GMMG ZL1

**Stefano** · #1 12-18-2002, 05:05 PM

It seems that many people who ask me about the GMMG ZL1s are not completely aware of that which is taking place to build these special cars and every time I talk to someone from GMMG I learn something new about the ZL1s.

These 69 or so quantity of Camaros are not SS' or Z28s. They started life as a "Special Fleet Orders" with many shared parallels to the revered "COPO" system.

They are also General Motors ,Chevrolet Division authorized "ZL1s". Similar to the late model Mustang "Cobra Rs". The name itself is trademarked and owned by GM, not just anyone can slap it on a Camaro and have a true late model ZL1.

**hvychev** · #2 12-18-2002, 05:39 PM

Stefano, I have a couple of questions about the 02 ZL1's. When I first heard of the ZL1's not a lot of info was out there. What I have learned was from this site. I did see a couple at Vette Fest and did notice the window sticker that said that it was somthing like a special service coupe?

What engine and horse power is supposed to be the stock combination that was originally approved by GM? I have heard a lot about Phase II & Phase III models.

Who made the decision to ask the current or original owner(Barnhardt) [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] of the remaining 69 ZL1's that were prodeced in 1969 to be the first offered these cars? Do we know how many of them actually took them up on their offer?

How much did these cars list for new in the various stages that were offered?

Does GMMG do any conversions to Camaros that were NOT sold through one of the Authorized dealers such as Berger, Tom Henry, Earnhart, etc? Kind of like someone taking a car they bought elsewhere to Nickey Chevrolet for lets say a 427 conversion after the fact?

GRB · #3 12-18-2002, 07:26 PM

hvychev - If you go to Matt's website www.gmmg.net (I think) and follow the link to the write ups about the car you will know just about all there is to know.
Most of these cars start out a B4C police cars.
In your third paragraph I'm not sure what you are asking but I do KNOW this. When GM finally realized they would not be able to sell all of the 1969 ZL1s they gave most of the remaining cars away to prominant GM racers. The first one of these was car #51 and it was given to Lamar Walden.

Matt did all the cars you mentioned plus a few others like the Carl Black firebirds.

It is my opinion that Matt never intended to put anything but LS6 motors in these cars but when a number of us told him we were pulling the LS6s and having 427s built he decided to offer that option. Again, this is just my opinion.

Also, the original 69 camaro loaded was about $3,500 and the ZL1 option added about the same amount. I believe Fred Gibb was even authorized to return a number of cars which was something GM had never allowed before. I'm sure someone will chime in with the exact numbers.

**hvychev** · #4 12-18-2002, 07:38 PM

Im sorry GRB I may have not made my qustion clear enough. I know about the 69 ZL1's I was refering to the new 2002 ZL1's. The question about the current owners of the remaining 1969 ZL1's and the pricing was about the new ones.

GRB · #5 12-18-2002, 07:43 PM

I think the base 02 list for about $57k. I understand some guys (maybe all) are getting the $3k GM rebate. Of course engine options are extra and there are a few other available options. Hope that helps.

**Charley Lillard** · #6 12-18-2002, 08:23 PM

First...... These cars do not have Chevrolet's blessing to be called ZL1's as far I know. They do have Chevrolet's blessing to have the ZO6 Vette engine in them with Warranty and are Emmisions Certified for the ZO6..... Memo from GMMG "GMMG "ZL1 Supercar Options Invoice" "Attention. The Phase 2 and 3 engine package is not Authorized by the Chevrolet Camaro Brand Team, nor by any GM Dealership. This package does not comply with the emission recertification test that thhe regular ZL1 Supercar comply with under the "GMMG 9560" Package". Frank...Matt Murphy contacted me and asked me to locate current 69 ZL1 owners and give them first shot at the cars. I think I found Homes for at least 11 of them. I think Porterfield suckered Barnhart into one.

CWilliams · #7 12-18-2002, 08:39 PM

I tried to get Milt Robson interested in an '02 ZL1 but to no avail. As far as I know- phase II is heads/cam/long tube headers, pcm tuning, plugs, wires,etc. Phase III is the 427. Would love for my '01 Berger to cradle one of those 427's (Matt if you're listening, how bout it?!). Matt and Bille do an excellent job.

sYc · #8 12-18-2002, 09:59 PM

Charley; You are correct. According to a GM spokesman, GM would not allow the use of "ZL-1", but did agree to allow GMMG to use the term "Supercar". I believe Supercar is the name of the (Corvette) tire on the new Camaro. WOW, Banrhart suckered, who would have thought? Usually it is Ken on the other end. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Chevy454 · #9 12-18-2002, 10:11 PM

Just curious...does Chevrolet "officially" acknowledge the LS6 Camaros? Like, if Charley had shelled the rear in his yellow car in Collinsville would Chevrolet have picked up the tab since it was still LS6 powered? What about the 427 powered cars...is ANY of the drivetrain warrantied on them?

If I owned a 427 car I would be REALLY worried, because with the power those things are putting out, goodness knows what kind of carnage they could create! That's my kind of ride! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

**Charley Lillard** · #10 12-18-2002, 10:38 PM

My understanding is they do aknowledge the LS6 and that it carries full Factory Warranty. As for the 427 cars, there has to be a Nexus between the parts that fail and the modifications made before any Automaker can Void a Warranty. If we had Grenaded the rear at the Drags because Clary was dumping the Clutch, I'm not sure if that should be covered under any circumstance...

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