[Fraxum]

Camaro LT Model compared to the SSes:

What are the differences?

First from Chevy's vantage point every SS (and of course the ZL1s)are all intended to be level 2 trackable cars. If you own an SS you have a very capable track car. Of course few take advantage of that, but still it is cool you could track your Camaro seriously if you decided to learn those skills.

The 2020 LT1 is a bit different in that it was meant to be a V8 mostly stripper to compete with the base Mustang 5.0 and R/T Challenger. Think Mustang Fox body LX 5.0 the most famous of this category, or the Firebird Formula.

To start the comparison what the LT1 shares with the SS:

• One of the best performance platforms in the world, the GM Alpha platform.
• The LT1 engine, differential, and transmissions including one of the best manual transmissions in the world, the Tremec TR-6060.
• The vented hood
• The front Brembo brakes
• The SS base performance suspension
• Oil cooler
• 1SS base interior and standard items.
• 20" wheels and tires

Next the things all SSes have the LT1 does not:

• DIfferential cooler
• Transmission cooler (except A10 LT1s have this cooler)
• Rear Brembos
• The 2 outboard small additional engine radiators (except convertibles)
• Summer tires
• Wider rear rims - The LT1 has a square tire/wheel setup that can be rotated, the SS setup is staggered.
• Track tow bar
• Rear spoiler
• Magnetic ride control option.
• More weight
• Different front fascia
• Track Mode
• 8 inch screen (unless you opt for the Bose on the LT1)
• If you order painted calipers, the smaller rear one is painted
• More digital speedometer nacelle
• 9.5" wide rear wheels
• 1LE option
• Summer Performance Tires
• Higher MPH speed limiter (due to standard performance tires)

GMs offical base weight Comparison

WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES

COUPE CONVERTIBLE
Base Curb Weight
(lb. / kg):
3619 / 1642 – LT1 manual
3681 / 1670 – LT1 automatic
3685 / 1672 – 1SS manual
3747 / 1700 – 1SS automatic
3754 / 1703 – 1SS 1LE
3696 / 1677 – 2SS manual
3757 / 1704 – 2SS automatic
3762 / 1706 – 2SS 1LE

3865 / 1753 – LT1 manual
3927 / 1781 – LT1 automatic
3932 / 1784 – 1SS manual
3993 / 1811 – 1SS automatic
3937 / 1786 – 2SS manual
3999 / 1814 – 2SS automatic

LT1:

SS:

[Fraxum]

I hoped to leave most of my opinions out of that first post. Let me know if I missed anything or was not correct about the differences or if I missed anything. I did sneak in my admiration of the Camaro platform and the Tremec 6060.

But now as to my opinions, I think as to overall performance with equal tires the 1SS and LT1 are 100% equal on the street. The big difference is any SS will last longer on a race track performing at the same level. Of course the SS 1LE and ZL1s are even more serious track cars. But even so a beginners track HPDE outing will be quite enjoyable in any LT1.

The other thing is except for the missing tow bar receiver (are the threads there?) the LT1 is the best V8 starter car for a serious drag car build. The , lighter weight, and lower price are all big plusses. The smaller brakes are not helpful, see the next post.

As to the different looks, the base Camaro front end took some getting used to for me, but now I am starting to really like it. While it looks awkward at first the simplicity grows on you and show off the great lines of the Gen 6 Camaros.

As to the base of my opinions I have attended a few HDPE events and have owned a '16 2SS, an A10 ZL1, and now a 2020 M6 LT1 and after owning it for a while it is my favorite Camaro. Medium warm porridge is just right for me.

[KingLT1]

LT1's require spindle change to run a smaller brake package for a 15" race wheel. So even though the brakes come smaller from the factory, they actually require more effort to fit a smaller wheel.

[Fraxum]

Originally Posted by KingLT1

LT1's require spindle change to run a smaller brake package for a 15" race wheel. So even though the brakes come smaller from the factory, they actually require more effort to fit a smaller wheel.

Fixed! Thanks. But I can say the smaller brakes on the LT1 will not start scraping the inside of my 17" wheels when hot lapping. Of course serious cars are not hot lapped. My drag wheels have scars from my ZL1.

[jingaling]

I think the base interior on the 1ss has the 8" screen and the LT1 had the 7". The speedometer is different too.

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by jingaling

I think the base interior on the 1ss has the 8" screen and the LT1 had the 7".

I don't think that is true. Believe only the 2SS got the 8" screen.

[Altered Carbon]

Originally Posted by Joshinator99

I don't think that is true. Believe only the 2SS got the 8" screen.

I have a 1SS and it comes with an 8" screen. All I added was leather seats, my own LED footwell lighting kit (not GMs) and some trim pieces.

[DemonZL1]

Cool comparison ! That weight drop is incredible, but some of that stuff is needed if you do anything besides daily drive the car.

I'm glad gm came out with the LT1, wonderful idea and a good price point. Too bad for the 'rona to show up when it did as we may never know if this was a good sales numbers boost or not.

[Wakemaker89]

I would also add that the tach/speedo gauges are different as well. There is no “track” mode on the LT1. Great post! Now if only we could figure out the tow hook situation for the occasional track day in the LT1

[hotlap]

They don’t exactly share the 20” rims / tires


LT1: 20 x 8.5-in. aluminum (front & rear)
SS: 20-in. x 8.5-in. aluminum (front)^
SS: 20-in. x 9.5-in. aluminum (rear)^


LT1: P245/40R20 all-season (front & rear)
SS: P245/40R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 summer-only run-flat (front)^
SS: P275/35R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 summer-only run-flat (rear)^

https://media.chevrolet.com/media/us...2020.tab1.html

[Bumbleboy92]

Originally Posted by jingaling

I think the base interior on the 1ss has the 8" screen and the LT1 had the 7". The speedometer is different too.

From Chevy’s Camaro builder it seems like the 1SS has the 8” display along with the enhanced speedo cluster from factory and the LT1 comes with neither but gives an option for the 8”. I didn’t see an option for the enhanced speedo weirdly

[SteveV]

I seem to recall if you get the 1LE package on an SS, you also get the eLSD that comes on the ZL1. The LT1 cannot get that with any option package.

Or, am I incorrect?

[SteveV]

Also, you cannot get the Magnetic ride control on the LT1, where you can as an option on the SS.

Oops, sorry, I see this was already covered. My bad.

[LT1ornothing]

Originally Posted by Fraxum

I hoped to leave most of my opinions out of that first post. Let me know if I missed anything or was not correct about the differences or if I missed anything. I did sneak in my admiration of the Camaro platform and the Tremec 6060.

But now as to my opinions, I think as to overall performance with equal tires the 1SS and LT1 are 100% equal on the street. The big difference is any SS will last longer on a race track performing at the same level. Of course the SS 1LE and ZL1s are even more serious track cars. But even so a beginners track HPDE outing will be quite enjoyable in any LT1.

The other thing is except for the missing tow bar receiver (are the threads there?) the LT1 is the best V8 starter car for a serious drag car build. The , lighter weight, and lower price are all big plusses. The smaller brakes are not helpful, see the next post.

As to the different looks, the base Camaro front end took some getting used to for me, but now I am starting to really like it. While it looks awkward at first the simplicity grows on you and show off the great lines of the Gen 6 Camaros.

As to the base of my opinions I have attended a few HDPE events and have owned a '16 2SS, an A10 ZL1, and now a 2020 M6 LT1 and after owning it for a while it is my favorite Camaro. Medium warm porridge is just right for me.

Besides the more subtle look of the LT1, what else makes you like the LT1 over the SS? I like the simple analog style dash on the LT1 as well as no rear spoiler. Mine is a bare bones no option M6. Also, is 17 inch the smallest diameter wheel to clear the rear LT1 brakes? Looking for a dedicated set for the strip on some Mickeys.