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Sorry to hear that, but the new camaro is sick! Congrats on the new buy. Although I do want to upgrade, I love my Z and couldn't justify new car payments... Plus extra money is for parts now, lol Again, that camaro is sick... Congrats...
So, after putting 9k miles on the SS, I'm back to give my thoughts as requested.
I want to start by saying it will NEVER replace the Z. There was something special about that car that already has me wanting another one.
But...
The new ride is beyond what I ever imagined. I was never a fan of the gen5 Camaro, besides bumble bee. But that may be due to Ms Fox sitting in those seats. haha.
But guys let me tell you, Chevy got it right this time. With the 200+ lb weight reduction and the SAE rated 455/455 (under estimated), this car is no longer a muscle car, it's a sports car. I've seen many dynos where the M6 is making 415-423 whp/410-420 wtq. So my guess is the car is actually putting 475-480 to the flywheel.
The breakdown:
My Camaro: 1SS, M6, with basically no options, I'm a simple guy, don't need bells and whistles, plus fewer options means less weight.
Motor-
400+whp, 400+wtq, N/A, need I say more? When you want to go, it goes. GM says the car will do 180. I believe it, just ask the guy that got a ticket for doing 171 in Minnesota, I'm sure he will tell you it had more in the tank. Hennessey tested the 0-170 time of a stock 2016 SS, I think it took around 43ish seconds. I've seen 1/4 miles times for the M6 between 12.3 and 12.5 @114/115, with dr's a good driver can run sub 12. The specs say the A8 will get 0-60 in 4.0 and the M6 will do it in 4.3. I've seen a couple people post that they've beat the 4.3 time in the M6, but only 1 A8 do it in 3.9. My best time was 4.7, but, it was 35 degrees.
Sound-
The stock exhaust(non NPP) sounds really good, much better than I expected, quiet at idle, but WOT lets everyone know you are in town. The sound was still just a bit to high for me, I wanted a lower tone. So I took it to the muffler shop, $92 and 90 minutes later, a muffler delete got me exactly what I wanted. I'll link a youtube video in the near future.
Transmission (Due to the controversy of Transgender bathrooms across the country right now, Tranny is not appropriate at this time)-
The M6 is slower than the A8, the new A8 just shifts so much quicker than the M6, but after driving the Nismo for 3 years, the M6 is the option I'd consider, plus M6 = less weight. Throws are slightly farther than the Z, but definitely manageable. I like the clutch in the Z better. I prefer all the action to be at the top, the SS puts the action more towards the middle. Redline is at 6500 rpm, 1st = 54 mph, 2nd = 80 mph, 3rd = 110 mph. (that is all I care to admit to)
Handling-
GM says the suspension for non-MRC is somewhere between the Track and Sport setting with MRC. I will take a beating for saying this, but this car corners with the Nismo Z, everywhere except the really sharp(25 mph/marked and below ) corners, due to the longer wheel base. However cornering definitely takes more focus and effort in the SS. Coming out of a corner at 60 mph in the Z, I could put the peddle to the floor and track out with ease. In the SS, coming out of the same corner at the same speed, peddle on the floor and I'm drifting out instead of tracking out.
Comfort-
Comparable to the Z, neither one is good for long trips, after taking the Z on a 23 hour trip to Miami for the Nismo Performance Academy, I can say that with confidence. But to work and back they were both spot on. I like the stiffer suspensions. I like to feel the road. Plenty of room in the trunk, it has a back seat but it's meant for your gym bag, not your co worker.
Visibility-
The only reason I add visibility is due to how much flack the Camaro catches for it. It's not as bad as everyone says, you learn to deal with it pretty quick, but visibility is definitely better in the Z.
Bottom line-
This car is perfect for the track right off the show room floor, but is a great grocery-getter too. I love this car. Anyone looking for an upgrade should really consider the new SS. For the price range it can't be beat.
Attached is what she looks like now. Next up is a 1-1.5 in drop and the front splitter.
I'm sure I missed some details, so questions are encouraged.
Mine is a 2SS A8 (i'm lazy now)I've had mine since Dec and I've got about 3100 miles so far. I agree with everything you've said especially the visibility part. Stu rode in mine and he said it wasn't as bad as you'd think judging form pics. Honestly the only things I dislike are the electronic e-brake and it gets a lot of attention(which some might like).
Last edited by HyperKnight; 04-28-2016 at 08:16 AM.
Mine is a 2SS A8 (i'm lazy now)I've had mine since Dec and I've got about 3100 miles so far. I agree with everything you've said especially the visibility part. Stu rode in mine and he said it wasn't as bad as you'd think judging form pics. Honestly the only things I dislike are the electronic e-brake and it gets a lot of attention(which some might like).
Good lookin' car, congrats. What is your opinion on the hill start assist? I find it more annoying than helpful.
Yeah it kicks in random sometimes on grades that aren't very steep. Buddy of mine on Camaro6 has a manual and has stalled a few times because of it and he only drives manual cars.
And, I am back. I enjoyed the heck out the SS, I drove it for 3 years then in 2019 I traded in for this: (Needed room for kids)
Then due to my wife getting an SUV, I was able to get back into a sports car, so my new ride is a 2018 370z Nismo, with 16k miles and it's super clean!
I almost went back to a Gen6 SS, but this deal fell right in my lap and I couldn't walk away. In a straight line the SS is in a much higher class than the Z, but in the corners, which I prefer, the Z is much better. Living in NW Arkansas, I can take better advantage of the Z's cornering than I can the SS's power.
When the power train warranty expires I plan to get it to about 450whp. I will be happy with that.
04-28-2016, 07:30 AM
Update on the Camaro
