2013–2015 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE — Fifth‑Gen SS Track Package, Distilled
Historical Context and Development Background
The 1LE badge traces its lineage to a little-known road-race homologation option on the third-generation Camaro, built for showroom-stock competition in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Chevrolet revived the concept for the fifth-gen Camaro in 2013, applying the same philosophy: take the V8 SS, keep it manual-only, and layer on hardware that survives lapping without wilting. The result was the 2013–2015 Camaro 1LE—an SS sharpened by ZL1-derived components, a shorter final drive, and a square, track-friendly tire setup.
Corporate context matters. Chevrolet’s halo at the time was the supercharged ZL1 and, later, the LS7-powered Z/28. The 1LE slotted beneath them as the attainable circuit tool—no blower, no exotic engine, no Magnetic Ride Control—just high thermal capacity and resilient geometry. It was engineered with parts-bin savvy: ZL1 wheel bearings and rear shock mounts, solid rear cradle bushings, larger anti-roll bars, a ZL1-spec short-throw shifter, and a 3.91 axle ratio. The package answered a market shaped by the Ford Mustang Boss 302 (and Laguna Seca) and benchmarked against the period’s yardstick, the E92 BMW M3. Where the Z/28 chased ultimate lap time with Cup tires and carbon-ceramic brakes, the 1LE prioritized repeatability and value on 285-section Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 rubber at all four corners.
Engine and Technical Specifications
Every 1LE is built on the manual-transmission SS, which means the aluminum LS3 pushrod V8. It is naturally aspirated, tractable, and understressed—critical traits for extended track sessions.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine configuration | 90° OHV V8 (LS3), aluminum block and heads, 16 valves |
| Displacement | 6,162 cc (6.2 liters) |
| Horsepower | 426 hp @ 5,900 rpm (factory rating) |
| Torque | 420 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm (factory rating) |
| Induction type | Naturally aspirated |
| Redline | ~6,600 rpm |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Bore x stroke | 103.25 mm x 92.00 mm (4.06 in x 3.62 in) |
Driveline specifics define the 1LE: the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual is paired with a 3.91:1 final drive (shorter than the standard SS manual) and a factory short-throw shifter. A clutch-type limited-slip differential and heavy-duty half-shafts complete the package. The square 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 setup on 20x10-inch wheels is a functional highlight: it rotates front to rear and helps the car turn in without resorting to stagger and the understeer that often follows.
Driving Experience and Handling Dynamics
On the road, the 1LE feels purpose-built. Steering is hydraulic and appropriately weighted, with more bite than a standard SS thanks to additional front grip and alignment that tolerates meaningful negative camber for track use. Body control is markedly improved: 1LE-specific damper tuning, larger anti-roll bars, and solid rear cradle bushings add precision without turning the car brittle on imperfect tarmac.
The gearset works hand-in-glove with the LS3’s broad torque plateau. Shorter overall gearing (3.91) means the engine is always on the cam exiting medium-speed bends, and the shifter’s crisp action encourages aggressive use. Brake hardware is the SS’s proven Brembo setup—four-piston fixed calipers at each corner with large ventilated rotors—supported by track-appropriate cooling and pad compounds that withstand repeated stops. Heat management is the quiet hero here; the 1LE’s consistency over a session is what separates it from ordinary muscle-car track toys.
Performance Specifications
Factory ratings and period instrumented tests provide a clear picture of the 1LE’s capability. Actual figures vary with conditions, driver, and options, but the following values are representative for a stock car on OE tires.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | ~4.4 seconds |
| Quarter-mile | ~12.9 sec @ ~111 mph |
| Top speed | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
| Curb weight | Approx. 3,885 lb (varies with trim/options) |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Brakes | Brembo 4-piston front and rear; large ventilated rotors |
| Suspension | Front strut; independent multi-link rear; 1LE/ZL1-derived components and tuning |
| Gearbox | Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual; 3.91:1 final drive; short-throw shifter |
| Tires and wheels | 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 (square) on 20x10-in wheels |
Variants and Year-to-Year Detail
The 1LE is a content package atop the SS coupe (manual only). It did not receive Magnetic Ride Control or supercharging; those were ZL1 territory. Exterior differentiation is subtle and functional.
| Model year | Key visual cues | Equipment highlights/changes | Production notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Matte black hood wrap; unique 20x10 black wheels; subtle front splitter; standard rear spoiler | Package debut. Manual-only LS3. 3.91 axle, ZL1-sourced short-throw shifter, solid rear cradle bushings, larger anti-roll bars, ZL1 wheel bearings/rear shock mounts. Square 285/35ZR20 tires. | Built in limited volumes relative to SS manual output. No factory exterior "1LE" badging; identification via RPO and hardware. Official production total not separately published by Chevrolet. |
| 2014 | Facelift with slimmer headlamps and single-piece tail lamps; SS hood gains functional heat extractor; matte hood wrap continues | Recaro front seats available; revised fascia/lighting with the mid-cycle update; core 1LE chassis/gearbox spec unchanged. | No official standalone 1LE production figure released. Package remained manual-SS only. |
| 2015 | Carryover styling from 2014; black wheels and hood wrap remain hallmark | Content largely carryover. Continued availability of Recaros and performance cooling/pad options. | Final year of the fifth-gen 1LE. Chevrolet did not publish distinct 1LE totals. |
Color and trim followed SS availability; the matte black hood treatment and wheel/tyre spec were the immediate tells. As delivered from the factory, fifth-gen 1LEs did not carry external "1LE" badges.
Ownership Notes: Maintenance, Parts, and Restoration
- Engine and fluids: The LS3 is robust with regular oil service (dexos1 5W-30). For repeated track use, owners commonly follow factory track-prep guidance (including high-temperature DOT 4 brake fluid and stringent post-event inspections). Differential and transmission fluid changes should be more frequent if the car sees regular lapping.
- Brakes and tires: The OE Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 tires and Brembo pads are track-capable but consumable. Budget for heat cycling and wear; front pads and front outer shoulders are high-consumption items without added camber.
- Alignment: The chassis responds well to increased negative camber within factory allowances. Many track-day owners utilize camber bolts or slotted struts to reach more aggressive settings while retaining tire life.
- Known wear points: Hard track use can accelerate rear differential fluid degradation and provoke noise; wheel bearings are stout (ZL1-spec) but should be checked after curb strikes. The TR-6060 shifter action is generally excellent; occasional reports of 1–2 notchiness are typically linkage or fluid related.
- Parts availability: GM Performance parts support is excellent. OE-equivalent and upgrade components (cooling, brake, bushing, and suspension) are widely available.
- Cosmetics: The matte hood wrap requires specific care (no polishing/abrasives); replacement wraps are available if UV or chemical staining occurs.
- Restoration difficulty: Mechanically straightforward; bodywork complexity is typical fifth-gen. No exotic materials. Keeping original wheels, brake hardware, and hood treatment helps preserve authenticity.
Cultural Relevance and Market Perspective
The 1LE occupies a sweet spot in fifth-gen Camaro lore: more focused than an SS, less single-minded than a Z/28, and praised widely in contemporary comparison tests for its balance, stamina, and value. It revived an enthusiast-favorite RPO code with real substance, not stickers. In the collectible hierarchy, it generally commands a premium over a comparable SS manual and sits well below the Z/28 and ZL1. Track-day credibility, manual-only specification, and restrained visuals have kept interest strong among drivers who measure a car by how it behaves in the last 10% of a lap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 1LE package?
Key content includes a 3.91 final drive, Tremec TR-6060 with a short-throw shifter, solid rear cradle bushings, larger anti-roll bars with unique damper tuning, ZL1-spec wheel bearings and rear shock mounts, 20x10-inch wheels with 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 tires at all four corners, and Brembo brakes. Manual transmission and the LS3 V8 are mandatory.
How much power does the 2013–2015 1LE make?
Factory rating is 426 hp and 420 lb-ft for the LS3 (manual SS). There are no factory 1LE-specific engine output changes.
Is Magnetic Ride Control fitted?
No. The 1LE relies on conventional dampers with specific tuning and upgraded hardware. Magnetic Ride Control was reserved for the ZL1 in this era.
What tires came stock on the 1LE?
Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2, 285/35ZR20 at all four corners, on 20x10-inch wheels. The square setup allows tire rotation and contributes to the car’s neutral balance.
How quick is it?
Representative instrumented results place 0–60 mph in the mid-4-second range and the quarter-mile in the high-12s around 111 mph, with a 155 mph electronic limit.
Any known issues to watch for?
Track-driven cars should be inspected for differential noise/fluid breakdown, front pad/rotor wear, and outer-shoulder tire wear if insufficient camber is used. The matte hood wrap needs proper care to avoid staining. Otherwise, the LS3/TR-6060 drivetrain is notably durable when maintained.
How does it compare with the Boss 302 and E92 M3?
The 1LE trades some top-end sophistication for relentless stamina and grip. It matches or exceeds period rivals on track durability and mid-corner balance, particularly thanks to its square tire setup and shorter final drive.
Are production numbers known?
Chevrolet did not publish separate official global tallies for the 1LE package by year during 2013–2015. Enthusiast registries have compiled estimates, but they are not factory-certified figures.
What about value trends?
Historically, clean, unmodified examples with documentation and desirable options (e.g., Recaro seats) transact above comparable SS manuals, while the Z/28 remains the outlier at significantly higher prices.
Collector’s Summary
If you value lap-after-lap consistency and a manual gearbox, the 2013–2015 Camaro 1LE distills the fifth-gen into its most honest form. It is the quiet professional of the lineup: the one that doesn’t shout, yet delivers when the session clock starts.
