[oldman]

You can also roll a ZL1 and then not be satisfied and upgrades are expensive and sacrifice the warranty. If you are thinking about getting married, I would not roll a car that is not EASILY affordable. Like easy.

[L99BEN]

Originally Posted by oldman

I never claimed the SS could be built into a Zl1, obviously FBO is about and limited to engine performance not handling, ergonomics etc. FBO can range from $1700 to $6000 and would probably add to the 5 year resale $1000. So the cost over 5 years is $700 to $5000.

I did say that IMO most guys with an SS would be "happy" with PS4s, never said nor alluded to an SS would out handle a ZL1 with said tires.

Cheap FBO: E85, tune, CA front cat deletes, cut air box + green filter, Pray ported intake and TB say $1700

I got money to burn: E85, tune, LTs + green cats, RotoFab, ported MSD, 103MM TB, 3" exhaust say $4500 to $6000.

I'd say off the cuff WHP difference 20. Clearly the cheap FBO, - increase in resale would only cost $700 over 5 years... chump change for the fun added.

Nobody tends to talk about this but I also factor in the general cost of a catastrophic powertrain failure (engine, trans, clutch..) when considering modding/no warranty. The LT4 seems to be more reliable and has a higher power ceiling than the LT1, as it comes pretty much all forged. The cost of the LT4 is almost double the LT1 (comparing noew complete motors). All factors.

I bought my ZL1 slightly used with 900 miles certified for $56k and find the all around performance under warranty satisfying.

In the end modding and racing is a slippery slope endless money pit for power junkies...

Not overthinking it like me, if you just care about straight line performance, the gen6 SS or especially the 18+ Stang 5.0 (I know this is a camaro forum ) are probably better bangs for the buck, especially if bought used and building from there.

[Murder6.2]

Originally Posted by oldman

I never claimed the SS could be built into a Zl1, obviously FBO is about and limited to engine performance not handling, ergonomics etc. FBO can range from $1700 to $6000 and would probably add to the 5 year resale $1000. So the cost over 5 years is $700 to $5000.

I did say that IMO most guys with an SS would be "happy" with PS4s, never said nor alluded to an SS would out handle a ZL1 with said tires.

Cheap FBO: E85, tune, CA front cat deletes, cut air box + green filter, Pray ported intake and TB say $1700

I got money to burn: E85, tune, LTs + green cats, RotoFab, ported MSD, 103MM TB, 3" exhaust say $4500 to $6000.

I'd say off the cuff WHP difference 20. Clearly the cheap FBO, - increase in resale would only cost $700 over 5 years... chump change for the fun added.

I can confirm that cheap bolt on setup is enough to be very competitive with a Stock ZL1 0-120, 30-120 and 40-120. Best part about it its under $1,800

[Fraxum]

OP I agree with OldMan.

OP been there and back. I owned a M6 2016 2SS boltin making just under 500 (guesstimate after making 460 and then adding E85 ans MSD porting. But no dyno for that setup. At the time though I was running almost 120 MPH in good air but my ETs were high 11s. Those "slow" ETs were due to the GM bog for which there was no solution at the time.

I sols that car in 2 days :( and bought an A10 ZL1. Stock with DRs and a Rotofab I ran some 11.1s. (there is a GM bog here too).

In the end I got bored with an automatic, (but the A10 is a good one) and sold my 1 year old ZL1 and flushed $18K+ down the toilet. I missed my SS. I found myself drawn to the LT1 and it is my favorite Camaro ever.

Here is the thread where I raced my 6th gen Camaros

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=450694

My LT1 build thread explains some of this and here is my mils SS bolton thread:

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=449542

OP I alaso think it would be a huge mistake to take out the Recaros for SS seats. Although they are very good seats also. I made sure my LT1 has them.

Camaro REcaros are one of the best compromise sport/track/comfort seats in any car ever.

[Bosse'sBoss]

ZL1 keeping your powertrain warranty

[arpad_m]

I say if you care about the warranty, just get a ZL1 and leave it stock, if not, modding the SS will be more fun, not cheaper in the long run, but you'll get to enjoy every step of the journey. A stock ZL1 will not be faster for long if you start modding an SS in earnest.

On a highly subjective note, apart from the 'alcantara everything' theme that is a relatively easy fix, there are other cosmetic aspects I don't like about the ZL1 that are difficult or expensive to address: the vertical DRLs, the gaping "bird magnet" grille holes, the broken up hood and the wheels. Again, these are highly subjective.

[BlaqWhole]

Since you already have the SS your best bet is to go ahead and mod it. Unless you're bored with it. In which case you should go ahead and grab the ZL1.

[ParisTNDude]

Making that decision is certainly a tough one. I upgraded my 2SS with a supercharger and it gave me all I really want. I feel certain it would give most stock cars a pretty good run for the money and I don't have over $50k in it. My SC plus install was less than $8K. I love it.