Period magazine tests of the ZL1 were quite rare due to the rarity of the engine itself. "High-Performance Cars" tested a production line stock, but well tuned, example and recorded a 13.1 second/ , which correlates quite well with the previously referenced SAE Net figure. "Super Stock and Drag Racing Magazine" recorded an 11.62 second/ in a ZL1 Camaro that was professionally tuned and driven by drag racing legend Dick Harrell, although that car was also equipped with open long-tube S&S equal-length headers, drag slicks, and minor suspension modifications. Using Patrick Hale's Power/Speed formula, the trap speed indicated low 11-second ET (elapsed time) potential (e.g. with larger drag slicks) and suggested something on the order of , "as installed", in that modified configuration. This large difference in power suggests that the OEM exhaust manifolds and exhaust system were highly restrictive in the ZL1 application, as was also the case with the similar L88.