[TRZ06]

Got bored today and decided to go test drive the ZL1 1LE. My local dealer has 3 of them.

Let me start by saying that the last time I test drove one was when I was thinking of replacing my lease-end M3 with one, before I knew about the SS 1LE.

So, lets get the elephant in the room out of the way first...

RIDE QUALITY:

Now, my M3 had Ohlin coilovers on it and was pretty stiff and harsh around town. Driving the ZL1 1LE at that time was actually a bit of an improvement over the Ohlin set-up I had.

Fast forward to today and after 6 mths of SS 1LE ownership...

You get spoiled by the MRC!!! Damn, the ZL1 1LE was pretty harsh now by comparison. For driving around town and a quick jot on the freeway, the damping didn't feel any better than the MRC, although I am sure it would with triple digit speeds, but damn there is a BIG ride quality difference. You bounce around A LOT more, you forget just how good the MRC is.

I also have the ZL1 1LE solid rear cradle bushings upgrade, so the ZL1 1LE didn't feel any more solid that my car does in that regard, but from a stock SS 1LE and remembering what it felt like before the upgrade, the ZL1 1LE does feel more solid feeling in stock form in the rear-end.

POWER:

Wow, so much quicker feeling, but you also have to be careful. Between those tires that need more time to warm up and the added HP & TQ, mashing 1st is a no-no. While I enjoyed the added throw you back in the seat feel, I think the SS 1LE is more satisfying to drive off track as even with the tires not up to temp, you can still pretty much mash the throttle in 1st gear and just go, as long as it isn't 30 degrees out.

Also because of the added HP and TQ and supercharger, Track Mode throttle mapping doesn't feel nearly as anemic as it does in the SS 1LE.

The clutch pedal has a stiffer feel to it and takes a little more muscle to push in, probably because of stiffer clutch springs to adjust to the added power.

EXHAUST SOUND / LOUDNESS: This only applies to aftermarket exhausts, since I have the Corsa Cat-back system, but going back to a stock exhaust, it sounded weak by comparison, I just love the sound of the Corsa system over stock.

Love the wing from the outside, but damn, it is right smack in the middle of the rearview mirror, not optimum for daily driving.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
The ZL1 1LE is BAD ASS, but I choose the right car for me in the SS 1LE.

Since the dealer let me test drive it and I didn't want to be a total dick and just say bye, I decided to let the dealer "run numbers" just for fun. They offered $30K for my 2SS 1LE with 8K miles on the clock. LOL.

[URBAN LEGEND]

There it is folks.

[fosterelli]

So the ride quality of a track-ready racing suspension is the proverbial elephant in the room?

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by fosterelli

So the ride quality of a track-ready racing suspension is the proverbial elephant in the room?

It is what most people focus on with the ZL1 1LE, I believe.

[Xlr8ion]

There is only one reason a person would choose the SS 1LE over the ZL1 1LE and that's money.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by Xlr8ion

There is only one reason a person would choose the SS 1LE over the ZL1 1LE and that's money.

That is simply not true and this thread isn't about which one is better or to turn into a pissing match about money.

It is an informative observation for those interested in knowing. Lets' stay on topic here.

[DangerZL1]

Thanks for the review. What a joke on the trade in for your car. That would be impossible to swallow even if you wanted the zL1. Camaros really don’t hold their value well

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by DangerZL1

Thanks for the review. What a joke on the trade in for your car. That would be impossible to swallow even if you wanted the zL1. Camaros really don’t hold their value well

Thanks, just thought I would share from one car guy to others.

Yeah, GM performance cars in general depreciation quickly. I knew that going in though. Luckily, this car is one of my top three I have owned ( and I have had a lot of them), and I plan on keeping it for around 5 years, otherwise I would be pretty upset.

My M3 was a pretty big disappointment performance wise and if I had purchased that car and had the GM depreciation, I would have been pretty upset.

[joe944]

Originally Posted by Xlr8ion

There is only one reason a person would choose the SS 1LE over the ZL1 1LE and that's money.

I chose the A10 ZL1 over the Z1LE because it's better on the street, which is where I drive mine most of the time. Much faster in a straight line and plenty fast enough for me on the track.

OP, did you get the solid cradle done at life's good? Had my exhaust done there.

[hashtag]

I owned a 18 ZL1 1LE & now a 2018 A10. I love the A10 & it is so much quicker on the roads than the 1LE.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by joe944

I chose the A10 ZL1 over the Z1LE because it's better on the street, which is where I drive mine most of the time. Much faster in a straight line and plenty fast enough for me on the track.

OP, did you get the solid cradle done at life's good? Had my exhaust done there.

Yeah, I had LGR do both my rear cradle bushings and my Corsa Exhaust. Top notch race shop. Chris is a great guy.

I won't go anywhere else , unless it's for warranty work.

[CPB]

Am surprised at how many folks are willing to put up with the harsh ride of the 1LE for street driving. I could not do enough track days per year to make me want the 1LE. But hey, great to have choices.

[URBAN LEGEND]

GT 500s are better.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND

GT 500s are better.

I think you are replying to the wrong thread, LOL. Put the joint down.