[Rapid_blue_zl1_22]

I am looking for opinions from people who have owned both SS 1LE and ZL1/ZL1 1LE. I currently have a ZL1 with 1LE aero and some suspension/power upgrades (see signature). I have been toying with the idea of selling the ZL1 and getting an SS 1LE to track instead. The ZL1 is an amazing car, but the SS 1LE is great too. If you have made the switch, What did you like/dislike? This car will get driven on the street, but 90% will be a track car.

[arpad_m]

I've only ever heard of people downgrading their ZL1 to the SS 1LE for autocross because of the weight difference and the supercharger giving them little to no advantage. On a road course, +200 hp is pretty nice to have in the straights and out of turns.

However, this is just my 2 cents', I'm also very interested in expert opinions.

[Rapid_blue_zl1_22]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

I've only ever heard of people downgrading their ZL1 to the SS 1LE for autocross because of the weight difference and the supercharger giving them little to no advantage. On a road course, +200 hp is pretty nice to have in the straights and out of turns.

However, this is just my 2 cents', I'm also very interested in expert opinions.

I have just found that with the extra HP, a lot more heat comes with it. I could do a H/C bolt on SS 1LE and have similar HP to a stock ZL1, and with less heat/weight. Yeah, I could put a 2650 on the ZL1 and get better cooling, but then I'm spending another $8k. Plus most of the parts on the ZL1 would bolt on to the SS 1LE. The brakes are slightly smaller, but the car weighs less.

[N Camarolina]

I can't speak about the ZL1 first-hand, but provided you drive on tracks that have some long straights, I think you will miss the power difference. I myself would not (I chose to "live with" 460 HP/torque) as my focus for track is the corners. But based on the power you've added to your ZL1, I'm guessing you are a HP kind of guy and would miss the 300 HP difference between what you are running now and what the LT1 in the SS can offer.

Sure, you can try to add back a bunch of that power into the LT1, but you'll run the risk of sacrificing reliability, especially if you track it at sustained high rpm.

[NG329]

Originally Posted by N Camarolina

(I chose to "live with" 460 HP/torque) as my focus for track is the corners.

Ummm, I mean, even if your focus is mainly in the corners, why not stay with the ZL1-1LE as it pulls more lateral G’s than the SS-1LE?

For outright cornering and handling, ZL1-1LE > SS (1LE). Maybe not Earth shatteringly better, but it certainly is better in nearly every category with the exception of conservation of consumables (brakes, pads, oils, control arms, etc.).

[Dabjbr]

Originally Posted by NG329

Ummm, I mean, even if your focus is mainly in the corners, why not stay with the ZL1-1LE as it pulls more lateral G’s than the SS-1LE?

For outright cornering and handling, ZL1-1LE > SS (1LE). Maybe not Earth shatteringly better, but it certainly is better in nearly every category with the exception of conservation of consumables (brakes, pads, oils, control arms, etc.).

I could be wrong but I bet it's mostly due to tires then maybe aero. Put 3R's and a wing/splitter on the SS and it's probably just as good... maybe better.

[Rapid_blue_zl1_22]

Originally Posted by N Camarolina

I can't speak about the ZL1 first-hand, but provided you drive on tracks that have some long straights, I think you will miss the power difference. I myself would not (I chose to "live with" 460 HP/torque) as my focus for track is the corners. But based on the power you've added to your ZL1, I'm guessing you are a HP kind of guy and would miss the 300 HP difference between what you are running now and what the LT1 in the SS can offer.

Sure, you can try to add back a bunch of that power into the LT1, but you'll run the risk of sacrificing reliability, especially if you track it at sustained high rpm.

I already have the headers/exhaust/SPL arms/suspension controller/FlexFuel sensor/etc from my current ZL1. I would just transfer what parts I can to the SS 1LE and maybe eventually do heads cam FOR better reliability on track. I am actually the opposite, I feel like I have a bit too much power on track and could see there being a benefit to losing a bit. The SS 1LE will be more consistent power wise as well since it won't be pulling timing when the blower gets heat soaked.

This will 90% be a track car, so I will probably add better aero and suspension down the line. I was also planning to get ZL1 front fenders so I can still run my 1LE wheels with 305/325 SC3R's.

[Msquared]

Guys, he doesn't have the ZL1 1LE. If he did, it would be the faster and better track weapon because it has the extra power but also the extra cooling to keep it happy on track, and it also has a much more track-focused suspension (it's not just the tires). As it is, I think the OP might be happier on track with the lighter, more consistent, and more reliable SS 1LE. If he swapped over the SLP and DSC equipment, it would like be even better just due to the ability to get more camber front and rear and add a more track-focused damper calibration.

[Scargoes]

you don't need ZL1 front fenders to run 11" wheels up front. 11s fit fine with the SS fenders. it does poke a little if you don't run much camber. But another downside(maybe) of running the ZL1 fenders is that you will also need the ZL1 front fascia. ZL1 fenders don't match up with the SS front fascia.

[khcoaching]

I had a stock motor, but modified chassis SLE and went for the ZLE. A few reasons....

1) More power
2) Better electronics
3) Closer 4th-5th gear (M6) spread
4) Functional aero

Sure, I could have spent 20k for a heads/cam/exhaust NA deal and another 5k for the aero, but I still would have the 4-5 gap and not as good electronics.

I LOVED my SLE and am bummed I sold it, but for a lap time, ZLE easily wins. My best in SLE vs the worst in ZLE is 2 seconds per lap and I'm sure the spread would be more if I kept driving it at that track.

Post #268 - https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...594295&page=20

Ken

[DaveC113]

Originally Posted by khcoaching

I had a stock motor, but modified chassis SLE and went for the ZLE. A few reasons....

1) More power
2) Better electronics
3) Closer 4th-5th gear (M6) spread
4) Functional aero

Sure, I could have spent 20k for a heads/cam/exhaust NA deal and another 5k for the aero, but I still would have the 4-5 gap and not as good electronics.

I LOVED my SLE and am bummed I sold it, but for a lap time, ZLE easily wins. My best in SLE vs the worst in ZLE is 2 seconds per lap and I'm sure the spread would be more if I kept driving it at that track.

Post #268 - https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...594295&page=20

Ken

Yup, also massively different suspension, larger brakes and other small things like solid rear cradle bushings. There's significant differences between the SLE and ZLE besides power and wheel/tire package. However, I got my SLE for $39.5k and the ZLE was about $70k, both good values for what they are but not really comparable.

I've been looking into cam/heads and I think you can DIY something for around $5k including new lifters for reliability, get within 50 hp of an LT4 (+100 whp), and rev to 7k. You save around $5k in labor if you do it yourself and it doesn't seem all that bad...

[Badmojo]

I know that this is not the exact comparison that you want. I took a ZL1 as close to a ZL1 1LE as I could, then transitioned to a ZL1 1LE. I added full 1LE aero, 1LE wheels with 3R tires, DSC Sport Controller, etc to the ZL1. Lap times were within .5 seconds of the ZL1 1LE. The main difference is how the cars drove at the limit. Due to the softer suspension, the ZL1 had more corner exit grip, but had excessive understeer. The car was less predictable at the limit, sometimes it would snap instead of a smooth correction. The ZL1 1LE is extremely neutral and predictable. You can find the limits smoothly and bring the car back if you cross the limit. The predictability builds driver confidence and will drive consistently faster laps times than the modded ZL1.



Parts of this comparison are relevant to a higher horsepower SS with aero compared to the ZL1 1LE.

[Rapid_blue_zl1_22]

Originally Posted by Msquared

Guys, he doesn't have the ZL1 1LE. If he did, it would be the faster and better track weapon because it has the extra power but also the extra cooling to keep it happy on track, and it also has a much more track-focused suspension (it's not just the tires). As it is, I think the OP might be happier on track with the lighter, more consistent, and more reliable SS 1LE. If he swapped over the SLP and DSC equipment, it would like be even better just due to the ability to get more camber front and rear and add a more track-focused damper calibration.

Exactly. I did add just about everything to my standard ZL1 that the 1LE has. I put in the subframe bushings, OEM 1LE wing, canards, upper/lower grille, lower cooling ducts, BW brake cooling ducts, etc. Basically my car is a 1LE besides the DSSV suspension, thinner rear glass, and gear ratios in the transmission.

The main reason I am wanting to do this is because the car can't be tracked in the hotter months (I live in Texas, it is always hot) due to the supercharger coolant getting too hot. I have been chasing cooler temperatures for months now with moderate success. I have done a chiller, expansion tank, fender tank, aftermarket oil cooler, FlexFuel sensor, and GMS front impact bar, all in the name of cooler MAT's on track.

I have a few options right now and not sure what I want to do:

1. Swap the OEM blower for a 2650 to keep it cooler. ($8k+)
2. Pull a ton of power out of the car and run higher E%. I don't know if this is even possible. I have very basic bolt ons.
3. Only track it in the cooler months
4. Sell the car and buy an SS 1LE. Transfer most of my parts from the ZL1 over.

At the end of the day, an SS 1LE and a regular ZL1 are very similar cars beside the power difference. If the SS makes close to ZL1 power with less weight and N/A, it would Basically be a 6th Gen Z28. It just seems like a simpler car and less things to worry about. If I keep my ZL1, or if I owned a ZL1 1LE (SS 1LE as well), I would eventually put MCS coilovers on it anyway. That would take the ZL1 1LE out of the equation IMO (fully putting my standard ZL1 on 1LE level).

I am really happy with all of the responses from the group. I appreciate all of the feedback and experiences from everyone.

[SpeZ]

Originally Posted by Rapid_blue_zl1_22

Exactly. I did add just about everything to my standard ZL1 that the 1LE has. I put in the subframe bushings, OEM 1LE wing, canards, upper/lower grille, lower cooling ducts, BW brake cooling ducts, etc. Basically my car is a 1LE besides the DSSV suspension, thinner rear glass, and gear ratios in the transmission.

The main reason I am wanting to do this is because the car can't be tracked in the hotter months (I live in Texas, it is always hot) due to the supercharger coolant getting too hot. I have been chasing cooler temperatures for months now with moderate success. I have done a chiller, expansion tank, fender tank, aftermarket oil cooler, FlexFuel sensor, and GMS front impact bar, all in the name of cooler MAT's on track.

I have a few options right now and not sure what I want to do:

1. Swap the OEM blower for a 2650 to keep it cooler. ($8k+)
2. Pull a ton of power out of the car and run higher E%. I don't know if this is even possible. I have very basic bolt ons.
3. Only track it in the cooler months
4. Sell the car and buy an SS 1LE. Transfer most of my parts from the ZL1 over.

At the end of the day, an SS 1LE and a regular ZL1 are very similar cars beside the power difference. If the SS makes close to ZL1 power with less weight and N/A, it would Basically be a 6th Gen Z28. It just seems like a simpler car and less things to worry about. If I keep my ZL1, or if I owned a ZL1 1LE (SS 1LE as well), I would eventually put MSC coilovers on it anyway. That would take the ZL1 1LE out of the equation IMO (fully putting my standard ZL1 on 1LE level).

I am really happy with all of the responses from the group. I appreciate all of the feedback and experiences from everyone.

I am running the 2300cc blower from callaway and it works really great on track even at 800+ HP.
Manifold air temps are on average at around 140°F when I tracked in April.
With the impact bar removed it will run even cooler.
The callaway uses also a bigger intercooler, it literally starts right above the transmission cooler.
A chiller and a fender tank wont help imo. It just increases the area of picking up more heat from the engine bay.
It will only delay heat soak for a short amount of time.

I only had to install an oil cooler.