[ZX-10R]

Originally Posted by passwords

Go over to the Mustang6G forum and you will hear from Mustang owners telling you about how the GT350 is FAR better.

Sure but Mustang owners are delusional in this case - the ZL1 is generally less expensive, faster, far fewer engine problems, far better chassis and cooling and better interior. The only thing GT350 owners keep coming back to is sound, which is 100% objective, I think it sounds like crap

[tawheed]

Also had both and my honest opinion is the "regular" SS 1LE is more comparable to the "standard" GT350. The ZL1, in my opinion, is the better car to drive. Interior usability the Mustang wins.

[MakCamaro]

Originally Posted by ZX-10R

Sure but Mustang owners are delusional in this case - the ZL1 is generally less expensive, faster, far fewer engine problems, far better chassis and cooling and better interior. The only thing GT350 owners keep coming back to is sound, which is 100% objective, I think it sounds like crap

I sold my Mustang a bit more than a year ago and bought a 2018 2SS and the difference in reliability, handling, power management throughout the rpm range and quality is night and day. My next car is going to be a ZL1 hands down. Apart from the fact that it's significantly more powerful, in my eyes it looks better too.

ZX-10ZR's statement above explains why you should go with the ZL1 in a few words. And I agree, the GT350 sound is overstated.

Oh and the fact that your wife prefers the GT350 should be another reason why you should go with the ZL1!

[Joe603]

I really want the heads' up display, REV matching, and nicer interior. Bummed that the backseat is so tiny; I have an 11 and 6 yo to consider for some trips (mostly use the SUV for family trips). The GT500 may be an option as I have to wait a bit to make the purchase.

Really appreciate all the comments guys! I completely understand the Chevy-centric attitudes...this is a Camaro forum! I had a 97 Firebird Formula LT1 for 7 years...Chevy guy at heart.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by Joe603

I really want the heads' up display, REV matching, and nicer interior. Bummed that the backseat is so tiny; I have an 11 and 6 yo to consider for some trips (mostly use the SUV for family trips). The GT500 may be an option as I have to wait a bit to make the purchase.

Really appreciate all the comments guys! I completely understand the Chevy-centric attitudes...this is a Camaro forum! I had a 97 Firebird Formula LT1 for 7 years...Chevy guy at heart.

No problems here with three kids, the younger ones (12 and 8) are absolutely okay with the backseat. Of course this isn't the ideal car for a thousand mile road trip, but never have I heard any complaints, legroom for them is fine and they love the experience.

[EDFHOBBIES]

since I mod my cars always I would look at the mustangs fuel system.. If its Port and Di injection like the ZR1 vette or even just Port that's the ticket that would save you a lot of money vs trying to fuel the zl1.

[Joe603]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

No problems here with three kids, the younger ones (12 and 8) are absolutely okay with the backseat. Of course this isn't the ideal car for a thousand mile road trip, but never have I heard any complaints, legroom for them is fine and they love the experience.

That is helpful, thank you! My 11yo is ready for the front seat...but they are both spoiled in the back with my SCAT Pack Charger!

[Scottyz]

I’ll second the kids in the backseat. I take my 13 year old daughter and 13 year old niece in the car. The two of them love sitting in the back actually while my 10 year old boy rides shotgun. It’s small back there but the kids will be fine.
We’ve been on a couple 2 hour rides with the kids doing nothing but listening to tunes and enjoying the fun of the drive. Enjoying the drive of course cause when I’m behind the wheel of this car I’m always a true law abiding citizen. Especially the no lift shift. Always have to practice that

[jvandy50]

Originally Posted by racer01

I owned a 2018 GT350 and now have a 19' ZL1. Just a few quick points, but both are really fun cars but obviously I like the ZL1 quite a bit better.

1. I'll try to be objective on other non reliability items. My GT350 threw a rod through the block with 1800 miles on it. Before that my thermostat stuck wide open and splitter came off (improperly installed by dealer) during the first track day. I did two laps at VIR when the rod came through the block. This motor has some serious reliability issues...oil filters coming off, burning massive amounts of oil, oil pumps failing, cam bearings, etc. Hope Chevrolet gets the FPC motor in the Z06 done properly, as this is a fun motor design, but Ford just didn't get it right.
2. Transmission in the ZL1 is much better shifting, and rev matching is really nice. 650 hp is noticeably faster as you would expect, and quite a bit more torquey than the 5.2 NA overhead cam ford motor.
3. GT350 engine has more "character" and is really unique and feels special. Not much torque however, especially in 6th gear. Sounds really good.
4. I don't really get the visibility complaints in the ZL1. Not great, but not as big of deal as I keep reading in all the magazine reviews.
5. Chevrolet backs their cars for track use. Not heard of any warranty issues for stock cars being tracked. ZL1 brakes pads are more durable for track use out of the box. PDR, e-diff, and track modes of traction control and active handling are quite superior for track use.
6. ZL1 Recaro's are way more comfortable and easy to get in and out of than GT350 Recaro. GT350 Recaro were too narrow and I am 5'11" and 180lbs.
7. Tramlining (follow grooves in road) is horrible in GT350, and non existent in ZL1. ZL1 is much better as daily driver for me...better stereo, air conditioned seats, better backup camera, better NAV, etc.

I still would love to have a GT350. Great car, and truly unique feeling to drive. Motor is something special, and car just really feels and sounds good. I have had over 50 cars however, and the reliability was really uniquely special as the worst of anything I have ever owned. I traded the day after I got it back after waiting 2+ months for a new motor to be put in with no loaner car. Local Ford dealer also refused to fix the splitter and thermostat when I brought it to local dealer before motor blew. Splitter because it was installed at another dealer, and thermostat because they re-set check engine light and it didn't immediately come back on. CEL came on a day later and I installed a thermostat myself just to avoid the horrible dealer experience.

OP, i quoted this for accuracy. he nailed it.


i've owned both, and while i still think a GT350R is the best looking mustang ever, the ZL1 is more bang for your buck.

i'm a mustang guy at heart, but the 350 experience made me look elsewhere. it is much like the post i quoted...

...splitter installed wrong X 2 (finally had to do myself, correctly)
...motor replaced at 12k miles, but it took them 6k miles to ok the warranty replacement while i drove that 3-legged gazelle around
...took 6 weeks to get new voodoo, they handed it back when done, TWICE, with a CEL

i'm looking for the link stating what they did to make it work(read compromise), but my opinion is the FPC is a gimmick. they added weight to it to balance, one intake...it's not quick revving to me, and the sound, while i like it, is overrated IMO.

i spent the better part of the last 4 years watching those things go boom in the 350 group and on M6G, it's a real problem, it's different people, it's not an internet phenomena. the "overrun" article referencing the hysteria around the voodoo motor doesn't include oil consumption replacements...which is complete BS to me, and misleading to say the least. the guy that wrote it was on his 3rd motor and lemoned the car.


all that said, i'd like to drive a 350 with a whipple to see if it was more fun, the torque of the LT4 just puts it in another category IMO.

[Markoz28]

I’m selfish and do not like competition. The GT350 is no where near competition so I say you should get that. The more cars on the road that are easy to beat the better.

When my car was stock I raced 2 gt350s and 1 R. It was laughable. Gapped then all by a bus . With that said the R looks great and they all sound amazing. So for looks and sound go for it. They are absolutely beautiful to look at in the rear view mirror.

[Joe603]

Originally Posted by Markoz28

I’m selfish and do not like competition. The GT350 is no where near competition so I say you should get that. The more cars on the road that are easy to beat the better.

When my car was stock I raced 2 gt350s and 1 R. It was laughable. Gapped then all by a bus . With that said the R looks great and they all sound amazing. So for looks and sound go for it. They are absolutely beautiful to look at in the rear view mirror.

What about a GT500?

[Markoz28]

Originally Posted by Joe603

What about a GT500?

That would be a bad boy. Plenty of power off the bat. Modded it’s a real killer. It is worth the 75-85k but the premium they are asking 100k, it’s just not worth it. At that point if you really want a Mustang t be competitive I would just a GT and have that built up.

[Joe603]

Originally Posted by Markoz28

That would be a bad boy. Plenty of power off the bat. Modded it’s a real killer. It is worth the 75-85k but the premium they are asking 100k, it’s just not worth it. At that point if you really want a Mustang t be competitive I would just a GT and have that built up.

Modding is a slippery slope...It never ends! I'm more interested in having a bad-ass car with a warranty. I usually do a decent stereo, ceramic tint, and maybe a CAI or cat-back exhaust.

I'd never pay over MSRP...or really MSRP at a dealership, so the GT500 is probably a no go unless I can find one used in a year or so.

[Stevezx900]

There is a YouTuber with a GT350R twin turbo making 1000 hp to the wheels. But only around 750 torque. Don’t know if the motor can handle that power for long but it is very interesting.

I know they make two turbo kits for the ZL1 also if I were to mod one it would definitely be the ZL1 as I I’m sure it’s more capable of handling the power.

But I’d admit the GT350R looks pretty good.
I’m also a hard core GM fan. Hence why I own a 1LE.