[CamaroSSStlfan]

Pretty simple question. When it comes to super charging and modding what's the most power you can make before having to worry about major issues with the powertrain of these cars? I've seem some people throw numbers like 650hp on these forums.


If you're looking to go 600 or more HP would it be wiser to get a ZL1 and being covered with a warranty?

[LT1ornothing]

Yes, if you can swing it, but it would not be financially sound at the moment. Wait a while to score a good deal, ZL1 to LT1 and anything in-between. It will be much cheaper later vs now.

[Puddin]

Get a zl1 if you're wanting to keep a warranty but that's around 560 wheel not 650. Also 1LE is right wait for pricing to come down because the chip shortage has caused pricing to soar. 650whp on a Lt1 is where I would personally begin to work on the bottom end especially if I'm doing a cam that way I can just yank the motor and do everything at once. The motor isn't really the limiting factor its the direct injection simply because it can get expensive real fast and it's becomes limited really fast especially if you want to run E85 and stay just direct injection. A lot of people use meth to make up for the DI and that's when you see pistons popping due to the inconsistency of the spray and failures of the pumps themselves. On another note I've heard the 8speed gets pretty finicky around 850 so if you plan on pushing higher numbers prepare to have that reworked too.

[LT4Greg]

Get a ZL1 either new or used that you can do small mods to. I was thinking about supercharging my 2016 2SS before I found and bought my used ZL1. For the money I would have spent on the SS I put towards the purchase of the ZL1 plus the trade in of the SS. No regrets so far after owning the ZL1 for 2 years.

[ModernCamaroZ28Fan]

I've seen people get their LT1s (engine, 6th gen) up to 800 rwhp, so it can be kicked. But, you're not going to see 1000 horsepower super sports, there's no way it could handle that for many miles.

[CamaroSSStlfan]

Originally Posted by ModernCamaroZ28Fan

I've seen people get their LT1s (engine, 6th gen) up to 800 rwhp, so it can be kicked. But, you're not going to see 1000 horsepower super sports, there's no way it could handle that for many miles.

I think personally I'd rather have the Zl1 and the beefed up parts and peace of mind rather than jacking up a SS or LT1.



Look at the S197 Coyotes. I never even put a tune on mine. People were using basic canned tunes and cylinder number 8 was failing even just from a basic canned tune was having catastrophic failures.


If I were to want 600hp I think it's just better to get a Zl1.


Used ZL1 prices are very high too right now. For the prices they're going for I'd just by a Hellcat.

[Idaho2018GTPremium]

Everyone here will say I'm wrong, as will the people that own performance companies that upgrade the LT1, but GM engineers are ON RECORD saying that the LT1 forged crankshaft fails at LT4 power levels under extreme conditions. That's obviously 650 crank hp/ 650 ft-lbs torque. What I don't know is how extreme those conditions are - is it at redline under full load for 10 hours or simply just repeated runs to redline over time? Additionally, for comparison, the 10R90 A10 trans in the ZL1 has a higher torque rating than the 10 speed in the SS.

I'd go ZL1 over supercharging an SS.

Edit: Here's a link to a list of difference I put together between the LT1 and LT4 in another thread today (there's quite a lot of them):

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...6#post11002936

[43Camaro]

I’ve pushed my LS3 in my 2010 very hard with Supercharger, Meth and every other bolt on. She’s still running strong. But I do understand it’s like Russian roulette. But it has taken a beating and keeps putting a smile on my face.

[CamaroSSStlfan]

Originally Posted by 43Camaro

I’ve pushed my LS3 in my 2010 very hard with Supercharger, Meth and every other bolt on. She’s still running strong. But I do understand it’s like Russian roulette. But it has taken a beating and keeps putting a smile on my face.

Correct. The major issue in gambling with our engines is that the crate engine is 10k!!!!


I personally wouldn't want to gamble like that. Better getting a used ZL1 when the pricing is corrected.


I'm quite happy with my SS. It's already more than enough power for me. I would like to add a CAI and tune to give it some pep.


Think just 20 years ago our 0-60 3.9 second and 1/4 11.8 second SS cars would be super car territory

[breakskeet]

Callaway ZL1s have 750hp/739lb.ft torque at the crank. This is obviously safe as GM would not warranty the car if this was too much for the drivetrain to handle.

[Idaho2018GTPremium]

Originally Posted by breakskeet

Callaway ZL1s have 750hp/739lb.ft torque at the crank. This is obviously safe as GM would not warranty the car if this was too much for the drivetrain to handle.

Yeah, the LT4 long block is easily strong enough for 750 crank hp, and the ZL1 A10 is rated for over 700 ft-lbs of torque (715 ft-lbs if my memory serves me correctly). I think the OP was referring to the LT1, specifically.

[DannyC]

Ok obviously the ZL1 is a better choice but I bought a 2017 Camaro SS. I currently have Roto Fab, Headers, Soler LT4 modified TB, HP Turners software, Snow Performance water/methanol injection.

I'm getting ready to install a Magnuson 2650 only because they discontinued the 2300. What I'd like to know is: 1. are the ZL1 axles stronger than the SS axles? 2. How much HP will the SS axles take?

I'm only planning on like 7lbs of boost. I'm shooting for 600whp.