5 things I love about my 2021 Camaro LT1! (1000 mile review)

** Check out my 10,000 Mile Update! (What's gone wrong, what's still right?) - • 2021 Camaro LT1 - 10k ... **
The 2021-2022 Chevy Camaro LT1 is America's (and probably the world's) cheapest new V8 car. Does the LT1 have what it takes to be more than just a bargain bin special?
Watch this video until the end to find out what I love most about the Camaro LT1, and why I think it's a perfect street-oriented muscle car.
0:00 - Hey guys it's James!
0:40 - 1. Engine (more than just numbers)
2:23 - 2. Transmission (better than expected)
4:27 - 3. Dual Mode Exhaust!!
6:59 - 4. Skinny All-Season Tires! (mo' slidey)
7:41 - 5. European-style Comfort
8:30 - Bonus - Value!
8:55 - Who is it for?
9:56 - Thanks for watching!
2021 Chevrolet Camaro LT1
6.2L V8 w/ direct injection, aluminum block & head
10-speed automatic
Dual mode exhaust option
Black appearance package
Carbon flash-painted wheels
The Camaro LT1 and Camaro SS compete against cars like the Mustang GT and Challenger R/T.
#chevy #camaro #lt1

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

What's your favorite American muscle car and why? Comment below!

[@bigd9848]

I have a 2018 Camaro SS I love it.Did a lot of things to it.Good luck on yours great choice 👍🏽

[@yakub0118]

Camaro brah ! .. or Chevelle 70’

[@trevb786]

This video got me hyped !!! I'm picking mine up tomorrow morning !!!

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Yesss enjoy your new LT1!!

[@conant83]

Hold on brother they are rocket ships on wheels.

[@cjsen1887]

Just picked up a manual LT1 this weekend! Loving it so far!

[@Devcom88]

I have a 2020 LT1 and I also have a Dual Mode exhaust and agree its a must have option. One of my favorite things about it is how well it handles the curvy/twisty roads its a super great handling car while also being a great straight line performer. Best of both worlds. V8 sounds amazing too and love the power train delivery the trans and engine provides.

[@amrit5516]

I feel like more people should watch your videos. Very informative and full of good information. Keep up the good work!

[@freebyok]

Nicely articulated. I just bought a new LT1 6 speed yesterday, so I'm looking to learn more about it. It doesn't have the dual mode exhaust, but I kind of like that it isn't overly loud. Anyhow, looking forward to checking out your other videos.

[@johnsollenbarger6216]

Great Review James. Look forward to more of the LT1. Good luck with the channel.

[@Chad_7777]

Nice video! I love my manual 2020 LT1 so I feel that excitement you have for sure. The value was unreal at $31,800 before taxes purchased in April of 2020. Next to impossible to get a deal like that now with the chip shortage one would think. I agree with you mostly here. However there are 2 types of "tracks" to mention. For the road course the SS model and up are the ones to get. For the drag strip this LT1 is just fine with some wider and better tires in the rear. Lots of folks don't realize compared to the SS the LT1 has smaller brakes all around, no rear diff cooler, no outboard radiators, no "electronic" limited slip, all season tires and a lower top speed calibration due to the all season tire limitations. These are some things that can really limit your time spent on a road course and could affect the warranty. No track use warranty with the LT1 model to boot. I personally believe the LT1 is perfect for the streets just as you say, AND a small upgrade or 2 away from a fun day at the drag strip! Just my 2 cents. Thanks and look forward to your next video on this LT1!

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Chad - wow, that really is an amazing deal. You're right, I didn't think about the drag strip... I come from a tracking/karting background and forgot to think about the fact that although the LT1 would need a lot of mods for tracking, it's just a couple small upgrades away from being ready for the drag strip. Thanks for the insights, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming videos!

[@motography5871]

i have been waiting for a month and a half for mine and hopefully its ready at the end of November, with the options it has and the price there was no way i was gonna give it up.great review got me more excited than i already am

[@toinfinitiandbeyond9209]

Finally a real review on a lt1 from a decent guy. Thank you brother.

[@duncanmclellan5479]

Nicely done, James! This is the first video of yours I've watched. Keep up the good work; you've got a good path forward for KZbin success (IMHO).

[@curtporter4921]

Excellent video James .... I really enjoyed your thoughts as an owner. I own the spectrum of cars from a 1970 Camaro Z28 to a Porsche 911 Carerra 4S and each is unique and delivers something different. I see real value in the LT1 and have considered purchasing one before the Camaro is gone as we know it. Keep up the good work and I will keep watching for future LT1 content.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Thanks for your kind words, Curt. I, too, am the type of car enthusiast who loves to experience the gamut of different vehicles, and appreciates it when particular cars accomplish their specific missions or fill their specific niches exceptionally well.

[@angelpizarro5346]

This guy’s sound effects are awesome “You will be that guy or gyal, in the neighborhood waking up every morning like, vroooom” haha cool vid

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

Also it is important to note the vehicle does come with some nice features like powered seats, automatic climate control, wireless apple carplay/android auto, remote start with the 10 speed, LED headlights/taillights, custom drive modes with the performance pages, pretty good gas mileage (I've seen numerous people say 30+ mpg on the highway, flat bottom leather sports steering wheel, stock Brembo brakes up front, LSD, stock 20inch wheels, etc. A base mustang, 370z, brz, and many other cars don't offer all these as standard.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

100%. It’s a fantastic package at a great price

[@donlambert7819]

Thanks for the review James, I have the LT1 manual as well in black with the had to find sunroof which makes the inside a little more open feeling. I have the standard exhaust but will be adding the factory quad system soon. I also have the all weather tires but picked up a O mile set of new tack off wheels withe the stock summer staggered tires. I’m 70 and this is my 7th Camaro and I agree this is a great value for a muscle car. Thanks for your review. Don

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

7th Camaro! That’s fantastic. Enjoy your LT1

[@Badge-vo7hq]

Great video just got my 22 lt1 rs in riverside blue today awesome car subd

[@2ndgendreamin779]

You are a natural communicator and you get your points across effortlessly. You should do well in KZbin Land. Myself, I own a couple of Camaros, including a 6th gen LT2 V6 1LE. Lots of fun as well, certainly doesn't have the power of the V8, but it possesses a few more of the creature comforts that this aging body needs. Congrats on your purchase, I'm sure you'll have a blast.

[@adi1popescu]

Just got my 2023 In rapid blue .. vroom so happy !

[@williambrown4086]

Good review for real world driving.

[@BetaWink711]

good content. I subbed n liked

[@jayr.1523]

I love this car that LT1 shadow metallic grey is a beast!!!

[@mastoslayerica]

The car also has great steering feel

[@PrisonJunky]

HA.... you drove thru my neighborhood Allied Gardens...so cool...I've seen this Camaro around...like the color.

[@ignalizarralde]

Congrats on the new car. Hoping you still have the X5 to tackle some new trails soon. Cheers bud!

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Good to hear from you Diego! I sadly had to sell the X5 to make room in the fleet, but do plan to take the CX-30 out on trails sometime. Do you still have your X5, and do you still plan to get the Santa Cruz?

[@ignalizarralde]

@@JamesPlaysWithCars still have the X5 and I have a ordered a Maverick. Seemed like a better deal, anxiously waiting for it to be built. Let me know when you hit the trails!

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

@@ignalizarralde Sweet! Yep, I'll let you know

[@j.santiago7022]

Subscribed.

[@matrox]

My SS has no cyl diactivation because is a 6 speed manual. Cyl deact. are only in the automatics.

[@unknownperson2422]

I got a 1ss 1le. Best car I ever bought. Its in storage now till end of march/april.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

You got the track-ready goodies! That is a sweet car!!

[@gtrance3567]

Great video. These cars do have a bit of bog or throttle lag to protect the drive train. Fyi.

[@krizzyfn5246]

Great video, hoping to lease one soon! Was the lease prices too expensive with all this shortage??

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

I hope you can get one soon too! Mine was $2700 due at signing and then $400 per month incl CA taxes and fees, and an excess wear protection package. Hope that helps!

[@arigrinbaum6993]

Love the car I have the 2021 lt1 I love it

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Awesome! So fun

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

Just saying that people underestimate those all season 245s. I've seen already a few people getting 0-60mph in under 4 seconds with stock tires will the car is fully stock.

[@Woo.f32]

1:00 “V4”😂😂

[@jasoncopeland781]

I bought a zero optioned LT1 in Oct 21, drove it 5500 miles and traded it on the 3LT HTC C8 (I ordered and waited 9 months for) in Sept 21. There aren't any comparisons to those Chevy's. I miss the LT1. Certainly I miss the manual. I miss the interior. It is simple and designed so well. At almost 1/3 the cost the Camaro delivered fun without the worry. No problem parking it anywhere. I loaded construction materials in it because it was always more fun to drive than any of my trucks. I've got a 22 build with the exhaust and tech pkg. Considering going back to simple. Massive profit on the C8 helps the decision.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

The lack of worry is such an underrated factor in car ownership 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jimvogt4405]

Nice car

[@donlambert7819]

Btw, my list was 34k base price, withe sunroof, spoiler, m&s tires and white stripes that I removed the price was 36,715. And the dealer knocked 1k off. I wanted the quad exhaust as well but figured I always mod the exhaust but adding a sunroof would not be possible.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Getting $1k off msrp these days is awesome!

[@mizzyfit_334]

The car market right now is krazy I’m looking to get this car new at msrp.

[@elmo3906]

Is this model of car still on sale

[@TreeOfLifeCG]

The 10 speed is SUPER smooth. I test drove an automatic and ordered a manual (because I'm an actual monkey and stick shift go brrrr) But i really loved the auto and how good it felt.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Love it! Enjoy your manual!

[@pedrohizzle2835]

Great video. I’m thinking of ordering a 2022 Rapid Blue LT1 w performance exhaust. Going to cost me like $37k. I’m thinking of going manual. What’s your thought on manual vs auto?

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

The GM automatic is an excellent one, and would be a very good choice if you need to commute through traffic often. However, get the manual if your driving patterns make it the more fun choice. My left knee can’t drive stick daily (old injury) so thankfully the 10 speed automatic is very responsive and smooth, almost as good as the ubiquitous ZF 8 speed.

[@upcastdrake8460]

I have the 6-speed manual LT1 and it's a blast. It's got the TR6060 which is the same transmission in the ZL1, the Cadillac CTSV/ Blackwing, GT500, Viper, etc. It really is a high-end sports car transmission. The 1 thing you'll quickly find you want to do is install a skip-shift eliminator. The manuals have this annoying feature where if you aren't aggressively accelerating in 1st, it will force you (literally block the gates into 2/3) into 4th gear. GM does it because it gives better MPG to avoid the gas guzzler tax. You can buy a little bypass cable online for $10 and install it yourself, it's a tight fit up against the transmission but it really is just plugging a cable in.

[@umarvakil]

Can you please do some more content on the LT1?

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

I definitely will!

[@brettholtslander2704]

got the LT1 ( 10 speed tranny ) absolutely LOVE IT

[@EscapeFPs]

went for a 2022 2ss Redline will be here in 3 weeks

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

How exciting! Let me know how you like your 2SS Redline once you get it.

[@tejanoboi7243]

do you know if there is any difference performance wise between an new LT1 manual vs 1ss manual?

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

I plan to post a video soon about the differences between LT1 and the SS, including equipment and what they translate to in terms of performance! Stay tuned :)

[@spectralknights2]

Nice. How much is the lease? Thanks

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

It was $2700 due at signing and then $400 per month incl CA taxes and fees, and an excess wear protection package. Hope that helps!

[@michaelpackulak2833]

Why did you lease it ? And do you plan on keeping the Camaro after your lease is up after 39 months ?

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Hi Michael, I tend not to hold onto cars for very long (been through 19 cars in the last 11 years, usually with 2-3 cars at a time). So I decided to lease this one to force me to keep it for the full lease term of 39 months! haha Given my car ownership history, there's a good chance I'll return the vehicle after 39 months, but who knows--if this Camaro grows on me enough, there's always the option to buy it out at the end of the lease :)

[@Platos-Den]

Not keen on LT1 instrument panel. IT should have the full ss instrument panel.

[@nicholasrodriguez2312]

I plan on getting them. How much did you put down and what’s your monthly payments. Also how much do you usually spend a month on gas. I want to get an idea of how much I should expect monthly

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Hi Nicholas, my vehicle's msrp was just about $40k with options and destination, and I also paid for the extra wear and tear protection package. The lease cost comes out to be $2800 due at signing and $400 a month. I get around 19 mpg in mixed driving, so I spend about $250/month on gas. The biggest surprise cost was insurance! This car is costing me about $2000 a year with GEICO. I should shop around soon to see if I can get lower rates anywhere else...

[@anthonyh2540]

@@JamesPlaysWithCars defintlet shop around you are paying a lot! Where do you live

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

@@anthonyh2540 San Diego! I have high coverage limits, but still, those insurance rates are expensive and I will shop when I have time haha

[@anthonyh2540]

@@JamesPlaysWithCars yea man im in michigan ( highest rates in the country) and i pay less than you, great video btw

[@socksamazingchannel]

Do you guys think I should pull the trigger on a 2021 LT1 RS for 41k or wait until the chip shortage is over..

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Oof, that sounds like a huge markup. I’d wait if you can hold out for a better deal! Best of luck on finding a good LT1 at a fair price 👍🏼

[@socksamazingchannel]

@@JamesPlaysWithCars yea... I kinda realize it when people were saying they bought an LT1 with same specs in early 2020 for $33-36k LOL. 2021 LT1 with RS package and redline edition (red seat belts, red leather interior accents) and black from lip (dealer installed).. 41K... MSRP is $42k... Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@mcappleish]

does LT1 has engine oil cooler?

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Hi Lee, yep, the LT1 has an engine oil cooler. Meanwhile, the SS gives you an additional (auxiliary) engine coolant cooler, transmission fluid cooler, and rear diff cooler. The LT1 works well for the street, while the SS is definitely the better choice for the track.

[@mcappleish]

@@JamesPlaysWithCars that’s great. I have a 5 gen v6. The car needs a oil cooler on the track. BTW, great videos! Real enjoy watching them.

[@nickseulovski]

For $2-3000 more get yourself an 1SS you will not be disappointed

[@EscapeFPs]

why lease tho? id hate to have to give that back after its up

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

I tend not to hold onto cars for very long (been through 19 cars in the last 11 years, usually with 2-3 cars at a time). So I decided to lease this one to force me to keep it for the full lease term of 39 months! lol Also, there's the option to purchase at the end of the lease, so that's all good

[@EscapeFPs]

@@JamesPlaysWithCars oh ok well that’s yeah that’s awesome then this will be only my 2nd car , 1st was a Honda Civic ! Got hit by drunk driver and he totaled my car and ruined the transmission so I had to sell it for parts but finally getting my dream car

[@EscapeFPs]

@@JamesPlaysWithCars was deciding between zl1 or 2ss and 2ss seemed like the overall better pick for mileage and daily driving

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Wow, glad you’re ok! And yeah what an awesome upgrade!

[@flipthatmikey3600]

You sold the Miata !!!!!!???

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Yes, I did! It was reallly tough to make that call, but the Miata just wasn't getting enough use and I don't have the space for it. I also decided to put that money towards Turo-ing a bunch of different cars to try out and make videos with!

[@nd2fast]

Did you get rid of your Miata?! 😢

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

@Baotuan yes! :( The funny thing is, I didn't get the Camaro to replace the Miata... the leasing of the Camaro and the sale of the Miata just happened to be around the same time. Anyway, I made the hard decision to sell the Miata after a couple months of deliberation. Basically decided to sell the Miata and put the money towards Turo-ing lots of different cars to experience different things and grow the channel that way. I was really sad about selling it, so I couldn't really get myself to make a video about the sale. I hope it's the right decision, but in the meantime, if I miss my ND, I'll rent one on Turo!

[@nd2fast]

@@JamesPlaysWithCars sad to hear that, but looking forward to your future car adventures on this channel! Anyhow, I’m sure you’ll be back, Miata is always the answer! 😉

[@Platos-Den]

@@JamesPlaysWithCars I have been eyeing both the LT1 Camaro and a Miata. Love them both but can only have one. Based on your experience with both which one would you keep as a fun car.?

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

@@Platos-Den The LT1 is a better daily all-around car that can also be used for weekend fun drives, whereas the Miata is the opposite - it's a fun weekend car that can be also used for daily driving. So, if you have a lot of commuting to do on a daily basis, the LT1 will be the better choice. If you don't commute much and want to prioritize fun weekend driving, go for Miata!

[@Platos-Den]

@@JamesPlaysWithCars thanks for your viewpoint. Tough call

[@yakub0118]

Been eying this car for a min now. What r u paying ?

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

$2700ish due at signing and $400/mo including taxes, fees, and extra wear protection

[@jtkrpm1]

I own a Tesla 3 right now. It's so boring.

[@eddiefaison929]

You mean the ford transmission. It'd a 10r80. Supplier of the transmission is ford.

[@imthebestdirector]

Show more of the car and less of you face.