[ZL1Rocks]

Hey guys, I am sure this topic has come up many times so sorry for asking again. I am looking to buy a new 2022 Camaro and not sure what directions to go in. I had a 2013 ZL1 I just sold and I was going to replace it with a 2022 ZL1 but now having second thoughts. I don't track the car but love the power and handling of my 2013 Z. I've read positive things about the 2SS 1LE and I am wondering if I would be just as happy or disappointed if I went in that direction. This would be a weekend car for having some fun on the open roads or on the twisty roads in the mountains. Any thoughts or feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

[mariojas]

I vote for ZL1. One of the last of this kind.
Spare time thinking, just go place an order because you are loosing time Order two and decide while waiting for them to be picked up to be build...

[SATINSTEEL1LE]

I pondered this and went ZL1. Its the same car but with 200 more HP to start with. Plus the LT4 is forged and the LT1 is not.

[raptor5244]

Both great. If you are comparing a 2SS 1LE to a ZL1 you are looking at about a $15k delta. I went for the ZL1 since I wanted a supercharged V8 before they stop making them. I like the supercharger whine, extra power, hood insert, no AFM valves, red stitching vs. the white stitching. I also prefer the front end of the ZL1 as it looks the most menacing.

I like the ZL1 wheels but I think the 1LE wheels actually look a little better. The red painted calipers are cool on the 1LE but the silver matching the wheels works as well. The ZL1 has a more beefed up version of the 10-speed and taller gearing in the M6. The ZL1 also has even larger brakes than the SS 1LE to handle the extra weight. The 1LE hood wrap is cool but in my experience does require a bit of extra maintenance to keep it looking good.

This alpha chassis handles the power so well, I really think the LT4 in the ZL1 wakes it up.

Again, both great but if you can swing it I would get the ZL1 for the fun of it.

[LT4Greg]

ZL1 all the way! I own a ZL1 and don’t track or race mine so in my opinion it’s a nice upgrade to an SS.��

[Apexslayer]

ZL1!

[taylorforschool@gmail.com]

I’m with the crowd here. Went from an LT1 to a ZL1.. and it’s worth it if you can shell it out

[Crushed 1LE]

ZL1.
Slightly nicer interior
Better brakes
Supercharger
LT4 is forged & hand built
Menacing front end
Bigger tires
And it's not just another Camaro, it's a ZL1. If you pickup a 2023 it will most likely be the last of it's kind.

[arpad_m]

OP, only you can answer this question, and only if you're completely honest with yourself. Both the 2SS 1LE and the ZL1 are outstanding in their own ways.

The ZL1 has 200 more horsepower and also adds supercharger whine for free, whereas it's 200 lbs heavier, and if you don't track it, you'll have a hard time stretching its legs on the street unless you venture deeply into impound+jail territory. Still a lot faster off the line, of course; as to how much this matters, these things are again subjective.

As to internal construction, they are very-very similar, the ZL1 has a stronger high pressure fuel pump and forged pistons, a somewhat beefier driveshaft and other small improvements to handle the extra torque and weight, but in terms of internals there is no huge difference between the ZL1 (non-1LE) and the 2SS 1LE. If one doesn't plan to upgrade their SS, these differences are pretty much irrelevant.

GFinally, both 1LE and ZL1 owners treat their cars as Very Special and Unique and Unlike Any Other Camaro, so there is little difference in terms of that

[ZL1Rocks]

Thanks everybody for your feedback. My gut said stick with the Z and sounds like that is the preferred choice by those who have shared their feedback with me here. Now to find one

[ST1LE]

Originally Posted by ZL1Rocks

Thanks everybody for your feedback. My gut said stick with the Z and sounds like that is the preferred choice by those who have shared their feedback with me here. Now to find one

Good choice! The 2SS 1LE isnt that much cheaper than a ZL1 when compared to the extra factory covered power.

[Marty31]

Save your money and get the SS. Great car.

[SDG23]

I think you would enjoy the 1LE very much, plenty of power, really more than most people need and definitely fun to drive. But like most things, chances are, those that have a ZL1 wouldn't really want to "downgrade" to a 1LE, because it's slower... not "slow" but slowER and there is more pedigree in the ZL1 name. I'm very seriously considering trading in my SS towards a ZL1, but I still love driving the SS, handles great (even as a non 1LE), sounds great and is considerably less pricey than a Z.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by SDG23

I think you would enjoy the 1LE very much, plenty of power, really more than most people need and definitely fun to drive. But like most things, chances are, those that have a ZL1 wouldn't really want to "downgrade" to a 1LE, because it's slower... not "slow" but slowER and there is more pedigree in the ZL1 name. I'm very seriously considering trading in my SS towards a ZL1, but I still love driving the SS, handles great (even as a non 1LE), sounds great and is considerably less pricey than a Z.

You can upgrade an SS, too, y'know I get that some are after the "pedigree" you mentioned, but other than that, the sky is the limit.