New ZLE Owner - Convert from Z06

Checkmate1 · 03-21-2019, 07:06 AM

Hello Friends,

Pleased to inform you that I am now an owner of a New 2018 Garnet Red ZL1 1LE.

I moved to this platform from a 2016 C7 Z06. The car hit road courses at least 2-3 times a year and was a blast on back roads. It also had the DSC Suspension module and DSC Alignment which made it a hot rod miata (in the best possible way) with power being put down beautifully and predictably.

My reason for the switch has to with the lack luster cooling with Oil Temps frequently north of 275' on track (w/ambient temps over 85').
For me to obtain robust track cooling, I'd be looking to spend at least $12k - $20k depending on the vendor and parts.

In addition, being a father to a toddler - I just didn't have the time or more importantly- the funds to pursue an expensive aftermarket solution. That coupled with few chances to drive the 2 seater on weekends cemented my position of letting go of the Z06. I just didn't want to keep looking at an expensive paper weight.

I've owned a number of performance cars prior to the C7 Z06. I was a huge M car fan before they switched to turbos and forgot what steering feel is.

I had the following M cars -

E90 M3 - 2011
E46 M3 - 2003
Z4 M - 2006

So understanding that track time was important to me and so was the ability to haul my kids occasionally and also have an track machine that had robust cooling..I sold my C7 Z06 for the ZL1 1LE.

First pics of my C7 Z06 on track -

The other Chevy

-

2018 ZL1 1LE

CF Dash Trim
PDR
Battery Charger

First Glance

Before I took her away - one last parting shot with the Z06. My buddy applied Track Armor to the entire front in preparation for the 2 hour drive home

Next on to Detail, Polish and then PPF -

Most importantly -

Feedback so far -

That Supercharger whine

Honestly, despite having the same motor in the Z06, you would never know that car had a supercharger.

Raw, Raw, Raw - This car with it's thin rear glass has less insulation bringing that exhaust noise into the cabin with force.

Ride - DSSV dampers. Enough said.

This car is not for the faint hearted. Know what you are buying. I am a road course guy so I know what I have bought into. The Mag Ride in the Z06 definitely spoils you.

The ZL1 (non 1LE) is the one to have if you want the Jekyll and Hyde experience. It rides better (no surprise there) and does the Street + Track duality best.

Forget your spleens if you buy the ZL1 1LE.

As for me, my experience is Track First, Street Second so that explains my purchase.

Mods so far -

Katech PTB
Gorilla Black Wheel Lug Nuts
Michelin PS4S tires (Stock sizes) on OEM Wheels. GYer's are relegated for a dedicated track day set.
ZL1 Addons Lift Pads
Sto N Sho Front Plate (Not happy having to drill 2 holes through the lower air dam )

I look forward to making new friends on here. Cheers.

Markoz28 · 03-21-2019, 07:21 AM

The color of that car is gorgeous!

Scottyz · 03-21-2019, 07:21 AM

Man that colour looks hot!!!!
Congrats on your purchase. That’s a deadly looking car

1hprush · 03-21-2019, 07:26 AM

Congrats on the purchase and just in time for Spring racing!

Realist · 03-21-2019, 07:51 AM

Awesome car, congrats!

Interested to see what your lap times are compared to the Z06.

Driski · 03-21-2019, 08:11 AM

Noice!!! Love the color. Congratulations.

fosterelli · 03-21-2019, 08:14 AM

Welcome brother, I have about 1500 street miles on her so far. For me the ride was more harsh when I bought it...and after acclimating I hardly notice unless I'm trying to drink something without a straw.

harner · 03-21-2019, 08:25 AM

Great write-up and color choice! Just being a lurker here, I have seen quite a few of former Z06 owners move into a ZL1 or ZLE. Welcome!

SJFGTO · 03-21-2019, 09:20 AM

Beautiful color. While pricey, the NX lid really brings the supercharger whine alive. Supposed to be a cooling benefit as well.

Shanekennett · 03-21-2019, 09:50 AM

Love the color! I actually wanted that one but couldn't pass up the deal on mine to justify it. Good luck out there!

Agent K · 03-21-2019, 10:30 AM

Congratulations!!! Beautiful car. Garnet Red was my first color choice. Satin Steel is now my favorite color choice but it wasn't available when I bought my car.

Enjoy the ride.

wnyzl11le · 03-21-2019, 10:34 AM

Thanks for the write up and welcome!

kramard · 03-21-2019, 03:08 PM

Congrats buddy! We will have to roll to an event together sometime soon.

Can'tHave2MuchHP · 03-21-2019, 04:21 PM

Love intro posts like this. Welcome aboard.

03-21-2019, 07:06 AM	#1
Checkmate1 Drives: Garnet Red / ZL1 1LE Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Bel Air, MD Posts: 488	New ZLE Owner - Convert from Z06 Hello Friends, Pleased to inform you that I am now an owner of a New 2018 Garnet Red ZL1 1LE. I moved to this platform from a 2016 C7 Z06. The car hit road courses at least 2-3 times a year and was a blast on back roads. It also had the DSC Suspension module and DSC Alignment which made it a hot rod miata (in the best possible way) with power being put down beautifully and predictably. My reason for the switch has to with the lack luster cooling with Oil Temps frequently north of 275' on track (w/ambient temps over 85'). For me to obtain robust track cooling, I'd be looking to spend at least $12k - $20k depending on the vendor and parts. In addition, being a father to a toddler - I just didn't have the time or more importantly- the funds to pursue an expensive aftermarket solution. That coupled with few chances to drive the 2 seater on weekends cemented my position of letting go of the Z06. I just didn't want to keep looking at an expensive paper weight. I've owned a number of performance cars prior to the C7 Z06. I was a huge M car fan before they switched to turbos and forgot what steering feel is. I had the following M cars - E90 M3 - 2011 E46 M3 - 2003 Z4 M - 2006 So understanding that track time was important to me and so was the ability to haul my kids occasionally and also have an track machine that had robust cooling..I sold my C7 Z06 for the ZL1 1LE. First pics of my C7 Z06 on track - The other Chevy - 2018 ZL1 1LE CF Dash Trim PDR Battery Charger First Glance Before I took her away - one last parting shot with the Z06. My buddy applied Track Armor to the entire front in preparation for the 2 hour drive home Next on to Detail, Polish and then PPF - Most importantly - Feedback so far - That Supercharger whine Honestly, despite having the same motor in the Z06, you would never know that car had a supercharger. Raw, Raw, Raw - This car with it's thin rear glass has less insulation bringing that exhaust noise into the cabin with force. Ride - DSSV dampers. Enough said. This car is not for the faint hearted. Know what you are buying. I am a road course guy so I know what I have bought into. The Mag Ride in the Z06 definitely spoils you. The ZL1 (non 1LE) is the one to have if you want the Jekyll and Hyde experience. It rides better (no surprise there) and does the Street + Track duality best. Forget your spleens if you buy the ZL1 1LE. As for me, my experience is Track First, Street Second so that explains my purchase. Mods so far - Katech PTB Gorilla Black Wheel Lug Nuts Michelin PS4S tires (Stock sizes) on OEM Wheels. GYer's are relegated for a dedicated track day set. ZL1 Addons Lift Pads Sto N Sho Front Plate (Not happy having to drill 2 holes through the lower air dam ) I look forward to making new friends on here. Cheers. Last edited by Checkmate1; 03-21-2019 at 06:18 PM.

03-21-2019, 08:11 AM	#6
Driski Drives: 2016 Camaro Convertible 2SS Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Mass Posts: 756	Noice!!! Love the color. Congratulations. __________________ 2SS Convertible, MRC, NPP, A8, Garnet Red, Blk Bowties GM CAI, Ported TB, Kooks Headers, E85

03-21-2019, 08:25 AM	#8
harner Drives: 2018 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: NEPA Posts: 450	Great write-up and color choice! Just being a lurker here, I have seen quite a few of former Z06 owners move into a ZL1 or ZLE. Welcome! __________________ SOLD! 9/1/2020 2018 ZL1 A10 Hyper Blue - Rotofab CAI, Gibson catback @SurefireDetail OEM ZLE tails/third brake light, Gen5DIY reverse LEDs, front Amber LEDs, SMG laser LED side markers, SMG smoked reflectors 1994 Trans Am LM7/CPT 4L60E/9" 1987 IROC 2006 Silverado

03-21-2019, 09:20 AM	#9
SJFGTO Oh Oh it's Friday Night! Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Nightfall Gray Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Walton Woods Posts: 1,061	Beautiful color. While pricey, the NX lid really brings the supercharger whine alive. Supposed to be a cooling benefit as well. __________________ 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE NFG; ARH 2” headers, catless mids, ARH full exhaust, Lingenfelter 18% lower pulley, ATI Harmonic Balancer, Roto-fab CAI, EE-catch can, TM ported TB, NX Lid, BMR strut tower brace. Aeroforce dual pod interceptor gauges. Tuned by Vengeance Racing!!! 644 HP @ 6250 rpm / 689 trq @ 3660 rpm Four that wanna own me Two that wanna stone me One says she's a friend of mine...

03-21-2019, 09:50 AM	#10
Shanekennett Drives: 2022 Rivian R1T Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Golden, CO Posts: 103 View My Garage	Love the color! I actually wanted that one but couldn't pass up the deal on mine to justify it. Good luck out there! __________________ Hunting for another ZL1 1LE Stohr F1000 - formula car fun 2022 R1T 2015 Macan Turbo Gone-2017 991.2 Turbo S Gone-2018 Raptor, tuned, leveled, tires/wheels Gone-2019 Camaro ZL1 1LE...track toy... Gone-2010 Camaro SS, built NA monster...

03-21-2019, 07:21 AM	#2
Markoz28 Drives: 18 ZL1 nightfall grey A10 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: RGV Texas Posts: 1,527	The color of that car is gorgeous!

03-21-2019, 07:21 AM	#3
Scottyz 2019 ZL1 1LE MY GOON Drives: 1980 Z28 Big Red. Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Stoney Creek Posts: 2,061	Man that colour looks hot!!!! Congrats on your purchase. That’s a deadly looking car

03-21-2019, 07:26 AM	#4
1hprush 2018 ZL1 1LE Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Westfield, IN Posts: 1,010	Congrats on the purchase and just in time for Spring racing!

03-21-2019, 07:51 AM	#5
Realist Drives: No Camaro :( Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chitown Burbs Posts: 1,136	Awesome car, congrats! Interested to see what your lap times are compared to the Z06.

03-21-2019, 08:14 AM	#7
fosterelli Drives: 2019 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 129	Welcome brother, I have about 1500 street miles on her so far. For me the ride was more harsh when I bought it...and after acclimating I hardly notice unless I'm trying to drink something without a straw.

03-21-2019, 10:30 AM	#11
Agent K Drives: 2017 ZL1 6MT Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 190	Congratulations!!! Beautiful car. Garnet Red was my first color choice. Satin Steel is now my favorite color choice but it wasn't available when I bought my car. Enjoy the ride. __________________ 2017 ZL1 Arctic Blue Metallic / 6MT / sunroof / NAV / PDR / RotoFab CAI + dry filter / Tony Mamo TB V1 / Skip Shift Eliminator / Hurst Short Throw Shifter / ZL1 floor mats / Dead Pedal cover (to match other pedals) / ARH Catless 1-7/8" headers + ARH X-pipe + AWE Touring Axle-Back / Diode Dynamic smoked side markers / American Authority tow hook

03-21-2019, 10:34 AM	#12
wnyzl11le Drives: 2019 zl1 1le Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 188	Thanks for the write up and welcome! __________________ 2018 GMC Denali 6.2L 2019 Camaro ZL1 1LE 6 speed Riverside Blue 1LE NAV PDR. PPF entire car

03-21-2019, 03:08 PM	#13
kramard Drives: 2012 BMW 135i Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: MD Posts: 396	Congrats buddy! We will have to roll to an event together sometime soon.

03-21-2019, 04:21 PM	#14
Can'tHave2MuchHP Drives: Fast Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,696	Love intro posts like this. Welcome aboard.

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