[3.8TransAM]

1LE hands down, not even a comparison, even moreso if u ever want to go to a track or autocross. I have a Crush 21 1LE, love it!

[N Camarolina]

Malbjey and I seem to be on the same page with being toward the practical end of the spectrum (every human is different and for better or worse, I'm definitely more toward the practical rather than emotional end of the spectrum). The OP started this post sounding pretty practical and seemingly wanting to choose a Camaro suited to his actual needs, so I weighed in to help him think about it. But since then, it seems like he's looking for an excuse (expensive forged wheels that he'd have to buy) to make him feel better about spending the extra money on a 1LE so he doesn't have any buyer's remorse.

If that's the case OP, just purchase the 1LE and enjoy it (it's hard not to enjoy a 1LE!).

But recognize you'll likely be complaining about the SC3 tires having a short lifespan, hydroplaning in the wet, and throwing rocks up at the side of your car. So on your purchase list will likely also be different tires as well as rock guards/side skirts or PPF.

[Dbmason29]

It all depends on your budget an what you can afford. Im currently having a LT1 built. If this was going to be my primary or only vehicle then it would had been a no brainer. i would have gone with atleast an a 1ss. But unfortunately since I already have a primary daily vehicle with a car payment the cost was too high for an ss.

[Camden45]

Originally Posted by N Camarolina

Malbjey and I seem to be on the same page with being toward the practical end of the spectrum (every human is different and for better or worse, I'm definitely more toward the practical rather than emotional end of the spectrum). The OP started this post sounding pretty practical and seemingly wanting to choose a Camaro suited to his actual needs, so I weighed in to help him think about it. But since then, it seems like he's looking for an excuse (expensive forged wheels that he'd have to buy) to make him feel better about spending the extra money on a 1LE so he doesn't have any buyer's remorse.

If that's the case OP, just purchase the 1LE and enjoy it (it's hard not to enjoy a 1LE!).

But recognize you'll likely be complaining about the SC3 tires having a short lifespan, hydroplaning in the wet, and throwing rocks up at the side of your car. So on your purchase list will likely also be different tires as well as rock guards/side skirts or PPF.

I appreciate everyone's input. At the very least, I'd throw on a set of PS4S tires, upsized as much as possible on the stock 20" carbon flash wheels on the LT1, so theres about $2k out after installation.

LT1 is definitely more practical and suited for me, no doubt about that. But looking at it doesn't evoke any emotions. Of course the excitement and roar of the V8 is the same in both, but I'm the type of person where I also have to be stimulated visually.

I had a car previously that didn't have transmission/differential cooling and one of my hard mountain runs the drivetrain temps were getting high enough it would've triggered limp mode if I didn't back off. I don't want to be in that situation again, although it's definitely manageable with driving less aggressive.

A V8 manual sports car/coupe is never a practical purchase to begin with. I plan on keeping this car for a long time as it's the last of the last, at least from Chevrolet. With that being said, if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it right. It's normal for me to be completely honest with myself about what mods I would put on the LT1, and it's very possible I'd throw on a set of custom forged wheels. Hell, I might do that on the 1LE for a lighter set, but at least I can get some money for the stock forged wheels to help offset it.

[Wyzz Kydd]

It may have been mentioned previously, but the biggest drawback of the LT1 to me is the significant reduction in top speed. Yeah, I don't get that fast too often, but it's nice to know it's a possibility.

[Dbmason29]

Originally Posted by Wyzz Kydd

It may have been mentioned previously, but the biggest drawback of the LT1 to me is the significant reduction in top speed. Yeah, I don't get that fast too often, but it's nice to know it's a possibility.

Whats the top speed of an LT1

[ChevyTech77]

The 1LT LT1 is really not that great of a deal unless you can be happy with a bare bones SS, because that’s all it is.

The eLSD is worth the price of admission to the 1LE show and absolutely necessary if you plan to drive the car in any sort of competitive manor.

Obviously the SS fits in the middle of the two.

[Dbmason29]

Originally Posted by ChevyTech77

The 1LT LT1 is really not that great of a deal unless you can be happy with a bare bones SS, because that’s all it is.

The eLSD is worth the price of admission to the 1LE show and absolutely necessary if you plan to drive the car in any sort of competitive manor.

Obviously the SS fits in the middle of the two.

Disagree. If you dont care about all the bells an whistles and if your looking for a nice looking car with v8 power. The LT1 is a great deal. Which is exactly what im looking for. I could care less about racing in a track

[Camden45]

Originally Posted by Dbmason29

Disagree. If you dont care about all the bells an whistles and if your looking for a nice looking car with v8 power. The LT1 is a great deal. Which is exactly what im looking for. I could care less about racing in a track

LT1 is definitely a great deal for many.

[armycop71]

I have no intentions on taking it to a track, so my personal choice was the LT-1. I just like the 6-speed and the snaps and crackles it makes from the NPP. I don't race every souped up Civic with a fart can that challenges me at a stoplight. I am perfectly happy with my mostly stock car for a while.

[ChevyTech77]

Originally Posted by Dbmason29

Disagree. If you dont care about all the bells an whistles and if your looking for a nice looking car with v8 power. The LT1 is a great deal. Which is exactly what im looking for. I could care less about racing in a track

Sounds like you have your answer then. Not sure why you are saying that you’re disagreeing with me because it sounds to me like we do in fact agree.

[Dbmason29]

Originally Posted by ChevyTech77

Sounds like you have your answer then. Not sure why you are saying that you’re disagreeing with me because it sounds to me like we do in fact agree.

Im disagreeing with the statement that an LT1 isnt a good deal. I think the LT1 is a great deal for 90% of the people on this site

Lets be honest how many peope here are truly going to be racing their car on a track

[Dark Phoenix]

An LT1 is a good deal bare bones. They’re not a good deal if you start optioning them up with RS package, tech package because the difference to a 1SS is only like $1000. I wouldn’t compare an LT1 to a 1LE in any way and if you have the choice between the two the 1LE is always going to be the better option.

[Dbmason29]

Originally Posted by Dark Phoenix

An LT1 is a good deal bare bones. They’re not a good deal if you start optioning them up with RS package, tech package because the difference to a 1SS is only like $1000. I wouldn’t compare an LT1 to a 1LE in any way and if you have the choice between the two the 1LE is always going to be the better option.

Totally agree. Thats why I said depends on your budget. If your adding a bunch of extras you might as well go with the ss. I got very few extras so for me it was too expensive to goto an ss.