The T-man

trying to find a ZR1

JAvery20

I have kicked this around a lot. Auto ZR1 i would have bought it years ago. Now that the C7 Zo6's are getting cheaper, I am probably going to go that way.

Just be aware the Zo6's have some definite cooling issues.

OnPoint

I currently own - and have owned since new - a 2010 Lingenfelter 710hp ZR1 and a 2015 Callaway 757hp Z06. OP - it's tough to give somebody advice on this as so many of the factors really are pretty subjective, but I'll give you my thoughts, and you can do with them what you please.

Looks - This is perhaps the most subjective area. The C7 styling has been, I think it's fair to say, more polarizing than the previous gens. Some people love the styling, some people hate it. Doesn't seem to be many who are lukewarm. Nobody can decide this one for you. I happen to like the styling of both of them. I actually think the ZR will age better over time than the C7 Z06, particularly if the C8 or the Mid-engine reduces the extent of angular styling cues on those upcoming models. It's funny, my 13 year-old son is bonkers over the ZR - he claims it as his. He likes the C7 Z, but he wants the ZR. So much for the C7 styling appealing more to youth, LOL.

Interior - This is a win for the C7 overall. Better materials, better fit and finish, and the optional competition seats are great. Only knock on the C7 interior IMO is the instrumentation. Yeah, it's cool that you can configure it many different ways and to your liking. But I find the instrumentation in the ZR easier to read at a quick glance on the track, and the tach more instantaneous/accurate.

Ride - C7. The mag shocks took another step forward in evolution, and it's noticeable.

Handling - C7. The C7Z is easier to push hard/fast than the ZR. That e-diff and the upgraded PTM system is a nice step forward. That said, you can do everything in the ZR you can do in the C7Z, you just have to be a better driver to do it. So, maybe that's actually a knock on me as a pilot.

Acceleration/speed. This is a mixed outcome. C7Z is quicker (stock to stock), but the ZR is faster (i.e. top speed). If you're going to road course race the cars, an M7 C7 Z is a potent rig, but so is the ZR. If you're into quarter mile stuff, the A8 C7Z is the better of the two. If you're into high speed/top end events, the ZR is the better rig as it has less aero drag up top.

Mod-ability. I don't know if this is an issue for you or not, i.e. whether you intend to mod the car. If so, I'd give the advantage here to the ZR. The LS9 is stout, the rear diff in the ZR is stronger, and its axle half-shafts may be as well. The tuners are getting pretty decent at tuning the new LT engines - that took awhile, actually, but the LS9 is easier to tune and make big power. You can make big power with the LT engines as well now that the tuners have learned them, but they get more difficult when you get up to really big hp numbers, as it's difficult to handle the fueling issues with the direct injection system (you reach a point where you have to rely on meth for fueling, as opposed to using it for IAT cooling, which is not the most comfortable space to live). The trans on the other hand - the A8 trans in the C7 Z can be a bit finicky and tough to tune. It's a temperamental transmission to tune.

The C7 overall is a better/nicer car in a general sense. That said, there are all these subjective areas where one could quite reasonably conclude they prefer the C6 ZR to the C7 Z. If you could get the chance to drive each of them, I'd highly recommend it. As similar as they appear on paper, they drive out with a markedly different personality.

Oh, and one other difference, and I don't know if this matters to you or not, but they've already made about 7 times as many C7 Z06s as they made C6 ZR1s.

Good luck - but you really can't go wrong with either one; they are both kick azz rides.

GrandSportRob

C6 ZR1 is better looking, have u seen a C7 from behind? C7 Z's have had a lot of issues, not sure if the overheating problem was worked out. The 8spd auto is a nightmare, so many complain about paint quality and improper panel alignment.

OnPoint

Looks are entirely subjective, and any man's opinion is as valid as the next one. The C7Zs actually have had very few issues. The often over-hyped overheating mantra, rarely affected, in reality, the pre-'17 M7 equipped cars, and has been completely solved for the post-'17 M7 cars with an additional, secondary radiator from the factory installed as stock. Btw, that secondary rad can be retro-fitted to the pre-'17 M7 cars as well. Now the A8 is a different matter. If one is going to track his C7 Z, and do so in southern states, or hotter climates, he should skip the A8 and get the M7 which has proven itself quite well on track.

The A8 has suffered quite a few issues in the Stingray and GS with torque converter problems, but hasn't suffered those issues in the Z, due in part to a different, more robust torque converter in the Z, and the narrower window of operation of the AFM, which seems to be causative factor in the Stingray/GS converter problems. The A8 Zs are good rigs. If you want a quarter miler, they are the rigs to have. If you're going to road course track and are in a cool or northern clime, they'll do fine. If you're tracking in hot conditions, you want the M7.

The paint issues and panel alignment comment is a fair one. There have been issues with those. That said, the factory has made some changes starting with the '17s and continuing that have largely rectified those. If somebody is looking for an older, used Z, I would advise taking a hard look over the car to make sure those issues are not present. I wouldn't worry about purchasing a new one, though.

By the way, as to your subjective opinion the C6 ZR1 is a better looking car than the C7 Z. . . . , I agree.

Unreal

My opinion, for something to modify and race, c6 zr1. For something to enjoy/cruise around, can't beat the newer modern tech. More comfy, targa top, better interior, better tech. The c7z will be a much nicer driver overall for racking up the miles.

Tonylmiller

I'd have to take the Z06 because you can get a convertible in the C7 version.

The T-man

Anyone else?

B-Vette

Well said!

I'd also make the jump from the C6 to the C7 if I had enough money to do so.

The T-man

anyone connects me w/ the right car $500 finders fee

StealthFRC

i just went thru this earlier in the year, i ended up with a zr1. i like the c7z's but the values of them scared me off. the prices just seem to be tanking. the zr1's already took there initial hit so its much easier to enjoy them and not have to worry about value as much.
another factor is you just don't see them. i see c7z's everywhere, go to a all corvette show, see 10 c7z's and I'm the only one with a zr1.

reasonable suspicion

agree with seeing c7z06 everywhere. Most common corvette i see..... they built a lot of them and still building. I got told i cant afford a c7z after i made a comment over there that it's just a GM,and after 2 years take 40%off msrp for value..... hell they are 20% off new,

StealthFRC

yup, they are common for a reason... they are a beautiful ride but if your someone that worry's about value and resale value like me i would stay away from them. hell there is a brand new 2017 z07 for 25% off msrp, i feel bad for those that bought the 15/16's.

phileaglesfan

I just bought a C6, actually one that I sold years before. I considered buying a C7 and was real close to doing so. REAL CLOSE!! I just can't describe it but when I found my car again it felt like I was home. C6 does has its advantages. One is interior room. I know not a big deal in the Corvette but the difference is obvious. The 2nd main advantage is depreciation for C6s are more stable. With a new C7 you will lose at least $1k a month on average, Z06 probably more. You'll lose it if you pay cash or finance.

GM may have to look at their extremely high initial depreciation problem which also affects leases since their value is based on projected depreciation.

I was offered 20% off on a 2017 GS 3LT. In edumunds the trade in for a similar car was $6k less and dealers usually give you the auction price which is lower. Add in 6-7% for taxes and I would be about $11k in the hole already. Retail was around $3k less so still $8k or so in the hole. C7s value will also drop when the C8 comes out whenever that will be.

therealmz

ZR1 all day.....

Dealership here in Vegas has a MINT '11 ZR1 for sale on the show room floor........so sexy

http://www.fairwaychevy.com/VehicleD...-NV/3073213143

Gary '09 C6

^ dealer might sell that car for $65K...looks very nice.

Unreal

That is where I bought my z06 from back in 2010. Was a pretty crappy experience, but they probably have totally different people 7 years later.

owc6

This is a quite the question for me, because Bertha is getting long in the tooth, and we can't throw $ at it all day long.

If money was no issue,( as it always is for most folks) then I would rather buy a C7 Z06 (actually I would rather buy a C7GS), but Mr.owc6 wants a C6ZR1, so that is what will replace the old Broad when the time comes. It will be much less to acquire a C6ZR1 than either of the C7s, and he seems to love the C6 more than the C7.

Meanwhile, I'll be trudging along in my Stingray.

(just so know, I put almost 300,000 miles on C6s, and loved every minute)

The T-man

Looking for a ZR1 but keeping eye out for a Z06 deal....
= P

therealmz

Looks like they dropped $1k off it already,,,,,,,,,,,something to keep an eye on.