[m6-lt1]

Hey guys, I’ve been debating ordering a 2023 ss 1le but I’m not 100% sure about it. My plan prior to the used car price hikes was to buy a used zl1. At this point I don’t see prices ever returning to precovid prices. I don’t even need them to get that low again to buy one but what they are at currently, I absolutely am not willing to pay what the 19-20 zl1’s are being listed at currently.

Anyway I’ve recently thought about buying a new SS 1le and tracking the absolute living crap out of the car during the next 5 years that it will be under warranty. Because it will be under warranty I’m more inclined to travel further to tracks I have on my bucket list.

A couple things I need to point out. If I buy a new 1le it will probably be the last fun car I ever purchase and will be keeping it very long term. I won’t be able to buy a used zl1 because of other things I plan on having in life (kids in a few years).

Another issue is power. I don’t like modding cars anymore. I’m already used to the power of a stock LT1 and want more power. That being said I kinda feel like 100 mph comes up awfully quick in my current stock SS. I’m not really sure why I want more power when I feel as though the SS’s are a little too fast to fully enjoy on the street. I think I may just be one of those people that has a horsepower addiction and may even get used to 650 hp in the zl1 which I told myself would be absolutely ridiculous if I do. I absolutely love being pushed back into the seat when I accelerate. I have experienced a stock and modded LT4 (myself driving) but unfortunately it was in a z06. In that car I felt as though the power of the Lt4 was downright scary and unnecessary in the c7. I really wish I could see how it feels in the alpha chassis because I have a feeling it feels perfect.

Anyway, I read all the prior posts where people asked what they SHOULD buy. I was wondering if there’s anyone who “downgraded” from a zl1 to SS 1le could chime in please and tell me if they regretted doing that or if they are more happy with the 1le. Thanks!

[PJS57]

I've got an SS 1LE that I've been tracking a bit, and my dad has a ZL1 (NOT 1LE) that I drive now & then but have never driven that on track. His car has LT headers, CAI, and a tune from JRE so it makes a bit more power than stock. I find it totally unnecessary on the street since you get to "go straight to jail" speeds VERY quickly, where as my SS you can use the power and have it still be fun on the street.


If you're someone that is good at restraining yourself from using that power, and can afford the extra $$$ then that might be the route to go. If you're like me and are a bit of a loose cannon then it's probably better to stick with the SS just to avoid issues with law enforcement. Granted I've been getting calmer as I grow older at least.



On track the ZL1s aren't THAT much quicker than my SS as a lot of the tracks here in New England are pretty tight & twisty without long straights, so the extra power/weight of the ZL1 is hard to make use of. At tracks like Watkins Glen or VIR which are closer to you, that could be different as you can actually use the power there.



Long story short - the SS is the best bang for the buck, but if you NEED that power then the ZL1 is for you.

[WiggyB]

A family member of mines has a ZL1 and drove it a few times which convienced me to get a 6th gen. I like you did exactly what you said you would do and wanted more power. I loved the SS 1LE the way it was but wanted the ZL1 power after the purchase. You have some that sell the SS to buy the ZL1 but like most I just modded mines. I'm sure a lot of others on here would agree modding the 1LE is just as good as getting the ZL1 up front. The limits on the LT1 block will keep you from over doing it if you stay with bolt on mods.

[m6-lt1]

Originally Posted by PJS57

I've got an SS 1LE that I've been tracking a bit, and my dad has a ZL1 (NOT 1LE) that I drive now & then but have never driven that on track. His car has LT headers, CAI, and a tune from JRE so it makes a bit more power than stock. I find it totally unnecessary on the street since you get to "go straight to jail" speeds VERY quickly, where as my SS you can use the power and have it still be fun on the street.
.

Yeah modded LT4 cars are insane and I felt the bolt on c7z I drove completely unnecessary. Stock it wasn’t so bad but it still felt kinda sketchy.

[m6-lt1]

Originally Posted by WiggyB

The limits on the LT1 block will keep you from over doing it if you stay with bolt on mods.

I’ve seen too many blown up LT1’s on this board so I’m not too keen on modding mine. I’m sure they feel awesome though with an extra 100-150 horsepower.

[N Camarolina]

With equal tires to the SS 1LE, the ZL1 will be a bit slower in the corners (it weighs 300LB more, which is significant on the track in the twisties), but faster for sure on long straight aways. Ask yourself which aspect (turns vs straightaways) is more important to you and choose accordingly.

[Bosse'sBoss]

I don't think that ZL1 owners would downgrade to a SS1LE, it would be the other way, SS1LE upgrading to ZL1, that sounds more logic. The LT4 is more at home in the Alpha platform compared to it on the C7 Corvette, just read those comments from MT.

[JamesNoBrakes]

I enjoy autoX, it's fun and the 1LE doesn't suck at it. But, if it was a ZL1, it would be slower, since weight is such a penalty and putting down the power can't be done all the time, not to mention the faster you go, the earlier you have to now slow down. This theme continues as some tracks get bigger, but if not the 1LE, I definitely wouldn't be looking at the ZL1, but something that is again fairly balanced for all around sportiness. The ZL1 definitely doesn't suck, but it's more of a bigger-track weapon for sure, vs. something like a miata, to go to the extreme.

Also, when it comes to racing and or modding cars, modding can quickly kick you out of your competative bracket or category, into open categories where you are not even close to competative unless you strip the car and build back up from the ground-up as a racing-only car. So for this, you try to find the most complete package OEM that needs the least amount of aftermarket help or racing prep.

[cvp33]

Originally Posted by PJS57

On track the ZL1s aren't THAT much quicker than my SS as a lot of the tracks here in New England are pretty tight & twisty without long straights, so the extra power/weight of the ZL1 is hard to make use of. At tracks like Watkins Glen or VIR which are closer to you, that could be different as you can actually use the power there.

Long story short - the SS is the best bang for the buck, but if you NEED that power then the ZL1 is for you.

VIR exactly. Lightning lap SS 1LE is 10 seconds a lap slower than the ZLE. In a 30 min session you won’t be lapped but you’ll be a minute and a half behind. If that doesn’t matter to you, buy the SS. You can have fun on track with any modern Camaro.

[Bosse'sBoss]

Originally Posted by cvp33

VIR exactly. Lightning lap SS 1LE is 10 seconds a lap slower than the ZLE. In a 30 min session you won’t be lapped but you’ll be a minute and a half behind. If that doesn’t matter to you, buy the SS. You can have fun on track with any modern Camaro.

I think he is comparing the ZL1 (non 1LE) to the SS1LE

[m6-lt1]

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

Also, when it comes to racing and or modding cars, modding can quickly kick you out of your competative bracket or category, into open categories where you are not even close to competative unless you strip the car and build back up from the ground-up as a racing-only car. So for this, you try to find the most complete package OEM that needs the least amount of aftermarket help or racing prep.

I agree, that is why I got into a 6th gen in the first place.

[m6-lt1]

Originally Posted by N Camarolina

Ask yourself which aspect (turns vs straightaways) is more important to you and choose accordingly.

Straight line acceleration has always been the most important factor to me when purchasing a fun car. Lately though I’ve been wondering if the power level im at currently is fine for the street, even though I want more.

[eimarshall]

Assuming you are talking about road course style tracking and not drag/roll racing, The SS 1LE is a real hard bargain to beat. You'll pay $20K-$30K more for the ZL1. That is a lot of funds that could go into even more track days and some minor mods that will easily make the SS keep up with with even a few ZLEs. $20K would get me through ~5 seasons(~10 track days/year) with all costs, maintenance, and consumables.

Sure some guy in a ZL1 or hellcat could pull you from a stop light(so would a tuned TypeR) but you'll be riding their ass at the track and then leave them in the dust in the twisties.

[JamesNoBrakes]

Originally Posted by eimarshall

Assuming you are talking about road course style tracking and not drag/roll racing, The SS 1LE is a real hard bargain to beat. You'll pay $20K-$30K more for the ZL1. That is a lot of funds that could go into even more track days and some minor mods that will easily make the SS keep up with with even a few ZLEs. $20K would get me through ~5 seasons(~10 track days/year) with all costs, maintenance, and consumables.

Sure some guy in a ZL1 or hellcat could pull you from a stop light(so would a tuned TypeR) but you'll be riding their ass at the track and then leave them in the dust in the twisties.

Type R is a unicorn on smaller tracks. You aren't going to be leaving them in the dust on a smaller track, but your concept is sound. Lots of little things that go into racing that would make more sense to start with the SS 1LE. A big one is an extra set of wheels, 19s, this will make a big difference in how fast the car is on smaller tracks. And then you'll have two sets, one you can use for daily and one for race, which is optimal.