[Keko]

Sorry for yet another ZL1 vs ZLE thread, but I am looking for very specific feedback that I have not seen in the other threads that normally devolve into talking about 10/10ths at the track. I'm in the process of finalizing my Z order and am torn between the ZL1 and ZLE. Whenever it ends up arriving, it will be my daily driver. I am fully aware of the tire wear and how stiff the ride is but I am not concerned about that.

However, I am a little concerned about the much shorter 6th gear. In my current work and living situation I do a fair amount of highway driving, and spinning the motor ~500 RPM more to cruise at a reasonable pace seems harmful long term.

Any M6 ZLE daily drivers that see a lot of highway miles have input?

[raptor5244]

Originally Posted by Keko

Sorry for yet another ZL1 vs ZLE thread, but I am looking for very specific feedback that I have not seen in the other threads that normally devolve into talking about 10/10ths at the track. I'm in the process of finalizing my Z order and am torn between the ZL1 and ZLE. Whenever it ends up arriving, it will be my daily driver. I am fully aware of the tire wear and how stiff the ride is but I am not concerned about that.

However, I am a little concerned about the much shorter 6th gear. In my current work and living situation I do a fair amount of highway driving, and spinning the motor ~500 RPM more to cruise at a reasonable pace seems harmful long term.

Any M6 ZLE daily drivers that see a lot of highway miles have input?

No harm, maybe just slightly worse gas mileage and a bit more engine noise. This topic would come up on the Miata forums since the manual has such aggressive gearing. 6th gear is 1:1 and spins at 3200 rpm at 80mph, where the automatic would spin at 2500rpm at the same speed.

[RamAir02]

I agree with raptor -- I wouldn't be too concerned.

I will say I was fairly surprised with the revs at 80 mph when I first got my ZLE. I was used to my 5th gen SS, 1st gen CTS-V and 4th gen f-bodies which were all around 2k RPM at 80 mph.

[Keko]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the ZLE. Really wish you could option the regular ZL1 trans, but I guess I'll have to take it as is. I feel like I would regret it if I don't, especially with 2024 being the last year of ICE Camaro.

[UFDUB]

I have the ZLE. The increase in cruising rpm at 70 or 80 is noticeable to look at, but noise is not an issue. The tires are louder than the exhaust while cruising. And fuel mileage… 20+ on the highway is good to me. The difference in 1-2 mpg at cruising on the highway is not worth caring about. Also, at higher rpm, you get more oil pressure which means more protection. I would not be worrying about rpm at cruise.

[raptor5244]

Originally Posted by Keko

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the ZLE. Really wish you could option the regular ZL1 trans, but I guess I'll have to take it as is. I feel like I would regret it if I don't, especially with 2024 being the last year of ICE Camaro.

Between all the constraints, lack of allocations, etc. it may be 2024 before the car shows up.

In another thread someone mentioned the M6 is now on constraint. I would not be surprised if the ZLE trims has additional constraints.

[Keko]

Originally Posted by raptor5244

Between all the constraints, lack of allocations, etc. it may be 2024 before the car shows up.

In another thread someone mentioned the M6 is now on constraint. I would not be surprised if the ZLE trims has additional constraints.

One of my local dealers has allocations as they sell the most cars in the area (or so they say), but I'm also fine waiting a while. I am expecting a 3-8 month wait but who knows at this point. Gives me more time to prep my finances for PPF and new tires off the rip lol

[Jeauxy]

Just picked up my ZLE. Definitely get that package. I was torn as well but like you, felt that o would’ve regretted it.

[jjgi5150]

Hi all,

My new, still breaking in, ‘22 ZLE M6 has really surprised me. I had a twin ‘18 ZLE M6, and the best freeway mileage it ever got, on cruise control at 75 mph with no wind… was 16 mpg.

The new ‘22, in all the same conditions, is getting 21 mpg. I think it is due to a much improved fuel management program. The new car has none of the “too rich” off-idle stumble the ‘18 had. That was so bad l had to add a TM throttle body to stop the stumbling, but it still ran so rich the exhaust tips were always black.

I believe GM must have listened to the complaints about the fuel management and finally fixed it. Sure it’s still a gas guzzler compared to a practical economy car, but l’m pleased with the increase with the ‘22. I haven’t thrashed on the motor yet, but it feels just as strong or maybe even better than the ‘18 was. Also much better oil pressure in the ‘22. I no longer worry that the oil pump may detonate at any moment like I did in the ’18.

To me the MH3 transmission is absolutely perfect. Great gear spacing and none of that horrible 5-6 drop-off you have in the standard ZL1 M6 trans. Since I have an economy car for any commuting I might do I don’t stress about mileage anyway. But IMO, 20+ mpg in an MH3, 650 hp performance car is still pretty good.

JJ

[RamAir02]

On the way to a track day and after a track day