Talk me into/out of a C6 Z06

[TSM330i]

I had a C6 Z06 a few years back (yellow of course).

No, the interior wasn't the greatest, but GM put the money into the drivetrain and chassis instead. You have the "option" with aftermarket if you'd like to make it look nicer.

I found that once I hit the throttle, no one even cared what the inside looked like. The smile on their face told the story.

OP: The "fixes" that need to be done are well documented. These cars can be sorted out very quickly. The sound of a cammed 427 is incredible and the throttle response is just addictive. GL and let us know what you find. They are a performance bargain, much like a 996TT.

[GenXer]

They made C7 Z06 too. Give that a try.
For me, my C7 Z51 was handful enough. 460HP is adequate for a 3400 pounds car.

[dreamingat30fps]

Originally Posted by GenXer

They made C7 Z06 too. Give that a try.
For me, my C7 Z51 was handful enough. 460HP is adequate for a 3400 pounds car.

For everyday driving it's waaay more than enough. I mean I can barely push the car before I'm past 100mph. In fact IMO it's one of the downsides of high hp cars. My FRS was slow as shit, but super fun because I could push it all I want and only be doing 50mph.

However if it's mainly for the track that's a different story.

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by dreamingat30fps

For everyday driving it's waaay more than enough. I mean I can barely push the car before I'm past 100mph. In fact IMO it's one of the downsides of high hp cars. My FRS was slow as shit, but super fun because I could push it all I want and only be doing 50mph.

However if it's mainly for the track that's a different story.

Actually...

I've compared data extensively between my Z4 M Coupe (3,200 lbs, 330 HP on 275mm wide R-Comps) and my C7 Grand Sport with Z07 package (3,400 lbs, 460hp on 285f/335r Michelin Cup 2s) on the same tracks. And really, yeah, the C7 Grand Sport is easily 5-7 seconds per lap faster in the same 2.8 mile config*, but all that time comes from between the straights. Corner entry speed and mid corner all the way to the exit is all about the same between the two cars. Terminal speed down some straights can be as much as 15-20 mph though, and that's where all the time is coming from despite the C7 having a lower center of gravity, trick magnetic shocks, and insanely wide sticky tires from the factory AND carbon ceramic brakes.

* And IRL, the C7, despite being 130hp more and 200ft*lbs more in torque, struggles to put all that power down at Laguna Seca in certain turns, resulting in only a 2.5-3 second advantage. I've done LS in real life and also set up my "simulator" rig with both the Z4 M Coupe (basically an E46 M3 subtract 200 lbs) and the C7 Grand Sport, and on my simulation rig the lap difference should be as much as 10-11 seconds but that did not materialize because well, frankly, walls to hit.

To be completely fair, for the track? It really depends on what your intentions are. More power is going to set faster laps, but honestly? I have far more fun with the Z4 M Coupe, because with the C7 Grand Sport all I was doing was passing other instructors and advance students and working through traffic, where as the Z4 M Coupe has just enough power and lateral grip to hang with most cars on track except for the most powerful ones, so there's far more dicing around with friends in the Z4 M Coupe then there EVER was with the Corvette.

Really, if all I was doing with the car is to go the track? I'd rather have the Toyobaru. Because consumables are far cheaper. In 2 years of tracking the Corvette C7 Grand Sport, I'm looking at $3,000 worth of tires and in another year, $8,000 worth in brakes. The tire funds would be enough to pay for an FRS's brakes and tires for 5 years.

There's a reason why "get a Miata" is the right answer to anything related to track.

[The HACK]

Before you all go "omg you're slow as molasses..."

Yes I don't push either one of my cars on track that hard. I leave a nice, safe margin for error at all times. Yes I know I'm easily 5-7 seconds off pace with either car. I've ridden with instructor and club racer friends that leaves little to nothing to chance and it's fun and thrilling as heck, but I do tend to drive a little on the conservative side because, well, I'm not out to set lap records.

But I am consistent as heck. My hot laps are usually between .2-.5 of reference laps, baring traffic, once I'm warmed up. So I can tell you I hit my marks and while I can probably shave off a few tenth each corner by braking later and throttle in earlier, I know my wife would literally kill me if the accident didn't.

So, enjoy. I'm sure if it's not my car, my tires, and my fuel, I'd probably be able to shave another 2-3 seconds off per lap easily.

[5.M0NSTER]

For someone who does this as a hobby and not as a profession (where someone else pays for the carnage), I think you sir have a very healthy attitude about HPDE

[FuriouslyFast]

Originally Posted by The HACK

Actually...

I've compared data extensively between my Z4 M Coupe (3,200 lbs, 330 HP on 275mm wide R-Comps) and my C7 Grand Sport with Z07 package (3,400 lbs, 460hp on 285f/335r Michelin Cup 2s) on the same tracks. And really, yeah, the C7 Grand Sport is easily 5-7 seconds per lap faster in the same 2.8 mile config*, but all that time comes from between the straights. Corner entry speed and mid corner all the way to the exit is all about the same between the two cars. Terminal speed down some straights can be as much as 15-20 mph though, and that's where all the time is coming from despite the C7 having a lower center of gravity, trick magnetic shocks, and insanely wide sticky tires from the factory AND carbon ceramic brakes.

* And IRL, the C7, despite being 130hp more and 200ft*lbs more in torque, struggles to put all that power down at Laguna Seca in certain turns, resulting in only a 2.5-3 second advantage. I've done LS in real life and also set up my "simulator" rig with both the Z4 M Coupe (basically an E46 M3 subtract 200 lbs) and the C7 Grand Sport, and on my simulation rig the lap difference should be as much as 10-11 seconds but that did not materialize because well, frankly, walls to hit.

To be completely fair, for the track? It really depends on what your intentions are. More power is going to set faster laps, but honestly? I have far more fun with the Z4 M Coupe, because with the C7 Grand Sport all I was doing was passing other instructors and advance students and working through traffic, where as the Z4 M Coupe has just enough power and lateral grip to hang with most cars on track except for the most powerful ones, so there's far more dicing around with friends in the Z4 M Coupe then there EVER was with the Corvette.

Really, if all I was doing with the car is to go the track? I'd rather have the Toyobaru. Because consumables are far cheaper. In 2 years of tracking the Corvette C7 Grand Sport, I'm looking at $3,000 worth of tires and in another year, $8,000 worth in brakes. The tire funds would be enough to pay for an FRS's brakes and tires for 5 years.

There's a reason why "get a Miata" is the right answer to anything related to track.

Miata FTW

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by FuriouslyFast

Miata FTW

I've always said "It's better to drive an underperforming car to its limit than to drive a high performance car below its limit."

[N54Yankee]

I’ve always said, it’s more fun to drive a fast car faster.

[FuriouslyFast]

Originally Posted by TSM330i

I've always said "It's better to drive an underperforming car to its limit than to drive a high performance car below its limit."

Eh, my Hellcat is still a nice daily even when driving normal

[shawntech]

Originally Posted by FuriouslyFast

Eh, my Hellcat is still a nice daily even when driving normal

+1

[M5Rick]

Looks are important too, the C6 ZO6 backend is the best there is and that engine sound hypnotic.
Get it.

[FuriouslyFast]

My old C6Z. DO IT NOW!!!!

[Rmtt]

Originally Posted by FuriouslyFast

My old C6Z. DO IT NOW!!!!

Nice....CCW SP500 wheels?

[FuriouslyFast]

Originally Posted by Rmtt

Nice....CCW SP500 wheels?

Weld RT-S S71

[JM98]

I've been looking at a few examples, currently doing a ton of research to see if I want to go with a modded HCI one or a stock Z06. They seem to be priced pretty similarly regardless of modifications.

Also, I'm curious to see what happens to this segment of the used car market in the next couple of months. Looking back to the last time the economy took a dump, prices crashed pretty quickly.

[Suds]

Just Do It!!
If you can afford both, Do It!!
It will enrich your life, because life can be short.

[Rmtt]

Originally Posted by JM98

I've been looking at a few examples, currently doing a ton of research to see if I want to go with a modded HCI one or a stock Z06. They seem to be priced pretty similarly regardless of modifications.

Also, I'm curious to see what happens to this segment of the used car market in the next couple of months. Looking back to the last time the economy took a dump, prices crashed pretty quickly.

I think these cars have hit the bottom of what you will see. They have been in this price range for sometime now, and if anything I can see them actually rising on an unmolested car once more people realize what it is.

Same way as the Terminator.

Even H/C/I modded, these cars are pretty reliable and you will see a lot of examples of them with very conservative tuning. Just make sure the work is documented.

[FuriouslyFast]

Originally Posted by JM98

I've been looking at a few examples, currently doing a ton of research to see if I want to go with a modded HCI one or a stock Z06. They seem to be priced pretty similarly regardless of modifications.

Also, I'm curious to see what happens to this segment of the used car market in the next couple of months. Looking back to the last time the economy took a dump, prices crashed pretty quickly.

Buy modded & save yourself the time & $. That's what I did

[FuriouslyFast]

Originally Posted by Rmtt

I think these cars have hit the bottom of what you will see. They have been in this price range for sometime now, and if anything I can see them actually rising on an unmolested car once more people realize what it is.

Same way as the Terminator.

Even H/C/I modded, these cars are pretty reliable and you will see a lot of examples of them with very conservative tuning. Just make sure the work is documented.

You can get a nice C6Z for the same price as a Terminator. Craziness. C6Z > Terminator all day. Only way I'd have to think about it is if the Terminator is a CO or Mystic convertible already modded with about the same HP as a modded C6Z.

[N54Yankee]

I’d be looking for a garaged and well cared for stock Z owned by an older guy who most likely just tooled around on weekends with low miles on the odometer. Receipts of oil changes and similar preventive work and head work done a big plus. I know these cars are pretty hard to find but worth the extra time looking and a higher price tag possibly. Never know though, this should be a buyers market in this corona economy down turn.

[FuriouslyFast]

Originally Posted by N54Yankee

I’d be looking for a garaged and well cared for stock Z owned by an older guy who most likely just tooled around on weekends with low miles on the odometer. Receipts of oil changes and similar preventive work and head work done a big plus. I know these cars are pretty hard to find but worth the extra time looking and a higher price tag possibly. Never know though, this should be a buyers market in this corona economy down turn.

They are not hard to find.

Also, mine had sub 30k miles on it & I tooled around on weekend. I was mid 30s when I had it. Not all younger folks are idiots.