Ultimabake

Okay I'm getting into the Vette market after having a 10 Z06 and trading it for a 13 GTR, I know slap me! Well it wasn't my type of car, great handling car but no wow factor and a huge maintenance burden. I would like to track my next Vette so I'm looking at a 09 ZR1 and a 11 Z06 (w/CFZ and Z07 option). I'm reading about the lack of PTM and Launch control on the 09 ZR1, should this be my decision point? The ZR1 has headers but other than that it's stock, the Z06 is totally stock. I'm going to mod the car so I understand the Z06 is on the with 505 but squeeze 800 but for how long?

Any help would be great!

corvettemonster

Well I had a GTR myself and thought it was a beast, quick and violent...but had it tuned to 620 AWP. Put 52K miles on GTR and tracked it a lot...which comes to my next comment and conclusion; if you want to track a car, go with a naturally aspirated engine, i.e, the 2011 Z06 with Z07 package, and not with turbo or supercharged cars as heat can creep up easily and be an issue.

I currently have a 2011 Carbon Edition SSB Z06 and it's a beast - to say the least - on the track. Also, I feel there's a more immediate response on the track with the Z06's LS7 than with the ZR1's LS9 supercharged engine.

Just my .02

Good luck with your choice!

PHPD7102

Hmm have you ever driven a ZR1? I don't know how others feel but "response" in my ZR1 is instant.

Ultimabake

Thanks for the reply, I didn't track the GTR but I did do a few events with my 10 Z, I want to mod the Z and I will get to a point where I will need to go to a LSX block. I have some decisions to make and I would like to hear from some member who have tracked their ZR1. The 09 ZR1 has 13k miles and 11Z has 23k miles.

Ultimabake

No I guess I should find one to test drive, what year model is yours and have you tracked it?

ClarksZ06

If your mainly going to track it then the Z06/Z07. If your going to use it a lot as a street car then the ZR1.
Or just upgrade the heat exchanger, intercooler bricks and radiator and make the ZR1 a track monster that runs cool also!

corvettemonster

Any aspirated engine's power band has a different output of peak power throughout its rev band and is preferred by most track guys moreso than both supercharged and turbo cars. Supercharged engines have tons of torque but its very constant throughout its rev band and turbos, of course, have that constant slight lag...and I don't care how good a turbo charged car is set-up, that lag is always there.

Yes, I have driven a ZR1 on the track and it's great, but it doesn't feel so visceral and responsive to me as does the LS7. Now, If I were going for a 'throw me in my seat' street car, I'd go with the ZR1's LS9 all day long. But the question posed on this thread was a track-use question, which I only gave my personal opinion based on my experience with different types of engines and their heating issues in a track setting.

Look up MotorTrends comparison of the 2013 ZR1 and 2013 Z06 with Z07 package on YouTube to get a glimpse of what I'm trying to explain here.

I'd be the first to say that my 550 HP supercharged 2005 FordGT is so-so on the track, but by far the most comfortable and best street cruiser I've ever driven, period...a true GT car.

Don't get me wrong, the ZR1 is a total bad-*** car, but the Z06 WITH Z07 package is just a better track set-up: lighter, carbon ceramics (like ZR1), naturally aspirated, etc.

Ultimabake

Thanks for the reply and you make some good points, I will do some track events and my issue is the lack of PTM and launch on the 09 ZR1, should this be a concern?

corvettemonster

Well all I can say is that the PTM on the ZR1 improved over subsequent years as did the launch. The first year of any car always have small issues (apparently like the current C7Z06). But these issues eventually get resolved with time/subsequent models.

However, as far as track use, launch is no big deal and neither is the PTM, just set it where you feel connected with the car on the track.

Are you planning on tracking the car (road course) or dragging the car? I assume tracking as you mentioned in your first post.

Ultimabake

Just tracking on occasion but no drag racing

corvettemonster

I see. Well, If I were in your shoes, I'd go with the 2011 Z06/Z07 car.

However, when it's all said and done, you can't go wrong with either the ZR1 or Z06/Z07! Good luck with your choice

Ultimabake

Thanks for you comments it's a tough choice and its a 11k difference in the pricing

Vernon

I agree with points made by corvettemonster. If the car will see alot of road race use, purchase the '11 Carbon Z06.

Car and Driver shared some promotional info...
"Chevrolet is launching a special Corvette Z06 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vette first competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960. Called the 2011 Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, only about 500 examples will be available when it goes on sale in late summer.

While the Corvette ZR1 is the fastest and most advanced—and most expensive—model in the lineup, the lightweight, naturally aspirated Z06 is a favorite among track rats, some of whom consider it to be better balanced and more focused with its 505-hp, 7.0-liter V-8. (We preferred the departed Z51 Vette’s poise and livability to the Z06’s hairiness.) Many Vette enthusiasts, however, have been clamoring for the option to add some of the ZR1’s chassis goodies without paying that car’s $107,830 sticker price, according to the company."

As an aside, I know two Carbon Z06 owners who say their stock vehicles dyno significantly higher than anticipated for the 505 hp rating.

And you could use the ZR1 purchase savings for the anticipated mods and track fees/increased maintenance expenses.

Enjoy!

NofakeJake

LS9 has forged internals. LS7 has been known to have head/ valve issues. You're tracking the car. It's my opinion that it would be easier to grenade an LS7.

Neither car has PTM. 2011 Z06/Z07 did not come with it, nor did the 2009 ZR1.

I've owned a Z06 and ZR1 and driven both on the track. My preference is the ZR1 , but that's just me. .... I also prefer the ZR1 over a C7 Z51 on the track.

What did you expect, this is the ZR1 section

LS9Drew

Can't go wrong with either but if you're really going to track it seems like NA is the way to go.

I don't get the people who say the Z06 feels better down low than a ZR1, I've owned both and the Z06 is so lazy below 3500-4000rpms but pulls great after where the ZR1 pulls great no matter the rpm.

DebRedZR1

corvettemonster

I wouldn't say the LS7 is lazy, but the LS9 does pull harder lower and more consistently throughout its whole rev band, as do all supercharged engines...which is very fun

3LZZ06

If you were going to occasionally track either car stock, the ZR1 is ready to go, the Z06 needs the heads addressed.

Since you're looking for 800hp, you have a lot of work to safely do that with the Z06. Also, a N/A 800hp beast may not be real street friendly. The ZR1 would just require boost and cooling mods and have absolutely no affect on the street manners.

You'll have to do the math and decide what works best for you...

Good luck with your choice

NofakeJake

That helmet and red ZR1 in your avatar says it all Deb!

Don't slow your roll.....


Mike

-=ICE=-

add one more IMPORTANT item .. with power you need brakes ! the brakes on the ZR1 are Great ! Can be on the track all day and don't loose any braking at all.

I've tracked my ZR1 a handfull of times last year, and the track you choose will be your enjoyment or all over the place. I did a small track and have to say with a beast of power like the ZR1 was very hard to control, I got frustrated with the small power small size car's up my butt all day and put it in 3rd and thought screw it I'll just enjoy a drive around the track. Guess what? because of all that power now I was leaving everyone in my dust, that supercharger kicked in the right amount and was able to make some great numbers being in 3rd 90% of the track and the grunt power just was great ! heck even in the off time everyone asked if I woke up LOL .. BIG power on smaller tracks isn't fun. Now on a fast track the ZR1 was right at home, seemed no matter how much more I pushed it in the corners and straight it always wanted more

the ZR1 has been extremely reliable for me, and the power is just insane !! It really is in a class of it's own ! and if you want to up the power you don't have to spend a lot of $$$ ..

So my Vote is ZR1 based on experience, my car the season before was a Gallardo and I don't miss it for a second after owning the ZR1.