[Lethal Z]

I really can't decide but think I am leaning in one direction and am curious as to what you guys would do with $1,500-$2,000 if you had to choose between the two below??

1) Borla ATAK catback

or

2) Paint correction, Xcel and ceramic coating

It's gonna be one or the other. Thanks

[Can'tHave2MuchHP]

Option 2. The car needs paint work/aesthetic work more-so than a better exhaust. I chose to do both though.

[harrist5683]

I've done both. I'd chose Option 2. Get that paint corrected and protected now while it's early, and save up later for an exhaust.

[URBAN LEGEND]

Neither. Save the money for gas. This car is great at burning fuel. Really great.

[jbp8653]

I did option 2

[CT ZL1]

Option 1 without a doubt GM did a bad job with this stock exhaust

[soceur77]

Option 2 and pull fuse #51 and solve the problem for option 1 short term

[closs2sx]

if your keeping the car for a long time option 2 if you will trade or sell with in a yr or 2 option 1
doing option 2 now on mine (the entire car for 5500) option 1 on roids will happen next winter so I can break it in work any issues with warranty out and not lose good weather driving time.

[BlaqWhole]

I personally would not spend all the money people are spending on ceramic coating and all that stuff. The paint looks good enough as it is. Wash it frequently, wax it frequently, and that is about all it needs. If it's gonna be in a car show then that's a different story. Otherwise to me it's a waste of money. I would go with the exhaust and other performance mods. I could wash and wax my car for 20 bucks and you can do a ceramic coating and not many people will even notice a difference. However you could throw and exhaust on your and it'll sound a hell of a lot better than a stock ZL1 to even the dumbest idiot out there.

[BMWM.D.]

Personally, I think people go a little crazy with the paint correction and ceramic coating. I have about $600 invested in SunTek film (bumper, headlights, hood insert, rockers, and in front/behind rear wheels). I wouldn’t go nuts with the other stuff, but that’s just me. I’m more bothered by rock chips than the GM paint quality though.

And I’d do headers over an exhaust system. At least then you’ll get some gains and open the exhaust up for later upgrades.

[Lethal Z]

Originally Posted by BlaqWhole

I personally would not spend all the money people are spending on ceramic coating and all that stuff. The paint looks good enough as it is. Wash it frequently, wax it frequently, and that is about all it needs. If it's gonna be in a car show then that's a different story. Otherwise to me it's a waste of money. I would go with the exhaust and other performance mods. I could wash and wax my car for 20 bucks and you can do a ceramic coating and not many people will even notice a difference. However you could throw and exhaust on your and it'll sound a hell of a lot better than a stock ZL1 to even the dumbest idiot out there.

^ This is pretty much where my mind is, thanks. I take excellent care of my vehicles and do not not think I need to do more than periodic polishes and waxes along with regular washes with quality products to maintain the finish. I don't enter it in car shows, so as long as it shines, I'm happy with the finish. I love a loud exhaust and will certainly enjoy that on an ongoing basis.

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I appreciate the input.

[Lethal Z]

Originally Posted by BMWM.D.

Personally, I think people go a little crazy with the paint correction and ceramic coating. I have about $600 invested in SunTek film (bumper, headlights, hood insert, rockers, and in front/behind rear wheels). I wouldn’t go nuts with the other stuff, but that’s just me. I’m more bothered by rock chips than the GM paint quality though.

And I’d do headers over an exhaust system. At least then you’ll get some gains and open the exhaust up for later upgrades.

I don't want to get a tune which is required for headers versus just a bolt-on cat back. Perhaps down the road if I do a pulley I will add the headers.

[Can'tHave2MuchHP]

I detailed mine myself once I got it home. You don't need a Ceramic Coating and you don't need PPF as noted. You also don't need a louder exhaust to attract more cops though, lol. All in all, if you're a good detailer yourself, you'll be fine giving it a finishing polish and Wax and maintaining it's cleanliness with 2 bucket washes or rinseless washes if you're familiar with those. I would strongly suggest a Sealant over a natural wax though. I recently coated my white Duramax with CarPro Reload. I did my white ZL1 with an expensive paste wax and glaze process. I can't tell a damn difference in shine/gloss but I sure know the Reload was WAY easier/faster to apply and will last WAY longer and is WAY more hydrophobic.

I am doing a Corsa Exhaust with a Borla X-Pipe and we'll see how that goes. If you do Headers/anything that messes with the primary cats, you'll need a tune so keep that in mind.

[VAZL1]

Option 2 first, protect the investment. The front end is a magnet for rock chips, should have came with Xpel from the factory.