[bmlocal175]

I saw a thread about this before the new models were out so I wanted to revisit this topic.

I'm trying to justify spending the extra 20k for the ZL1. I know it has 200 more HP and has plenty of other upgrades but is it a night and day difference?

What are real world differences 0-60 and 1/4 mile?

Has anyone driven both or owned both and you can honestly say, "WOW, What a difference!!"

[Mr. Meh]

I own a 2016 2SS and a 2017 ZL1.

Yes. There's a night and day difference in handling, power, seating, etc. The other creature comforts are all the same though. As is the visibility from the cockpit.

20k isn't small money, but you will not have a comparable car for less if you try to make an SS in to a ZL1 in all areas where they differ.

The 0-60 and 1/4mi are published stats and between the two auto variants it's about 0.5s to 60 and 1.1s/12mph in 1/4mi.

But there's more to it than just those two numbers. It's hard to explain really. If you can swing the money. Go ZL1.

Don't break yourself though doing it. If you're only interested in 0 to 60 and 1/4mi and nothing else. Get the SS and mod it up for straight line.

[Joe's_cool_1le]

Or you can get the 1LE and supercharge it. Little less on the amenities but it could out perform a ZL1 in all aspects in my opinion. Not sure what ZL1's and 1LE's are going for right now but when I was looking back in Dec I wanted ZL1 performance but thought the cost difference between the two just didn't add up to me. Though I voided my warranty once I slapped on the Whipple. But I also saved, at the time, more then 10k. Also I think whether or not you want an auto vs manual comes into the picture. I always wanted the manual which the ZL1 offers a 10spd auto which must be rocket that car. Just wasn't for me though but if it was then ZL1 all the way.

[BlaqWhole]

$20K seems like a lot...but trust me, a built engine with an upgraded trans and a blower can easily come out to that price. And that is just some of what the ZL1 has over the SS. Throw in the upgraded suspension parts and that $20K is money well spent. Plus factor in a complete warranty and the re-sale value of the car. The only advantage is that with the SS you can upgrade it over time vs shelling out the extra $20K right up front. So if money is not an issue, then go for the ZL1. Just on the basis of what these engines can handle is enough motivation. If money is an issue, then don't put yourself thru a struggle for the ZL1. Either way both cars are really nice and you'll be happy.

As far as the differences in driving...the 17 1SS felt more powerful bone stock than my bolt-on 2010 2SS felt. And the ZL1 was just out of this world.

[newmoon]

Originally Posted by Joe's_cool_1le

Or you can get the 1LE and supercharge it. Little less on the amenities but it could out perform a ZL1 in all aspects in my opinion. Not sure what ZL1's and 1LE's are going for right now but when I was looking back in Dec I wanted ZL1 performance but thought the cost difference between the two just didn't add up to me. Though I voided my warranty once I slapped on the Whipple. But I also saved, at the time, more then 10k. Also I think whether or not you want an auto vs manual comes into the picture. I always wanted the manual which the ZL1 offers a 10spd auto which must be rocket that car. Just wasn't for me though but if it was then ZL1 all the way.

I wouldn't. If you really want ZL1 power and performance buy one. Going the modified SS path will quickly lead to financial pain due to loss of warranty and loss of all your mod money. Wait 3-4 months and you will see the large discounts to move the remaining 17s. Could see 20% again and pick up a new A10 for low 50s.

[Joe's_cool_1le]

Originally Posted by newmoon

I wouldn't. If you really want ZL1 power and performance buy one. Going the modified SS path will quickly lead to financial pain due to loss of warranty and loss of all your mod money. Wait 3-4 months and you will see the large discounts to move the remaining 17s. Could see 20% again and pick up a new A10 for low 50s.

Mine was based off of a 1LE not an SS. And go ahead and throw a catch can on yours and have something happen internally and lets see how that warranty works out for you. Tons of people mod their cars -even the ZL1 guys.

Again dollar for dollar my 1LE will put down any stock ZL1 around a track or down one. I might need a driver mod though. lol.

[Fraxum]

Having owned both in 5th gens OP as well as a 1LE, if you can afford it go ZL1. Very different and more intense and fun.

And don't bother trying to build a ZL1 on the cheap. You can't get there with car not engineered like the ZL1. That 1LE below was twin turbo charged. I enjoyed the ZL1 more even though the 1LE was faster. The 1LE ended up costing the same as a ZL1 list price.

On the other hand a full bolton SS will perform like a stock ZL1, you do not need a supercharger or turbo. But with a ZL1 you get world class handling and power with a warranty. And much better resale. A modded SS is worth just as much as a stock SS if you are lucky and it you will most likely get fleeced when you trade that SS in for the real thing.

[Joe's_cool_1le]

That's the great thing about these forums. You're are always going to get very good ideas from many different points of view. Good luck on your decision sir and remember either way it will be a great car and you won't be disappointed.

[jdasnt3]

I agree with the other posts. ZL1 would be my choice if I could afford it. Yes, with full bolt ons and E85, you can have your SS keep up with one in a 1/4 mile, but that still doesn't make it the ZL1's equal. I think it is worth the price.

[michaelinmech]

Originally Posted by newmoon

I wouldn't. If you really want ZL1 power and performance buy one. Going the modified SS path will quickly lead to financial pain due to loss of warranty and loss of all your mod money.

"Wait 3-4 months and you will see the large discounts to move the remaining 17s. Could see 20% again and pick up a new A10 for low 50s."

Remind me never to seek betting advice from you

[KingLT1]

If all you want is to go faster, then pick up a 1SS and throw a LT4 supercharger kit (for 4995.00 from ADM performance)on it. You will have ZL1 power on the cheap and you are using factory parts so the resale value should not take a hit. Also the LT1 is plenty strong as is both transmission options.

[BlaqWhole]

You also gotta consider your power goals. From what I have been seeing the SS is good for about 600 hp. Things get a bit dangerous once you get to around 650. The ZL1 tho is right at home well over the 650 range. Even over 900 hp. Plus the trans can hold that kind of power and abuse much easier and a lot longer than the SS. So if 550-600 is all you're looking to make then get the SS. If you're gonna want more, which you will, then get the ZL1.

[Outahand]

ZL1 is made to handle it. No one has mentioned the 9.9" ring gear in the rear.

Contemplated a modded SS but liked the idea of a factory package made to handle it. Smog check, no problem.

If you can pull it off go ZL1.

[BlaqWhole]

Originally Posted by Outahand

ZL1 is made to handle it. No one has mentioned the 9.9" ring gear in the rear.

Contemplated a modded SS but liked the idea of a factory package made to handle it. Smog check, no problem.

If you can pull it off go ZL1.

Exactly. Everything in the ZL1 is made to handle much more power. Even the fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel rails, cooling systems, etc. It is designed much better. And it has much more potential.