Doing it BIG! The Time Attack C6 Z06 from Hell
1,200 HP from a 8,000 RPM LME 427 LSX combined with wide slicks and massive aero. You need to hear the turbo flutter on this one!
As we all know Corvettes have been bred from the factory to be high-performance machines capable of attacking any race track. So what happens when you take that idea and really run with it?
Well, you get something like Feras Qartoumy‘s 2008 C6 Z06. This grassroots time attack weapon has come a long way and thanks to Hoonigan‘s YouTube channel we get a chance to learn a bit about it.
For those unfamiliar with this menacing Corvette, it has gone through many levels of progression throughout the years. Qartoumy’s Instagram has documented the life of the car very well for those interested in a deep dive.
The car was built to participate in both #GRIDLIFE and Global Time Attack‘s Unlimited Class. Being the most competitive class available, this is a step up from the limited RWD class the car previously participated in.
However, it was time to push the car a bit harder. The Corvette has been insanely successful during its most recent stints, with 8 wins in class and 7 lap records during the 2020 competitive season.
Now the Corvette faces new challenges and competition at the highest level. As a result, some upgrades were in order in order to keep pace in the unlimited class.
Aero is everything on the race track
You might notice some of those changes from the previous build, considering the car has been extended a couple feet both in the front and the rear. While previously the car featured some serious aero, this is simply a different level.
This package is offered by Affinity Aero, who has refined this specific design for the rear wing, front wing, and rear diffuser with several different chassis throughout the years.
Although the car may have not been tested in a wind tunnel, Quam can attest to the on-track capabilities of the aero. According to Qartoumy, the rear makes too much downforce and the front struggles to keep up.
Regardless of that fact, they are still looking for more grip wherever he can find it. An interesting innovation being tested on the car is the air shock-assisted hydraulic DRS (Drag Reduction System) similar to that found on top-level race cars such as Formula 1.
Currently they still haven’t gotten the system 100% operational. With the amount of grip the car already has, the rear tire wells have already rubbed through due to the amount the car squats at speed.
Considering the table-sized front wing, we wonder what would be required to balance out the package. Regardless, it would be a mistake to doubt the strength of this carbon fiber picnic table.
Let’s not forget the car does about 180 MPH on the front straight of the Circuit of the Americas. Thus, the bodywork truly needs to be strong.
They have tested having 4 adults stand on the wing at the same time, loading it up while jumping up and down. To many folks’ disbelief, it holds sturdy. Now that’s some solid mounting.
$30,000 2,000 HP-capable LSX + PPG sequential transmission is as good as it gets
Obviously, there would be no need for all this ridiculous aero if the car wasn’t wicked fast. Well, you’d be right to assume that, considering the powerplant keeping this thing going.
The car in the past had suffered more than one engine failure so when it came time to rebuild, Qartoumy made sure to get the best possible for his Z06.
Thus, LME’s 427 7.0L LSX, a popular high-end drag racing setup, was specifically built for his needs on the road course. A wild twin-turbo setup featuring dual Garrett G35900 turbos would accompany it.
The front fender exhaust dump right behind the tire is absolutely bad-ass, especially when you are pushing 1,200 HP. The car has a nice “BOOOOST” dial in the cabin which allows the power level to be adjusted anywhere from 900 to 1,200 HP.
Constantly revised and ready to go faster
However, it only gets better, considering the fact this insane $30k engine is paired with a personalized PPG sequential transmission. This motorsports-level gearbox allows for absolute gunshot shifts at the limiter time and time again.
As you can see, this build has cut very few corners in the sake of speed. Going fast means generating a lot of heat, thus, the cooling package for this setup is also not so simple.
Under the rear glass, a complete secondary radiator setup is housed as the previous split-core front radiator couldn’t keep IATs down.
So under the heavy stress of this setup, the car is capable of keeping performance optimal for at least 2 laps. According to Qartoumy, in the world of Time Attack, all you need is “one good lap.”
So although the owner may describe the car as “run of the mill, duct tape, and zip ties”, we know very few Corvettes capable of breaking loose steamroller Yokohama slicks.
The car is doing 78 mph wheel spins in 1st gear for crying out loud! We absolutely love this Corvette and we hope to see what records it can break with this refined setup.
