[Z06] Z06 vs Z07 Thoughts after first few weeks...
08-04-2011, 09:19 PM
#41
Le Mans Master
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I take my hat off to those of you who have a Z07. With all due respect there are several incremental upgrades to the Z07 but it’s not the ones being discussed on this thread that make it feel like a different car. The combination of these incremental upgrades makes a difference but it’s the insertion of one huge technological improvement that makes the Z07 superior to my Z06.
The Magnetic Ride Control is the worlds fastest reacting suspension system resulting in real-time, continuous variable control of vehicle damping. By design the driver feels a greater sense of security with smooth, well controlled ride motions, and more precise and responsive handling, particularly on uneven surfaces and during challenging maneuvers. The system helps maximizes the amount of tire patch in contact with the road. It isolates and smoothes the actions of each tire, resulting in less bouncing, vibration and noise. At all speeds, on all road surfaces and twisting variations, the system integrates with ABS and traction control to keep the vehicle balanced and poised.
For what it's worth, I have wheels and tires from a 2011 ZR1 on my 2006 Z06. They are Michelin ZPs and they do make a huge difference in every perceptible ride and handling category.
The Magnetic Ride Control is the worlds fastest reacting suspension system resulting in real-time, continuous variable control of vehicle damping. By design the driver feels a greater sense of security with smooth, well controlled ride motions, and more precise and responsive handling, particularly on uneven surfaces and during challenging maneuvers. The system helps maximizes the amount of tire patch in contact with the road. It isolates and smoothes the actions of each tire, resulting in less bouncing, vibration and noise. At all speeds, on all road surfaces and twisting variations, the system integrates with ABS and traction control to keep the vehicle balanced and poised.
For what it's worth, I have wheels and tires from a 2011 ZR1 on my 2006 Z06. They are Michelin ZPs and they do make a huge difference in every perceptible ride and handling category.
08-04-2011, 10:14 PM
#42
Burning Brakes
08-04-2011, 10:54 PM
#45
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Tires make a big difference. Put the Michelin PS2's on the Z06(as thousands have done) and it will feel much more secure in the twisties and straight line acceleration and also braking. Even the runner up Bridgestone's will make the OE Goodyear's seem like dog poopie.
I get the feeling you are dissing the Z06 when you should be dissing the Goodyear tires that are OE on the base Z06.
I get the feeling you are dissing the Z06 when you should be dissing the Goodyear tires that are OE on the base Z06.
It makes the car just feel a little more racy. 
So why not pit better pads (carbotech), better tires, and better suspension in a z06... For under 5-6k! Then would this car would be a better driver compared to the z07?
Or are we comparing stock to stock, bc if so, you cannot swap tires on an oem z06.
The comparisons can go on and on, but we need to compare apples to apples.
Just my thoughts, but I agree, the z07 is leaps and bounds compared to a z06. But, with the aftermarket, a z06 can be made to compete with those of the z07/zr1. It's just $$$.
Aj
Or are we comparing stock to stock, bc if so, you cannot swap tires on an oem z06.
The comparisons can go on and on, but we need to compare apples to apples.
Just my thoughts, but I agree, the z07 is leaps and bounds compared to a z06. But, with the aftermarket, a z06 can be made to compete with those of the z07/zr1. It's just $$$.
Aj
Great review however I must ask a few questions. Are you driving the ZO6 on its' OEM Goodyears and do you really street drive your Z's that hard that the ZO7 option was required or was it "I have to have it purchase?. I would love a ZO7 or ZR1 but only looking at either as a collector car or track warrior. The standard ZO6, FOR THE STREET, is more street Vette than anyone needs. Better tires and Bilsteins will enhance the stock ZO6 experience.
Well personally, I am not a fan of the ZR1 due to the 6.2 L and non natural aspiration. Also it has some excess weight. And to top it off I simply couldn't afford the ZR1 even if I wanted it. I thought the Z07 was a great fit for me to hold me over until the C7 Z06 equivalent comes out in years to come.
08-04-2011, 11:02 PM
#47
Drifting
I owned a several Z's prior including an o8Z. I recently after much thought on modding a C6Z decided on a 2011 Zo7. I agree w/ thr OP. It is a BIG difference from my o8Z. It is better in everyway as far as handling and braking. Tires, suspension, and brakes were all lacking on the C6z so why would anyone debate that it is better. Most reviews always pointed out the need for suspension tuning and better tires. The Zo7 although late is the answer. The best Z I've owned so far.
08-04-2011, 11:22 PM
#49
Le Mans Master
If the Z07 was available, and deeply discounted when I bought my 09', I'd have one now.
So far, I've replaced the tires with BS's and the shocks with DRM Bilsteins, Those two mods alone dramatically alter how the car behaves, whether cruising around or pushing it hard.
The brakes are good enough for me as is, but I might get the bug to later upgrade to some better and lighter steel brakes.
So far, I've replaced the tires with BS's and the shocks with DRM Bilsteins, Those two mods alone dramatically alter how the car behaves, whether cruising around or pushing it hard.
The brakes are good enough for me as is, but I might get the bug to later upgrade to some better and lighter steel brakes.
08-05-2011, 01:26 AM
#51
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Well personally, I am not a fan of the ZR1 due to the 6.2 L and non natural aspiration. Also it has some excess weight. And to top it off I simply couldn't afford the ZR1 even if I wanted it. I thought the Z07 was a great fit for me to hold me over until the C7 Z06 equivalent comes out in years to come.
08-05-2011, 10:08 AM
#52
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
do you have both Z's or did you just keep the newer one? Slightly used ZR1 can be had for about 90, how much did your Z cost? Weight wise, Z07 has to be heavier than standard Z06 due to larger brakes and wheels and tires alone. Not sure if the CF panels compensate for these things...LOL at that hold over...
08-05-2011, 10:18 AM
#53
Le Mans Master
08-05-2011, 04:25 PM
#54
Great write up, couldn't agree more! The Z07 equipped z06 is worth every penny for the exactly the reasons you listed. For me it's the F-55 suspension and the Michelin tires that are the standout reasons this car is way better than my old 09 2LZ. The carbon pieces do look nice and I've decided to add the oem sideskirts and oem Carbon Edition hood. The front splitter is a non starter for me becuse of my steep driveway.
08-05-2011, 08:17 PM
#55
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Great write up, couldn't agree more! The Z07 equipped z06 is worth every penny for the exactly the reasons you listed. For me it's the F-55 suspension and the Michelin tires that are the standout reasons this car is way better than my old 09 2LZ. The carbon pieces do look nice and I've decided to add the oem sideskirts and oem Carbon Edition hood. The front splitter is a non starter for me becuse of my steep driveway.
And yes, my front splitter clears my driveway by I kid you not 1 centimeter. Scares me every time.
08-05-2011, 08:33 PM
#56
Race Director
I had a 2Lz Z06 for about year and recently purchased a 3LZ Z07.
Handling / Tires: I am used to taking onramps and other turns I am very familiar with in my Z06 at certain speeds. Recently driving the Z07 makes me realize how vastly superior the handling on the Z07 really is. In the Z06 I can feel the car start hitting it's peak and am hesitant to push it anymore. When taking the same turns in the Z07, I am able to push it significantly harder. The sport mode is fantastic but the touring mode is also awesome. There are certain bumps and bad parts of the road around my hometown which I have to slow down for. When in the touring mode, it feels more like a luxury sedan gliding over the bumps opposed to me being used to lifting my a$$ up in anticipation for the rough road. Accelerating out of turns is far superior in the Z07 due to the sticker / wider tires and suspension. The car grips much better and really uses the power more efficiently.
Braking: There really is a dramatic difference. The Z07 simply gives you more confidence in stopping the vehicle. The brakes are just straight godly. I feel safer in the Z07 than I thought imaginable. It stops in situations with ease where the Z06 may struggle to come to a halt in time.
Carbon fiber roof, front splitter, side skirts, Zr1 wheels / Spoiler: When lined up next to the Z06, the Z07 just looks lower, meaner, and wider. Alone with the black roof, black side skirts, black splitter, and comp gray Zr1 wheels, it just gives it a much sportier look.
Off topic 2LZ vs 3LZ: I am not sure if the leather, stitching, etc in the 3LZ is worth the price difference, but it does give you a more luxurious feeling
Overall: I switch between these two cars just about daily, and it is almost dangerous to get comfortable in the Z07 and then jump in the Z06. You expect the Z06 to perform as the Z07 does and it simply cannot. The Z06 just seems to be a have a lot looser feel while the Z07 feels like it is just attached to the pavement. Between the handling, braking and tires, the Z07 really is able to use a lot more of the 505hp in all situations. For the price, IDK if the Z07 is worth THAT much more, due to price being subjective. It is hard to put a price tag on sheer performance. But for me in my financial situation, I would not change my decision in a second. The Z07 is a straight beast.
Handling / Tires: I am used to taking onramps and other turns I am very familiar with in my Z06 at certain speeds. Recently driving the Z07 makes me realize how vastly superior the handling on the Z07 really is. In the Z06 I can feel the car start hitting it's peak and am hesitant to push it anymore. When taking the same turns in the Z07, I am able to push it significantly harder. The sport mode is fantastic but the touring mode is also awesome. There are certain bumps and bad parts of the road around my hometown which I have to slow down for. When in the touring mode, it feels more like a luxury sedan gliding over the bumps opposed to me being used to lifting my a$$ up in anticipation for the rough road. Accelerating out of turns is far superior in the Z07 due to the sticker / wider tires and suspension. The car grips much better and really uses the power more efficiently.
Braking: There really is a dramatic difference. The Z07 simply gives you more confidence in stopping the vehicle. The brakes are just straight godly. I feel safer in the Z07 than I thought imaginable. It stops in situations with ease where the Z06 may struggle to come to a halt in time.
Carbon fiber roof, front splitter, side skirts, Zr1 wheels / Spoiler: When lined up next to the Z06, the Z07 just looks lower, meaner, and wider. Alone with the black roof, black side skirts, black splitter, and comp gray Zr1 wheels, it just gives it a much sportier look.
Off topic 2LZ vs 3LZ: I am not sure if the leather, stitching, etc in the 3LZ is worth the price difference, but it does give you a more luxurious feeling
Overall: I switch between these two cars just about daily, and it is almost dangerous to get comfortable in the Z07 and then jump in the Z06. You expect the Z06 to perform as the Z07 does and it simply cannot. The Z06 just seems to be a have a lot looser feel while the Z07 feels like it is just attached to the pavement. Between the handling, braking and tires, the Z07 really is able to use a lot more of the 505hp in all situations. For the price, IDK if the Z07 is worth THAT much more, due to price being subjective. It is hard to put a price tag on sheer performance. But for me in my financial situation, I would not change my decision in a second. The Z07 is a straight beast.
I also find myself frequently braking down from 120mph and wishing I had a bit more brake capability. (certainly not at legal speeds, because the stock Z06 brakes are strong enough to encourage wheel lock.)
All on the street.
Time for a Z07.
OR... maybe I could just put race tires on, tune my shocks for them and get 99% of the difference.
08-05-2011, 08:40 PM
#57
Le Mans Master
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A while ago I would have agreed with you, but no more. I'll take whatever technology is available to make a car handle better and for me to drive the car closer to its limits. Bring on the double clutch transmission with superquick shifts and--dare I say it--all wheel drive.
08-05-2011, 11:22 PM
#58
Le Mans Master
I had a 2Lz Z06 for about year and recently purchased a 3LZ Z07.
Handling / Tires: I am used to taking onramps and other turns I am very familiar with in my Z06 at certain speeds. Recently driving the Z07 makes me realize how vastly superior the handling on the Z07 really is. In the Z06 I can feel the car start hitting it's peak and am hesitant to push it anymore. When taking the same turns in the Z07, I am able to push it significantly harder. The sport mode is fantastic but the touring mode is also awesome. There are certain bumps and bad parts of the road around my hometown which I have to slow down for. When in the touring mode, it feels more like a luxury sedan gliding over the bumps opposed to me being used to lifting my a$$ up in anticipation for the rough road. Accelerating out of turns is far superior in the Z07 due to the sticker / wider tires and suspension. The car grips much better and really uses the power more efficiently.
Braking: There really is a dramatic difference. The Z07 simply gives you more confidence in stopping the vehicle. The brakes are just straight godly. I feel safer in the Z07 than I thought imaginable. It stops in situations with ease where the Z06 may struggle to come to a halt in time.
Carbon fiber roof, front splitter, side skirts, Zr1 wheels / Spoiler: When lined up next to the Z06, the Z07 just looks lower, meaner, and wider. Alone with the black roof, black side skirts, black splitter, and comp gray Zr1 wheels, it just gives it a much sportier look.
Off topic 2LZ vs 3LZ: I am not sure if the leather, stitching, etc in the 3LZ is worth the price difference, but it does give you a more luxurious feeling
Overall: I switch between these two cars just about daily, and it is almost dangerous to get comfortable in the Z07 and then jump in the Z06. You expect the Z06 to perform as the Z07 does and it simply cannot. The Z06 just seems to be a have a lot looser feel while the Z07 feels like it is just attached to the pavement. Between the handling, braking and tires, the Z07 really is able to use a lot more of the 505hp in all situations. For the price, IDK if the Z07 is worth THAT much more, due to price being subjective. It is hard to put a price tag on sheer performance. But for me in my financial situation, I would not change my decision in a second. The Z07 is a straight beast.
Handling / Tires: I am used to taking onramps and other turns I am very familiar with in my Z06 at certain speeds. Recently driving the Z07 makes me realize how vastly superior the handling on the Z07 really is. In the Z06 I can feel the car start hitting it's peak and am hesitant to push it anymore. When taking the same turns in the Z07, I am able to push it significantly harder. The sport mode is fantastic but the touring mode is also awesome. There are certain bumps and bad parts of the road around my hometown which I have to slow down for. When in the touring mode, it feels more like a luxury sedan gliding over the bumps opposed to me being used to lifting my a$$ up in anticipation for the rough road. Accelerating out of turns is far superior in the Z07 due to the sticker / wider tires and suspension. The car grips much better and really uses the power more efficiently.
Braking: There really is a dramatic difference. The Z07 simply gives you more confidence in stopping the vehicle. The brakes are just straight godly. I feel safer in the Z07 than I thought imaginable. It stops in situations with ease where the Z06 may struggle to come to a halt in time.
Carbon fiber roof, front splitter, side skirts, Zr1 wheels / Spoiler: When lined up next to the Z06, the Z07 just looks lower, meaner, and wider. Alone with the black roof, black side skirts, black splitter, and comp gray Zr1 wheels, it just gives it a much sportier look.
Off topic 2LZ vs 3LZ: I am not sure if the leather, stitching, etc in the 3LZ is worth the price difference, but it does give you a more luxurious feeling
Overall: I switch between these two cars just about daily, and it is almost dangerous to get comfortable in the Z07 and then jump in the Z06. You expect the Z06 to perform as the Z07 does and it simply cannot. The Z06 just seems to be a have a lot looser feel while the Z07 feels like it is just attached to the pavement. Between the handling, braking and tires, the Z07 really is able to use a lot more of the 505hp in all situations. For the price, IDK if the Z07 is worth THAT much more, due to price being subjective. It is hard to put a price tag on sheer performance. But for me in my financial situation, I would not change my decision in a second. The Z07 is a straight beast.
