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jvp asked: Many of us saw the new 2017 Z06 on display at the Carlisle, PA show this past weekend and heard from various attending GM folks about the changes. Could you provide us with the full hardware details on the 2017 Z06 changes and the expected performance improvements?
Tadge answered: For the 2017 Z06 we have modified the intercooler geometry quite substantially to allow improved cooling of the intake charge to all cylinders in the LT4. This will reduce the likelihood of detonation and retarded spark timing which in turn reduces engine output. In prior years that was typically the first sign of thermal stress under heavy-duty track work in very hot ambient temperatures. In addition, for manual transmissions, we have adapted the horizontal, “lay down” cooler used to remove heat from the automatic transmission for additional cooling in the engine coolant circuit. The extra cooler, plumbed in series with the radiator, as shown the diagram below, lowers coolant temperatures about 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Since we use coolant to extract heat from the engine oil in a dedicated heat exchanger, the engine oil temperature is lowered similarly.
Unfortunately, the horizontal cooler is still needed to remove heat from the automatic transmission cars and so can’t be used for this purpose. In our testing of the new set up in the manual transmission, pro-level drivers can run a full tank of fuel in temperatures of up to 100 degrees, a substantial improvement over prior years. Obviously, performance is highly dependent on driver skill and style. Most drivers will see no issues even at temperatures well above 100 degrees. The automatic transmission car can be driven on the track and is improved for 2017. But, because we need the lay-down cooler for trans lube cooling, the automatic’s performance is not improved as much as cars with the manual trans. As a result we are not claiming full-tank-of-fuel robustness above 85 degrees.
We will be working on continued improvement of the automatic transmission vehicles but, for now the best choice for customers wanting durable performance in high temperature, hard-core track work is the manual transmission. Torque converter automatics have inherently more heat rejection and will always lag manuals in thermal robustness. Just be clear, neither transmission has an issue in normal street driving, auto cross, or road course work at lower temperatures.
We are putting together plans for kits that would enable prior year owners to update their cars. More to follow on that. But, just to reiterate, those kits will do absolutely nothing for customers who drive their cars on the street. There is no horsepower change or other performance improvement.
"For the 2017 Z06 we have modified the intercooler geometry quite substantially to allow improved cooling of the intake charge to all cylinders in the LT4."
Picture of the internals of the supercharger intercooler geometry change?
We are putting together plans for kits that would enable prior year owners to update their cars. More to follow on that.
Thank you Tadge, eagerly waiting for the supercharger core exchange program. The second radiator is a great kit, just one overheat this summer with it.
As for street benefits, I don't understand Tadge's conclusion. Everytime coolant temp goes over 194*, the car pulls timing. This second radiator will help in any car, even ones just driven on the street because it's so easy to get coolant over 194*.
Last edited by SBC_and_a_stick; 10-04-2016 at 03:34 AM.
"We are putting together plans for kits that would enable prior year owners to update their cars. More to follow on that. But, just to reiterate, those kits will do absolutely nothing for customers who drive their cars on the street. There is no horsepower change or other performance improvement."
Interesting that the secondary radiator is plumbed differently in this new configuration when compared to the previously available secondary radiator kit.
Interesting that the secondary radiator is plumbed differently in this new configuration when compared to the previously available secondary radiator kit.
Good catch. Possibly the new hose orientation is easier for the production line.
Just had an idea...would coating the factory exhaust manifolds help decrease under hood temps? Also, would GM still honor all warranty if this were to show positive results?
Simply a load of garbage. GM knew there were issues but continued to sell cars.
BTW Tadge..........every Hot-Rodder knows cooler temps make power both on the track and the street. It's not rocket science. Your product is crap. Fix it or buy the cars back.
Simply a load of garbage. GM knew there were issues but continued to sell cars.
BTW Tadge..........every Hot-Rodder knows cooler temps make power both on the track and the street. It's not rocket science. Your product is crap. Fix it or buy the cars back.
I agree...this car will make a hotrodder into a poser... Corvettes bacame posers in the c7....I have become a waxer....a waxer!
Simply a load of garbage. GM knew there were issues but continued to sell cars.
BTW Tadge..........every Hot-Rodder knows cooler temps make power both on the track and the street. It's not rocket science. Your product is crap. Fix it or buy the cars back.
Not all track people had problems. I haven't had any issues using the secondary radiator. I have heard of people with automatics having problems but personally have not met any at the track.
The biggest problem with having a kit is what happened on the C5 program with the thick cheek rotors for the racers. All of the waxers went out and bought up the supply because they thought the rotors wouldn't warp as much. I got one set of thick cheek rotors before they went out of production.
Same thing could happen with any C7 Z cooling enhancement kits. Then you have a limited supply of kits with a certain number going to people who really don't need them while people who do need them can't get them. That is one of the reasons I purchased a secondary radiator as soon as they became available earlier this year.
Do we have an ETA on when the kits will be available? I would really really really really love to buy one! I plan on taking my car to the track in the future.
Hey guys, I am pondering getting a Z06, and I was wondering, are there aftermarket means to achieve improved / advanced cooling techniques for the 2015 and 2016 cars? Or do you think it would be wiser to put a little more in and buy a 2017? Thanks guys!
10-03-2016, 11:56 AM
[ANSWERED] 2017 Z06 Changes and Improvements
.........yep! I regret trading my modded '13 GS for this slug and as I see it now I have two choices.
