LS3 Machine

I had a 2009 Z06 which I loved. Sold it a couple years ago. I miss that car so much. Considering another C6 Z06, or possibly a ZR1. I did a few HPDEs in the Z06, which I would also continue. Is the ZR1 good for occasional track days? Trying to decide between the 2. Thanks in advance for your advise.

Tim

LS3 Machine

Oh and what is the difference between the years? I know the later models got slightly better seats, but what else?

Thanks again,

Tim

Mikeyfitz

Really depends. For turning, I'd think the Z06 has the slight advantage. But I may be wrong.. I know 2010+ you get the driving modes and the launch control/no lift shifting.

I absolutely love mine and I've driven my buddies HCI Z06, and it's just not the same feeling haha

blackvetterzo6

I've owned both, unless your a fantastic driver, you won't know the difference. There both awesome, ZR1 better brakes. I tracked my ZO6 and that was plenty fast enough to keep up with just about everything out there once I got used to it.
Both are great, it really beats the **** out of the car, but I also maintained it always.

09Z06pj

Both are great cars. The real difference maker is the LS9. The comparisons end when you get there.

Boba Fett

Owned both and have tracked both. There are way more experienced/knowledgeable members than I, but depending on just how much tracking youre gonna do, I would go with the Z06 and add heads/cam. I'm nowhere near some of these guys but I can feel the difference in handling. In my eyes, the C6ZR1 is still king. If you decide to go ZR1, I would do the bricks.

howl

Owned both. For me, I would get a Z06 with th magnetic ride suspension and CCB. ZR1 is more refined and suspension is superior to base Z06. There is definitely more grunt in the ZR1 which you will certainly appreciate on tracks with long straights. However, I feel the extra weight of the engine on the nose when cornering ( which I do not like) so I personally find the Z06 more agile feeling which I prefer and would give up some horsepower for that trade off.

mirage2991

if occasional means 2-4 track week end a year, the ZR1 would be the better car if assuming you'll be pleasure driving it the rest of the time. The LS9 is just that much better for power and rpm range. I've owned both and DD both, that's the difference to me, the LS9 is simply more of the good stuff.
For a track car, (say 10 hpde a year or more) I'd concider a Carbon Edition Z06: all the carbon fiber bits of the ZR1, the Brakes and thus the lighter of the bunch.

racerns

The ZR1 is perfectly fine for doing HPDEs. I was at the new Dominion Raceway road course a little over a week ago in 100 deg heat and the car did fine. No over heating, with water temps reaching the mid 240s in the heat of the day. The car is other wise stock running on CCWs and 18" Conti scrubs.

Eric Reeves

I had an '02 C5Z from 2005 till last summer that I would track at Pacific Raceways and The Ridge up in WA state. That car was unbelievable in its handling ability and the light feel of the car. There will not be another vette that has that light of a feel. I would run with my friend's C6Z everywhere but the straightway where horsepower wins.

I now have a 12 Centennial ZR1 that I had at Texas World Speedway last week. The car is heavier and has more power than I am accustomed too. However, that car is the best car I have ever driven on track and was easy to get acclimated to. The brakes are outstanding!!! The car is 100% stock and I had no issues. I pushed it as hard as I was comfortable doing first time out with it. Was doing consistent 2:04 laps which is pretty good from what I have seen.

All of this said, I would not consider a C6Z over a ZR1 unless it was a Carbon or had the Z07 package and even then I probably would stay with the ZR1.

LEAVINU

I'd go ZR1 purely because of the CCB's (brakes). Yeah the LS9 is awesome but so is the LS7. For me, it's all about those brakes.

Gary '09 C6

LS9 & CCBs F-T-W !

3LZZ06

The whole ZR1 package has proven to be very durable.

Heavy duty components throughout the whole drivetrain along with forged internals unique to the ZR1 make for a very reliable GT/street/strip Corvette.

Timeless beauty "IMO" as well....