The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE is the perfect vehicle for those Chevrolet enthusiasts who wish to take their car to the occasional track day or time attack event, but for the Camaro fan who likes to go to the drag strip, the amount of consumer-level options Chevrolet has to offer are limited.
The Camaro team is stepping up its drag strip performance game, though, and has released a new performance calibration for the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s electronic limited slip differential (eLSD). The new performance calibration “has been developed to enable more consistent burnout performance for improved drag strip launches,” and allows the driver to more easily heat the tires.
More specifically, the calibration doubles the differential coupling torque during burnout and drag launches, increasing the pressure applied to the clutch pack in order to prevent relative slip between the clutch plates.
“As a result, burnouts warm both tires evenly, which is essential for a straight launch,” the automaker explains.
The eLSD Drag Race Calibration, as it’s officially called, requires reprogramming of the Camaro ZL1’s Chassis Control Module. A Chevrolet dealer can do this and will have to flash the CCM with new update files from GM. The Chevrolet Performance-developed calibration does not void the vehicle’s warranty, either, as it is an official GM software update.
Once installed, the driver can enable the system by turning off the traction control and ESC by holding the traction control button for five seconds. GM recommends you only do this at the race track, of course.
A bit more information on the new eLSD calbration for the Camaro ZL1 is available at this link.
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Comments
Without seeing acceleration times of the Camaro with the Drag Race Calibration, it’s difficult to understand how efficient it might be because Chevrolet’s C8 Corvette demonstrates that a mid-engine layout can offset a 255 hp advantage.
Given the C8 base price of $59,995, is there any need for a preformance Camaro ?
Lol ck the stats. Few $ more and ZL1 is a proven beast. If you don’t have a clue about tweaked and tune ZL1 sorry.
I would like to see a shoot out on the drag strip and a road course (or whatever) between a stock $59,995 C8 and a stock $71,695 ZL1 1LE.
Never happen, no one would buy the Corvette after the that challenge. Camaro will hand it to the Corvette time and time again. You get what you pay for, you think ?
C8 get a convertible , ZL1 gets to go faster lol.
Considering my zl1 runs mid 9s in the 145 mph range on a few bolt ons is say yea. The c8 is going to be untuneable according to gm as the ecm will brick if accessed so you got all you can get when buy that car.
I’ll be calling my dealer for appointment Tuesday see what’s up with that ?
You can buy a stick ZL1, you can’t buy a stick C8 so…
Stick? Could be done w/o too much trouble. Just a single stick instead of 2 paddles. Pull back to shift up and push forward to shift down. No need for a slow clutch pedal. Automated manuals have been around since the 70’s. No need for heel and toe. Bonus left foot to brake. Faster shifts and transition gas-brakes-gas
I saw the new C-8 in Las Vegas Thursday. I’ll keep my ‘19 ZL1! I spent more time talking to my service tech than I did looking at the Vette!
I love Chevrolet, but if the Corvette and Camaro can’t beat the Ford mustang then you’re just wasting my time and money
My 18 ZL1 tweaked and tuned 6 Spd stick I eat mustang’s on track day, a good Toyota or Nissan hands it to ford, when Henry Ford was going to grade school his teacher told him to circle his mistake. Big circle around the ford logo , blue oval lol.
Just do a major redesign and the Camaro will sell.
BTW…you have to ask your former & potential buyers their opinion and don’t rely on the corporate suits for your final answer. GM never learns their lesson.
It depends on how you look at it. The Corvette gets the better off the line performance. Sure the gt500 can reel it back in, but that’s if you are not bogging at the start. If you go past the quarter the Corvette will be the faster car beings that it’s not limited to 180 mph. Track is a little hard to say due to the extremes of the gt500 track pack. But that will inevitably cost more than the C8 z51 package. Due to lighter weight and better weight balancing the C8 has my vote for track performance.
Rest of us are talking Camaro .
My ZL1 is faster than ANY mustang straight out of the factory! Those Dodges are the only quicker cars! Screw a ford!
Already been done. Still got my ass handed to me by the Shelby 350. And a damn eco boost. F150 wtf!
Driver error ?
There is no bigger waste of money than a ZL1. Have a 2019 with 9,000 miles of frustration and 0 miles of fun
How vague can you get? How about an explanation?
You did go on a test drive ? You might be the wrong person for the ZL1
Maybe it’s about the driver, or even the lack of a driver ?
Just thought I’d throw in my thoughts. I have a 2019 ZL1 1LE with a manual, and I have never liked a car more, or had more fun, or had one that could take a corner faster. I also have a Mercedes AMG, and have driven Corvettes, Hellcats, Shelby GT350s and multiple other AMG versions. To each his own, however I could buy almost anything, but I put my money on the bargain of the century, the ZL1 1LE. I’ll put the money I saved by not buying a ZR1 into new tires! At least until I find a ZR1 with the track package.
You’re a wise man, little tweak and tune on my 2018 ZL1 beyond a monster of power, however very predictable, hit the right pedal and point it and she will go. Need I say more !!!