[db2022cs]

So, this is my first RWD car that I have owned. I have owned AWD and FWD cars, the AWD car (Kia Stinger) was a damn boat and a rarely drove it aggressively around turns. My FWD car (Veloster N) was a very nimble car and I drove it pretty close to the edge of grip for that platform. I'm interested in seeing what the car is capable when the weather gets better and seeing how it compares to the Veloster N. I have the 2SS 1LE so the diff, wider tires and MRC should help.

What I'm curious about is how does the car handle when you push it to the edge of grip. Can you feel it getting close or is it like an edge that comes out of nowhere? I'm assuming It's the former as I constantly read about the high praise for the Camaro chassis. I ask these questions because I will be taking the car to the Tail of the Dragon a few times this year. Eventually I am going to start tracking the car too so I'll have a better outlet for exploring the limits. Thanks for sharing any tips or experiences.

[cdb95z28]

The SS 1LE, ZL1, and ZL1 1LE are at their best near the limit.

But, if you are near the limit on the street, then you are going to fast for those type of roads. The limit of traction on these cars, with the proper tire, is very high. I've driven the Tail fast and was nowhere near the limit. Run the OE tire at the Tail while in warm to hot ambients, at the proper pressures and the car will reward you without having to be right at the edge. Risk/Reward. Save running 9/10s for the track.

[SMURFSUP]

i will say.. The 1LE will make your butt pucker with the way the dam thing handles lol.. It legit grips like crazy and i havent even pushed it since its still cold weather and i havent driven it in proper conditions yet...

[N Camarolina]

Originally Posted by cdb95z28

The SS 1LE, ZL1, and ZL1 1LE are at their best near the limit.

But, if you are near the limit on the street, then you are going to fast for those type of roads. The limit of traction on these cars, with the proper tire, is very high. I've driven the Tail fast and was nowhere near the limit. Run the OE tire at the Tail while in warm to hot ambients, at the proper pressures and the car will reward you without having to be right at the edge. Risk/Reward. Save running 9/10s for the track.

This.

The OEM tire on the 1LE is a near-track tire, meaning that unlike a street tire, it does not squeal very much before it starts to slide. Combine that with the fact that the magnaride shocks almost completely prevent body roll, and the result is you get a car with very high handling limits that doesn't give very much warning before the front or rear tires break loose.

While you can have fun with this car on a back road, target something more like 6 or 7 10ths to keep it (and others) safe. Even doing that level, you'll be doing something like 1.5 to 2x the speed limit in those corners, and 2X+ what ever the yellow mph guidance signs are saying.

But by all means, take it to an autocross or the track and drive it to the limit and beyond. IMO it's a crime to own a 1LE and not do so. And it'll make you a better driver overall. BTW OP, welcome to the forum and congrats on your purchase.

[Idaho2018GTPremium]

I agree with what the others have said, I would never drive 9/10ths on a public road. I have a ZL1 so 7 tenths is probably the most I've pushed it, not being on a track. At 9/10ths there's no margin for error, a small patch of gravel or oil on the road could send you off the road or into oncoming traffic for a severe wreck.

[LT1gen6]

Originally Posted by db2022cs

So, this is my first RWD car . . I have the 2SS 1LE. . how does the car handle when you push it to the edge of grip?

Schedule a track day to begin learning how your car handles. Camaro RWD, HP, chassis stiffness, steering response, power delivery, and braking are entirely different from what you've owned before. Tire grip is just one of many handling elements to consider as you learn to drive your new car. Look deeply in the mirror for your answer as to how your car handles. The driver is typically the limiting factor in car performance.

Originally Posted by db2022cs

I will be taking the car to the Tail of the Dragon. . Thanks for sharing any tips or experiences.

My experience is that Tail of Dragon is a highly traveled public road with extremely limited sight distances. Additionally, there are many types of road conditions, vehicles, and drivers (age, overall experience, specific experience on that road, etc). T of D is not a racetrack, but it's often traveled by racer wannabees that think they own the road, while lacking in manners, patience, and common sense.

1LE is a track package, right? Define your driving skills and limits on the track, without endangering yourself or others. Smart fledgling trackers learn that what they believed to be a car's 9/10 is actually the driver's 10/10. Meanwhile, the car is actually only being pushed to 3/10. Be smart and safe about this. No need to weaponize a 4,000 vehicle on a public road, at expense of the well being of yourself or others. Learn that the limits of how to drive your car on a track and a public road are vastly different.

[db2022cs]

Originally Posted by LT1gen6

Schedule a track day to begin learning how your car handles. Camaro RWD, HP, chassis stiffness, steering response, power delivery, and braking are entirely different from what you've owned before. Tire grip is just one of many handling elements to consider as you learn to drive your new car. Look deeply in the mirror for your answer as to how your car handles. The driver is typically the limiting factor in car performance.

My experience is that Tail of Dragon is a highly traveled public road with extremely limited sight distances. Additionally, there are many types of road conditions, vehicles, and drivers (age, overall experience, specific experience on that road, etc). T of D is not a racetrack, but it's often traveled by racer wannabees that think they own the road, while lacking in manners, patience, and common sense.

1LE is a track package, right? Define your driving skills and limits on the track, without endangering yourself or others. Smart fledgling trackers learn that what they believed to be a car's 9/10 is actually the driver's 10/10. Meanwhile, the car is actually only being pushed to 3/10. Be smart and safe about this. No need to weaponize a 4,000 vehicle on a public road, at expense of the well being of yourself or others. Learn that the limits of how to drive your car on a track and a public road are vastly different.

Thanks for the response, Tail of the Dragon is a very dangerous road to be on. I have driven it a few dozen times. I rarely if ever go on weekends and try to plan around other events. I tend to drive very reserved on the dragon because even at low speeds it can be dangerous. The biggest issue is relying on the other drivers staying in their lane and being predictable. I have a couple HPDE events coming up in the next 3 months so I can get a chance to explore the limits a bit more there. I'm going to have my first couple laps with an experienced driver kind of show me what the car is capable of.

Thanks for the responses so far.

[JTS]

Hi sorry, can someone explain 9/10 7/10 ?
How do you know what 5/10 7/10 , where that is ? . Thanks

[HemiDave]

Originally Posted by JTS

Hi sorry, can someone explain 9/10 7/10 ?
How do you know what 5/10 7/10 , where that is ? . Thanks

First you have to spin out while "pucker cornering" at 11/10 to know where 10/10 is.

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by JTS

Hi sorry, can someone explain 9/10 7/10 ?
How do you know what 5/10 7/10 , where that is ? . Thanks

[1fastz28]

Originally Posted by JTS

Hi sorry, can someone explain 9/10 7/10 ?
How do you know what 5/10 7/10 , where that is ? . Thanks

It's basically how hard you are pushing yourself and the car. A normal drive is 1, a spirited backroad could be 5-7, an auto cross 7-9, a full track day with proper gear (helmet) 10. Basically 10/10ths is balls to the wall, you cannot push yourself or the car any faster.

I've had my car at about 7 or 8 10ths on a very windy road in southern Mo, i wasn't at the point of scaring myself, but I was getting close to that point. I would never push my car past that on a road even if there was no one near me, having some proper run off room on a proper race course is necessary for a proper 9/10 10ths push.

[RamAir02]

Great advice in this thread. Just to put a wee bit of fear in you, this brand new 992 GT3 was totaled on Tail of the Dragon recently.

https://youtu.be/c6jomRCiNP0?t=629

[HemiDave]

Originally Posted by RamAir02

Great advice in this thread. Just to put a wee bit of fear in you, this brand new 992 GT3 was totaled on Tail of the Dragon recently.

https://youtu.be/c6jomRCiNP0?t=629

That wasn't from pushing the car though, just a truck going completely into his lane.

[RamAir02]

Originally Posted by HemiDave

That wasn't from pushing the car though, just a truck going completely into his lane.

Absolutely. Still -- it's a good idea to tone it down on those blind corners. Just another reason to be extra cautious on the Tail.