What are great alts other than ZL1 and Z06

angryBits · 05-07-2019, 06:40 PM

I'm going to ditch the ZL1 1LE.

I'm tired of the engine problems. Same problems I had with my 2017 Z06. For some reason I just have terrible luck I guess. I've given GM 4 chances by buying 4 different GM cars and all had serious problems (one engine blew up).

I don't want to discuss the problems here, I've done that enough elsewhere.

I'd like to hear what others think are good alternative options.

I like american, but its not a requirement.
I like V8s
I like torque
I like cars that look unique, stand out from the rest.
I like sound.
I like cars that handle WELL
Ideally under 100k or I suffer the pain from my wife.

4 seats would be nice but not required.
I'm open to used, but it must be new enough that it has Android Auto.

The usual suspects I think of (minus GM):
- GT350R
- GT350
- Hellcat Redeye (not such a great handling car)
- Nissan GT-R
- Dodge Viper (used)

Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

EDIT: Since so many have pressed about the "issue" I will mention some details here, but please lets not talk about the issue - I'm really just interested in alternatives. I regret my title choice and should have just gone with "What are great alts other than ZL1 and Z06".

Here's a thread I just created that you guys can thrash me on about my car problems: https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...php?p=10513471

URBAN LEGEND · 05-07-2019, 06:44 PM

Get a Camry.

Ten4Lou · 05-07-2019, 06:45 PM

“Forever” is such a strong word

GT 350 and Viper are both nice.

F419sr1 · 05-07-2019, 06:48 PM

Good luck they all have their own problems

Joshinator99 · 05-07-2019, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryBits

I'm going to ditch the ZL1 1LE.

I'm tired of the engine problems. Same problems I had with my 2017 Z06. For some reason I just have terrible luck I guess. I've given GM 4 chances by buying 4 different GM cars and all had serious problems (one engine blew up).

I don't want to discuss the problems here, I've done that enough elsewhere.

I'd like to hear what others think are good alternative options.

I like american, but its not a requirement.
I like V8s
I like torque
I like cars that look unique, stand out from the rest.
I like sound.
I like cars that handle WELL
Ideally under 100k or I suffer the pain from my wife.

4 seats would be nice but not required.
I'm open to used, but it must be new enough that it has Android Auto.

The usual suspects I think of (minus GM):
- GT350R
- GT350
- Hellcat Redeye (not such a great handling car)
- Nissan GT-R
- Dodge Viper (used)

Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

My brother is having issues on his ‘16 Z06 too. Only 2200 miles and already changing parts. Not good.

I’d look at:

GT500 (coming out soon?)
Hellcat Redeye
Nissan GT-R (with a good gearbox warranty...lol)

Good luck!

bobby35ny · 05-07-2019, 06:53 PM

I cant tell you how many times my boys hellcat has been to the dealer!!

MaskedRacerX · 05-07-2019, 06:58 PM

If you go HC or HC Redeye, get a widebody - not only does it look __much__ better, but it improves the handling quite a bit (I'd take a HC widebody over a Redeye, if the latter was the standard body).

If you like handling, unique, and aren't married to a 4-seater, I'd seriously look into the last generation Viper.

... or really change it up and do something like a 911TT

(I realize that's not a V8, not American, and the engine is in the wrong end, but it's a spectacular vehicle).

Blackdevil77 · 05-07-2019, 07:00 PM

Not sure what your other 2 GM cars were, but the LS powered vehicles are tried and true. Not sure how old you're willing to go, but it would be hard to beat a C6 ZR1 for the cost they're going for now. That and the engine is so overbuilt, not to mention build by hand by one guy right here in the U.S, I can't imagine much else being less likely to give you engine problems.

As far as non GM, I guess try to find a viper if you like handling or hold out for the upcoming GT500.

hammdo · 05-07-2019, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F419sr1

Good luck they all have their own problems

Hate to say it but, this is very true. I joined the various forums and researched. I suggest you do that too. Only way to know what issues folks see - before you buy...

-Don

SJFGTO · 05-07-2019, 07:03 PM

That is awful. I don’t blame you though. The ZE is such an awesome car, but it is no fun if it does not perform as it should. I understand when a car is modded, stuff breaks. But a unreliable factory stock is inexcusable. I have a buddy whose GT 350, bone stock with less than 1000 miles ate its valve train, metal all through the engine. I wonder if auto makers are pushing the envelope of reliability as cars are now 500/600/700 HP. Anywho, I’d consider a used 911 or a GT-R.

ZL1Fan24 · 05-07-2019, 07:12 PM

The GT-R is a much more "bullet-proof" solution. And the fact that it out performs the ZL1 doesn't exactly make the decision a difficult one. The others you listed won't drive or handle as well as your Camaro, but the GT-R will!! If it were my money, I'd go with the Nissan.

LordKevin · 05-07-2019, 07:17 PM

Definitely a GTR. You can get a low mileage 2015-2016 $65-70k. All wheel drive actually can put the power down. Building it has endless possibilities. And unlike camaros, hellcats and mustangs it’s much more exclusive and stands out.

Gunkk · 05-07-2019, 07:20 PM

Which engine issues were not because of mods? IIRC you’ve done a TMTB, npp switch, exhaust, etc. and had issues with each. Was any wiring damaged/replaced after the accident?

Just curious, because for the most part the LT4 has been a very solid engine.

Sorry to hear you’re tossing in the towel.

Best of luck with your next endeavor.

LT4Greg · 05-07-2019, 07:22 PM

Dodge Challenger Hellcat! It’s big and bulky but fast with that 700 plus hp.

05-07-2019, 06:40 PM	#1
angryBits Drives: ZL1 1LE A10 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: CA Posts: 1,093	What are great alts other than ZL1 and Z06 I'm going to ditch the ZL1 1LE. I'm tired of the engine problems. Same problems I had with my 2017 Z06. For some reason I just have terrible luck I guess. I've given GM 4 chances by buying 4 different GM cars and all had serious problems (one engine blew up). I don't want to discuss the problems here, I've done that enough elsewhere. I'd like to hear what others think are good alternative options. I like american, but its not a requirement. I like V8s I like torque I like cars that look unique, stand out from the rest. I like sound. I like cars that handle WELL Ideally under 100k or I suffer the pain from my wife. 4 seats would be nice but not required. I'm open to used, but it must be new enough that it has Android Auto. The usual suspects I think of (minus GM): - GT350R - GT350 - Hellcat Redeye (not such a great handling car) - Nissan GT-R - Dodge Viper (used) Thanks in advance for the suggestions. EDIT: Since so many have pressed about the "issue" I will mention some details here, but please lets not talk about the issue - I'm really just interested in alternatives. I regret my title choice and should have just gone with "What are great alts other than ZL1 and Z06". Here's a thread I just created that you guys can thrash me on about my car problems: https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...php?p=10513471 __________________ Current: 2019 ZL1 1LE A10 Mods: MPS4s Tires \| Borla Atak \| CF Steering Wheel Previous: 2018 ZL1 1LE M6 \| 2017 Z06 Z07 M7 \| 2017 GS A8 \| 2015 ZL1 M6 \| 2013 GT500 Last edited by angryBits; 05-08-2019 at 01:53 PM.

05-07-2019, 06:44 PM	#2
URBAN LEGEND Drives: 20 X3M CP & 19 ZL1 1LE A10 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Brenham, TX Posts: 3,517	Get a Camry. __________________ 🔺22 RS E TRON GT 🔺21 Model S Plaid

05-07-2019, 06:45 PM	#3
Ten4Lou Drives: 2018 ZL1 NGM Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Magnolia, TX Posts: 43	“Forever” is such a strong word GT 350 and Viper are both nice. Last edited by Ten4Lou; 05-07-2019 at 06:48 PM. Reason: Update

05-07-2019, 06:48 PM	#4
F419sr1 Drives: 2017 ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Randolph Posts: 317	Good luck they all have their own problems __________________ Kooks full exhaust, Roto Fab, Whipple,Williams 103, Fore innovation, JRE cam and tuning

05-07-2019, 06:53 PM	#6
bobby35ny Drives: 18 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South East, FL Posts: 3,024	I cant tell you how many times my boys hellcat has been to the dealer!! __________________ 2017 ZL1 M6 Bog City, 2013 ZL1 M6, 2010 2SS M6 ZL1::J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS

05-07-2019, 06:58 PM	#7
MaskedRacerX Drives: Now: GT/PP Vert, Future: ZL1 Vert Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Vilano Beach, FL Posts: 66	If you go HC or HC Redeye, get a widebody - not only does it look __much__ better, but it improves the handling quite a bit (I'd take a HC widebody over a Redeye, if the latter was the standard body). If you like handling, unique, and aren't married to a 4-seater, I'd seriously look into the last generation Viper. ... or really change it up and do something like a 911TT (I realize that's not a V8, not American, and the engine is in the wrong end, but it's a spectacular vehicle).

05-07-2019, 07:00 PM	#8
Blackdevil77 Drives: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, Shelby GT500 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,376	Not sure what your other 2 GM cars were, but the LS powered vehicles are tried and true. Not sure how old you're willing to go, but it would be hard to beat a C6 ZR1 for the cost they're going for now. That and the engine is so overbuilt, not to mention build by hand by one guy right here in the U.S, I can't imagine much else being less likely to give you engine problems. As far as non GM, I guess try to find a viper if you like handling or hold out for the upcoming GT500.

05-07-2019, 07:03 PM	#10
SJFGTO Oh Oh it's Friday Night! Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Nightfall Gray Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Walton Woods Posts: 1,061	That is awful. I don’t blame you though. The ZE is such an awesome car, but it is no fun if it does not perform as it should. I understand when a car is modded, stuff breaks. But a unreliable factory stock is inexcusable. I have a buddy whose GT 350, bone stock with less than 1000 miles ate its valve train, metal all through the engine. I wonder if auto makers are pushing the envelope of reliability as cars are now 500/600/700 HP. Anywho, I’d consider a used 911 or a GT-R. __________________ 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE NFG; ARH 2” headers, catless mids, ARH full exhaust, Lingenfelter 18% lower pulley, ATI Harmonic Balancer, Roto-fab CAI, EE-catch can, TM ported TB, NX Lid, BMR strut tower brace. Aeroforce dual pod interceptor gauges. Tuned by Vengeance Racing!!! 644 HP @ 6250 rpm / 689 trq @ 3660 rpm Four that wanna own me Two that wanna stone me One says she's a friend of mine...

05-07-2019, 07:12 PM	#11
ZL1Fan24 Drives: 2018 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: CHICAGO NW SUBURBS Posts: 43	The GT-R is a much more "bullet-proof" solution. And the fact that it out performs the ZL1 doesn't exactly make the decision a difficult one. The others you listed won't drive or handle as well as your Camaro, but the GT-R will!! If it were my money, I'd go with the Nissan. __________________ *2018 ZL1, CALLAWAY SC750, NFG, 6 Speed, Carbon Fiber Hood Insert, PDR, Carbon Fiber Dash, Tony Mamo V2 TB, Borla S-Type Cat Back Exhaust (Carbon Tips), Hurst Short Shifter, Eibach Performance Springs, IROC Blade Spoiler, GM Dark Lens Kit/Reflectors, Diode Dynamics Smoked LED Side Markers, Wildhammer Carbon Steering Wheel, CF Shift Knob, Titanium Lug Nuts*

05-07-2019, 07:17 PM	#12
LordKevin Drives: 2016 Camaro 2ss Red Hot Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: florida Posts: 135	Definitely a GTR. You can get a low mileage 2015-2016 $65-70k. All wheel drive actually can put the power down. Building it has endless possibilities. And unlike camaros, hellcats and mustangs it’s much more exclusive and stands out. Last edited by LordKevin; 05-07-2019 at 07:28 PM.

05-07-2019, 07:20 PM	#13
Gunkk Thank you Al Oppenheiser! Drives: Red Hot A10 ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 4,973 View My Garage	Which engine issues were not because of mods? IIRC you’ve done a TMTB, npp switch, exhaust, etc. and had issues with each. Was any wiring damaged/replaced after the accident? Just curious, because for the most part the LT4 has been a very solid engine. Sorry to hear you’re tossing in the towel. Best of luck with your next endeavor.

05-07-2019, 07:22 PM	#14
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,809	Dodge Challenger Hellcat! It’s big and bulky but fast with that 700 plus hp. __________________ 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.