It's magnetorheological, actually, and it was made by BWI in China, and you can't order the front shocks any more because the Chinese stopped making them and there are none in stock anywhere. They usually start leaking at around 40,000 miles, it's a factory defect. The rear ones will also leak but major auto parts chains still have some in stock.
I dont have visibility issues in mine. I found once I took the time to adjust my mirrors, it actually took most of the blind spots out. I dont drive mine often, because its mainly a weekend toy, but they are a blast and mask their weight well on the curvy mountain roads here in NE Tennessee. Overall, I am very happy with my ZL1, and I smile every time I drive it. Modified to right at 700whp, I'd say that is the perfect power level for this chassis if you want to drive it on road course and back roads. Great cars all around, and yes... the cup holders do suck. lol
I think they fixed the isolator issue for the 14-15 models. Though I will be checking for it on my 14 when it’s being built. I bought mine, a 2014 black zl1/m6 with 23k miles for $41.5 in January 2024. No regrets. The first year I had to make it look right. Now I’m gathering parts to make it faster. As far as competitive goes, I believe it’s the gearing that’s outdated. The 8-10 speed automatic will kill us every time. But the build ability is there with this car. It has great brakes, and suspension. Can fit decent tires under it. Corners very well. And the sky is the limit with power. And it looks amazing no matter the year. I agreed at first, I liked your tail lights better. And I still hate my trunk. Hate. But my spoiler covers it and I feel I’ve made my car look savage. Great video bro, enjoy that zl1 life
GM claims that it doesn’t affect 14/15 model years however they still used a spring loaded isolator for those years. I believe I read somewhere that their “fix” was to just pack more grease lol. I have heard of 14/15 owners still having issues. And I agree, the gearing for sure makes a difference. Those 10 speeds are no joke! Appreciate you watching!!!
@@CarlosFlores-xf2sn I owned a Pontiac G8 and saw someone swap a 10 speed in it so I do believe it’s possible. Just gonna cost a lot of money and time lol
It's a hit-or-miss on the isolator coupling: GM would replace the entire unit but there was a 50% chance that the new one still had the "Cadillac" spring isolator coupling. The only way to really know is to dismount the intake, but that can only be done by shaving off about two mm off of the "nose" under the intake with a grinder... Hawks motorsports sells solid isolator couplings, or at least they used to, for $22 USD.
it’s totally worth it imo but I’m biased. A 2015 zl1 has been my dream car for years. I’m rocking a 2014 RS right now but hope to upgrade when I get the funds
I had the V6 5th Gen back in the day and use to dream about having this one lol! Im pretty well off now and may go buy one of these now! I typically hate red cars, but I wanted this one in red with the exact wheels you have on it. I remember the visibility being bad at first, but I got use to it. I had the little mirror added onto the side mirrors for the blind spots.
Beautiful car! The poor visibility is part of the driving experience! Those 4 lower gauges are from the 60’s Camaros. It’s not bad placement it’s heritage
Yes yes yes As a 6 gen camaro ss owner I had a 5th gen ss and always thought the 5th gen camaros were more muscle car than the 6 gen. You can get a decent price for one of these right now
@@paulboyadjian5603 I daily drive mine. Some negatives: it gets horrendous gas mileage, the trunk opening is pretty small so kinda hard to fit larger items into, the rear quarter panel is THICC and is a major pain when backing out of a parking lot and ur review camera is dirty. That being said, I still love it and it’s so much fun to drive. Wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Thank you very much for the review. Do you know if the 3.6L V6 have the same issues you mentioned? Could you put the links, where to get the parts for all those issues which can came up, please? 🙏🙏🙏
Bro I'm might buy 1 exactly like urs. Black auto wanted Manuel but oh well it's a 1 owner only 20 thousand miles. I'm gona call a third party inspector to go inspector that zl1 4 me. Man the same here live the 5th gen over the 6th gen
@@severogonzaleziii5549 Nice bro! How much are they asking? Definitely get it inspected, and if the isolator hasn’t been swapped yet ask for a warranty cause then if that goes bad they’ll just probably replace the whole blower.
Asking 37 they were asking 41. They dropped it and yes will ask for the extended warranty because of that isolater issue I've seen right now I have my 2010 ss in the shop wit lots of mods stage 5 btr cam I'm just looking for a bone stock 1 and I've already tried the 2020 camaro ss 1le but I love these ls3 engines easier to work on. Well if make the deal ill pass u my # I'm in texas.
@@severogonzaleziii5549 Nice bro, hopefully you can get it for $37k. I bought mine back in August with 18k miles for $37k so you def should get near that.
Black ones are a nightmare to maintain, GM cheaped out on the paint as usual, as there is no clear coat and the paint scratches really easily; additionally, one can see even specks of dust on the Black ones.
There was a TSB on this SC issue. GM even sent a letter extending the SC warranty to 10 years. Took mine in under warranty and they changed out the SC with the improved coupler from Eaton.
Nice ride. After many years of German and Japanese sports cars I test drove the ZL1 and bought it immediately.. I have a 6th gen with the a10, wish I would have bought the 6spd, even if it’s a little slower.
@@frakplease3771 it's not actually, that's a myth, but even if it were, the automatic transmission is shittier, because one does not get to drive AT ALL: it's the firmware which in the end makes all of the decisions. So if you want to DRIVE instead of BE CHAUFFEURED while you only get to turn the wheel left-right and step on the brake pedal from time to time, you have to buy a manual transmission car, or rip out the automatics and replace them with a manual transmission. Driving is not a video game, nor is it supposed to be like when playing one!
@@Tanner_Teves dude don't "lmfao" me; I have the "NAV" button in the upper right corner of the "MyLink" screen. 2013 versions and onwards have a touchscreen with a navigation system, Sirius XM, Bluetooth, et cetera, and the navigation system is usable on the entire North American continent. There is nothing wrong with it, just because it's from 2013, it works just fine. And no, I'm not writing about "turn by turn" navigation in the driver information center; that's yet another, separate subsystem.
@@Kenthetic now that's possible; I wouldn't know, as I sandwiched in an aftermarket navigation system from 2017 for Europe, which hijacks the capacitance touchscreen if I hold my finger on it for a few seconds; The North American, built-in navigation system is still present and works, but of course is completely lost on the European continent because it doesn't have any maps for it.
@@Tanner_Teves it’s not really a button I think (hope) they are talking about the navigation on the speedometer display. It’s like on the stalk that you use to traverse through the options
@@AnnatarTheMaia Lol that’s completely false, it still has horsepower loss no matter if it’s FI or NA. A stock ZL1 at sea level would make more than a stock ZL1 at 6,000ft above sea level.
It’s actually the complete opposite. DA affects all cars but especially Forced induction cars. For every 800ft of DA you lose ABOUT .1-.2. Colorado is typically around 5-7000 DA. So it is a very considerable difference. This is coming from someone that builds and races cars
@@B_WithThe_C so wait, by writing "it's actually the complete opposite", are you claiming that compared to normally aspirated engines, forced induction engines produce less power at high elevations than normally aspirated ones?
In the town I live in during our heritage festival they brought in a rear wheel Dino meter and a stock one a 2014 ZL1 put 450 horsepower at the rear wheels they're rated at 580 at the crank I seen it live and it wasn't one of the fake dyno test I can see on TH-cam where they only lose like 50 horsepower at the rear wheels and there was a new ZL1 the 650 horse and that put out 510 horsepower at the rear Wheels so the 60 more horsepower it has at the rear wheels above the older ZL1 it lost 20 horsepower out of the 80 horsepower it has at the crank above the old ZL1 .
It's 589 HP (611 on the dynamometer, actually), and yes I'll flame you: the automatic is a complete and utter waste... shoulda bought the manual, it's a peach.
@@AnnatarTheMaia SAE rated is 580hp to the crank, Edmunds dyno’d it stock and it made 497whp which equates to around 584 crank hp…so really we’re splitting hairs here. GM states it’s 580hp so that’s what I said it was. Also, I’m sure the manual is way more fun, but there weren’t any in my area that were near the specs, price, and mileage that I was looking for. The automatic is still plenty fun for me, so idrc what anyone else says.
@@frakplease3771 no, it isn't. You ate the propaganda up. See, you have to understand how the whole thing works. It's not as trivial as you make it out to be.
In Norway the 5th gen zl1 is like $70k, and 5th gen ss is like $40k.. this is minimum prices in norway. I really want to upgrade from ss to zl1, but $70k…. I feel like I’m living in the wrong country:/ You guys are so lucky! Our politicians only want EV’s…🫠🫠🤦♂️
*As pointed out in the comments the 5th Gen ZL1 has the 3rd Gen of MagneRide, not the 1st as stated in the video*
It's magnetorheological, actually, and it was made by BWI in China, and you can't order the front shocks any more because the Chinese stopped making them and there are none in stock anywhere. They usually start leaking at around 40,000 miles, it's a factory defect. The rear ones will also leak but major auto parts chains still have some in stock.
this car is so underrated, it handles like a beast at a track day
I dont have visibility issues in mine. I found once I took the time to adjust my mirrors, it actually took most of the blind spots out. I dont drive mine often, because its mainly a weekend toy, but they are a blast and mask their weight well on the curvy mountain roads here in NE Tennessee. Overall, I am very happy with my ZL1, and I smile every time I drive it. Modified to right at 700whp, I'd say that is the perfect power level for this chassis if you want to drive it on road course and back roads. Great cars all around, and yes... the cup holders do suck. lol
I think they fixed the isolator issue for the 14-15 models. Though I will be checking for it on my 14 when it’s being built.
I bought mine, a 2014 black zl1/m6 with 23k miles for $41.5 in January 2024. No regrets.
The first year I had to make it look right. Now I’m gathering parts to make it faster.
As far as competitive goes, I believe it’s the gearing that’s outdated. The 8-10 speed automatic will kill us every time. But the build ability is there with this car. It has great brakes, and suspension. Can fit decent tires under it. Corners very well. And the sky is the limit with power.
And it looks amazing no matter the year. I agreed at first, I liked your tail lights better. And I still hate my trunk. Hate. But my spoiler covers it and I feel I’ve made my car look savage.
Great video bro, enjoy that zl1 life
GM claims that it doesn’t affect 14/15 model years however they still used a spring loaded isolator for those years. I believe I read somewhere that their “fix” was to just pack more grease lol. I have heard of 14/15 owners still having issues.
And I agree, the gearing for sure makes a difference. Those 10 speeds are no joke!
Appreciate you watching!!!
You think it’s possible to swap a new 8/9/10 gear tranny in one of these ?
@@CarlosFlores-xf2sn I owned a Pontiac G8 and saw someone swap a 10 speed in it so I do believe it’s possible. Just gonna cost a lot of money and time lol
It's a hit-or-miss on the isolator coupling: GM would replace the entire unit but there was a 50% chance that the new one still had the "Cadillac" spring isolator coupling. The only way to really know is to dismount the intake, but that can only be done by shaving off about two mm off of the "nose" under the intake with a grinder... Hawks motorsports sells solid isolator couplings, or at least they used to, for $22 USD.
got mine 2 yrs ago and I love it! I feel special whenever i drive this beast haha it's also a headturner and compliment getter 👍
it’s totally worth it imo but I’m biased. A 2015 zl1 has been my dream car for years. I’m rocking a 2014 RS right now but hope to upgrade when I get the funds
Yes very worth it, it’s fun every drive. I just got one and upgraded from an LT.
Shit looks sick bro, just subbed
Appreciate it bro!
5th gen is the best I miss my zl1 I am getting another one !
Have a 2013 just like that with 6 speed. Incredible car! Looks great too. 😎
down in australia one of these costs around 80-90k AUD but im still looking for one in the upcoming years. amazing car
Yo man this zl1 is dope. I have a 5th gen RS (v6) right now and I can’t decide if I wanna save up for a 2015 zl1 or a 2016 2ss.
I had the V6 5th Gen back in the day and use to dream about having this one lol! Im pretty well off now and may go buy one of these now! I typically hate red cars, but I wanted this one in red with the exact wheels you have on it. I remember the visibility being bad at first, but I got use to it. I had the little mirror added onto the side mirrors for the blind spots.
There are two Red's, a normal one and a deep candy Red. The rarest is metallic Silver.
Looks sharp and mean
Beautiful car! The poor visibility is part of the driving experience! Those 4 lower gauges are from the 60’s Camaros. It’s not bad placement it’s heritage
That’s not first gen mag ride… it’s 3rd generation improving from the 2nd that the ctsv has
@@XxCrazedEvolutionXx You’re right, my bad on that!
The 2010 Camaro Ls is worth buying. And yes 2013 ZL1 is dope and worth buying.
Yes yes yes
As a 6 gen camaro ss owner
I had a 5th gen ss and always thought the 5th gen camaros were more muscle car than the 6 gen.
You can get a decent price for one of these right now
SS is pony, the ZL1 is a race track supercar in a pony car styling.
Great review 👍🏾
@@jestanhargrove8151 Thanks for watching!
Looking into buying on as a daily. Any thoughts?
@@paulboyadjian5603 I daily drive mine. Some negatives: it gets horrendous gas mileage, the trunk opening is pretty small so kinda hard to fit larger items into, the rear quarter panel is THICC and is a major pain when backing out of a parking lot and ur review camera is dirty.
That being said, I still love it and it’s so much fun to drive. Wouldn’t trade it for the world!
@ thanks for the input!
Thank you very much for the review. Do you know if the 3.6L V6 have the same issues you mentioned? Could you put the links, where to get the parts for all those issues which can came up, please? 🙏🙏🙏
I don’t believe the 3.6L has the issues I mentioned. But it may have others I’m unaware of
nice looking ride ...
Yea I already have a 5th Gen ZL1 LSA supercharged 580hp
Bro I'm might buy 1 exactly like urs. Black auto wanted Manuel but oh well it's a 1 owner only 20 thousand miles. I'm gona call a third party inspector to go inspector that zl1 4 me. Man the same here live the 5th gen over the 6th gen
@@severogonzaleziii5549 Nice bro! How much are they asking? Definitely get it inspected, and if the isolator hasn’t been swapped yet ask for a warranty cause then if that goes bad they’ll just probably replace the whole blower.
Asking 37 they were asking 41. They dropped it and yes will ask for the extended warranty because of that isolater issue I've seen right now I have my 2010 ss in the shop wit lots of mods stage 5 btr cam I'm just looking for a bone stock 1 and I've already tried the 2020 camaro ss 1le but I love these ls3 engines easier to work on. Well if make the deal ill pass u my # I'm in texas.
@@severogonzaleziii5549 Nice bro, hopefully you can get it for $37k. I bought mine back in August with 18k miles for $37k so you def should get near that.
Black ones are a nightmare to maintain, GM cheaped out on the paint as usual, as there is no clear coat and the paint scratches really easily; additionally, one can see even specks of dust on the Black ones.
You can update that dash
Update it how? And to what?
Is ur surper charger upgraded there prone to fail therr replacing the isolater prone 2 fail
@@severogonzaleziii5549 Mine has a solid isolator, reinforced brick, and all new snout and case bearings
There was a TSB on this SC issue. GM even sent a letter extending the SC warranty to 10 years. Took mine in under warranty and they changed out the SC with the improved coupler from Eaton.
Wow that Kool on gm part of doing that
Nice ride. After many years of German and Japanese sports cars I test drove the ZL1 and bought it immediately.. I have a 6th gen with the a10, wish I would have bought the 6spd, even if it’s a little slower.
Randy Pobst was faster in a 6th gen manual then he was in the automatic around the race track, so the manual is actually faster, not slower.
@ when and where was this. I’d like to see it
@@digitalgulby Willow Springs. Motortrend.
The auto is faster, despite cherry picking
@@frakplease3771 it's not actually, that's a myth, but even if it were, the automatic transmission is shittier, because one does not get to drive AT ALL: it's the firmware which in the end makes all of the decisions. So if you want to DRIVE instead of BE CHAUFFEURED while you only get to turn the wheel left-right and step on the brake pedal from time to time, you have to buy a manual transmission car, or rip out the automatics and replace them with a manual transmission. Driving is not a video game, nor is it supposed to be like when playing one!
I hear u
I ended buying a 2019 corvette GS 1900 thousand miles oh well
Dude nice!!! I love C7 Grand Sports they are bad ass. Enjoy my friend!
Thanks tanner
@@Tanner_Teves
Don't steal my idea. You can idk but i want those particular wheels so bad for my ctsv. Paint them black and yellow just the ZL1 letters
UM... Navigation is right on the "NAV" button... HELLO, anybody home?
I don’t think the nav works anymore because they were on a 3G network which GM cut off
I’m in the car right now…there is no nav button lol. Think you’re mistaking it for “Fav” for favorites lmfao.
@@Tanner_Teves dude don't "lmfao" me; I have the "NAV" button in the upper right corner of the "MyLink" screen. 2013 versions and onwards have a touchscreen with a navigation system, Sirius XM, Bluetooth, et cetera, and the navigation system is usable on the entire North American continent. There is nothing wrong with it, just because it's from 2013, it works just fine. And no, I'm not writing about "turn by turn" navigation in the driver information center; that's yet another, separate subsystem.
@@Kenthetic now that's possible; I wouldn't know, as I sandwiched in an aftermarket navigation system from 2017 for Europe, which hijacks the capacitance touchscreen if I hold my finger on it for a few seconds; The North American, built-in navigation system is still present and works, but of course is completely lost on the European continent because it doesn't have any maps for it.
@@Tanner_Teves it’s not really a button I think (hope) they are talking about the navigation on the speedometer display. It’s like on the stalk that you use to traverse through the options
You have forced induction so the elevation doesn't matter, FOR THE MOST PART.
@@AnnatarTheMaia Lol that’s completely false, it still has horsepower loss no matter if it’s FI or NA. A stock ZL1 at sea level would make more than a stock ZL1 at 6,000ft above sea level.
It’s actually the complete opposite. DA affects all cars but especially Forced induction cars. For every 800ft of DA you lose ABOUT .1-.2. Colorado is typically around 5-7000 DA. So it is a very considerable difference.
This is coming from someone that builds and races cars
@@B_WithThe_C so wait, by writing "it's actually the complete opposite", are you claiming that compared to normally aspirated engines, forced induction engines produce less power at high elevations than normally aspirated ones?
In the town I live in during our heritage festival they brought in a rear wheel Dino meter and a stock one a 2014 ZL1 put 450 horsepower at the rear wheels they're rated at 580 at the crank I seen it live and it wasn't one of the fake dyno test I can see on TH-cam where they only lose like 50 horsepower at the rear wheels and there was a new ZL1 the 650 horse and that put out 510 horsepower at the rear Wheels so the 60 more horsepower it has at the rear wheels above the older ZL1 it lost 20 horsepower out of the 80 horsepower it has at the crank above the old ZL1 .
It's 589 HP (611 on the dynamometer, actually), and yes I'll flame you: the automatic is a complete and utter waste... shoulda bought the manual, it's a peach.
@@AnnatarTheMaia SAE rated is 580hp to the crank, Edmunds dyno’d it stock and it made 497whp which equates to around 584 crank hp…so really we’re splitting hairs here. GM states it’s 580hp so that’s what I said it was. Also, I’m sure the manual is way more fun, but there weren’t any in my area that were near the specs, price, and mileage that I was looking for. The automatic is still plenty fun for me, so idrc what anyone else says.
Auto is faster
@@frakplease3771 no, it isn't. You ate the propaganda up. See, you have to understand how the whole thing works. It's not as trivial as you make it out to be.
In Norway the 5th gen zl1 is like $70k, and 5th gen ss is like $40k.. this is minimum prices in norway. I really want to upgrade from ss to zl1, but $70k….
I feel like I’m living in the wrong country:/ You guys are so lucky! Our politicians only want EV’s…🫠🫠🤦♂️