As far as the handling and response, it was most definitely all Camaro. Even with a slightly beefed-up suspension, the handling package still felt like a big car with good tires.One thing I really enjoyed was the sound of the chambered exhaust. It had a nice pop when you let off the gas and a nice loud bark when the go pedal was mashed. I enjoy a loud, tuned sound. It was almost as if I was driving something far more exotic than the reality.
However, if you are the type that prefers not to listen to the exhaust resonate through the interior, then you'll definitely want to change the exhaust system from the chambered style to an easy-on-the-ears muffler style.
All in all, I had a lot of fun in the short time with the ZL1 and would definitely say it impressed me with its power. But in all honesty, a '02 SS with the LS1 would bring me just as much excitement as a late-model Camaro should, without needing a few more modifications overall. -Jason Walker
The first trip home I had in the ZL1 was spent in bumper-to-bumper freeway traffic, but the Camaro handled it well, and the clutch did not wear out my left leg. Once on some open road, the ZL1 comes alive. The LS6 performed flawlessly and even had me doing some heavy thinking about what it would take to drop it along with the six-speed in my '67 Camaro.
I could find no fault with the drivetrain. The exhaust, however, is loud-louder inside than outside, I think. Until the Camaro was cruising on some open road and the tranny was dropped into Sixth gear, conversation between traveling companions was tough. It was fun for the few days I had it, but over time as any kind of regular transportation, it would get old.
I've never been a big fan of the Fourth-Gens' exterior styling, and the ZL1 was really no different. It seems as if most of the influence was given to the drivetrain, much as the original '69 ZL-1, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But while driving the '02 around town and filling it up a few times at a couple of gas stations, the Camaro drew no comments or attention as one might expect from such a specially built car.
I want my cake and to eat it too. Give me this drivetrain and handling in a First- or Second-Gen and I'll be all over it.
-Kevin Lee
Camaro ZL1 Equipment *'01 model-year LS6 Aluminum Gen III engine*400 hp /410 lb-ft package*4:10 rear axle*Cat-back chambered exhaust system*High-flow airbox lid with ZL1 decal*Front and rear Eibach springs (lowered 1.5-inch)*Z06 production wheels*Z06 brakes*Ball-milled rotors*8700 Series PENSKE triple-adjustable, nitrogen-filled shocks with remote canisters*Light-weight billet flywheel*Argent grille with blue '69 Bow-Tie emblem*'69 Garnet Red paint*Black rear taillamp panel*Camaro accent letters-rear taillamp panel*Hood, roof, and deck accent stripes*Black '69 Hurst shifter ball*Car cover with ZL1 logo*ZL1 cloisonne fender badging*Silver-face gauges with ZL1 logo*Rearview mirror with compass*Mobil 1 oil, oil fill cap, and decal*Power antenna