TopSpeedNeed

I am thinking about buying a C6Z06, I have heard that they fixed the tranny issues in 08, and valve issues in 09,, any truth to these? I am looking for an older low mileage Z, but I want to stay away from any ticking time bombs...

kenw

I can't remember all the differences but 09 and newer has the bigger oil capacity for the dry sump. Probably not important unless you plan to road course track the car.

VetteVinnie

They did not fix any valve issues in '09.

2008+ if you want the newer transmission. 2009+ if you want the larger capacity dry sump and bluetooth. 2010+ if you want white or crystal red that isn't a special edition. 2011+ if you want the carbon and Z07 packages.

Just depends on what you want and what you're willing to spend.

Adam_W

The one where the valves are not an issue is called the ZR1 or GTR.

If you want to ensure that you don't have a ticking time bomb, that don't get an LS7.

Seems to me that the "Z06" tax you pay to own this beast is
1) the $2-3K to get the heads re-worked and
2) living with a little bit of uncertainty that there is a small chance that you could suffer catastrophic engine failure.

Jawnathin

There's no 'broken' tranny on any years. 08+ did get a different unit though.

You'll want heads reworked on any year. Should be about bulletproof after that though.

croatbob

The 06 07 are supposedly to be lighter?!?! U get the t56 which is not as good as the tr6060 but still does the job till u chase big hp. Definitely do the heads straight up n ur set

JsnMR2

Usually 08+ ... Better transmission although the 06/07 trans was not bad. Also, interior upgrade in 08.. Better dash surround with leather trim and whatnot.

You can always change the dash surround on the older ones.

tim414

I was totally unaware there were tranny issues with the C6 Z06 in ANY year model.

They updated the tranny to a newer version. Former T56 (2006/7) and later T6060 (2008-13).

As far as I can tell, their all the same as far as premature guide wear. On this forum you'll likely hear less about incidents of premature guide wear with 2010-2013 models.

That's because the last four model years did not see but approx 500 Z06's a year produced, EXCEPT 2011, approx 1k built that year. The vast majority of C6 Z06's are 2006-2009 model year.

That's why you hear more about those years having issue with premature guide wear on this forum....

But, their definitely still worth owning since your aware there "could" be an issue. Take measures to correct and you'll have a awesome road car. It's a crappy shame GM did not do a better job of QC with their parts suppliers. But too, they were preoccupied with bankruptcy during the C6 Z06 generation....excuses....excuses....:sma sh:


Add: I should say that not all LS7's suffer from premature guide wear. The guides should be checked IMO to help mitigate the risk of valve failure since your aware there 'is' risk of premature guide wear.

VictoryRedZ06

Get a 06' lightest and cheapest FTW Lol

Too-Fast

Buy the newest, lowest mile, heads done (optional) you can afford.

JwT

2011 Carbon with the Z07 option. A legend of a car.

TopSpeedNeed

I do plan to do HPDE's, and I would love to get an 06, because there is some crazy deals out there, but I was concerned with the valve issue, and I was told that there is a better tranny in 08, that being said, is there that bigger of a difference in the 06 and 08 tranny, enough to make me "have" to get an 08. Reading the prior posts, I believe I will get an 06, get the heads done and move on, unless the tranny in the 08 is substantially better ?

x88

I've driven a t56 for two years, and now have the tr6060 in my Z06. I'd say go for it... I love it, i notice a big difference. I even had a short throw in the t56 and it still isn't as nice

Jawnathin

I've driven both (T56 in a Z06, TR6060 in a GS, same thing, just different ratios) and didn't notice any real difference.

LS9Drew

All the years are great, T56 is nice but the 6060 is definitely a lot smoother. But I wouldn't not buy a 06-07 just because of that. I'd buy the lowest mileage and nicest condition one you can afford

Jonathan I'll let u drive my ZR1, it's a nice difference in shifting smoothness

C5 LS7

Ive had an LS7 at 550 rw in front of a 99 FRC T56 tranny for 76k miles, it handles it just fine...... it had a 407 rw 383 in front of it for 102k miles before that, they are real tough

Gary '09 C6

consider upgrading the dry-sump oil tank to the larger capacity version (10.5 qts) if you buy an '06--'08 model.

tim414

Me either. I've driven a 2007 Z and then compared it to my '10 and I did not notice anything different with the trannies.

What I did notice was how they both turned in a parking lot. The steering ratio's changed and I did notice that. But that was all between the two (besides interior).

ADD: the steering was 'different' in a parking lot I should add. I noticed it, but it was not 'worse' per se. Just different.

Jawnathin

Not gonna say no to that

I have the MGW in mine, its been a while since I've driven a stock one, but would be interesting to see how they compare.

soldier4life

I wanted a 09 and up for the bigger oil sump, but the prices I was finding compared to a similar 08 was a huge difference. So I bought an 08 with very low miles and ended up adding the Lingenfelter Oil Sump mod for merely $299. Best move I made. Saved thousands by doing it that way.

So if you find a nice 06-08 at a great price id jump on it and just do the tank mod since you plan too track the car.

More importantly though get the heads reworked! And while your at it throw a CAM in there if the wallet allows...