I considered installing PPF to the damage-prone areas as it looks cleaner. My BMW M3 is also protected by a paint protection film.
BHPian vj123 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
There have been a few updates since the initial report.
PPF installation
Paint chipping in the fenders is a known issue with ZL1s as the extremely sticky tires are known to throw rocks onto the body and also front & rear tires stick outside the body (305mm on the front and 325mm on the rear). Two fender rock guard designs are extremely popular within the Camaro community and the design doesn’t look terrible. With mine being a black exterior, it’s almost not noticeable but I considered installing PPF to the damage-prone areas as it looks cleaner.
For my M3, I installed PPF in South Carolina before driving back to Michigan and I had contacted a few local installers during that time. I reached out to several of them again and some of them didn’t respond as they are extremely busy during the spring of every year. I visited a few shops and most of them were pushing me to go with the regular options (full or partial front, full rockers and full fenders) so that they can use their precuts films. Since I am not sure how long I will be keeping this vehicle, I didn’t want to spend too much money on the PPF and just wanted to protect the critical areas.
I ended up with an installer who was only 15 minutes from my place. He had worked on several supercars and had great customer reviews as well. He was willing to do a custom job based on my request and provided a very reasonable quote. One of his upcoming appointments was cancelled and he was able to accommodate me by the following week as well. I ended up applying PPF for the front bumper, side areas highlighted below and a part of the rear fender. Side edges were aligned with the body line and they don’t stand out. I was extremely happy with the overall service and will be using him for all of my future needs.
Break-in service #1
GM recommends two break-in services for ZL1 (engine oil flush at 500 miles and engine & differential oil flush at 1500 miles) and I was slightly above 500 miles after Team BHP meet. I scheduled my service right after the meet and it was completed right after my PPF installation.
Weekend drive
Weather was really good last weekend and I wanted to make use of it. I was thinking about exploring the roads around AnnArbor area for a while and this was the perfect time as my family was still in India. I wanted to try out Car and Driver magazine’s test route which was reported in a few forums couple of years ago and this route was also an option for our last Team BHP meet.
Overall trip was around 250 miles and the roads might have been one of the best I have driven in the area. It had plenty of tight curves with elevation changes and long sweepers. Being a Sunday afternoon, there was hardly any traffic and I saw several motorcycle groups & sports cars along the way. Few members have been proposing a Detroit Team BHP meet and I would highly recommend this route.
I have had the vehicle for two weekends post-delivery and the odometer has already clocked 800 miles. This will not be a garage queen and will be using it to the fullest whenever I have a chance.
Keyword: My 2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: PPF, break-in service & weekend drive