[92zrunner]

Hey all. I have a 2010 ABM 1ss/rs 6spd Camaro that I love. It just crossed 44k and has nothing wrong nor is it modded. I was wondering if folks noticed a large difference in the upgrade. The LS3 seems very reliable but saw there were some issues around 2021 with the lifters in the LT1. Was there a way to tell if what run would be bad in a M6 and would you avoid 2021 all together? This is one of those things where I don’t need it and lucky to have what I do but this would likely be my last/only sports car upgrade with a couple small kiddos and this is my fun car.

Carvana says mine is worth 20k but not sure what to gauge on a site like this if that’s reasonable or high/low. I’d also be selling my 92 z28…combining into 1.

[arpad_m]

Whether or not it's worth it depends on what matters to you.

The interior and electronics are miles ahead of the 5th gen, magnetic ride control reigns supreme, the valved dual mode exhaust is a cool touch, but, most importantly, the redesigned (BMW-esque) Alpha chassis with 200+ lbs of weight ditched from the 5th gen Zeta platform is a massive advantage, the car is amazingly good in the corners.

However, if you value straight line performance the most along with the strongly retro look, you may not find enough value in the upgrade.

As to the powertrain, the LT1 is a very stout engine, the LT4 is even better. The Tremec TR-6060 is the best manual trans you can get these days. AFM lifters and crappy oil pumps do suck, but failure rates are very low and there are proven fixes for all known 6th gen powertrain issues.

Back before I got my 2SS, I had already fallen in love with the 5th gen Camaro, but for my purposes and desires there is no comparison overall, the 6th (and last) gen is by far the best.

[2SS Capt]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

Whether or not it's worth it depends on what matters to you.

The interior and electronics are miles ahead of the 5th gen, magnetic ride control reigns supreme, the valved dual mode exhaust is a cool touch, but, most importantly, the redesigned (BMW-esque) Alpha chassis with 200+ lbs of weight ditched from the 5th gen Zeta platform is a massive advantage, the car is amazingly good in the corners.

However, if you value straight line performance the most along with the strongly retro look, you may not find enough value in the upgrade.

As to the powertrain, the LT1 is a very stout engine, the LT4 is even better. The Tremec TR-6060 is the best manual trans you can get these days. AFM lifters and crappy oil pumps do suck, but failure rates are very low and there are proven fixes for all known 6th gen powertrain issues.

Back before I got my 2SS, I had already fallen in love with the 5th gen Camaro, but for my purposes and desires there is no comparison overall, the 6th (and last) gen is by far the best.

I agree with this completely... Very good advice...

[SS_Don]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

Whether or not it's worth it depends on what matters to you.

The interior and electronics are miles ahead of the 5th gen, magnetic ride control reigns supreme, the valved dual mode exhaust is a cool touch, but, most importantly, the redesigned (BMW-esque) Alpha chassis with 200+ lbs of weight ditched from the 5th gen Zeta platform is a massive advantage, the car is amazingly good in the corners.

However, if you value straight line performance the most along with the strongly retro look, you may not find enough value in the upgrade.

As to the powertrain, the LT1 is a very stout engine, the LT4 is even better. The Tremec TR-6060 is the best manual trans you can get these days. AFM lifters and crappy oil pumps do suck, but failure rates are very low and there are proven fixes for all known 6th gen powertrain issues.

Back before I got my 2SS, I had already fallen in love with the 5th gen Camaro, but for my purposes and desires there is no comparison overall, the 6th (and last) gen is by far the best.

I agree with this also. I love my 2SS. Rides and handles great and has more than enough power for my needs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ray3768]

I went from a 2012 1SS M6 to a 2024 2SS M6 this year so I may be able to provide some useful insights. Test drive one, even if it's a V6 model to see how you fit in it. I say this because I find the 6th gen interior to be more cramped than the 5th gen. Not Miata cramped, but it is noticeable when compared to the 5th gen. The seats are firmer but in a good way. The trunk is smaller. The back seat, well what back seat? It's useless as a seat but makes for a great sound dampener.

Of course another factor is what you plan to use the car for. I daily mine and it's fine for long drives. You may not agree.

My car does not have MRC and it's rides firm, but it is not abusive. I like how it rides.

The power is amazing and with the 3:73 gears, it feels more usable on the street. You can definitely get in trouble fast.

The transmission/clutch seems easier to drive. I haven't figured out why, but it's just easier. The clutch engagement point seems more consistent.

I liked the 5th gen brakes better. The 6th gen stops fine, but not quite as good as my old car. I am considering upgrading the fronts to the 1LE setup.

Handling...the 6th gen is next level when compared to the 5th gen. The 5th gen is no slouch in this department but the 6th gen is just...wow! There are some tight, low speed turns (30-40 MPH) on my daily commute. I arrive at work with a big grin on my face everyday. The G-meter on the HUD is like a video game. I'm always trying to get a new high score.

I am glad I purchased the 6th gen. It's a better car overall for my purposes.

-Ray

[LT4Greg]

Yes I would say it’s a worthwhile upgrade. I too had a 2010 2SS LS3/6 speed manual that was modded that I traded in on a new 2016 2SS with a 6 speed transmission that was more nimble driving and the Mag Ride suspension is excellent option. I kept it until 2019 because of wiring issues due to a front end collision 6 months after I bought the car in 2016. I was looking to upgrade to a 2019 1LE SS when I saw the listing for a 2017 ZL1 that was 2 years old and had only 425 miles for a decent price so I traded the 2016 in with no regrets. The main issue with the 2017 and 2018 LT4s are the oil pump’s failure which is sporadic. Luckily mine hasn’t gone out yet but still keeping tabs on it when driving. Also I do like those Recaro seats in the ZL1 and you might look for a SS 1LE that has them. Good luck.

[KingLT1]

5th gen is nice, but the 6th gen is improved in every way other than room. You need a FBO 5th gen to run with a stock 6th gen straight line. On a road course it will never come close. A 6th gen LT1/SS with bolt-ons and E85 will run with a stock 6th gen ZL1 straight line. It doesn't take much to get them to run low 11's @ 122-124 in good air. LT2 manifold, 95mm tb, headers, rotofab, flex fuel sensor, 555r2 on a stock wheel. Friend of mine yesterday went 11.3 @ 123 with LT2, 95mm tb, CAI, tire in -500 da. Stock tune, stock exhaust, 93 pump.

[cdb95z28]

Is water wet?

Yes, the Gen6 is worth it!

I had a 2014 SS 1LE. Now a '22 SS 1LE. And a '95 Z28 too. At every objective metric, the Gen6 is superior. While the subjective viewpoint is to each their own, it's hard to argue against some of the superior Gen6 "feels" when comparing.

Since your Gen5 is an early build, the change would be even larger for you vs what my change was from a refresh '14 SS 1LE as far as ride and handling.

Do It!

[FlukeSS]

Originally Posted by 92zrunner

Hey all. I have a 2010 ABM 1ss/rs 6spd Camaro that I love. It just crossed 44k and has nothing wrong nor is it modded. I was wondering if folks noticed a large difference in the upgrade. The LS3 seems very reliable but saw there were some issues around 2021 with the lifters in the LT1. Was there a way to tell if what run would be bad in a M6 and would you avoid 2021 all together? This is one of those things where I don’t need it and lucky to have what I do but this would likely be my last/only sports car upgrade with a couple small kiddos and this is my fun car.

Carvana says mine is worth 20k but not sure what to gauge on a site like this if that’s reasonable or high/low. I’d also be selling my 92 z28…combining into 1.

Personally,

Disclaimer: I've never owned a 5th gen.

I am of a different opinion than some. I'd rather have the 5th gen over the 6th for upgradeability reasons.

The 5th gen has a better rear end than the 6th gen unless you get a ZL1.

The differential on the 5th gen is known by the nickname, "Grave Digger" because GM could not intentionally break the differential when they tried to. You can pretty much throw anything you want at the 5th gen rear end and it will keep asking for more. I believe I read somewhere the 5th gen rear end is the same rear end in the ZL1's.

Unlike 6th gens outside of the ZL1 category. They need upgraded rear ends at certain power levels. Around 650+ rwhp depending on how you use that power. At a drag strip on a sticky, may not be a wise choice with a stock rear end on the 6th gen. Plenty of people have blown their axles and diffs that way.

Originally Posted by KingLT1

5th gen is nice, but the 6th gen is improved in every way other than room. You need a FBO 5th gen to run with a stock 6th gen straight line. On a road course it will never come close. A 6th gen LT1/SS with bolt-ons and E85 will run with a stock 6th gen ZL1 straight line. It doesn't take much to get them to run low 11's @ 122-124 in good air. LT2 manifold, 95mm tb, headers, rotofab, flex fuel sensor, 555r2 on a stock wheel. Friend of mine yesterday went 11.3 @ 123 with LT2, 95mm tb, CAI, tire in -500 da. Stock tune, stock exhaust, 93 pump.

Also I wish I could make that claim but I cannot yet. 11.6 in about 2500 DA is my best.

[AZIROC]

As someone coming from a 3rd gen iroc (yeah... the car and myself are that old)... the 6th gen (let alone zl1) is SUCH a technological advancement in every category.



Now....from a 5th gen to 6th gen. That's alittle up to the user. Everyone I know who had a 5th gen and got a 6th gen has said it's a completely different (in a good way) car. But at the same time, alot of them also say they miss their 5th gen even though they love their 6th gen.

[Need4Camaro]

I would do the upgrade. You won't look back.

[Keko]

6th gen is better in just about every way. I will say though that the 5th gen was more comfortable as a daily driver.

[redcoats1976]

i own a 5th gen.looked at the 6th,and it was a nice car.lighter and a little faster due to that,but at 6ft2 and 230 i felt cramped in the 6th gen.best thing to do is go drive one and see what you think.

[Gen6cyl]

I knew the first time I drove a Gen 6 I had to have one. I got a new one 2 months later. I'm 5'-7" , 210 lbs it very comfy to me. I have had people 6'+ tall in passenger seat , they were not comfortable.