1SS VS ZL1

cbell386 · 10-29-2021, 12:03 PM

Looking at switching to the muscle car world and have a few questions, hopefully I dont get flamed to much for this. Mind you I dont know much about Camaros. My current car is a 2018 WRX STI, but the power levels I want and how California is with smog has became to much of a pain lately.

Im currently debating between the 1SS or the ZL1, and I know one comes with more features and a supercharger. But is it worth it for the extra money? I plan on getting a larger supercharger or putting on a twin turbo kit in the future, upgrading the fuel system for E85 with supporting mods. Better rims and tires, and upgrading the brakes along with Recaro bucket seats. So once all that is done, would the ZL1 have everything removed that makes it the ZL1? Or would the better version be get the ZL1 and modify it from there?

The car will be used for street driving maybe 2-3 days out of the week, and then also the track.

Fak_Ork · 10-29-2021, 12:16 PM

Given that your SS mods would probably duplicate ZL1 performance I'd say just get the ZL1, enjoy the warranty and be done with it if you can afford that.

MP3BOOSTED · 10-29-2021, 12:26 PM

my regret with my build is not starting with a ZL1, would of been cheaper if i went that route as far as going with a crazier build. however, living in california i'd personally not modify a car and daily it there. I would say your biggest difference is cost of gas especially coming from a sti to now probably a twin turbo or faster build of a car. my 2 cents, get a zl1 if you are already comparing the two, if price isn't an issue its your best bang for the buck. Dont be like a lot of the SS guys where we want to move into a zl1 later down the road.

LT4Greg · 10-29-2021, 12:47 PM

I upgraded from a 2016 2SS to a used low mileage 2017 ZL1 back in 2019 and have no regrets so far. If you can afford a ZL1 then I say go for it but the decision ultimately lies with you.

ctrlz · 10-29-2021, 12:55 PM

This topic has come up several times before. Consensus always seems to be get the ZL1 upfront if you can afford it.
Makes sense to me from a warranty, appearance, and potential resale standpoint.
I'm guessing your smog inspections are going to be friendlier toward a non-modified car too.

kropscamaro16 · 10-29-2021, 01:26 PM

why not 1ss or 2ss 1le? if you are going to be tracking it may be a better option

m6-lt1 · 10-29-2021, 01:37 PM

You are in California. Adding that stuff to an SS will certainly make it not legal. Just get the zl1 and keep it stock. Maybe if they make carb legal super chargers you can mod the zl1. I’d buy the zl1, do a couple track days and see if you truly need more power or if the money would be better spent on more track time. Again because you are in California I would just not mod either of the cars at all.

raptor5244 · 10-29-2021, 01:44 PM

If you can swing it, get the ZL1. You will be happy right out the gate, the car is a beast.

Idaho2018GTPremium · 10-29-2021, 01:51 PM

If you can afford it, get the ZL1. It's a beast. You may find that you don't have to change much out to get to where you want to be. An SS is a huge performance upgrade over an STI, and the ZL1 is a huge performance upgrade over the SS. So jumping from an STI to a ZL1 will be a massive increase in performance potential.

Just to be clear to the OP, a ZL1 is not just an SS with a supercharger. It has many, many performance upgrades compared to an SS. The LT4 in the ZL1 is fully forged, and can handle a lot more power than an LT1. The ZL1 transmissions are stronger. The suspension is better (higher level and comes with Magnetic Dampers). The brakes are huge Brembos (even bigger than the SS 1LE brakes), the wheels are forged aluminum, flared fenders to cover the larger wheels/tires, and it has aero to eliminate lift, component cooling, electronic LSD, heated/cooled Recaros, etc. Also, the styling/design updates you get with a ZL1 are very nice.

Not to mention the creature comforts difference between a 1SS and a ZL1 is large. If you mod an SS to equal a ZL1, you still just have an SS with the value of an SS, but will have invested 10s of thousands of dollars to get it to ZL1 levels.

raptor5244 · 10-29-2021, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idaho2018GTPremium

If you can afford it, get the ZL1. It's a beast. You may find that you don't have to change much out to get to where you want to be. An SS is a huge performance upgrade over an STI, and the ZL1 is a huge performance upgrade over the SS. So jumping from an STI to a ZL1 will be a massive increase in performance potential.

Just to be clear to the OP, a ZL1 is not just an SS with a supercharger. It has many, many performance upgrades compared to an SS. The LT4 in the ZL1 is fully forged, and can handle a lot more power than an LT1. The ZL1 transmissions are stronger. The suspension is better (higher level and comes with Magnetic Dampers). The brakes are huge Brembos (even bigger than the SS 1LE brakes), the wheels are forged aluminum, flared fenders to cover the larger wheels/tires, and it has aero to eliminate lift, component cooling, electronic LSD, heated/cooled Recaros, etc. Also, the styling/design updates you get with a ZL1 are very nice.

Not to mention the creature comforts difference between a 1SS and a ZL1 is large. If you mod an SS to equal a ZL1, you still just have an SS with the value of an SS, but will have invested 10s of thousands of dollars to get it to ZL1 levels.

Agreed, I owned a 2016 2SS with the A8 and now have a 2021 ZL1 with A10 and I consider it a huge upgrade. The ZL1 is the total package and a great value if you compare it to anything else available on the market.

GearheadSS · 10-29-2021, 02:14 PM

Soo...you want to get rid of the WRX because of the smog hoops but you want to buy a SS or ZL1 and then mod so that you'll have more smog hoops to jump through?

I'm confused.

kropscamaro16 · 10-29-2021, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GearheadSS

Soo...you want to get rid of the WRX because of the smog hoops but you want to buy a SS or ZL1 and then mod so that you'll have more smog hoops to jump through?

I'm confused.

you dont have to smog a new car for 8 years in cali so im in same boat lol once i hit 8 years i gotta sell it or move out of states or ...

sactownbwoy · 10-29-2021, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m6-lt1

You are in California. Adding that stuff to an SS will certainly make it not legal. Just get the zl1 and keep it stock. Maybe if they make carb legal super chargers you can mod the zl1. I’d buy the zl1, do a couple track days and see if you truly need more power or if the money would be better spent on more track time. Again because you are in California I would just not mod either of the cars at all.

There are smog legal superchargers for the Camaro currently on the market. What sucks about California is the car culture is huge here but the regulations and state are against it.

kropscamaro16 · 10-29-2021, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sactownbwoy

There are smog legal superchargers for the Camaro currently on the market. What sucks about California is the car culture is huge here but the regulations and state are against it.

yup but those tunes suck so even if you throw one on you cant tune it or add other supporting mods lol my car has intake exhaust headers and tune no e85 and its 100% illegal pretty shitty

10-29-2021, 12:03 PM	#1
cbell386 Drives: Subaru STI Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: CA Posts: 1	1SS VS ZL1 Looking at switching to the muscle car world and have a few questions, hopefully I dont get flamed to much for this. Mind you I dont know much about Camaros. My current car is a 2018 WRX STI, but the power levels I want and how California is with smog has became to much of a pain lately. Im currently debating between the 1SS or the ZL1, and I know one comes with more features and a supercharger. But is it worth it for the extra money? I plan on getting a larger supercharger or putting on a twin turbo kit in the future, upgrading the fuel system for E85 with supporting mods. Better rims and tires, and upgrading the brakes along with Recaro bucket seats. So once all that is done, would the ZL1 have everything removed that makes it the ZL1? Or would the better version be get the ZL1 and modify it from there? The car will be used for street driving maybe 2-3 days out of the week, and then also the track.

10-29-2021, 12:26 PM	#3
MP3BOOSTED Drives: 2017 Camaro SS 1LE (F1A-94 FBO H/C) Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: San Antonio Texas Posts: 844	my regret with my build is not starting with a ZL1, would of been cheaper if i went that route as far as going with a crazier build. however, living in california i'd personally not modify a car and daily it there. I would say your biggest difference is cost of gas especially coming from a sti to now probably a twin turbo or faster build of a car. my 2 cents, get a zl1 if you are already comparing the two, if price isn't an issue its your best bang for the buck. Dont be like a lot of the SS guys where we want to move into a zl1 later down the road. __________________ Performance Mods: F1A-94, DSX Flex Fuel Kit, MSD Spark Plug Wires, KOOK 2" off road headers, MBRP Race catback exhaust, Pray Performance Custom Boost Cam, Rocker Arm Trunion Upgrade Kit, 7.850" Hardened Chromemoly Length Pushrods and Johnson Racing 2110R Lifters, TSP CNC'd Heads, Ported MSD intake manifold, 103mm Katech Throttle body, Forged Pistons/Rods, RPM Meth kit, DSX Aux Fuel system, AEM Failsafe and banks gauge, LT4 HPFP, LT4 injectors, BMR motor mounts, Hurst Short Throw, Manley SS exhaust valves Videos of my car? Check here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNi...Qy1OL4NVGlPogw

10-29-2021, 12:47 PM	#4
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,869	I upgraded from a 2016 2SS to a used low mileage 2017 ZL1 back in 2019 and have no regrets so far. If you can afford a ZL1 then I say go for it but the decision ultimately lies with you. __________________ ZL1 Coupe, PDR, Exposed carbon fiber hood insert, My Link with Nav, M6 6 speed and Silver Ice Metallic. Mods done: ceramic window tint, GM Accessories Camaro floor mats and Roto-Fab CAI.

10-29-2021, 01:26 PM	#6
kropscamaro16 Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 909 Posts: 10,130	why not 1ss or 2ss 1le? if you are going to be tracking it may be a better option __________________ 16 1SS NIGHTFALL GRAY METALLIC WITH NPP #BECAUSERACECAR #SAVETHEMANUALS

10-29-2021, 01:44 PM	#8
raptor5244 Drives: 2022 CT4-V Blackwing Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 2,723	If you can swing it, get the ZL1. You will be happy right out the gate, the car is a beast. __________________ 2002 Corvette Z06 - Black - Sold 2013 Camaro SS 1LE - Black - M6 - Sold 2016 Camaro SS - Mosaic Black - A8 - Sold 2017 C7 Stingray - M7 Coupe - Sold 2019 C7 Grand Sport M7 Vert - Sold 2021 Camaro ZL1 - Black - A10 - Sold 2019 Tesla Model 3 2022 CT4-V Blackwing - M6

10-29-2021, 12:16 PM	#2
Fak_Ork Drives: Silverado RST 21, 3.0, Crew, Z71 Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Nebraska Posts: 93	Given that your SS mods would probably duplicate ZL1 performance I'd say just get the ZL1, enjoy the warranty and be done with it if you can afford that.

10-29-2021, 12:55 PM	#5
ctrlz Drives: 2017 2SS, 50th pkg, M6, MRC, NPP Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ocean City, NJ Posts: 3,558	This topic has come up several times before. Consensus always seems to be get the ZL1 upfront if you can afford it. Makes sense to me from a warranty, appearance, and potential resale standpoint. I'm guessing your smog inspections are going to be friendlier toward a non-modified car too.

10-29-2021, 01:37 PM	#7
m6-lt1 Drives: 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS 1LE Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,599	You are in California. Adding that stuff to an SS will certainly make it not legal. Just get the zl1 and keep it stock. Maybe if they make carb legal super chargers you can mod the zl1. I’d buy the zl1, do a couple track days and see if you truly need more power or if the money would be better spent on more track time. Again because you are in California I would just not mod either of the cars at all.

10-29-2021, 01:51 PM	#9
Idaho2018GTPremium Drives: 2021 Camaro ZL1 A10 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,240	If you can afford it, get the ZL1. It's a beast. You may find that you don't have to change much out to get to where you want to be. An SS is a huge performance upgrade over an STI, and the ZL1 is a huge performance upgrade over the SS. So jumping from an STI to a ZL1 will be a massive increase in performance potential. Just to be clear to the OP, a ZL1 is not just an SS with a supercharger. It has many, many performance upgrades compared to an SS. The LT4 in the ZL1 is fully forged, and can handle a lot more power than an LT1. The ZL1 transmissions are stronger. The suspension is better (higher level and comes with Magnetic Dampers). The brakes are huge Brembos (even bigger than the SS 1LE brakes), the wheels are forged aluminum, flared fenders to cover the larger wheels/tires, and it has aero to eliminate lift, component cooling, electronic LSD, heated/cooled Recaros, etc. Also, the styling/design updates you get with a ZL1 are very nice. Not to mention the creature comforts difference between a 1SS and a ZL1 is large. If you mod an SS to equal a ZL1, you still just have an SS with the value of an SS, but will have invested 10s of thousands of dollars to get it to ZL1 levels. __________________ 2021 Camaro ZL1 A10 2022 GR Supra 3.0 Past: 2018 Mustang GT Premium w/ PP1, MR, and A10 2007 MazdaSpeed3 1995 Pontiac Trans Am 1987 Camaro Z28

10-29-2021, 02:14 PM	#11
GearheadSS Drives: 23 LT1/86 IROC-Z Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Greenville, Tx Posts: 5,041 View My Garage	Soo...you want to get rid of the WRX because of the smog hoops but you want to buy a SS or ZL1 and then mod so that you'll have more smog hoops to jump through? I'm confused.

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