ZL1 or 1SS with $26,700.00 modes

BlackbeastSS2 · 03-26-2020, 10:07 PM

ZL1 or 1SS with $26,700.00 budget on modes, which one would you chose? With each spending the exact same amount of $63,445.00?

I was reading another thread and they where talking about which model of a Camaro would they chose. But they didn’t really touch on the total cost vrs performance. Myself I have moded before and I would rather put $26,700 into a 1SS that would out perform a stock ZL1. What are your thoughts and what would you put into the build if you chose the 1SS with a huge budget of $26,700. Or would build with a lower budget?

Both cars where manual and not one option was added. So bare bones model.

There are lots of packages out there.
STAGE 4: 780HP to the wheels not factory 650 flywheel

TVS 2300
ARH Longtube Header System / X Pipe
Newtech CNC LT1 Cylinder Heads - Core Exchange
Newtech Custom spec Camshaft 38% fuel lobe
Dual Springs w/ Ti Retainers
Hardened Pushrods
GM LS7 Lifters
Comp Fuel Pump Lash Cap
Comp Cams Phaser Limiter
GM MLS Head Gaskets
ARP head bolts
GM VVT Cam Bolt
GM Crank Bolt
Newtech Methanol kit and Flex fuel + $2000 (Adds 100 hp)
Installation and Dyno tune

Approximately $16,999.99

Crap I still have $10,000 to spend.
Tires/Rims, line lock, upgraded half shafts, one piece drive shaft, inter chiller, roll bar and seats.

That should do it.
Apparently I have to put a disclaimer in my post: This is a discussion not reality.

DC5 · 03-26-2020, 10:31 PM

I would purchase a ZL1 because its performance upgrades are (obviously) factory designed, tested, and warrantied. Furthermore, I would argue the overall performance and refinement of the ZL1 cannot be matched by installing aftermarket components on a SS because the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes on a ZL1 are coordinate in performance and durability.

JCunningham · 03-26-2020, 11:46 PM

ZL1.

Need4Camaro · 03-27-2020, 12:20 AM

The ZL1 is more than just horsepower. It's the complete fricken package right out the box. You can mod the SS but side by side similar dollar spent the ZL1 will just obliterate the SS if you invested the money in it as you invest in the SS.

Grumpy1 · 03-27-2020, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCunningham

ZL1.

+1

Bosse'sBoss · 03-27-2020, 05:08 AM

ZL1 is a full package and I would keep my warranty

Smokin19 · 03-27-2020, 05:33 AM

If you mod an SS you lose the warranty, the ZL1 you get it all and a warranty.

samurai · 03-27-2020, 05:56 AM

I would go for the ZL1 too. Not only do you lose the warranty on the SS, but once you want to sell the car you will lose most of the money on mods, while a real ZL1 will hold it's value way better

MrChrisLS3 · 03-27-2020, 06:24 AM

It really depends, I guess, on how you want to use that power. If we're talking about straight line track performance maybe so.

Though, I believe the LT4 engine has some upgrades in the rotating assembly over the LT1, which is something to consider.

As for an overall car, however, I would use the ZL1 as my starting point. While the entry ticket is higher, it already has the foundation. You could replace the 1700 on the LT4 with a 2300, add your meth kit, and call it a day. But you already have the elsd, suspension, and drivetrain hardware to support it. Not to mention the ZL1 has the wider front fenders, which gives you wider fronts and a better look.

Anyway, that's just me, the ZL1 is a whole lot more than an SS with a supercharger on it.

LT4Greg · 03-27-2020, 06:35 AM

ZL1 for sure but if you have money running out of your butt then go for it! Obviously you’re not concerned about losing your warranty since you modded your 2016 SS to the hilt before so yes do it if it makes you happy!

closs2sx · 03-27-2020, 06:44 AM

if you go the ss route and mod it i would at least consider the 1le ss. that is closer to the zl1 handling wise.

95 imp · 03-27-2020, 07:07 AM

It depends on the goal. For me, the SS handles just fine, so I'd go with that option and the coin to mod the car the way I'd like it.

Conversely, as I've said before (and if it were available), My first choice would be a factory LT4 stuffed in a LT1. Warranty, more ponies and 300-400 lbs lighter.

L78toLT1 · 03-27-2020, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by closs2sx

if you go the ss route and mod it i would at least consider the 1le ss. that is closer to the zl1 handling wise.

This ^, if you go the mod route. But as for me, I'd just start with the ZL1. My car is pretty much a DIY ZL1, but I still don't have several ZL1 goodies that I would really like to have. PDR and elsd for example.
If, like me, you enjoy working on cars, then there is something to be said for going the mod route. I have quite a bit more than stock ZL1 power, almost equivalent handling/braking, for slightly less money. I did do all of the work, except for tuning which kept the cost down. I just enjoy the process. I derive enjoyment from working on the car as much as from driving it. If I had started with a ZL1, which I would have done had they been available when I got my car, I'm sure it would be fairly heavily modded by now also.

foshjowler · 03-27-2020, 07:42 AM

Of those two, the ZL1. Factory power is better than modded power, in that it just works vs having questions about the quality of the mods. The ZL1 also comes with suspension things, and was designed for more abuse.

Though if I'm spending $63k in car things for a Camaro, I'm buying the 2.0T 1LE, throwing like 2k in parts and a tune, putting some aero on it, and buying a couple of sets of wheels and tires for track days. Maybe a cage too.

03-26-2020, 10:07 PM	#1
BlackbeastSS2 Drives: 2019 Camaro 1LE Shock Candy Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Garage Posts: 1,757	ZL1 or 1SS with $26,700.00 modes ZL1 or 1SS with $26,700.00 budget on modes, which one would you chose? With each spending the exact same amount of $63,445.00? I was reading another thread and they where talking about which model of a Camaro would they chose. But they didn’t really touch on the total cost vrs performance. Myself I have moded before and I would rather put $26,700 into a 1SS that would out perform a stock ZL1. What are your thoughts and what would you put into the build if you chose the 1SS with a huge budget of $26,700. Or would build with a lower budget? Both cars where manual and not one option was added. So bare bones model. There are lots of packages out there. STAGE 4: 780HP to the wheels not factory 650 flywheel TVS 2300 ARH Longtube Header System / X Pipe Newtech CNC LT1 Cylinder Heads - Core Exchange Newtech Custom spec Camshaft 38% fuel lobe Dual Springs w/ Ti Retainers Hardened Pushrods GM LS7 Lifters Comp Fuel Pump Lash Cap Comp Cams Phaser Limiter GM MLS Head Gaskets ARP head bolts GM VVT Cam Bolt GM Crank Bolt Newtech Methanol kit and Flex fuel + $2000 (Adds 100 hp) Installation and Dyno tune Approximately $16,999.99 Crap I still have $10,000 to spend. Tires/Rims, line lock, upgraded half shafts, one piece drive shaft, inter chiller, roll bar and seats. That should do it. Apparently I have to put a disclaimer in my post: This is a discussion not reality. Attached Images __________________ LT4 1.7 Supercharger snout ported & Meth 103 Katech TB, KATECH Custom Heads, DSX In-line fuel TSP Headers, Spec P Super Twin Clutch, TSP EL C7 CAM Diamond Piston & Manley Rods, Roto Fab Big Gulp BTR Push Rods,LS7 Lifters, ARP, FI Chiller, Kirkey Seats SJM Line Lock, Hurst Pistol Grip. 747/739 RWHP street tune - 821/794 RWHP track tune 101 octane. 2014 Mini Cooper countryman S All4 M6 daily driver Last edited by BlackbeastSS2; 03-27-2020 at 07:42 PM.

03-26-2020, 11:46 PM	#3
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,070	ZL1. __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

03-27-2020, 05:08 AM	#6
Bosse'sBoss Drives: '16 Camaro SS 6 spd manual transm. Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: RGV Texas Posts: 1,463	ZL1 is a full package and I would keep my warranty __________________ '16 Camaro SS Prior cars: '14 Corvette C7 Stingray Z51 '14 Camaro ZL1 w/. Recaro seats '11 Mustang GT 5.0 w. track package '02 Porsche 911 Carrera '05 Infiniti G35 coupe sport

03-27-2020, 05:33 AM	#7
Smokin19 Drives: 19' ZL1 A10, w/pdr Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: S.W. ohio Posts: 1,551	If you mod an SS you lose the warranty, the ZL1 you get it all and a warranty. __________________ BTR Stg II cam w/ 38% fuel lobe, ARH 2" headers into 3" w/cats, AWE Touring, Kong X port, Weapon X triple ht exchangers, NW 103, Rotofab big gulp, DSX lowside, TCM tune, BMR Lockout, Mustang dyno 720 rwhp, 634 rwtq on 93 pump.

03-27-2020, 05:56 AM	#8
samurai Drives: C8 Corvette Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Germany Posts: 641	I would go for the ZL1 too. Not only do you lose the warranty on the SS, but once you want to sell the car you will lose most of the money on mods, while a real ZL1 will hold it's value way better __________________

03-26-2020, 10:31 PM	#2
DC5 Drives: 2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Arizona Posts: 596	I would purchase a ZL1 because its performance upgrades are (obviously) factory designed, tested, and warrantied. Furthermore, I would argue the overall performance and refinement of the ZL1 cannot be matched by installing aftermarket components on a SS because the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes on a ZL1 are coordinate in performance and durability.

03-27-2020, 12:20 AM	#4
Need4Camaro Drives: '17 Camaro 2SS & '99 Camaro Z28 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,836	The ZL1 is more than just horsepower. It's the complete fricken package right out the box. You can mod the SS but side by side similar dollar spent the ZL1 will just obliterate the SS if you invested the money in it as you invest in the SS.

03-27-2020, 06:24 AM	#9
MrChrisLS3 Drives: 2018 1SS M6 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Houston Posts: 2,617	It really depends, I guess, on how you want to use that power. If we're talking about straight line track performance maybe so. Though, I believe the LT4 engine has some upgrades in the rotating assembly over the LT1, which is something to consider. As for an overall car, however, I would use the ZL1 as my starting point. While the entry ticket is higher, it already has the foundation. You could replace the 1700 on the LT4 with a 2300, add your meth kit, and call it a day. But you already have the elsd, suspension, and drivetrain hardware to support it. Not to mention the ZL1 has the wider front fenders, which gives you wider fronts and a better look. Anyway, that's just me, the ZL1 is a whole lot more than an SS with a supercharger on it.

03-27-2020, 06:35 AM	#10
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,813	ZL1 for sure but if you have money running out of your butt then go for it! Obviously you’re not concerned about losing your warranty since you modded your 2016 SS to the hilt before so yes do it if it makes you happy! __________________ ZL1 Coupe, PDR, Exposed carbon fiber hood insert, My Link with Nav, M6 6 speed and Silver Ice Metallic. Mods done: ceramic window tint, GM Accessories Camaro floor mats and Roto-Fab CAI.

03-27-2020, 06:44 AM	#11
closs2sx Drives: 1970 chevelle Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,427	if you go the ss route and mod it i would at least consider the 1le ss. that is closer to the zl1 handling wise. __________________ On Order 2018 ZL1 1LE Garnet Red Tint Coat Metallic MY Car 2015 Z06 Z07 Daytona Sunrise Orange Metallic Dads Car 2013 ZL1 vin 963 Crystal Red Tint Coat/Black Wheels Exposed Carbon Fiber Insert 6 Spd Manual

03-27-2020, 07:07 AM	#12
95 imp Dumb Ass Deluxe Drives: A Tricked Out Mountain Bike Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,959	It depends on the goal. For me, the SS handles just fine, so I'd go with that option and the coin to mod the car the way I'd like it. Conversely, as I've said before (and if it were available), My first choice would be a factory LT4 stuffed in a LT1. Warranty, more ponies and 300-400 lbs lighter.

03-27-2020, 07:42 AM	#14
foshjowler Drives: 2017 Camaro 2.0T, 91 Miata Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Raleigh, North Carolina Posts: 505 View My Garage	Of those two, the ZL1. Factory power is better than modded power, in that it just works vs having questions about the quality of the mods. The ZL1 also comes with suspension things, and was designed for more abuse. Though if I'm spending $63k in car things for a Camaro, I'm buying the 2.0T 1LE, throwing like 2k in parts and a tune, putting some aero on it, and buying a couple of sets of wheels and tires for track days. Maybe a cage too. __________________ 305 BFG Rivals FTW Youtube Channel

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