[nick112288]

How's it going?

So I'm currently in the market for a ZL1 convertible. I understand there are differences between the convertible and coupe (elsd/PDR/weight/axle ratio), but having never driven the coupe, am I really going to miss these items? Especially just for street use?

Obviously with a convertible I have no plans to race it. A quick spirited drive or acceleration to make the kids giggle is definitely a possibility.

I've had a convertible in the past, so I know I would enjoy it, but it was not even in the same league as a base Camaro convertible. It was a 95 Lebaron.

On the other hand if those items really are that great, I'm not above a coupe with a sunroof, but if I'm going that route I'm also going to be seriously considering a Hellcat.

Only reason I'm even questioning it is I've got no experience with a ELSD in any vehicle and how it performs, or how the slightly taller gear ratio of the convertible acts vs the coupe.

Everyone's input is greatly appreciated!

[BDivine76]

Wow...didn't know the convertible didn't get the eLSD. I think that is part of the magic that let's the coupes put power down so well and would be missed.

That said, if this is a weekend car and you don't plan on using it for anything but fun I find it hard to believe you would miss it. You still get the engine...I doubt slightly taller gears will be an issue as you still have a ton of torque.

I bet the car sounds fantastic for the passengers when the top is down!

[JB'sZL1]

I think the only time you would really feel the taller gears is at high speeds (over 60-70+ mph).

I think what you would really miss is the PTM and loss of more visibility out the rear with the top up...even more restrictive than the coupe.

[nick112288]

Originally Posted by JB'sZL1

I think the only time you would really feel the taller gears is at high speeds (over 60-70+ mph).

I think what you would really miss is the PTM and loss of more visibility out the rear with the top up...even more restrictive than the coupe.

Even worse visibility would suck. But I have to wonder if the PTM would really be missed on a street driven convertible? Maybe it would, I don't know what all it contains, I just did a quick google search of what it is.

[JB'sZL1]

For spirited driving in varying conditions: yes. Just cruising around town, no.

[collinms]

I love using PTM on the street. It makes a sick noise when it kicks in. You get allot of people giving you that wtf look, lol.

[Can'tHave2MuchHP]

Originally Posted by collinms

I love using PTM on the street. It makes a sick noise when it kicks in. You get allot of people giving you that wtf look, lol.

I assume you're talking about Performance Shift Mode where the A10 gets really aggressive? That's not PTM.

PTM is Performance Traction Management. It's a 5 step system that controls suspension, steering, throttle input, and other aspects. They're custom tailored for different kinds of driving and they're available in Track mode only. They're very cool to talk about but in reality, they're unnecessary for most drivers. They're entirely unnecessary on the street. The car in sport mode + track mode exhaust is perfect IMO. You can set the steering lightness independent of the mode as well as the traction control with with competitive mode. There's loads of different settings. I'm still figuring out what I like best for each situation. There actually needs to be a thread started on it figuring all of that out. Perhaps I'll start it when I get the chance.

The loss of ELSD and the weight is the deal breaker for me. I'm just not willing to take the convertible weight handicap on a Camaro as it's already a heavy car. And the ELSD has a lot of magic working for you at all times even if you don't notice it.

All in all, for what you described, a Convertible would be perfect for you.

I'm just the kind of guy that "wants everything I'm supposed to get" if you will. A compromise for me is still a compromise that I'll always be aware of. If you're not like that and can be honest with yourself, then Convertible is for you.

[collinms]

Originally Posted by Can'tHave2MuchHP

I assume you're talking about Performance Shift Mode where the A10 gets really aggressive? That's not PTM.

PTM is Performance Traction Management. It's a 5 step system that controls suspension, steering, throttle input, and other aspects. They're custom tailored for different kinds of driving and they're available in Track mode only. They're very cool to talk about but in reality, they're unnecessary for most drivers. They're entirely unnecessary on the street. The car in sport mode + track mode exhaust is perfect IMO. You can set the steering lightness independent of the mode as well as the traction control with with competitive mode. There's loads of different settings. I'm still figuring out what I like best for each situation. There actually needs to be a thread started on it figuring all of that out. Perhaps I'll start it when I get the chance.

The loss of ELSD and the weight is the deal breaker for me. I'm just not willing to take the convertible weight handicap on a Camaro as it's already a heavy car. And the ELSD has a lot of magic working for you at all times even if you don't notice it.

All in all, for what you described, a Convertible would be perfect for you.

I'm just the kind of guy that "wants everything I'm supposed to get" if you will. A compromise for me is still a compromise that I'll always be aware of. If you're not like that and can be honest with yourself, then Convertible is for you.

No Sir, go floor it on the street in first or 2nd gear with Track sport 1 and you will know what I am talking about. Very loud noise from the exhaust as the car compensates for wheel spin cutting timing. It's my favorite sound the car makes. It is very loud and makes me smile every single time.

[Can'tHave2MuchHP]

Originally Posted by collinms

No Sir, go floor it on the street in first or 2nd gear with Track sport 1 and you will know what I am talking about. Very loud noise from the exhaust as the car compensates for wheel spin cutting timing. It's my favorite sound the car makes. It is very loud and makes me smile every single time.

Odd. Never noticed any difference between the modes.

[collinms]

Originally Posted by Can'tHave2MuchHP

Odd. Never noticed any difference between the modes.

Try and find it because it's crazy loud and sounds amazing. It's just basically pops but extremely fast cutting in and out. It makes the same sound when you have a high rpm set on the launch control.

[Can'tHave2MuchHP]

Originally Posted by collinms

Try and find it because it's crazy loud and sounds amazing. It's just basically pops but extremely fast cutting in and out. It makes the same sound when you have a high rpm set on the launch control.

By chance is your white ZL1 the one Vengeance modified and Cleetus drove in a vid? I see you're near by them...

[collinms]

Originally Posted by Can'tHave2MuchHP

By chance is your white ZL1 the one Vengeance modified and Cleetus drove in a vid? I see you're near by them...

No, sorry my car is stock for now. I did bring my previous C6 and CTS-V to Vengeance though. They are 5 minutes from my house. I watch Cleetus as well, haha.

[Gunkk]

Originally Posted by nick112288

So I'm currently in the market for a ZL1 convertible.

That's the best idea I've heard all day!

(elsd/PDR/weight/axle ratio) am I really going to miss these items? ... I have no plans to race it.

Nope, not on the street. If you REALLY gotta have a PDR, head over to the audio/nav/electronics section and check out the DIY thread about adding PDR.

I've got no experience with a ELSD in any vehicle and how it performs.

ELSD helps the coupes go around corners on the track. Don't think it helps at all in a straight line and if it glitches or breaks it will hurt:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-when-hot.html
The point is you don't need ELSD if you're not tracking the car and it's one more piece of high-tech gear that can fail.

My bone stock zero to sixty on cold stock tires on a local road (first and only attempt without a pax): 3.7 sec That's with wheel spin so it has a couple tenths more in it. Yes the extra 250lbs weight will cost you that last tenth or two, but will you really notice or care? I don't.

What you give up with the vert is more than made up with the wind, whine and roar you get with the top down at WOT. Nothing beats it!

And the ratio of verts to coupes is 1:10... so if you care about collectibility you can't go wrong. My car is 1:~33.

Bottom line is you're either a vert guy or you're not. And if you are then there is only one choice.

[JB'sZL1]

Originally Posted by Gunkk

What you give up with the vert is more than made up with the wind, whine and roar you get with the top down at WOT. Nothing beats it!

Not disagreeing with you, but...

The op is in Indy, not Fla. Many fewer days of driving with the top down. Just sayin'.