[Driv200]

ZL1 1LE and/or SS 1LE owners who track. Does anyone know the basic differences between the 17-19 model years? Is the ‘19 that much better? If not, then I could easier find a more affordable manual ‘17 or ‘18.

As for the SS 1LE, has anyone opted to track this due to lower consumables and feel they made the right choice? I can almost make the case. Anyone gone from ZL1 1LE to SS 1LE?

I’m holding out for ZL1 1LE. Any great dealers with great financing departments?

[suzbndt]

Consumables won't be much different. Drop down to 18" wheels you'll save a little. Track insurance would be a little less to boot.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[seanblurr]

I've tracked both extensively. 17' SS 1LE and 18' ZLE. Both are incredible cars in their own right, ZLE is obviously faster. SS1LE was arguably more fun, here's why. ZLE is sometimes just too fast when driven by a quality driver. As in, generally the fastest car at an event. You will undoubtly get stuck behind slower cars every lap.

On the other hand, SS1LE is still damn quick, but it is more on par with other cars out there. I was still one of the quicker cars, but my closing speeds were not crazy and I wasn't getting stuck behind every car. I was actually able to play a bit with cars out there. Sometimes, this = more fun.

SS1LE had cheaper consumables. Slightly better gas mileage, tires lastest about double. For example, front SC3R's on the ZLE cord in the inner edge in about 7-8 heat cycles (basically a day and a half). I would get 3 days out of the SC3's on the SS1LE. Brake pads were similar, they will go a handful of days.

I don't think you can go wrong with either car. Especially now you can find 17' SS 1LE's for so cheap. I won't comment on the differences, but in terms of performance, I don't think there are any... (except the A10).

[mlee]

I had a 17 and a 19 and as far as the track goes no difference.

[Driv200]

That’s fantastic feedback Sean. Thank you for sharing. For me, that opens up a whole host of options with the SS 1LE and makes a purchase a lot less stressful. I completely understand the traffic issue. But this also makes the Corvette GS as an option.

I’ll shop 2018 ZLE manuals also.

Good to know mlee. Thank you.

[Sakudog]

Not sure if this helps but...

I had an 18 ZL1 A10 and now have a 19 ZL1 1LE A10.

The 18 had a failed oil pump, so that sucked, seems to be an issue with late 17 builds.

The 19 has a better back up camera, better infotainment screen.

The 18 was as quick as the 19 on track, once I put the ZL1 1LE aero/wheels on it but it was more comfortable going down the road.

If I was to do it all over again, I would have just kept the 18.

[Zl1+911]

I have had a 18 ZLA10 and now a 18 ZLE 6. I don’t think there is much difference between the years on the track. Obviously ZLE does better on the track - but that wasn’t your question. I have to say, seeing other SS 1LEs, it has made me wonder if the price premium for the ZLE for the purposes of lap time itself is worth it or not. I think a slightly modded SS LE would be equal on most tracks (ask Nicky or another member here -chris - both at NJMP). Nicky probably has a video of him destroying a race prepared ZLE. The advantage of a ZLE is that it’s fast without mods and u get to keep the warranty. If I did not care about 1) rarity 2) stock fast with warranty - I would save $15k and get the SS LE.

*flame suit on*

[Driv200]

Man. Great content guys. So you all know where I am at. Read, watched, and searched every video known to man on the ZLE. The SS 1LE reviews have really caught my attention. Agree with track for track.....is premium worth it? But back at home on weekends between track days, I would want that hoonigan power. As a future buyer, I’m price sensitive. Cash out of pocket for lightly used SS1LE. All my cash and finance the rest for a 2018 manual ZLE is a stretch. Hummmm. Used M7 Z07 on slicks is same or more than ZLE. 2015 Z06 base manual is little less. Grand sport is way more than SS 1LE....so,that’s a no brainer. I’m a track junky, so the stiffer ZLE doesn’t bother me. No payment for a SS 1LE sure would feel nice every month. How can u make the SS 1LE faster? Would love to hear from either of those guys. Trying to bet away from big internal mods. Selling that type of track toy this weekend.

[dbs1]

SS 1LE comes standard with 455hp. Add cai, long tube headers, tune ($2500) and you're pushing 500hp. Leaves room for a dedicated set of track tires and wheels and pads. If that's not enough, a cam and heads for another $4k can add another 75hp and typically no heatsoak issues.

I sold my son my 04 Z06 with a 600bhp 416 to which he added a big brake kit and some racing seats with harness. It is exclusively a track car and at 3100lbs it gets it!

I liked Sean's statement about 650hp being almost too fast. Seems strange, but I get exactly what he is saying.

[L78toLT1]

Have you considered a standard ZL1? It's essentially a ss1LE with a blower. SS would handle slightly better due to less weight, but the ZL1 will be quicker on most tracks due to the extra hp.

[Driv200]

Good points. Appreciate all the feedback. Since starting this post, I learned the gap between 1LE & ZLE has narrowed during COVID with used car market going up. A great deal on a ZLE and a current market 2SS 1LE is only about $10k. For my money, that’s ZLE territory. Earlier this year, it was more like a $30k gap between the two. I did however find a 2SS 1LE with all the correct power mods mentioned above already done. Dyno 540HP at $45k. A 2018 ZLE at $56k still makes sense to me. Right? For track use.

[Markoz28]

ZLE for the win! The SS I’m sure is a fun car but the Z just checks all the boxes. Track, 1/4 mile, auto cross, car shows, cruising. It does it all. No offense to the SS guys but a ZL1 just stands way out in the lineup.

I would still get a ZLE with A10 tho. Just bc I like straight line racing and the A10 is king.

[Zl1+911]

found these track times (somewhat randomly chosen to make my point) super interesting to help OP and this thread - these are from the "best lap time thread"

Barber Motorsports Park - Birmingham, AL
1. 1:34.08 - LG277 in SS 1LE on 305/680 PZero DH slicks, track pads, Video
2. 1:38.11 - CasualGuy in '19 ZL1 1LE on 8/22/2020, OEM Goodyear SC3R, Motul RBF600 brake fluid, see Video
3. 1:39.06 - Steelankles in '17 Camaro SS 1LE on 7/26/20, OE Goodyear SC3, Rotofab CAI dry, track alignment, SRF brake fluid, see Video
4. 1:39.7 - LG277 in SS 1LE on OE Goodyear's, all stock, Video
5. 1:40.10 - Provoste on '17 SS 1LE on 2/10/19, 305/30 19 square Hankook RS4's, on 10.5 x 19 Apex wheels, strut mod for camber, track alignment, OE brake pads Video
6. 1:41.50 - Provoste in '17 SS 1LE on 2/11/17, tires: OE Goodyear's, Mods: brake pads, alignment Video
7. 1:41.90 - mig7410 in '18 ZL1 1LE on 2/10/19, OE Goodyear's, AP Racing brake kit, track alignment Video
8. 1:43.51 - Apex_Missing_Ape in '18 SS 1LE on 10/21/18, all stock, see post #263

Dominion Raceway - Woodford, VA
1. 1:34.32 - FNxR3DNECK in '17 SS 1LE on 4/18/19, 305 square RS4's, track alignment Video
2. 1:34:63 - weemus in '17 SS 1LE on 9/3/20, OEM Goodyear SC3, Track alignment, SRF Brake Fluid, Speigler SS Brake Lines, GM Wickerbill, see Video
3. 1:34.71 - trs1995 in '18 ZL1 1LE on 8/15/19, completely stock Video
4. 1:35.37 - RXtacy in '17 SS 1LE on 4/22/18, Toyo R888R on 18's 295 square, track pads, alignment Video
5. 1:38.505 - Hollard in '17 2SS on 8/15/19, OE Goodyear's, Whipple, CAI, & 2" headers Video

GingerMan Raceway - South Haven, MI
1. 1.35.42 - Boss002 in '17 SS 1LE on 9/20/20, 325 SuperCar3s on 19x12s square, Whipple, E85, Intake/Headers/Exhaust, MCS Coilovers, GOODAero wing, ZL1 1LE front bodywork, Racelouvers hood and fender vents, OMP Seats, Garage Therapy Roll Bar, No back seat, see Video
2. 1:38.23 - Ryephile in '17 SS 1LE on 5/11/19, 3R 305 square, ZL1 brakes, stiffer roll bars, see Video
3. 1:39.27 - PhreddT in '18 ZL1 1LE on 10/8/18, stock, track alignment Video
4. 1:41.04 - Ryephile in '17 SS 1LE on 4/15/17, OE Goodyear's, track pads Video
5. 1:41.15 - Alpha1BC in '17 SS 1LE on 6/20/18, OE Goodyear's, Track alignment Video
6. 1:41.69 - Mountain in '17 SS 1LE, DS2500 Pads, Video
7. 1:42.26 - Osbornsm in '18 SS 1LE, OE Goodyear's, track pads Video
8. 1:42.57 - Jaymsu in '16 2SS on 8/16/17, RE71R tires, SS 1LE front calipers, see post #93
9. 1:44.09 - ZZP_Tyler in '17 2.0 Camaro RS, Federal RS-RR tires, tuned, big brakes, suspension, track pads see post # 441
10. 1:48.00 - artey34 in '18 SS 1LE, OE tires, track alignment, Video
11. 1:48.94 - Sp00ner in '16 2SS A8 on 7/29/18, PS4 tires, track alignment, see post #205


Laguna Seca - Salinas, CA
1. 1:35.70 - seanblurr in '18 ZL1 1LE on 6/8/18, Stock Goodyear's, track alignment, plus a passenger! Video
0. 1:37.78 - Randy Pobst in '17 SS 1LE, Motor Trend Best Driver's Car 2016 Video
2. 1:38.51 - OiminouSS in '17 ZL1 on 11/18/17, PSC2's, track alignment, track pads, ZL1 1LE rear wing Video See Post #47 for timing
3. 1:38.73 - Bensf in '18 ZL1 1LE on 12/30/17, OE G3R's, track alignment Video
4. 1:39.4 - seanblurr in '17 SS 1Le on ???, all stock (alignment?) Video
5. 1:41.01 - JRL1LE in '17 SS 1LE on 1/28/18, RE71R's, track alignment Video
6. 1:59 - Ghostog27 in '17 V6 1LE on 2/17/18, OE Goodyear's, no mods, Video

New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) - Lightning Config - Millville, NJ
1. 1:08.18 - NickyRacerBoy in '17 SS 1LE on 9/21/20, Hoosier A7, LT1 Forged, Rotofab intake, Flex Fuel, Cam Motion Solid Roller Cam, TSP Headers, Straight pipe, see Video
2. 1:12:15 - Zl1+911 in '19 ZL1 1LE on 10/11/20, OE SC3R, BMR rear arms, toe bar and DTC 70s, see Video
3. 1:13.348 - Ichabod in '18 ZL1 1LE, OE Goodyear's, Video
4. 1:14.00 - Yanbags on 3/17/18 in '17 SS 1LE on OE G3's, track alignment, track pads Video
5. 1:14.38 - IntegraR0064 in '19 SS 1LE on 9/28/20, OEM Supercar 3, GM spec track alignment, all tcs/stabilitrak turned off, see post # 1080
6. 1:15.89 - FNxR3DNECK in '17 SS 1LE on 7/19/18, OE Goodyear's, track alignment, catback exhaust
7. 1:16.18 - Ichabod in '17 SS 1LE on 7/2018. OE Goodyear's, stock aside from headers, see post #201

[kropscamaro16]

i only have a 1ss not even a 1le but my buddy has a 1le ss and we were talking at the last track day and we said can you imagine having another 200 extra hp? and we both laughed and said yes lol but it would be scary