Considering trading ZL1 for CT4

avalonandl · 12-24-2021, 04:03 PM

I have had some medical issues over the last 4 months ( I’m 66)and have come to realize a ZL1 may not be the car for me . Ingress and egress is not easy with the width of the rockers and how low the car sits. I am considering switching to a CT4 V or Blackwing. The CT5 is big but that may be on the table too. I am not looking at the CT5 BW, or more correctly don’t need the 668 HP and spend $120k. I may look at a CT5 V I know I can get 55k or so from ZL1. I have GM S numbers and don’t need to change cars right away. The Z is up north and I am in SWFL. If I get stronger (had chemo and radiation ended a month ago) The Z may stay where it is.
I am also considering the Genesis G70 V6 TT- kind of a neat car…I know I know….but the performance for the $ is good.
I really have to try a CT4 out for comfort etc. to see if the change is worth it and works for me. My mom has a ATS so I am familiar with Cadillacs that size.

Has anyone had experience with CT4 BW or CT4 V ? I would like to hear from you.

TXCSSU · 12-24-2021, 04:37 PM

Sounds like you're in the opposite situation that I'm in. Absolutely love my SS Sedan, but it doesn't have that 3rd pedal and I figure that once EVs really sink their claws into the mainstream, finding a manual is going to be that much harder. I'd personally love the CT5-V Blackwing as it would allow me to keep the dimensions of the SS but with the powerplant of the ZL1, but I can't justify spending over $100K. Others have mentioned swapping out the transmission and shoving in an LT5 but I imagine that fit and finish won't be there as compared to a vehicle that comes from the factory with its own rower.

My suggestion would be to not give in. I tore my Achilles heel a few years ago and every so often I get a small twinge as if it's going to snap again. All that tells me is that I need to build the strength around that area. And yes, I'm no spring chicken myself. You can let age take you, or you can push back, but push back intelligently. Don't overexert, but push back on mother nature. Oh and if you're still wanting into something easier to get into, I may have a solution. Much more anonymous than a Camaro, but when I pull up to a valet that is into cars, he starts to gush, and will often park the car up front.

Not mine, but gives you an idea. Good luck in whatever you decide.

avalonandl · 12-24-2021, 05:21 PM

I had a Pontiac G8 GT with the 6.0 and loved it. It was a great size.

Vigilante375 · 12-24-2021, 05:26 PM

Well the CT4 Blackwing more performance oriented with a lot more power than the CT4 V. I think the CT4 V is just a CT4 with a little extra horsepower and slightly better suspension.

If you want a good performance car, get the CT4 Blackwing.

If you want a comfortable daily driver with a little pep, get the CT4 V.

Kevin0311 · 12-24-2021, 06:17 PM

2 ss sedans one manual one auto here along with ZL1 vert and can also say the ss sedan is one fine machine, ZL1 in a different class not much compairson but ss vs ct series could very well be a not as expensive replacement/addition.

TXCSSU · 12-24-2021, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vigilante375

Well the CT4 Blackwing more performance oriented with a lot more power than the CT4 V. I think the CT4 V is just a CT4 with a little extra horsepower and slightly better suspension.

If you want a good performance car, get the CT4 Blackwing.

If you want a comfortable daily driver with a little pep, get the CT4 V.

I don't know I heard the CT4-V has a seat that's virtually useless. And I have an issue with the V6, if this is the last crop of ICE supercars, why not get a big V8? The Charger/Challenger may be another option for the OP, but IMO those are one trick ponies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin0311

2 ss sedans one manual one auto here along with ZL1 vert and can also say the ss sedan is one fine machine, ZL1 in a different class not much compairson but ss vs ct series could very well be a not as expensive replacement/addition.

Correct, the ZL1 and the SS in its base form are different, but from the same pedigree. With the right amount of money, the SS sedan can be made into a ZL1 type performer. I'd say it has the potential to be a poor man's CT5-V Blackwing with the right investment. I'm looking at this from the OP's perspective. The SS is probably as easy physically to get in and out of as the CT5-V Blackwing without the $100K price tag.

I still think that the OP should try to stick it out with the Camaro. I figure a good leg workout routine should get him "back in the saddle". It's not just about being able to get in and out of the Camaro, but a quality of life. First it starts out with the Camaro, then it's "I think I'll get a handicap placard so that I can park up front". Push back OP, this isn't just about giving up the Camaro, but letting age take you.

Another thing to consider OP, they don't let the cute nurse give you a sponge bath at the old folks home anymore, it's some chunky dude that spends all of his free time playing World of Warcraft. :P

avalonandl · 12-25-2021, 02:38 AM

The SS is a very old platform. I had one in the Pontiac. Great car.

Ilove the A10 in the ZL1. And the car itself.....we shall see.

Phil zl1 · 12-25-2021, 08:14 AM

G70 is a great car. I have a Stinger Gt as a daily and that too is excellent. It all depends on what you are looking for . For the money they are hard to beat .

laynlo15 · 12-25-2021, 07:40 PM

Well I sold my Camaro last year and just sold my C7 and have been looking at the Caddy's. I would go with the Ct5 so you can get the V6 twin turbo instead of the inline 4 banger with turbos. I'm looking at an Atsv Monday with 3.6 V6 with twins. I also looked at a 15 Chevy SS Thursday with just 22k miles, problem for me is its black. Not my color at all. If it would have been white or red I'd bought it on the spot. Really reminded me of my G8GT with Maggie 2300 we installed on it, loved that car.

TXCSSU · 12-25-2021, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laynlo15

Well I sold my Camaro last year and just sold my C7 and have been looking at the Caddy's. I would go with the Ct5 so you can get the V6 twin turbo instead of the inline 4 banger with turbos. I'm looking at an Atsv Monday with 3.6 V6 with twins. I also looked at a 15 Chevy SS Thursday with just 22k miles, problem for me is its black. Not my color at all. If it would have been white or red I'd bought it on the spot. Really reminded me of my G8GT with Maggie 2300 we installed on it, loved that car.

I just hate that the caddy can only be had with a TT V6 (unless you go with the Blackwing, of course). If it came with the Camaro V8 then I would've really considered it. If I remember correctly, it can't be had with a manual either. But, I love the extra utility of the larger vehicle. The Camaro's backseat is a cruel joke, IMO.

FarmerFran · 12-25-2021, 09:06 PM

Are you looking to throw it around in the corners on a regular basis? Need a manual tranny? If not and at the price range you are looking at, open your mind up. There are a lot of nice cars in that price range that are very fast and very comfy.

And BTW - RBM is the best Camaro color EVER, twice on Sunday.

EDIT: like a alfa romeo giulia quadrifoglio - seriously, go drive one. One reason (well one of many for me) I did not get it was that the dealers are far away, and I am still working.

avalonandl · 12-26-2021, 04:56 AM

I would stay A10 ON Any of the Caddys. I drove a Camaro 2ss with a m6 for 4 years... loved it but done shifting. Want a comfortable and sporty car easy to get in and out of. Really want the CT4 BW but so dam few out there and dealers want over MSRP PLUS .......

Snowwolfe · 12-26-2021, 09:18 AM

Consider me biased as I have a 22 CT5 Blackwing on order. I did sit in a 4 at the local dealership and the seats were pretty nice. Much more backseat legroom on the 5 if this is important to you. The 5 is a little wider so more comfortable for an older guy (68 for me).
Good luck in your search. The A10 is amazing and my choice. After shifting gears for 52 years I am done with it.

TXCSSU · 12-26-2021, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avalonandl

I would stay A10 ON Any of the Caddys. I drove a Camaro 2ss with a m6 for 4 years... loved it but done shifting. Want a comfortable and sporty car easy to get in and out of. Really want the CT4 BW but so dam few out there and dealers want over MSRP PLUS .......

Are they still pumping in fake engine noises via the stereo with the CT4? I find it a little sad that this is a widely accepted practice by auto manufacturers these days. It's bad enough that some manufacturers have relegated the driving experience to that of an Xbox. This is one of the reasons I'm getting my ZL1 with a manual. If I want a "manufactured" driving experience, I'll go play Gran Turismo or whatever video game is popular.

12-24-2021, 04:03 PM	#1
avalonandl Drives: 2019 ZL-1 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Troy, MI & Naples, FL Posts: 2,019	Considering trading ZL1 for CT4 I have had some medical issues over the last 4 months ( I’m 66)and have come to realize a ZL1 may not be the car for me . Ingress and egress is not easy with the width of the rockers and how low the car sits. I am considering switching to a CT4 V or Blackwing. The CT5 is big but that may be on the table too. I am not looking at the CT5 BW, or more correctly don’t need the 668 HP and spend $120k. I may look at a CT5 V I know I can get 55k or so from ZL1. I have GM S numbers and don’t need to change cars right away. The Z is up north and I am in SWFL. If I get stronger (had chemo and radiation ended a month ago) The Z may stay where it is. I am also considering the Genesis G70 V6 TT- kind of a neat car…I know I know….but the performance for the $ is good. I really have to try a CT4 out for comfort etc. to see if the change is worth it and works for me. My mom has a ATS so I am familiar with Cadillacs that size. Has anyone had experience with CT4 BW or CT4 V ? I would like to hear from you. __________________ 2019 ZL-1 Acquired 4/23/21 at 6300 miles. Riverside Blue, A10, PDR. Traded in 2017 2SS with 6M and 32k miles. Continental Extreme Contact Sports. Now has 10,000 miles... 2012 Yukon XL Denali w/ 6.2 AWD

12-24-2021, 05:21 PM	#3
avalonandl Drives: 2019 ZL-1 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Troy, MI & Naples, FL Posts: 2,019	I had a Pontiac G8 GT with the 6.0 and loved it. It was a great size. __________________ 2019 ZL-1 Acquired 4/23/21 at 6300 miles. Riverside Blue, A10, PDR. Traded in 2017 2SS with 6M and 32k miles. Continental Extreme Contact Sports. Now has 10,000 miles... 2012 Yukon XL Denali w/ 6.2 AWD

12-25-2021, 02:38 AM	#7
avalonandl Drives: 2019 ZL-1 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Troy, MI & Naples, FL Posts: 2,019	The SS is a very old platform. I had one in the Pontiac. Great car. Ilove the A10 in the ZL1. And the car itself.....we shall see. __________________ 2019 ZL-1 Acquired 4/23/21 at 6300 miles. Riverside Blue, A10, PDR. Traded in 2017 2SS with 6M and 32k miles. Continental Extreme Contact Sports. Now has 10,000 miles... 2012 Yukon XL Denali w/ 6.2 AWD

12-25-2021, 07:40 PM	#9
laynlo15 Drives: 2022 Lt1 A10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: clark, mo Posts: 8,860	Well I sold my Camaro last year and just sold my C7 and have been looking at the Caddy's. I would go with the Ct5 so you can get the V6 twin turbo instead of the inline 4 banger with turbos. I'm looking at an Atsv Monday with 3.6 V6 with twins. I also looked at a 15 Chevy SS Thursday with just 22k miles, problem for me is its black. Not my color at all. If it would have been white or red I'd bought it on the spot. Really reminded me of my G8GT with Maggie 2300 we installed on it, loved that car. __________________ 2022 Lt1 6.2 A10, Maggie 2300, THPSI Port Inj/10 rib, Rotofab, E, Nickey, SCOL, Griptech, RC Bandits, Hoosiers/MT 9.80@142.96 1.44 60ft, 6.34@112 707/669 RWHP/TRQ. 16SS Maggie 2650 9.41@147 1.35 60ft, 5.99@119. 16 C7 A8 10.90@128 Bolt on stuff

12-25-2021, 09:06 PM	#11
FarmerFran Drives: 2023 ZL1 Vert M6 "Sharky" Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Earth Posts: 4,032	Are you looking to throw it around in the corners on a regular basis? Need a manual tranny? If not and at the price range you are looking at, open your mind up. There are a lot of nice cars in that price range that are very fast and very comfy. And BTW - RBM is the best Camaro color EVER, twice on Sunday. EDIT: like a alfa romeo giulia quadrifoglio - seriously, go drive one. One reason (well one of many for me) I did not get it was that the dealers are far away, and I am still working. __________________ 2023 Camaro ZL1 Vert TR-6060 Sharkskin "Sharky" Firecracker Red Wrangler Willys, 3.6L eTorque, 850RE 8 speed automatic, 25W Willys package, Technology Group, Convenience Group (aka $600 garage door opener), Cold weather Group, Trailer Tow and HD electric group with AUX switches, 3 piece black freedom top.

12-24-2021, 05:26 PM	#4
Vigilante375 Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,369	Well the CT4 Blackwing more performance oriented with a lot more power than the CT4 V. I think the CT4 V is just a CT4 with a little extra horsepower and slightly better suspension. If you want a good performance car, get the CT4 Blackwing. If you want a comfortable daily driver with a little pep, get the CT4 V.

12-24-2021, 06:17 PM	#5
Kevin0311 Drives: Chevy ss sedan, 22 ZL1 vert Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 88	2 ss sedans one manual one auto here along with ZL1 vert and can also say the ss sedan is one fine machine, ZL1 in a different class not much compairson but ss vs ct series could very well be a not as expensive replacement/addition.

12-25-2021, 08:14 AM	#8
Phil zl1 Drives: 2022 zl1 Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Montreal Posts: 76	G70 is a great car. I have a Stinger Gt as a daily and that too is excellent. It all depends on what you are looking for . For the money they are hard to beat .

12-26-2021, 04:56 AM	#12
avalonandl Drives: 2019 ZL-1 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Troy, MI & Naples, FL Posts: 2,019	I would stay A10 ON Any of the Caddys. I drove a Camaro 2ss with a m6 for 4 years... loved it but done shifting. Want a comfortable and sporty car easy to get in and out of. Really want the CT4 BW but so dam few out there and dealers want over MSRP PLUS ....... __________________ 2019 ZL-1 Acquired 4/23/21 at 6300 miles. Riverside Blue, A10, PDR. Traded in 2017 2SS with 6M and 32k miles. Continental Extreme Contact Sports. Now has 10,000 miles... 2012 Yukon XL Denali w/ 6.2 AWD Last edited by avalonandl; 12-26-2021 at 05:16 AM.

12-26-2021, 09:18 AM	#13
Snowwolfe Drives: CTV5 V Blackwing on order Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: East TN Posts: 431	Consider me biased as I have a 22 CT5 Blackwing on order. I did sit in a 4 at the local dealership and the seats were pretty nice. Much more backseat legroom on the 5 if this is important to you. The 5 is a little wider so more comfortable for an older guy (68 for me). Good luck in your search. The A10 is amazing and my choice. After shifting gears for 52 years I am done with it.

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