Runs11s

With all the engine issues, am I nuts for thinking about buying a local private owner very low miles '09 Z06?

Should I go with a Grand Sport instead?

Honestly, I really want the C6Z. Are the valve issues being blown out of proportion?

1Sikstik

If you really want the Z then get it. I got the LS3 and less than a year sold it and got the Z. Same year Z as you are looking at with very low miles. Just figure to get the heads done, mines in the shop now for 4 looooong weeks because I chose to stick with my heads and not go with WCCH, Brodix, etc.. My valves and guides looked good though.

TARANTULA

I see your in sw FL if you don't mind me asking who's doing the work for you?

c6 zeee06

Get the Z for sure. Got mine in Oct...love it.

1Sikstik

Not at all. I brought it to Horsepower Sales in Pompano Beach, about a 2 hour drive from where I live. I was choosing between them and Redline Motorsports since they are in the same area. But my car was at HPS with the previous owner and it runs great so I thought I would bring it back to them. It was also a plus that Jeremy at HPS remembered my car and filled me in on its build history. Give Rick a call if you decide, they are great people over there and they know our cars inside and out. I'll be posting an update on mine when I get it back this week.

'06 Quicksilver Z06

If you really want the Z, then get it.

As to if the valve issue is "blown out of proportion", you'd have to ask "out of proportion to what?"

There have been almost 180,000 LS2 and LS3 based C6 Corvettes built over the C6 production run. A small percentage of their owners are on this forum.

How many reports of dropped valves have you heard of in LS2 and LS3 based Corvettes on this forum?

There have been 27,996 C6 Z06s built. And like LS2 and LS3 cars, only a small percentage of their owners are on this forum.

How many LS7s have you heard of dropping valves in here?

So you can decide for yourself whether or not it's blown out of proportion.

w00tw00t

I am in the same boat as OP.. I've been considering a left-over 2013 Z06 but now I'm not so sure..

Turbooo2u

Get an extended warranty.

1Sikstik

I would suggest you go test drive it if you haven't already. I am sure that will help you make up your mind one way or another.

jimman

Just turned 176,000 miles with no issues

TWS Racing

The issue with the heads on C6Z's that results in sticking exhaust valves applies to a small minority of owners. However, that minority is very vocal - and with good reason. If you buy a pre 2/11 ZO6 you do have a chance of that problem occurring. The number of LS7's that fail (for that reason) may be less than 10%, but whatever the percentage, it's a serious chunk of $ should your out of warranty LS7 shatter a piston on a stuck exhaust valve.

The issue was reportedly addressed by 2/11. My 2012 ZO6 was built 11/11 so I should be safe. It's still under warranty and I'm not going to do anything to negate the warranty so as to maintain absolute peace of mind.

FWIW I love my ZO6. We also have a 2012 Grand Sport and when it comes out of warranty it might be the one to get some really serious mods. The LS3 is a very stout motor and can put out some really good numbers when modded and hold together as long as your tuner is competent.

Dirty Howie

Bring it to a dealer and make sure the tune is stock before you buy it. Don't mod it until after the warranty is up. Have the heads examined or rebuilt just before warranty is up.

Great car. I drive mine every day and love it.


DH

ghoust

I would reconsider. Buy another hotrod instead...I would if I know what I know now.

MTPZ06

Pretty sure there's evidence out there to the contrary. GM's statement also excluded the '06/'07 model years...and we know that's not right either. I have 3 years left on my GMPP for my '09, and then I'm getting the heads checked.

LFZ

Just get the real deal- Z06 and don't look back. The more you drive it, the more you read this forum, the more you'll be educating yourself, and the more you'll be enjoying it.

ibleedgreen

DON T.

And next your going to tell us your on the original Goodyears!!

croatbob

Can't compare a z to the base. Get one in warranty and when it runs out get the wcch upgrade. Bout 3k. Way more fun than a base. I bought a ysi fed 07 z n new to budget in the heads. Goin bigger with a set of mast 305s but by the time I sell my stock heads, works out bout 1500 more than doin mine up

95jersey

Just budget $2k to get the heads done and then you will have true peace of mind. Is the Z a great car...you will fall in love. What is $2k when your spending $45k.

Tonylmiller

You should test drive both. The Z06 is a different car. If you want maximum performance, nothing else will do. Just figure on fixing the heads. It is part of the cost.