[Kashmir]

I’ve had a 2019 SS1LE since January. I love this car, and I don’t even race her. But there are some excellent winding back roads I drive her on when I get the chance.
Lately I’ve been looking at ‘22 ZL1s online and am thinking about trading in and moving up. I can’t think of any good reason other than just because. Like, what am I going to do with 200 more hp other than get arrested?
ZL1s are very unique, I never see them around here. Of course to most people it’s just another Camaro. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen another 1LE variant either.

I’ll probably never take it to a track and certainly not a drag strip. I think it’s just the idea of having that much power at my disposal. Just something cool about it, knowing your car can do what 98% of the cars on the road can’t. And the ZL1 is such a good performance value (as is my SS 1LE).
If I did this I’d get a non 1LE ZL1. I don’t like the wing on the back.

To those who made the move from SS to ZL1, was it that much more satisfying?

[Kmeleon]

Originally Posted by Kashmir

I’ve had a 2019 SS1LE since January. I love this car, and I don’t even race her. But there are some excellent winding back roads I drive her on when I get the chance.
Lately I’ve been looking at ‘22 ZL1s online and am thinking about trading in and moving up. I can’t think of any good reason other than just because. Like, what am I going to do with 200 more hp other than get arrested?
ZL1s are very unique, I never see them around here. Of course to most people it’s just another Camaro. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen another 1LE variant either.

I’ll probably never take it to a track and certainly not a drag strip. I think it’s just the idea of having that much power at my disposal. Just something cool about it, knowing your car can do what 98% of the cars on the road can’t. And the ZL1 is such a good performance value (as is my SS 1LE).


If I did this I’d get a non 1LE ZL1. I don’t like the wing on the back.

To those who made the move from SS to ZL1, was it that much more satisfying?

I'm thinking of doing the same thing but I track the car. Now that I have some track days under me the extra 200hp would be a nice addition. It's the only reason I'm considering it (in 2024). I prefer the 1le wheels over the zl1's. I prefer the matte black hood wrap (I'll do the same on a zl1 if I get one). I prefer the rear wing of the 1le as well. But that 200hp....i need some of that on the track.

But back to your reasoning. If you don't track it I just can't see a reason to step up. The SS 1LE is already a badass car on the street, before I took it to the track I never saw a reason to get a zl1. The extra power on the street will probably just get you more arrested But that being said, if you have the money.... Do what makes you happy.

[pavlos1]

kashmir hello from pa. i made the move up from an ss to a zl/1.i had a 2ss/rs 2014 convertible with a 419 stroker.i went to a 2081 zl/1and could not be happier about it.i am also a 65 yr old gear head.good luck with the new ride.

[JKSully]

Originally Posted by Kashmir

I’ve had a 2019 SS1LE since January. I love this car, and I don’t even race her. But there are some excellent winding back roads I drive her on when I get the chance.
Lately I’ve been looking at ‘22 ZL1s online and am thinking about trading in and moving up. I can’t think of any good reason other than just because. Like, what am I going to do with 200 more hp other than get arrested?
ZL1s are very unique, I never see them around here. Of course to most people it’s just another Camaro. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen another 1LE variant either.

I’ll probably never take it to a track and certainly not a drag strip. I think it’s just the idea of having that much power at my disposal. Just something cool about it, knowing your car can do what 98% of the cars on the road can’t. And the ZL1 is such a good performance value (as is my SS 1LE).
If I did this I’d get a non 1LE ZL1. I don’t like the wing on the back.

To those who made the move from SS to ZL1, was it that much more satisfying?

Out of curiosity - is your 1LE a 1SS or 2SS? I think the ZL1 has many of the upgrades you get from the 2SS package, so if you're moving from a 1SS to a ZL1 you'll notice a lot more differences than if you're moving from a 2SS. The 1LE package adds the head up display to the 1SS, but the other tech/safety upgrades in the 2SS like the rear view mirror camera come to mind.

[Staves]

LOL. I can't even use 70% performance on the streets from my SS without feeling like I'm going to jail.

Get a ZL1 if
A. Money is ZERO issue-you won't even feel it
B. You can handle going from bad to horrid gas mileage (if you drive spiritedly in anyway).

I personally couldn't fathom spending another $25K to get extra performance for the streets when I already have 455HP. Already owned a 700hp Mustang that I only drove on the streets. A complete waste.

[jamala00]

Originally Posted by Staves

LOL. I can't even use 70% performance on the streets from my SS without feeling like I'm going to jail.

Get a ZL1 if
A. Money is ZERO issue-you won't even feel it
B. You can handle going from bad to horrid gas mileage (if you drive spiritedly in anyway).

I personally couldn't fathom spending another $25K to get extra performance for the streets when I already have 455HP. Already owned a 700hp Mustang that I only drove on the streets. A complete waste.

100% That there is the truth.

[Kashmir]

Originally Posted by JKSully

Out of curiosity - is your 1LE a 1SS or 2SS? I think the ZL1 has many of the upgrades you get from the 2SS package, so if you're moving from a 1SS to a ZL1 you'll notice a lot more differences than if you're moving from a 2SS. The 1LE package adds the head up display to the 1SS, but the other tech/safety upgrades in the 2SS like the rear view mirror camera come to mind.

It’s a 1SS, and yeah I have thought about those extra features.

MPG is def a factor. I live in the Memphis area and as of a few days ago 93 gas was still holding at just under $3/gallon at Costco. We’re spoiled, I know. But if we see $100+ oil that’s going to start hurting.
I don’t drive my Camaro every day.

I may just wait til ‘24, the last year or maybe by then I can afford a 911 lol

[Realist]

Go for it if you can afford it. In this section you will get many non-ZL1 owners trying to talk you out of it.

Ask this question in the ZL1 section and you won’t get one prior SS owner who switched to the ZL1 telling you not to do it. You will notice the hp gain even on the street.

Oh I see your post above now. Gas is only going to go up and it seems that may be an issue so no don’t go with a ZL1.

[Jaxcam02]

Do it. I did and im more than happy.

[Staves]

Originally Posted by Realist

Go for it if you can afford it. In this section you will get many non-ZL1 owners trying to talk you out of it.

.

And tons of ZL1 owners saying......go for it! It's a worthless recommendation unless you can afford it easily. If MPG is a factor as you've stated, you're definitely looking at the wrong car.
Otherwise, you'll be one of many ZL1 owners that list their car on here with 3K miles after 3 years.

[hotlap]

I've stayed at the 2SS level in order to be able to drive the engine hard on the street. Seeing the yellow shift lights in a ZL1 would be trouble. The LT1 is approachable. Cost isn't a factor for me.

[Chutzpah]

Not going to try and talk you into or out of a Z.

I just sold my Z and am moving back to a 1SS. For me, the base 1SS trim and power level fits my needs (I’m not tracking it). The power of the Z was difficult to utilize, other than a carefully planned pull here or there (although, it’s pretty spectacular when you do get the chance). Lots of compliments and attention in the Z, but just a bit too fancy for me. I got almost every penny back because of this crazy market. So, that was a another reason…

[UnknownJinX]

Originally Posted by Staves

LOL. I can't even use 70% performance on the streets from my SS without feeling like I'm going to jail.

Get a ZL1 if
A. Money is ZERO issue-you won't even feel it
B. You can handle going from bad to horrid gas mileage (if you drive spiritedly in anyway).

I personally couldn't fathom spending another $25K to get extra performance for the streets when I already have 455HP. Already owned a 700hp Mustang that I only drove on the streets. A complete waste.

My personal thought is pretty close to yours. I think ZL1 is good if you live in Middle of Nowhere, Buttf**k with long straight highways without cops or if you track the car. Even the latter is a "it depends". On the smaller and tighter tracks, ZL1's advantage will be smaller and harder to justify. On bigger tracks with long straights, now we are talking. ZL1 will also eat through consumables a bit faster, like gas, brakes and tires due to its extra power and weight.

But here is the thing: we all love supercharger whine, don't we? Now that could also be worth the extra penny. I think OP needs to do some test driving and decide for themself.

[FarmerFran]

I have always said 500hp is about the max for a good street car. And that is kind of pushing it. I did have a high HP GTO and it was a waste on the street but i raced it just about every weekend.
My opinion and the reason I am in a 392 and not a hellcat.