Don't buy the Track Package if you live in NJ, unless you absolutely need it.
I started driving at a time when it was a wise thing to order a car with heavy duty components. This would normally guarantee that the car would last longer before needing replacement parts, be generally more reliable, and more fun to drive. So, when I purchased my Camaro, I thought that buying one with the 1LE Track Option, which included things like a transmission cooler, would be the way to go. It isn't. I was looking for a car that was well balanced and had sufficient power to make it fun to drive. After reading all the reviews and driving three different Camaros, including two V8s, I bought a V6, 1LE option, and manual transmission equipped Camaro. I thought this combination would come closest to the dream car of my youth, a Z/28 Camaro. It has much better balance, although also with 120 fewer ponies, than the V8. Like the 302 cu in V8s of yore, the V6 is a high revving engine developing most of its power between 4,000 to 6,000 RPM. After 3,000 miles, I can say I love the engine, especially with the dual-mode exhaust. The manual transmission is not as good as the engine, but is OK. Handling, the reason I bought this version, is phenomenal, approaching 1 G on the run-flat Summer tires. The seats are comfortable, but a little tough to get in and out of. The suspension, especially here in NJ where no money is spent on maintaining most of the roads is brutal. Unfortunately, the run-flats add to the harsh ride and are very noisy to boot. The 1LE package gives this car the same suspension as the stock SS. If I buy another Camaro V6, I would again specify all the option groups to get all the driving aids due to poor driver visibility, but instead of the 1LE package would order separately: the dual mode exhaust, the manual transmission, brembo brakes, and 20 inch tires with all-season rubber. Did you know that you are not supposed to even store these Summer tires in a place where the temperature can drop below 20 degrees? In NJ it can go below 10 degrees! And, traction below 40 degrees is significantly reduced, per the manual. So, in short, I bought a car with heavy duty everything and found it to be not only unnecessary, but undesirable. Today's performance cars come with more than adequate components for their intended purpose.
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Verified Owner
