2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE Review - The BEST Stock Track Car For $50K?

Finally drove the most relentlessly requested car on my channel. It did not disappoint.
Nate's IG: / 1le_nate
/ zygrene

[@danaberman6929]

I have a new 2021 SS 1LE and absolutely love it. The 6 speed manual is perfect and the handling is amazing. I had a 2019 Challenger Hellcat with an automatic tranny and it was so out of control. Yes, it was brutally fast, but taking it on a nice ride on any backroad was a white knuckle experience. The 455 horses in the 1LE is perfect for daily driving and track.

[@tastynoobr3685]

how far you daily? i run a 2019 2.0 camaro. I love it its good on gas about, 80 miles per day and I fill it up once a week. thinking of trading it in, kept in good condition,

[@mikeclay6089]

Strongly considering placing an order for a manual 2ss 1le in the near future. I do NOT plan to track it, instead, plan to use it as a weekend car for joyrides etc. Does anyone have advice as to if this is too much car/ not necessary getting the 1le package if it will not be taken to the track? I understand the package is intended for faster lap times but is it still worth it for daily driving? Looking for the best drivers car for under 50k and this seems to be the best out there. Also just started a job at GM so the employe discount will help take 3-4K off msrp. Any thoughts?

[@danaberman6929]

@@tastynoobr3685 I do not daily my Camaro. I telework 5 days a week. Love my 6.2.

[@wesleyrice2138]

If the Hellcat was too much for your roads, why didn't you pick the Scat Pack, before going to SS 1lE? Thanks

[@danaberman6929]

@@wesleyrice2138 I had the 2018 T/A 392 with the 6 speed. I should have kept that. I fell for the Horsepower trap. After driving the Camaro SS1LE, I found it handled even better than my Challenger T/A 392. That is why I did not go back to it. Great car, just not as good on the twisties.

[@DC5Brandon]

I will never forget reading the Car and Driver Lightning Lap reporting a camaro SS was faster around VIR than an Audi R8. Very impressive considering the SS was 25% the cost. I love my Porsche, but this is definitely the best lap time car under $50K.

[@al151]

1ss 1le is slightly under $50K the 2ss version is above.

[@iheartgs400]

Great episode, love how Nate is quite knowledge and knows his car in and out. The 5th and 6th Gen are gonna be future classics. I may get tons of hate on this but even the 3.6 V6 is not too shabby in its own right. Once the Camaro is gone everyone will be begging again to have it back.

[@Zygrene]

I'm curious how the V6 1LE feels

[@iheartgs400]

@@Zygrene that would be interesting, I mean 3.6L and 87 regular fuel for daily that’s hard to beat 😁 my pops has a 13 model V6 though its quite heavy it’s a solid car.

[@biggboysouth]

@@Zygrene 6th gen v6 1LE is certainly an interesting offer and I feel it hasn't gotten the air time it should have. Very few reviews on it even fewer of those are quality content like this. Interesting point to mention is that the 6th gen V6 cars put down nearly identical acceleration times as 4th gen LS1 Fbody which by today's standards are not super fast but certainly not slow. I've been dying to see a 370z vs V6 6th gen Comparison. I think that would be very interesting.

[@jjchockey]

Ya it’s quite funny how people shit on the V6 Camaros yet praise an E46 M3. V6 1LE has the same power as and E46 M3, has more torque, and weighs less.

[@FL50ssp]

@@jjchockey And a much better chassis as well.

[@racsowang]

This one sounds like a beast. And what an ending w/ a burnout.

[@matrox]

Mine is a 17' SS 6 speed. Great cars. Love it. I put over 50k miles on mine so far.

[@DanielE-oq1dt]

I’ve chased down 4 GT350s on track with my SS 1LE 😁

[@swpdisciple]

This is def on my radar since the 997 S and M2 Competition have stretched out of my grasp. If I can steal one for under $45k I may go for it.

[@Zygrene]

It's a solid buy for $45! If I could go back in time I would have skipped my 997.1 C2 and gotten one of these.

[@susand3588]

@@Zygrene how do you rate this compared to your brz / s2k?

[@Realpaul2k]

@@susand3588 I have an S2K but need something a little more comfortable so I decided on the GR86. I really like the SS 1LE but its alot bigger. Im curious to see how they feel in comparison as well.

[@ciello___8307]

@@susand3588 great car but the budget you need to track it/run is is definitely above the brz. More fuel, more tires, etc.

[@CarsMeetsBikes]

there's a 2020 SS 1LE near where I live that is listed at exactly 44.9K right now....

[@SudeepC1973]

The tow hook looked great. One of those things you hope you never have to use. Like air bags. Or ABS.

[@saviordream]

I actually considered one of these back in 2018, but ended up getting a BRZ with the Performance Pack instead. Fast forward to late last year and I was thinking about getting rid of my 2020 MX-5 for one of the new 2022 GR86s or BRZs, but ended up placing an order for a 2022 Camaro 2SS 1LE instead. I've been interested in one for a while now, and I don't know how much longer V8s will be around, so I decided to pull the trigger. If for some reason the order doesn't come through (lot of constraints on getting factory orders on these right now), I may still look at a new GR86 or BRZ, but I'm really hoping it all pans out.

[@al151]

Your order should go through! I ordered a 2022 2ss 1le in mid December and my current built date is end of this month. Chevy needs to start taking orders for the 2023s and they are moving forward. You will get your ventilated and heated seats as well.

[@saviordream]

@@al151 My main concern is that not only the 2SS models, but also the 1LE package and the PDR option (all of which I ordered) are held up or on constraint. The way things are going, I may need to have to cancel this and place the order again for a 2023 if this doesn't get built within the next few months.

[@al151]

@@saviordream I removed the pdr option, originally had it. The car is a manual and has nav package, gm rock guards, red seat belts, battery tenderizer. I removed pdr because the $1300 did not make sense. I also want a dash camera that can record outside and inside activity for security reasons. For track use, i will use a go pro. Comes out cheaper than $1300.

[@saviordream]

@@al151 I like the PDR for the built in data logging capability, even moreso than the camera function. If I absolutely had to go without it, I would, but I'd prefer to keep it if possible.

[@amrocko]

You made the right call. I picked up my 2022 2SS 1LE manual last November and it’s spectacular. Also, just did a back to back with a 2015 FRS and the new BRZ limited. Both manual. Slight power edge and better brakes on the new model but not a dramatic difference in driving dynamics IMO. Bigger difference is in interior quality and tech upgrades. All three are great cars, but the V8 roar and Tremec manual in the Camaro are a special combo.

[@amrocko]

Great video. Hope you get to try the Shelby as I’m curious to see how you think it compares. Almost bought one in 2020 but ended up getting a 2SS 1LE.

[@gtrance3567]

Low revving low end torque vs very high revving higher hp. About $20k price difference.

[@carsonj4031]

Really cool guy, also really cool that Chevy will still honor the warranty even if you beat the shit out of it on track.

[@ciello___8307]

just hate how this post refresh version looks. If I were to get a 1LE I would get a pre refresh one

[@StirlingMossDrives]

Finally finally 1le reviewed. Nate did a good job. Toxic camaro chat where you at?

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

Finally I've been waiting for this over a year commenting about it over and over 😂

[@GrimSRT8]

I’d trust whatever Rich at Abel recommends for setup on this car. Rich knows his cars and he’s a fast driver on the track. I know he’s a Vette guy, but I’m sure he knows plenty about the Camaro. I know once I pick mine up, I’ll be bringing mine to Rich for all the service. Roger Kraus Racing is the shop I had corner balance my Z06.

[@Realpaul2k]

Did you consider this instead of your BRZ? Or do you still enjoy the BRZ more?

[@CubanRider]

I've always kept my eye on these, but could never get behind its looks. I had a C7 Z51 and the magneride was magic, but they do cost significantly more and have the 7 speed instead. Back a couple years ago you could get these for $40k new, deal of the decade.

[@shinobusensui9395]

I like the interior but dislike.the tank Camaros. I actually wish I could have the 4th gen Camaro with the later gen interior and performance.

[@matrox]

@@shinobusensui9395 4th Gen look like door stoppers. 1st Gen, 2nd gen 70-73, and 6th Gen are the ones to get. I had a 5th Gen. great car, now I have a 6th gen, greater car.

[@Jwdude123]

The secret is the 6-speed manual. But they make so few of them they are rare they go up in value people will say the automatic is 1/ 10th of a second faster and it is but you miss out on all the fun of driving the car instead of the car driving you

[@gtrance3567]

M6 on these cars is probably more common. A10 was just recently offered.

[@kyletice811]

You’re going to eventually succumb to the call of the american v8 sports car. If you want to drive it everyday this or a c6/7 grandsport with mag ride would be pretty comfy and capable enough on track you wouldn’t want more. I’d be interested in your gt350 review also, hope you find someone that will share theirs with you. The new brz is like a mini 3/4 scale 6th gen Camaro. The 1le is just turned up a few notches.

[@VQSeries]

Bmw M2 vs this 1LE, curious which has better feel & which would perform better at a road course

[@amrocko]

I have a 2SS 1LE manual as my weekend car. My mom has a 2018 M2 manual with the M performance exhaust as her weekend car. I’ve driven both extensively. For a road coarse, I think you’d want the Camaro due to the magnetic ride control. It’s excellent. M2 doesn’t have adaptive dampers and is pretty bouncy on rough pavement. M2 comp doesn’t have adaptive dampers either. You have to step up to an M2 CS to get the adaptive suspension. Also, while the M2 feels more nimble, the 1LE feels more planted and has better shifter and brake feel IMO.

[@al151]

Car and driver did a comparison 2019 ss 1le vs m2 comp. Camaro put down faster times. I m not sure if the m2 was manual but the camaro was and now you can get a a10 ss 1le for better times at the track.

[@FL50ssp]

@VQSeries A few videos of 2019 SS 1LE vs M2 Comp. I'm in the SS 1LE. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6HOpYWvjK-IecU kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKubcouXjr6tmKM

[@lyum695]

havent you driven a c7 at all, curious your thoughts about it if you like this

[@Rockit181]

I want to get one of these after trying a 10speed auto SS (non-1LE) with mag ride. I've only driven and raced manual cars, but I'm really considering going 1LE with the 10 speed auto, because of the close gear ratios and fast shifts

[@cinnamontoastclutch6653]

carmax will let you drive a gt350 hehe. great video man

[@benthere123]

My favorite car, hands down for the price.

[@datboyjt3649]

Please tell me where this canyon at

[@tonymcflattie2450]

I love my trann ies manual! (With auto blip)

[@AllIsWell_22]

Ah yes! The glorious Alpha chassis 1LE. Tommorow’s future classic. The best M cars BMW’s don’t make anymore!

[@A8Wman]

Nate cool asf. I want that sweatshirt 😂

[@wesfoulds47]

This is the best car ever

[@matrox]

6th gen started in 16' not 17.

[@gtrance3567]

1LE package in 2017.

[@asianyangster916]

Great car to review.

[@CesarMartinez-gl9ko]

Now I don't know if I want this or the 3.0 Supra .... 😞

[@iheartgs400]

Do you want ease of tuning or just straight up N/A car?

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

It's hard decision 45k or 58k, N/A or Boost, Chevrolet or BMW, both similar space as BRZ but Camaro bigger and heavier. Same speed the Supra downpipe be much faster but 13k saved can buy many mods. Supra steering is super numb like most new cars Camaro is better like he mentioned. End of day drive both long as possible least 100 miles if able Then you got Z coming..

[@Zygrene]

Not an easy decision! Both very fast and fun. Probably comes down to NA/manual vs Turbo/auto

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

@@Zygrene you can get a 10 speed 1LE on newer models but ZF slightly better. Then rumors on stick Supra of course we shall see

[@al151]

Keep this in mind, you can always boost the ss 1le to achieve even beyond ZL1 level of performance and still have some safety margin for reliability. For the Supra, it already comes boosted, you can tune it and all but after some time you do need to spend ton of money to keep it reliable, swap turbos and other stuff.

[@Solismig002]

What is the exact tire size for the front and back

[@gtrance3567]

Front 285, 30, 20s. rear 30530s 20s. Wheel width front 10 inches. Wheel width rear 11 inches.

[@zcmdzpp127]

Sounds and handles great but can’t get over weight and visibility..

[@iheartgs400]

Visibility has been an issue with this since the 5th Gen its either you love or hate it. They actually cut the weight down compared to the 10-15 5th Gen.

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

Agree I want a Miata version strip everything not needed cut that roof off brace it all

[@zcmdzpp127]

@@FATmenDRIVEtrucks it is call the ZL1 convertible…no visibility issues..just strip down the weight..

[@markbaumgartner7261]

Get a 2Ss or a ZL1 both will have blind spot monitoring.

[@gtrance3567]

Properly adjusted mirrors go a long way.

[@thekickfix939]

Between the two I do prefer the gt350 but both are great track carsb

[@gtrance3567]

Super unique but it’s quite a bit more $$$ for marginal performance increase. Reliability is also questionable.

[@bobeeman9730]

Its too much car, the consumables are the killer unless you have an extra 3 grand a year for tires, minimum. Great car. Had mine for 6 years, looking at the 86 now. The 1le is too capable to be enjoyed anywhere but the track. It sapped the joy out of it.

[@amrocko]

Do it. I have an SS 1LE. Girlfriend has an FRS manual. It doesn’t have the V8 roar, but it’s a ton of fun to wind out around town. GR86 fixes the torque dip and looks great.

[@Rippin-Rich]

I just upgraded from a 17 brz, was an amazing car but if you want to do any power upgrades you kill the reliability real quick. Consumables cost is the one major concern I have about tracking this 1le a lot, but I have found you can buy race take-offs with only 2-4 heat cycles for $600 a set shipped.

[@FlyingCanoe]

ZL1 is literally the same price

[@KORTOKtheSTRONG]

neat

[@JohnZhu1988]

Camaro is nice car but it’s heavy so you gotta watch the brakes

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

Not on this trim 6 pistons up front and 4 in back I've done more laps consistent then lighter cars

[@Zygrene]

The OEM brakes seem up to the task

[@itchyonion3559]

Chevy’s brake tuning is very good, you won’t even have issues even with the base ss caliper

[@JohnZhu1988]

@@Zygrene its probably fastest car under 60k

[@RomanticPopPunk]

@@JohnZhu1988 the fastest goes to 340i. Sadly, American muscles are losing to German in straight line nowadays

[@kevinlee9342]

This car is so good, but I'll just never be interested