[Hekate1]

Currently in my second gen 6 2SS, this one being a 2020 1LE. Miles are up to 74k now and I’m looking into trading for a ZL1. The particular vehicle I’m looking at is a 2021 with 9k miles. I’ve kind of focused on this one because of low mileage and it’s only a 4 hour drive from where I live. These cars have been my daily’s although I have a vehicle I can drive if the weather is bad. My question to you all is should I do it? Knock wood I’ve had ZERO mechanical issues with my current vehicle but my husband suggested maybe trading as the mileage is really getting up there. I’ve been reading ur posts about mechanical issues and now I’m scared I’ll regret trading in a perfectly good car for one with problems. Carfax says one owner, no accidents and service records look good. Any advice would be appreciated. Also it’s a m6 which I’m used to and prefer. Thanks in advance

[arpad_m]

Hey, welcome back, it's been what, almost 2 years?

The only real concern I'm aware of with the LT4 is the oil pump, but the 2021 has GM's latest revision that is much less prone to failure than the older designs that went into 2017-2018 model years, so you are likely to be OK. If you ever decide upgrade the motor, you should consider replacing the oil pump with a bulletproof Katech unit.

74K is not a particularly high mileage for a well-maintained LT1, you should be able to drive it to at least twice as much, but of course if your concern is trade-in value, it's probably time to look around indeed. Regardless of mileage, I would only buy someone else's ZL1 after a proper, in-depth inspection by a pro.

My car has much more power than a stock ZL1, and I will say that you'll be mostly wasting its potential on dailying one and not stretching its legs on a regular basis. I for one don't care that my supercharger is in bypass most of the time, because the car turns from a kitten into a freaking scary monster when I step on it, and I just love this absolute Jekyll and Hyde personality, but not being able to drive the car to its full potential except on a few road courses does bother some folks.

Also, you'll be able to enjoy max acceleration much less on the street with a ZL1, simply because you'll be at impound speeds that much quicker with a car that has +200 horsepower compared to your 1LE.

Bad weather is a non-issue if you switch to more usable street tires, especially with a ZL1 that comes with nice weather only Goodyear SC3s. Get a set of Michelin PS4S or Continental ECS 02 tires, and you'll be able to drive in the rain the exact same way you do when the sun is out.

[Hekate1]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

Hey, welcome back, it's been what, almost 2 years?

The only real concern I'm aware of with the LT4 is the fuel pump, but the 2021 has GM's latest revision that is much less prone to failure than the older designs that went into 2017-2018 model years, so you are likely to be OK. If you ever decide upgrade the motor, you should consider replacing the oil pump with a bulletproof Katech unit.

74K is not a particularly high mileage for a well maintained LT1, you should be able to go at least twice is much, but of course if your concern is trade-in value, it's probably time to look around indeed. Regardless of mileage, I would only buy someone else's ZL1 after a proper, in-depth inspection by a pro.

My car has much more power than a stock ZL1, and I will say that you'll be mostly wasting its potential on dailying one and not stretching its legs on a regular basis. I for one don't care that my supercharger is in bypass most of the time, because the car turns from a kitten into a freaking scary monster when I step on it, and I just love this absolute Jekyll and Hyde personality, but not being able to drive the car to its full potential except on a few road courses does bother some folks.

Also, you'll be able to enjoy max acceleration much less on the street with a ZL1, simply because you'll be at impound speeds that much quicker with a car that has +200 horsepower compared to your 1LE.

Bad weather is a non-issue if you switch to more usable street tires, especially with a ZL1 that comes with nice weather only Goodyear SC3s. Get a set of Michelin PS4S or Continental ECS 02 tires, and you'll be able to drive in the rain the exact same way you do when the sun is out.

Thank u! That’s a lot of great insight. Re: tires, I’m currently on continental extreme contacts and I love them. Not planning on any mods, I’m a little old lady that drives it to work and the grocery store lol. The fastest I’ve had my 1LE to is about 110. Don’t laugh I just really enjoy getting it there but don’t push it too far. I know my limitations. But I love a great performance car and this is likely to be my last Camaro. I’ve looked into the CT4 Blackwing (CT5 way outta my price range) but my heart still wants a Camaro. So I’m kinda torn really. Maybe a waste of car on someone like me but it’s been my dream for years to have a ZL1 and here’s my chance.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by Hekate1

Thank u! That’s a lot of great insight. Re: tires, I’m currently on continental extreme contacts and I love them. Not planning on any mods, I’m a little old lady that drives it to work and the grocery store lol. The fastest I’ve had my 1LE to is about 110. Don’t laugh I just really enjoy getting it there but don’t push it too far. I know my limitations. But I love a great performance car and this is likely to be my last Camaro. I’ve looked into the CT4 Blackwing (CT5 way outta my price range) but my heart still wants a Camaro. So I’m kinda torn really. Maybe a waste of car on someone like me but it’s been my dream for years to have a ZL1 and here’s my chance.

Sorry about the typos. I meant the oil pump, not either of the two fuel pumps, duh.

I say if this indeed is the right time and you really want that ZL1, which I see you do , go for it, don't think twice. You'll love the way it purrs, the front end is more aggressive, the side skirts sleek, and the extra power will make you smile all. the. time.

(Oh, and you'll need a bit more gas money, be prepared )

[hrpiii]

do it. The car is just fun to drive. Also, be aware that the ZL1 is the most stolen car in USA right now. So there's that, but if you keep it in a garage and are in a 'good' area when you do drive it... enjoy it. Like mentioned, 74k miles isn't really that many miles on a well maintained Camaro. I have friends still driving the 5th gen with over 180K miles. I went from a 5th gen to a 2023 ZL1 and wonder why I waited so long..the car is just a blast to drive and enjoy it every time I'm in it

[Booher]

He isn't lying about the gas mileage, its a huge jump from ss to zl1 with the gas costs. But who cares, its about smiles per gallon!

[KingLT1]

Yes do it.

[nighttowl]

I went from a modded 5g 2ss to a stock 5g ZL1, the cars weren't even comparable.
The ZL1 was better in practically every way.

[Hekate1]

Well this took quite a turn.... First of all, thank u all for ur responses. I always appreciate different opinions as it really helps make a good decision. But I passed on the ZL1 and traded in my SS 1LE for a 2026 CT4v Blackwing. I just really didn't want a used car at this point in my life. I feel like you never really know how it's been driven no matter the low mileage. A new car with a full warranty seemed like the best thing for me right now. It wasn't easy letting her go, tho. I had tears in my eyes handing her over. She's been such a fun and reliable car but with 74k miles and retirement 5 years away, if I'm gonna get a new car now's the time to do it. I miss being loud and rowdy but I'm not going to lie, the caddy is pretty nice. I've only had it 3 days so I'm still getting used to it but the 6spd is smooth as silk. I'm gonna miss being a Camaro girl. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and guidance over the last 9 years (previously had a '16 SS). On to a new chapter!

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by Hekate1

Well this took quite a turn.... First of all, thank u all for ur responses. I always appreciate different opinions as it really helps make a good decision. But I passed on the ZL1 and traded in my SS 1LE for a 2026 CT4v Blackwing. I just really didn't want a used car at this point in my life. I feel like you never really know how it's been driven no matter the low mileage. A new car with a full warranty seemed like the best thing for me right now. It wasn't easy letting her go, tho. I had tears in my eyes handing her over. She's been such a fun and reliable car but with 74k miles and retirement 5 years away, if I'm gonna get a new car now's the time to do it. I miss being loud and rowdy but I'm not going to lie, the caddy is pretty nice. I've only had it 3 days so I'm still getting used to it but the 6spd is smooth as silk. I'm gonna miss being a Camaro girl. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and guidance over the last 9 years (previously had a '16 SS). On to a new chapter!

The Blackwing is a very nice car, and highly capable as well. Warranty makes sense, too, if you don't want to tinker with the car.

Enjoy this legendary video about the big brother of yours, the CT5-V Blackwing, in which Cammisa also mentions the CT4-V (at around the 17-minute mark) and praises it as the more sensible choice, saying its only problem was having a non-V8 engine.

[Hekate1]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

The Blackwing is a very nice car, and highly capable as well. Warranty makes sense, too, if you don't want to tinker with the car.

Enjoy this legendary video about the big brother of yours, the CT5-V Blackwing, in which Cammisa also mentions the CT4-V (at around the 17-minute mark) and praises it as the more sensible choice, saying its only problem was having a non-V8 engine.

Wow great video. Thank you 😊. I do feel like I’ve lost some of my identity giving up my V8. That beautiful sound never gets old. But the CT5BW is way out of my price range. I’m getting more accustomed to the 4 every day but taking it easy during the break in. I think I’ll enjoy it tho. Once I get used to the technology. I’m still trying to figure it out.

[SOCAL.M6.ZLE]

Originally Posted by hrpiii

do it. The car is just fun to drive. Also, be aware that the ZL1 is the most stolen car in USA right now. So there's that, but if you keep it in a garage and are in a 'good' area when you do drive it... enjoy it. Like mentioned, 74k miles isn't really that many miles on a well maintained Camaro. I have friends still driving the 5th gen with over 180K miles. I went from a 5th gen to a 2023 ZL1 and wonder why I waited so long..the car is just a blast to drive and enjoy it every time I'm in it

Well said!

[SOCAL.M6.ZLE]

Originally Posted by Hekate1

Well this took quite a turn.... First of all, thank u all for ur responses. I always appreciate different opinions as it really helps make a good decision. But I passed on the ZL1 and traded in my SS 1LE for a 2026 CT4v Blackwing. I just really didn't want a used car at this point in my life. I feel like you never really know how it's been driven no matter the low mileage. A new car with a full warranty seemed like the best thing for me right now. It wasn't easy letting her go, tho. I had tears in my eyes handing her over. She's been such a fun and reliable car but with 74k miles and retirement 5 years away, if I'm gonna get a new car now's the time to do it. I miss being loud and rowdy but I'm not going to lie, the caddy is pretty nice. I've only had it 3 days so I'm still getting used to it but the 6spd is smooth as silk. I'm gonna miss being a Camaro girl. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and guidance over the last 9 years (previously had a '16 SS). On to a new chapter!

Congrats!!! Great choice!