Camaro: I blame yamahog for having one - edition

"Lekker" (z34nismo)
05/11/2015 at 17:07 • Filed to: camaro

So thanks to the recent article “why your car sucks: 2015 camaro ss 1le”, and all the hype for the new one to be unveiled in a few days.. I started looking at Camaros again, not that there is anything wrong with that. I wrote a short review of one I test drove a while back even..

To put things into perspective, I’m used to “small” ,V6 corner-hugging sports cars. But now that I’ve been in the Midwest for almost 2 years now.. I realize there are not many curvy roads. I also realize how glorious that V8 drives and how tight the steering is in the 1LE, or how the suspension is firm yet not back-breakingly stiff like my current 370. It has bad visibility, sure, but so does my current ride so whatever. I need nothing no more useful than a 2 seater with literally no trunk, so I’m not concerned with the lack of rear-seat space or small trunk. The Camaro just seems so... appealing...

There are some new ones at the local Chevy dealers, but no 1LE’s, just the SS. I know the 1LE gives you a different 6-speed (or is it that it is only offered in manual?), flat-bottomed steering wheel and some suspension bits from the ZL1, but what else is there to it? I know it is around 3/4k for the 1LE package, but since I am planning this for the long run, I can go one way or another. I learned from buying my current ride that I much prefer buying the “base” version of a car and allowing me to make the mods. It’s much more rewarding, but also ruins your warranty. Which brings me to the next point, would it even be worth getting the current gen when the next generation that will drop around 300/400lbs, have magnetic ride and other interesting sounding bits and bobs, is about to get released this week? I could use the chance for a discount if I get the previous gen, but I could also get a better car if I choose the new generation.

My question is out for any current Camaro drivers, and speak out about their rides. the good, bad, and evil. Perhaps a chance for Yamahog to step in and enlighten me with your thoughts and experience so far, things like nuances would be welcomed :)

DISCUSSION (17)

yamahog > Lekker
05/11/2015 at 17:25

Mwahaha I’m a bad influence :)

1LE is only offered with the Tremec TR6060 6MT

http://www.zl1registry.com/1le-specs-2014… has allllll the details of the 1LE package improvements, as well as the upgrades for 14-15 model years

Now, as to whether or not it’s worth waiting for the next one: That does seems like the smart thing to do at this point since the 15MY order cutoff has passed, but keep in mind there might not be a 1LE package in the first model year, if at all. The main reason I didn’t wait is because quite frankly my Jeep can’t take much more, captain!

My long-term plan is to DD and track it while I pay it off, then strip it out and go crazy full-time track car and lease an ATS-V or whatever looks good when I'm 30.

Dean Beyer > Lekker
05/11/2015 at 17:30

Wait and see the 2016. I have a feeling it’ll be worth it.

The Real Dacia Sandero > Lekker
05/11/2015 at 17:33

At least wait a bit. If the new one has what you want, go for that. If it doesn’t, then go argue off a few $$$ off of one of the “older” 1LE models.

AM > Lekker
05/11/2015 at 17:39

Visibility and overall interior quality aside, the Camaro is literally perfect. It has a fantastic suspension on the SS+, especially with the 1LE package. The V8 performs very well and it sounds great. Overall, it’s just a good sports car and it doesn’t try to hide anything about itself. It’s big, enormous actually but it looks sexy and muscular. Does it need improvement in some areas? Yes, but what car doesn’t. Is it worth the money? I truly think it is.

Lekker > yamahog
05/11/2015 at 17:56

Now that sounds like a well thought out plan. I was on the same boat with my Z, since it can be a powerhouse if I choose to go FI, but I’m not sure I want to make a NA to FI conversion since I’ll pretty much be reducing the lifespan of the components to a quarter of what their normal life expectancy is. Now getting something that comes out of the box with a fire breathing V8... Hang on I.. need a second.

I knew about the tremec, but I didn’t know if that was the standard 6-speed available or if it differed in any way, thanks for the link!

What about anything personally that you’re just finding out, little quirks perhaps, or stuff you wouldn’t know unless you live with it? for example how large is it really when you’re in the road or trying to park it inside a garage? how is the turning radius for u-turns or stuff like that.

Lekker > Dean Beyer
05/11/2015 at 17:56

I mean I’m not purchasing in 5 days.... but holy hell would I love to have a 6th gen based on the mentioned advances.

Lekker > The Real Dacia Sandero
05/11/2015 at 17:57

that’s pretty much my logic here, if I wait its a win-win. I can see what the new one has, AND the “older” which can still be gotten new, will be cheaper

Lekker > AM
05/11/2015 at 17:58

Very sound advice, and just what I was hoping to hear. All cars have downfalls, it just depends in what area. My Z’s? too freaking stiff for a road car (made cornering in the track increadibly smooth tho), and the v6 is only really alive in the higher RPM range, which you only really exploit at the track.

yamahog > Lekker
05/11/2015 at 18:05

No problem :) I’m not sure what you’re driving now, but once I got a feel for the dimensions I haven’t had any issues driving around or parking in our garage, and I keep my bike on the side of the garage too. Just have to be careful with the splitter and leaving yourself enough room on the driver’s side to get out. U-turn radius is good. I’m overly cautious with it and tend to be a very defensive driver on public roads anyway, but you’ll definitely want to swerve potholes and watch the curbs, allegedly the black paint on the wheels chips very easily.

Also you might want to check out the 1LE forum on Camaro5, tons of info there too.

AM > Lekker
05/11/2015 at 18:13

Glad I could help out! Also, I meant to add that all manual V8 models come with the Tremec TR6060 transmission standard, including the regular SS. The V6 manual comes with the AY6 gearbox provided by Aisin.

I would wait for the 6th gen to be released first as well because it looks to be very promising based on the info that’s been provided. LT1 out of the Vette is an excellent engine and it could also end up getting the 7-spd manual which supposedly works pretty well. Also, Magnetic Ride Control :]

Lekker > AM
05/11/2015 at 18:21

MAGNETIC FREAKING RIDE CONTROL .... I mean... WANT! Making a car as soft and comfy during daily drives and stiff at the track? a humble car person can not ask for anything more

AM > Lekker
05/11/2015 at 18:33

It’s basically going to be a Corvette-powered ATS Coupe! Nobody does magnaride as good as GM and their MRC.

Lekker > AM
05/11/2015 at 18:58

Yeah........... I need that in my life

camaroboy68ss > Lekker
05/11/2015 at 19:12

Well I’ve driven 4/5 generations of Camaros each one is the V8 car, one I6 67, and can say that each gen is wildly different.

1st gen - 68 SS/RS 327ci/4speed

It’s an old car braking sucks, lots of body roll but lots of glorious V8 noise

3rd gen - 91 Z28 convertible 305tpi/700R4

Handles really well but it’s a gutless wonder. The drop top gives the body massive amounts of flex.

4th gen - 98 SS ttop ls1/6spd

Amazing handeing car, loads of power. Has typical late 90s GM build issues. These are great bargains on the used market

5th gen - 14 SS/RS L99

I've only owned the 14 for about two weeks now and love it. It's more cramped than the 4th gen. But the ride is is nice and gets with the program.

AM > Lekker
05/11/2015 at 19:19

If I was $60k richer, I’d be buying one.

Lekker > camaroboy68ss
05/11/2015 at 19:21

That is precisely what I was looking for, someone who knows the lineage and previous gens. Thank you for your comment. What is your favorite thing about the 5th gen?

camaroboy68ss > Lekker
05/11/2015 at 20:00

I would say the ride when just driving it. It's smooth and confortable but just enough firmness to take corners on a Sunday drive. I love it for going to work in while I still prefer to hop in my 68 on the weekends