08-11-2013, 11:18 AM | #1 |
Drives: 2021 Camaro ZL1 A10 Join Date: May 2013
Location: San Diego, CA.
Posts: 457
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Why a 1LE instead of a ZL1
Hi all,
I am interested in some feedback and other insights to the above question. I am looking to get into a Camaro. Since this is a weekend car for me, the king of the hill is what I was looking for. However, I have been impressed with the 1LE's lap times at some well known tracks (Willow Springs, VIR). My main use of the car would be canyon carving. I like the ZL1 for it's power, and handling. It is however, heavy, gets poor gas mileage, and is about 15K more expensive (not to mention maintenance, and insurance). While the 1LE does handle, is lighter, and considerably more affordable. However, there are only a few cars that can keep up with the ZL1 on the open road. The 1LE has the LS3 an excellent engine, but it only has 426 HP (I never thought I would see the day when I'd say that wasn't enough!). So what do you guys have to say? |
08-11-2013, 11:43 AM | #2 |
Drives: VW Typ 166 + Black 1LE Join Date: May 2007
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 763
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well, I was about to buy a ZL1 (I live in France) and money wasn't an issue.
I bought a 1LE a soon as I could (I hate 2014 styling) because: - look: ZL1's wing and overall rear looked too ricer to me. - reliability: saw that commercial saying the magnetic ride control was the first one to be put on a serie model ... well, being here in europe with low garanty, didn't feel like breaking these "too new to me" suspensions - philosophy: to me, muscle/ pony cars is about atmo engines. I wasn't buying the too european styled supercharger. - power to use ratio: i'm into "canyon carving" too, and if you don't run tracks or drag every week, 580 hp is really useless. actually, 426hp is useless too but it's way safer on a daily basis. At the end, I've taken a 1LE and thought that maybe one day, I'd buy a used ZL1 for track fun only. And I have absolutely no regrets. And even if money wasn't an issue, I'd rather use the 15k for something I will actually use rather than 150hp that would make me loose my life or my driving license. Go for a 1LE and buy a beautiful watch with the 15k saved;-)
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I'm kindly asking: "May I have a supercharged Z28 with 550 hp please? By the end of 2009 would be awesome. Thanks"
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08-11-2013, 11:53 AM | #3 |
Da WHALE
Drives: 2014 Stingray, 2015 Panamera 4 Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Oceanside, Ca - Originally from KCMO
Posts: 8,878
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This is one of those either or situations....Either one or the other wouldn't be a bad choice. They're Camaros!!!
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Project MantaRay...Underway
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08-11-2013, 12:18 PM | #4 |
Drives: 2013 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: CT
Posts: 483
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For me, it was the $$$... purchase price and cost of ownership.
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08-11-2013, 12:24 PM | #5 |
B.O.D. 02/16/10
Drives: 2010 SGM Sp. Edition 2017 RS Conver Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Albia,Iowa
Posts: 3,959
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I test drove the 1LE at the Fest and was so impressed that I have given up on what was probably a pipe dream of getting a ZL1. The 1LE is more of my budget and is an absolute animal with 3.91 gears.
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08-11-2013, 01:57 PM | #6 |
Drives: 2018 SS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Akron, Ohio
Posts: 209
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ZL1 would have meant divorce.
Otherwise I would have bought it. If you can swing the extra $, do it. |
08-11-2013, 04:23 PM | #7 |
Drives: 2022 SS 1LE Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,086
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Simple choice for me. For ZL1 pricing, I would get a slightly used Z06. But my 1LE is a1SS and I paid under $36k. There's something very satisfying about being able to crush most cars at double the price on the road courses. The 1LE is highly respected on the track. Plus, a good driver will heat soak a ZL1 on a road course. NA is for me.
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Sold but not forgotten! Pedders Supercar Coilovers, 32mm rear sway bar,bushings; APR wing and splitter
Forged 416 road course stroker. 514 RWHP, 497 RW Ft-Lb 1 Camaro, 75 Vipers: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=393697 Buttonwillow Raceway: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=389086 |
08-11-2013, 04:54 PM | #8 |
Drives: 2013 SS 1LE Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Southeast Louisiana
Posts: 85
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Money! I agree with Orange Crush, I would have bought a used Z06 if I was going to spend that kind of money.
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2013 Camaro 1SS 1LE Inferno Orange
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08-11-2013, 06:16 PM | #9 |
Drives: 2013 2SS 1LE NPP GBE Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Bay Area, online, & in my 1LE
Posts: 2,667
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Price. Plain and simple. For the price of a ZL1 I expect a different fit and finish.
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08-11-2013, 07:30 PM | #10 |
Drives: 1LE , 1SS , NPP Join Date: May 2013
Location: calif.
Posts: 274
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For me, I do not like how it makes its HP (I hate superchargers) I don't care what car they come on .If you going the FI rout you use turbochargers end of story .
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08-11-2013, 07:44 PM | #11 |
Est.1775
Drives: '15 Challenger Hellcat (sold) Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,502
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I agree. Whatever suits your wants is the car to go with. I've owned every trim level damn near being a '10-'11 2SS, both a '13 1LE and '12 ZL1. Needless to say I test drove the ZL1 and the rest was history and I haven't looked back. Whichever you decide to go with will impress you. Good luck on your choice!
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08-11-2013, 07:56 PM | #12 |
Drives: 13' 1LE Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,641
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First I prefer n/a power. 2nd is the money. As for the money issue, the ZL1 is 15K$ more than the 1LE. Id rather invest 5K $ in a h/c/e and boltons and still have money for a spare stroker engine and a nitrous kit. I know modded vs stock is not the best argument in town but I want a cam one day or another and the warranty is gonna be gone anyway so Ill have leftover money for a spare engine. 3rd there is the weight; 400lbs is a lot.
Id like to own one, but considering the money, the 1LE is really really cheap for the package you have. Its a excellent base to start modding; zl1 fuel pump, stronger bearing, 3:91 gear, coolers, etc...
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13' 1LE
Old setup: TSP 231-236/Tick 660/.105 PR, UDP, SW LT 2'' & HFC, stock NPP & H pipe, VR-DRX CAI, air scoop, Goertz1 manifold, 102mm BBK, 26" Toyo DRs, Forgestars R17x10 & F18x8, rear seat delete, remote Pat G tune Autocal, 7400 limiter, Spec Mini Twin. 91oct. 11.90@122.3, 0-60ft 2.0 / 11.99@123.6, 0-60ft 2.1 DA+819 ...519RWHP SAE Solid roller SBE LS3, FED, LLSR, 91oct, 605rwhp N/A. Tuned by Pat G. Build by me. |
08-11-2013, 08:18 PM | #13 |
I can't afford a ZL1 so I can't put myself in your shoes. I love my 1LE and wouldn't trade it for anything.
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08-11-2013, 08:29 PM | #14 |
Drives: 2013 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 3,087
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money
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