LE.

Don't get me wrong, I love my ZL1 1LE, but if you have an opportunity to own a Corvette you should take it because you may never get that opportunity again. I loved mine and I sold it because I wanted my 3 year old daughter to have a place to sit (I wouldn't trade that for anything).

As for a slightly less subjective comparison between them.

In terms of handling:
ZL1 < Z06 < ZL1 1LE
Z06 has the weight advantage which helps
ZL1 1LE suspension is so well tuned that you don't feel the extra 250lbs, the ZL1 1LE feels more nimble, but you pay the price in comfort.
I'd BS-guess that:
ZL1 feels about 90% of the handling performance of the Z06
Z06 (esp with Z07 package) is 90% of the handling performance ZL1 1LE.

And comfort is the inverse:
ZL1 1LE < Z06 < ZL1
The interior quality and comfort of the ZL1 (and ZL1 1LE) is way better than the Z06, even with 3LZ.
ZL1 1LE is a fun but can be a bit of a rough ride depending on the quality of your roads.
Z06 is my favorite here because it's still incredibly comfortable but so much more fun than the regular ZL1. Note that I do not own a regular ZL1 but I have a co-worker friend that does and we've done some comparisons.

Styling: This is purely subjective...
Z06 is just in a league of its own IMO.
ZL1 looks great. ZL1 1LE looks even better (my opinion), but the Z06 looks like a proper sports car. It's low, its wide, its got scoops and 335 tires in the rear. It looks great from EVERY angle and its rare to find a car that looks great from every angle. IMO not even the ZL1 1LE looks great from every angle. ZL1 has a fairly aggressive front end but the rest of the car is kind of plain. ZL1 1LE is very sporty with its aero and makes the rear look more interesting with the spoiler and tires sticking out, but still plain around the front and rear fenders. I love the Z06 vents/scoops.

Visibility:
I'm sure you've heard about this. Camaro often loses some points for visibility. It's true but you get used to it and it's not a big deal but theres always some moments when you're like, "Hey I dont know if I'm going to clip that curb" etc. Visibility in the Z06 is excellent. You see everything which is really great if you like driving fast

Anyway I clearly miss my Z06.

I've actually convinced my wife to let me get my Z06 back so I may do that in a year. Then buy a second sporty 4dr car like an M3 to drive when my daughter wants to come along.

Get the Z06.

[Gunkk]

I am not going to drive it around a track, but it might be run down the 1/4 from time to time and I REALLY want to participate in the fun of the wanna go fast 1/2 mile events in Dallas for the sheer fun of it ... this car will be driven across the country on numerous rode trips, so it is really going to be driven.

Camaro trims vary widely so test drive before you buy. The 1LE is suited best for the track; the ride is hard on the street. For 1/4 & 1/2 mile strip events, cross-country tours, etc. get an A10 coupe. Or go vert if you want more sun and air.

[wnta1ss]

You say that you want a Hennessey package because they offer a warranty? My suggestion is to do some internet searches on Hennessey and see what other customers have experienced from him before you spend any money.

[Scottyz]

Originally Posted by wnta1ss

You say that you want a Hennessey package because they offer a warranty? My suggestion is to do some internet searches on Hennessey and see what other customers have experienced from him before you spend any money.

And he’s gotten away with it for YEARS. Kinda mind blowing.

[Doc_Scott]

What do you mean? I know there were reported shenanigans about 12-15 years ago, but I thought that was "water under the bridge."

[drfeelgood]

Originally Posted by Doc_Scott

What do you mean? I know there were reported shenanigans about 12-15 years ago, but I thought that was "water under the bridge."

First, Congrats on finishing your doctorate. I know the discipline it takes firsthand (I have an MD and a PhD), so salute for your hard work, spoil yourself, you deserve it.

Second, guys here are being nice regarding Hennessy... DO NOT GO TO THEM... I have no dog in the race, I am not a vendor and I do not have a shop. But I have heard stories both second hand and first hand, I have seen the investigations, the quotes from people who have worked there, and it BOGGLES THE MIND how anyone still gives him their money. He's great at marketing, but that's about it.

For the extra 100 HP of the "750 package" , there are reputable shops in your area who could give you the same numbers for a fraction of the cost. It does NOT take $10k to get an extra 100 HP at the WHEELS, let alone the flywheel in this car.
There is a reason Hennessy has little to no presence on these forums, they would get ripped to shreds everyday and run off the forum.

Don't be a victim Doc, just go elsewhere.

[Alain]

I would stay away from Hennessy. It’s not worth taking the risk with those guys. If you don’t need a backseat I’d get the covrvette. The mid engine is coming so sooner or later they’ll stop production on this body style. Get a brand new one while you can.