[m6-lt1]

Originally Posted by QBoone

What difference do you notice between the Recaro seats and the stock leathers? I feel like I just need to sit in them to understand. I've heard they don't recline very far, as opposed to the stock seats. And I completely agree, at this point I will not buy it unless it is equipped with the MRC and NPP.

You need to sit in them and decide for yourself. Some people hate them. It depends on your size and body type. I saw you post some other things after so I’ll answer those too. The 1le seats will age better because they are part alcantara instead of full leather. ALL 6th gen camaro seats do not recline very far. Also the steering wheel and shift knob feel way better to the touch. If you don’t take care of alcantara it won’t age well but it’s pretty easy to take care of it.

How would you know Fran?

Having owned both a 2016 1SS non 1LE and now a 2018 1SS 1LE there is zero chance I would go back to a Camaro without the 1LE package.

Better looking, better handling, holds it's value longer, and considering what you get for you money, a great deal. What's not to love?[/QUOTE]

My thoughts exactly. Only Camaro I’d replace my 2ss 1le with would be a non 1le ZL1. There’s no way I can go back to the standard SS and I haven’t even gotten a chance to drive my 1le hard yet.

[Trak-Toy]

Just get the car with the 1LE package from the start IF you can find one in your price range. It’s such a great deal, for what you get, that it’s really a no brainer. I can almost guarantee you will buy a standard SS and later start adding 1LE bits and pieces and end up with a faux 1LE that won’t be as valuable if you resell it later and that added cost of the parts will be as much as if you bought the 1LE to start with. There is nothing a standard SS Camaro can do that a 1LE cannot. The opposite is not true. Full disclosure, I currently own a 23 1LE and have owned two previous 1LEs so you can call me biased I suppose.

[HypeBlueZL1]

First you need to decide whether you want a convertible or a coupe. My recommendation would be to start in a 2SS 1LE. That's quite the sweet spot in the lineup in my opinion. That way you can see how you like the car. You can adjust the power output up or down from there and go 1LE or non 1LE. You should at least try a 1LE. I wanted a Hyper Blue 2SS 1LE with no sunroof but had to settle for a ZL1. I'm not mad about it.

[Slip3Kid]

Originally Posted by m6-lt1

I also strongly prefer the recaros versus the non recaro seats.

If you have not sat in a 1le and tried the recaro seats I strongly suggest you do before you make any decision. The recaro seats just did not fit me at all and as much as I wanted a 1le I am very happy with my 2ss. I am going to get some 1le wheels for it, they just look so good and really enjoy having the NPP.

[ember1205]

If you can genuinely wrap your head around what MRC is and what it does, you may be able to make a decision on how important it is without driving a car both with and without it. I have it on my car and I leave the driving mode in Sport almost all of the time. So, I am taking advantage of changes to the damping rate, but overall I believe the Sport setting is supposed to be fairly close to how the non-MRC shocks perform.

NPP is something I fully believed I was missing and looked to trade my car for a newer one with it many, many times. Then, I installed the GM Performance exhaust upgrade for the dual tip exhaust (it's basically a Borla S-Type stamped with the Chevy bowtie) and I realized that I'm totally ok without NPP (as I would basically have the valves open all the time anyhow).

[FlukeSS]

In my case: While I would love to have a 1LE, I couldn't justify the $7000 cost.

Especially now knowing you do not need to get a 1LE to get magnetic ride suspension, which comes as an option on the SS for like $1000 or so.

The wheels and tires you can do yourself. Mine cost me $2000, so for less than 1/2 the price of a 1LE, you can get the suspension, wheels and tires. Yourself.

The suspension is the big part of the 1LE package, everything else you can add yourself for cheaper.

The front Brakes on the non 1LE's are pretty solid as well. Albeit the 6 piston is more for track use, but I have no complaints over the 4 Piston, especially if you upgrade the Rotor's and pads.

[Stormtrooper_1LE]

I have driven both non 1LE and 1LE trims in both the 5th and 6th gen models and I personally could never see myself buying a non 1LE spec car (no offense to standard SS owners).

The handling characteristics that you get with a 1le car are supercar level and as others have stated, 1LE's generally hold their value better in the long run and are the best option on the market in terms of bang for the buck performance.

While it is a $7000 package, it is actually a bargain considering how much you will have to spend to add all of the same parts if you later feel you are missing out and want to go that route.

The Recaros are great for both track and everyday driving although I will add that they do not seem to recline as far back (at least in the 6th gens) as the standard SS seats although I rarely take the car on extended trips so that hasn't been an issue for me.

Bottom line, you can't go wrong with either, but I like to believe in the motto of "buy once, cry once" and "better to have it and not need it than to not have it and later want it."

I picked up my 23 1LE a few weeks back and while they are much harder to source than a standard SS, they can be had if you are willing to travel or ship to your home.

If you have the chance, test drive both and see which fits your particular needs and lifestyle better but I can almost assure you that if price is not an issue, you will never look back if you decide on a 1LE model.

This is coming from someone who has daily driven a 5th gen 1LE for the last 5 years and plans to do the same with my 6th gen 1LE. No matter what you choose, enjoy the ride! Cheers

[DevilsReject97]

First, let me start by saying I'm sorry to hear about the totaled car. I know that would suck for everyone. That said...

1.) Are you really sure you want a 6th gen? There are about a dozen-ish 5th Gen ZL1s that can be had for under 50k right now on Cargurus. Most are in the 40-44k range. While perhaps not as flashy, it would provide a huge HP upgrade and those cars are fairly bulletproof in terms of hardware. Something to seriously consider IMO if you're going to upgrade...

2.) Size Matters = The Recaros are not very comfy if you're taller/heavier than the average person. They're not unlivable, but that is something to definitely consider. I would highly recommend a test drive in a car with them. My GF hates them... and I've now owned 2 ZL1s with them..

3.) Cost factors = the 1LE models will cost more in almost every aspect new or used. Tires on the 1LE cost more to replace even if you don't repurchase the 1LE specific tires due to the difference on the rims.

4.) Both the standard SS and 1LE are good cars, you cannot go wrong with either choice. Personally, get what you can afford and don't really listen to the fanboys of either side.

5.) Regardless of your choice, definitely look at TSBs and other things that you might need to be aware of. That could really help as it is something you would have to deal with. A lot of dealerships don't always actively pursue these.

6.) Going from that V6 to the V8 is a huge jump in terms of power, and it is something to also consider, especially if it would be a daily type driver. Rain, cold weather, and even possibly light snow are going to be a wild adventure compared to the tamer V6 model. Also, it may be more practical to simply buy a cheap set of rims with winter tires for the winter time.

[KMPrenger]

My opinion but here goes.

A new 6th gen SS is already going to be a big improvement in handling over your prior 5th gen 1LT. Do you really want/need the incredible handling of the 1LE package? Have you driven a 6th gen SS yet? I had a 5th gen 1LT (that eventually I replaced the stock springs with ZL1 springs which did improve handling) but my 2016 SS is easier a better handling car.

I'd go 2SS, 6 speed, NPP exhaust (or do custom exhaust as other have mentioned). Magnaride I'm split on. My car does not have it, but I'm happy with how it's tuned. Ride is firm but OK. Keep the stock rims, put high performance all seasons or even dedicated winter tires on them, and then buy 1LE wheels or 1LE replica wheels (I'm runing MMR 1LE replica wheels on my SS and friggin love them...I got the gunmetal grey and then had a shop apply a clear coat on them to add a little shine and protection to the matte paint) and put summer tires on those.

Best of luck!

[DevilsReject97]

Originally Posted by KMPrenger

My opinion but here goes.

A new 6th gen SS is already going to be a big improvement in handling over your prior 5th gen 1LT. Do you really want/need the incredible handling of the 1LE package? Have you driven a 6th gen SS yet? I had a 5th gen 1LT (that eventually I replaced the stock springs with ZL1 springs which did improve handling) but my 2016 SS is easier a better handling car.

I'd go 2SS, 6 speed, NPP exhaust (or do custom exhaust as other have mentioned). Magnaride I'm split on. My car does not have it, but I'm happy with how it's tuned. Ride is firm but OK. Keep the stock rims, put high performance all seasons or even dedicated winter tires on them, and then buy 1LE wheels or 1LE replica wheels (I'm runing MMR 1LE replica wheels on my SS and friggin love them...I got the gunmetal grey and then had a shop apply a clear coat on them to add a little shine and protection to the matte paint) and put summer tires on those.

Best of luck!

I like your thoughts there, good call on that...

And I would absolutely choose a 6spd on any Camaro not named a ZL1..

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by DevilsReject97

5.) Regardless of your choice, definitely look at TSBs and other things that you might need to be aware of. That could really help as it is something you would have to deal with. A lot of dealerships don't always actively pursue these.

AND know where some of the possible pitfalls are to work them into the deal. A8 shudder (go with A10 if at all possible), Heat Soak issue with some 2016 models, electrical grounding gremlins, etc.

Originally Posted by DevilsReject97

6.) Going from that V6 to the V8 is a huge jump in terms of power, and it is something to also consider, especially if it would be a daily type driver. Rain, cold weather, and even possibly light snow are going to be a wild adventure compared to the tamer V6 model. Also, it may be more practical to simply buy a cheap set of rims with winter tires for the winter time.

Agree on this premise, too. The Gen6 chassis is pretty nice no matter what moves it or what it rides on. I've had a couple of 6cyl versions (convertibles) as rentals and they ride and handle quite well.

Originally Posted by DevilsReject97

I like your thoughts there, good call on that...

And I would absolutely choose a 6spd on any Camaro not named a ZL1..

While I also support the 6 speed, I would be smart about buying a used car with a manual. There are definitely some cars out there with a lot of clutch wear on them from owners that really don't know what they're doing in a three pedal car.

[DevilsReject97]

Originally Posted by ember1205

AND know where some of the possible pitfalls are to work them into the deal. A8 shudder (go with A10 if at all possible), Heat Soak issue with some 2016 models, electrical grounding gremlins, etc.



Agree on this premise, too. The Gen6 chassis is pretty nice no matter what moves it or what it rides on. I've had a couple of 6cyl versions (convertibles) as rentals and they ride and handle quite well.




While I also support the 6 speed, I would be smart about buying a used car with a manual. There are definitely some cars out there with a lot of clutch wear on them from owners that really don't know what they're doing in a three pedal car.

+1 on everything you said.... used cars are always a bag of wet cats..

[FarmerFran]

OK, how about this...and I do know,

Get a ZL1. Power and and handling!

[DevilsReject97]

Originally Posted by FarmerFran

OK, how about this...and I do know,

Get a ZL1. Power and and handling!

He wants it for the winter driving too, and I wouldn't recommend a 6th gen ZL1 for that...

The 5th gen ZL1s would be a better choice honestly... in that regard.