TripleBlackZ06

So undecided but leaning toward pulling the trigger on a ZR1 but the C7 Z06 is tempting but just out of reach , I love them both , which is the better choice ?

2kredsilverado

IMO, no other corvette will come close to a ZR1. Don't own either but will tell you I will take a ZR1 over C7 ZO6 any day. It's just a dream car of mine

Can'tHave2MuchHP

Both are great cars. The Z06 is a better car around the track, but slower in a straight line. The ZR1 has the most expensive engine GM has ever produced I believe. It's already forged and it has a bigger blower for more aftermarket potential. It also doesn't struggle with heat soak as bad as the LT4.

The Z06 has a better interior and small things, but it also weighs more. 3550 vs 3300 (roughly).

The ZR1 has a "bad ***" factor that the Z06 can't replicate...now the C7 ZR1 might be a different story, but IMO there's something uniquely bad *** about a ZR1.

The Z06 may be a better car in most ways, but I'd save the on average 10,000$ and put it towards the mods on the ZR1.

z06vettewannabe

Well, you're going to open up a can of worms with this one. Better choice is subjective in a lot of ways. I really wanted a C7 Z06 when they first came out, but the ZR1 had been my dream car up until then. I ended up getting an absolutely perfect ZR1 for about half the price of the Z06 that I wanted (3RZ, Z07 package, etc.) Performance wise they are very close. If they were the same price I would take a Z06, but they are not. I think the ZR1 is the performance bargain of the century right now. Supercar performance for about $60k. From a personal opinion perspective, I love the C6 widebody look and the rarity of the ZR1 compared to the Z06 makes it a no brainer to me (4700ish ZR1s in the wild compared to 20000+ Z06s). I've sat in a Z06, never driven one, so I can't speak to what that car is like. I'm sure it's a better car in every way (except for heat soak). Now that I've owned the ZR1 for a while, I can't imagine parting with it. It's difficult to describe just how smooth and pure a driving machine it is. Absolute auto bliss! I know the C7 interior is nicer, but I think the ZR1 interior is fine. In fact, I'm a fan of simplicity. The motor is simply amazing, widely considered one of the great motors ever built. Smooth, seamless power all the way to redline, with a sound coming out of the tailpipes that is hard to match. I'm biased, but I think the ZR1 is a true "classic". You can't go wrong with either. You'll be getting a great car either way. Best of luck!

lt1z

ZR1 is a better platform for modding. C7Z is better platform for a regular driver or mild mods only. If you can't drive a stick that narrows the choices too

LSX228R

My next car will either be a ZR1 or C7Z. I think I may lean towards the ZR1. Less weight and cheaper to mod.

keeso6z

I couldn't agree more on what Z06vettewannabe said. I would add that personally I like the looks of the ZR1, both are awesome looking cars. The ZR1 is rare by comparison and could become collectable down the road. If you haven't already, it would be a good idea to drive them both before making a final decision. If you prefer an auto, then the C7 Z06 is the option of course. It will be a bit faster - 2.95 seconds 0-60 vs 3.3 seconds for the ZR1.

No question that if I was to get another Corvette, the ZR1 would be the one.

TripleBlackZ06

Thanks for all the opinions you all have pretty much solidified my choice for the ZR1, just needed that second opinion , thinking what kind of mods would be available for it obviously without hacking it up?

Can'tHave2MuchHP

There's tons of mod options. Do a ton of research on this Forum, talk to a shop or two and then make your decision. It's best to decide what you want and do it once.

A few basic guidelines to help:

There's bolt ons, which could be a Lingenfelter LPE710 kit which is a 2.6" Upper pulley, snout, air intake, and tune. Adding full exhaust to that can net you probably 630 whp. This is mild stuff.

Or you can do more boost, like a 2.35 or a 2.1 instead of the 2.6 listed above. Now you'll be running into higher temps that need to be dealt with by better heat exchangers and a thermostat, possibly injectors as well. (North of 650 rwhp now)

Then after that you can add a cam, to help it breath under a lot of boost (north of 700 rwhp now).

Then there's porting you can do. Heads, Nitrous, and more.


If you're looking for a nice build with decent gains but with stock drivability, then I'd do the LPE710 kit and full exhaust. Or you can do most of the LPE710 kit but switch the 2.6" upper pulley for a 2.35 upper pulley (Slightly more boost). Down the road if you decide you want more, go for a cam. IMO this is the happy medium of the ZR1, that is, full bolt ons to start and then a cam if you decide you need more.


Sorry for the long post, I'm still learning a lot about the ZR1 leading up to a purchase of one hopefully this year.

Jimnc

zZR1 better styling, better powerplant. C7 more modern interior. ZR1 better value. You can buy a 2009-2013 < 10k miles for $50-70k. Similarly equipped Z06 $100k +/-.

99HRDTP

There are huge savings on new Z's these days. No-one pays over $100k. The more I live with the Z, the more comfortable it is over the ZR. I still favor the ZR for other reasons, but quality and styling are not two of them. The interior and tech are so much better. The real world performance is pretty darn similar, so that's not the issue (despite absolute numbers on paper). The real decision, imho, would be what one can afford and what style you like better. Once again, salad days for gear heads!!

yellowzron

ZR1 hands down.

09Z06pj

This statement nails it. The ZR1 is just a bad-assed car!

spiralc5vette

I was in your shoes a month ago test drove both c7 z06 and c6 zr1 now i have a 2010 black on black zr1 parked in my garage and saved myself around 18k cant be any happier 🤘🏻🤘🏻

Bgreenard

Now if you go in the C7 Z06 section most will say the C7 Z06 is a better car, it is a matter of perception. Personally, the ZR1 is a better bang for the buck also I can not comfortably fit in a C7 or C7 Z06, they are made for people shorter than 6'5". I will re-evaluate when the C8 comes out but will have to be mid engine / AWD for me to consider....just sayin"

MTPZ06

ZR1 all day long...especially if the C7Z is out of reach. Buy a ZR1 and don't look back!

TripleBlackZ06

(It's already forged and it has a bigger blower for more aftermarket potential. It also doesn't struggle with heat soak as bad as the LT4.) Interesting , do you know for certain that its forged internals & do you think the c7z06 engine is also forged, that would make a big difference I would think ?

TripleBlackZ06

I was looking at a black on black too I,m loving it , nice choice but is also the most common color combo

pcguy2u

Love my ZR1 and wouldn't consider selling it. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is rear visibility - no comparison between the C6 (perfect) and the C7 (drove me nuts when I sat in one).


But that just me and my boss (that's the lady that lives here) as well. We were all set to order a 2017 ZL1 until she sat in one (I gave is a pass) - rear view is a big deal.

racerns

Even this is questionable if you put them on the same tire, which they both happen to use the same size tires. The only real performance advantage the C7 Z has over the ZR1 is for drag racing with an A8. The launch ability of the A8 is just tremendous.