I think it would be hard to find the info on the ZL1 Vette since only two were ever made. So no comparo between the two ZL1s. Both cars however were just incredible for the time they came out and would still kick so much a** at the tracks.

 

There were only 2 of them, you can really count that as production as the Camaro got 69 of them. The L88 would not take out a ZL1, the engines were not the same. The ZL1 was a race engine that made peak power like the 302 at 7,000RPM. (which made way more HP than it was rated at) The fastest Camaros and Corvettes ever tested were ZL1's, both capable of high 10's with slicks, the Corvette a little faster, which was said to be capable of near 200MPH stock and over that with the right gears, no L88 was gonna do that! (Their top speed was about 50MPH slower LOL)

 

What was actually different in the ZL1 and L88 motors, besides obviously one being aluminum and one being iron?

 

The ZL1 block was like an aluminum L88 but better. It had thicker walls, higher domed pistons, more compression, better heads, different cam made to rev, etc. It was improved all around and was most definetly not rated correctly. Neither was the L88 but they didn't do what ZL1's could, close but not quite.

 

200 mph huh?

http://www.modernracer.com/classics/...rvettezl1.html

 

http://www.autofacts.ca/classics/FAPC/ZL1Corvette.htm

 

Since emissions were required, when has a camaro had more more horse power than the base vette.

Maybe the market has changed enough in the camaro's absense for GM to justify making a GT500 competitor. I hope that's the case but I'm not holding my breath.

Oh, to answer my question - only two years come to mind, both times camaro had the exact same engine it was rated the same or 5hp higher (thx SLP).