[Z06] 2008 vs. 2006 Differences - Latest & Greatest...
02-27-2010, 09:01 AM
#1
Melting Slicks
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Member Since: Mar 2006
Location: Madison, WI
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St. Jude Donor '11
2008 vs. 2006 Differences - Latest & Greatest...
Can you guys add anything to this list below? I searched the archives and cut and pasted what other members said where key differences between 2008 vs. 2007. Anything I miss?
====
2008:
====
- new steering and transmission. the new steering is supposed to have better feel. the tranny is the same, better feel, smoother and stronger
- new tremec tr-6060 tranny
- rear shock change. the new rear shocks are a lot better
- the '08 tranny feels amazing. shifting gears is smoother, more positive, less notchy. throw is shorter. it's the closest to a good aftermarket shifter as i've ever felt (from a factory tranny).
i know a lot of '08 owners have the cold-grind problem... and i sympathize. but for those who got one of the properly-working tranny's... it's a definite improvement over the 06/07 tranny
steering
noticeable difference. lighter at parking lots speeds. heavier at freeway speeds. but i can't say if it's "better" than the 06/07 steering. one would have to track an 08 vs. 06/07 back-to-back to see if the 08 gives more feedback at the limit. i can say that my '07 gives me zero feedback
suspension
this was strange... the '08 felt much tighter/stiffer. over speed bumps, over uneven pavement on the freeway, around on/off-ramps. not sure if gm changed something
everything else... felt the same: brakes, acceleration, water/oil temps, etc.
- chrome wheels, t6060 tranny, issue with the t6060 is it grinds 2nd when cold
- cf console, i went from an 07 to an 08 and noticed the difference in steering and the trans all for the better.
- also short a throw shifter and an optional 3lz interior which consists of a stitched leather dash and door trim. 3lz looks awesome but adds $3,500 to the sticker, imo its worth it...
- center console (faux carbon), door sills(chrome look), keyfobs (key is integrated)
====
2007:
====
- 5-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty
- "old" rear shocks that were stiffer than the running-change shocks they made in mid 07'.
- sill protectors are different between the 07 and the 08. early '07s had the "older" rear shocks and i think that 08 is when the garage door opener (in the visor) changed to the single led (homelink) version and the floor mats changed to the hooks in lieu of the snaps. finally, i think that the shifter and the interior release buttons had the finish changed from the "checkered" to the brushed aluminum finish.
- on the 6 disc bose system they added an "aux" port to allow you to plug in an ipod or mp3 player. not available on the factory nav unit.
- also onstar standard in '08 (optional '07, na in '06 in the z).
also radio steering wheels controls for the 7 & 8 not found in 6, but these items are all across the board for all my 7 & 8 vettes, not just z06's.
- improved steering, no blow-away roof, tr6060 transmission (which some have reported issues against - grinding gears - but mine is okay), carbon fiber console, some claim lower hp due to more conservative factory tune, different door sill plate, no hatch pull down handle. that's off the top of my head.
- i'd probably buy the '07, replace the rockers with an oem set, and not have to deal with possible tranny problems.
====
2008:
====
- new steering and transmission. the new steering is supposed to have better feel. the tranny is the same, better feel, smoother and stronger
- new tremec tr-6060 tranny
- rear shock change. the new rear shocks are a lot better
- the '08 tranny feels amazing. shifting gears is smoother, more positive, less notchy. throw is shorter. it's the closest to a good aftermarket shifter as i've ever felt (from a factory tranny).
i know a lot of '08 owners have the cold-grind problem... and i sympathize. but for those who got one of the properly-working tranny's... it's a definite improvement over the 06/07 tranny
steering
noticeable difference. lighter at parking lots speeds. heavier at freeway speeds. but i can't say if it's "better" than the 06/07 steering. one would have to track an 08 vs. 06/07 back-to-back to see if the 08 gives more feedback at the limit. i can say that my '07 gives me zero feedback
suspension
this was strange... the '08 felt much tighter/stiffer. over speed bumps, over uneven pavement on the freeway, around on/off-ramps. not sure if gm changed something
everything else... felt the same: brakes, acceleration, water/oil temps, etc.
- chrome wheels, t6060 tranny, issue with the t6060 is it grinds 2nd when cold
- cf console, i went from an 07 to an 08 and noticed the difference in steering and the trans all for the better.
- also short a throw shifter and an optional 3lz interior which consists of a stitched leather dash and door trim. 3lz looks awesome but adds $3,500 to the sticker, imo its worth it...
- center console (faux carbon), door sills(chrome look), keyfobs (key is integrated)
====
2007:
====
- 5-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty
- "old" rear shocks that were stiffer than the running-change shocks they made in mid 07'.
- sill protectors are different between the 07 and the 08. early '07s had the "older" rear shocks and i think that 08 is when the garage door opener (in the visor) changed to the single led (homelink) version and the floor mats changed to the hooks in lieu of the snaps. finally, i think that the shifter and the interior release buttons had the finish changed from the "checkered" to the brushed aluminum finish.
- on the 6 disc bose system they added an "aux" port to allow you to plug in an ipod or mp3 player. not available on the factory nav unit.
- also onstar standard in '08 (optional '07, na in '06 in the z).
also radio steering wheels controls for the 7 & 8 not found in 6, but these items are all across the board for all my 7 & 8 vettes, not just z06's.
- improved steering, no blow-away roof, tr6060 transmission (which some have reported issues against - grinding gears - but mine is okay), carbon fiber console, some claim lower hp due to more conservative factory tune, different door sill plate, no hatch pull down handle. that's off the top of my head.
- i'd probably buy the '07, replace the rockers with an oem set, and not have to deal with possible tranny problems.
02-27-2010, 09:22 AM
#2
Melting Slicks
I would describe the cold grind as more of a "nature of the beast" than a problem. The synchronizers are designed to put up with a lot of spirited driving once warmed up, and they do, but they do act funny when cold as a result of the heavy duty design and the transmission is not to be shifted hard until warmed up.
02-27-2010, 10:15 AM
#3
Melting Slicks
I think in 08 GM started dropping little things to save some money here and there. I consider it cutting corners but again, they are just minor so I guess not a big deal.
The 08's they deleted the rear hatch handle (which is something I use all the time), they also deleted the interior ambient light to light up the console at night.
The 08's they deleted the rear hatch handle (which is something I use all the time), they also deleted the interior ambient light to light up the console at night.
02-27-2010, 10:44 AM
#4
Instructor
I have an 08, and yeah second grinds when cold if you rush it. Take it easy until it's warm, and it's fine (at least so far).
The orangish light right? Mine has it.
I think in 08 GM started dropping little things to save some money here and there. I consider it cutting corners but again, they are just minor so I guess not a big deal.
The 08's they deleted the rear hatch handle (which is something I use all the time), they also deleted the interior ambient light to light up the console at night.
The 08's they deleted the rear hatch handle (which is something I use all the time), they also deleted the interior ambient light to light up the console at night.
02-27-2010, 03:03 PM
#6
Heel & Toe
Member Since: Aug 2007
Location: Beaverton Oregon
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So no, they didn't delete it, they just made it more "bells and whistles".
02-27-2010, 03:16 PM
#7
_"SCOTT"_
My 08 has this. As long as the fob is detected, the button to pop the hatch is right in the area above your license plate. I didn't even know about this feature until after a month of ownership. Learned about from my CF brothers...
02-27-2010, 03:20 PM
#8
Melting Slicks
You guys gotta be kidding me there's really a button on the outside of the car that opens the hatch? I guess I learned something too...
Also, on the 09 the hatch has a power latching mechanism, at least on the ZR1 it does, so you don't have to shut the hatch so hard.
Also, on the 09 the hatch has a power latching mechanism, at least on the ZR1 it does, so you don't have to shut the hatch so hard.
02-27-2010, 03:32 PM
#9
_"SCOTT"_
That's what I said last year!!!
I'm tradin mine + $20K to get that feature...
Seriously it's a PITA to shut without a window or door open. I've gotten in the habit of opening the driver door before I even try to close the hatch. You just have to let it drop using it's own weight from about a foot up using that method...
02-27-2010, 04:00 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
That's what I said last year!!!
09+ Z's have this too...
I'm tradin mine + $20K to get that feature...
Seriously it's a PITA to shut without a window or door open. I've gotten in the habit of opening the driver door before I even try to close the hatch. You just have to let it drop using it's own weight from about a foot up using that method...
you can't help but laugh when something like that happens.
I was pretty sure the Z06 had it too, but didn't want to risk stating that it did have it and being wrong and thus looking like a fool. I know there's a couple of odd option differences between the ZR1 and Z06.
You're right though, you have to slam the hatch if the doors are both shut.
02-28-2010, 01:38 AM
#11
Drifting
Ok, a couple of corrections for you guys.
My 06 C6 had the "electronic hatch close" feature. The Z's didn't have it for weight savings, until 09.
Every C6 has the hatch open "button" above the license plate.
My 06 C6 had the handle inside the hatch to assist with pulling it down when closing. My 08 Z doesn't have that. if you look closely at the rear inside edge of the hatch, there is an indented area at the right side. Imagine a little plastic handle there for you to pull the hatch down (sort of like in the minivans, etc).
It is hard for me to go from having the handle and close assist in my 06 to my none of the above 08. Now, I have to remember to open a door before I close the hatch!
My 06 C6 had the "electronic hatch close" feature. The Z's didn't have it for weight savings, until 09.
Every C6 has the hatch open "button" above the license plate.
My 06 C6 had the handle inside the hatch to assist with pulling it down when closing. My 08 Z doesn't have that. if you look closely at the rear inside edge of the hatch, there is an indented area at the right side. Imagine a little plastic handle there for you to pull the hatch down (sort of like in the minivans, etc).
It is hard for me to go from having the handle and close assist in my 06 to my none of the above 08. Now, I have to remember to open a door before I close the hatch!
02-28-2010, 10:27 AM
#12
Ok, a couple of corrections for you guys.
My 06 C6 had the "electronic hatch close" feature. The Z's didn't have it for weight savings, until 09.
Every C6 has the hatch open "button" above the license plate.
My 06 C6 had the handle inside the hatch to assist with pulling it down when closing. My 08 Z doesn't have that. if you look closely at the rear inside edge of the hatch, there is an indented area at the right side. Imagine a little plastic handle there for you to pull the hatch down (sort of like in the minivans, etc).
It is hard for me to go from having the handle and close assist in my 06 to my none of the above 08. Now, I have to remember to open a door before I close the hatch!
My 06 C6 had the "electronic hatch close" feature. The Z's didn't have it for weight savings, until 09.
Every C6 has the hatch open "button" above the license plate.
My 06 C6 had the handle inside the hatch to assist with pulling it down when closing. My 08 Z doesn't have that. if you look closely at the rear inside edge of the hatch, there is an indented area at the right side. Imagine a little plastic handle there for you to pull the hatch down (sort of like in the minivans, etc).
It is hard for me to go from having the handle and close assist in my 06 to my none of the above 08. Now, I have to remember to open a door before I close the hatch!
Exactly 
I use the window valet, drop the window to close the hatch and let it up again after the hatch is closed.
Roofs in early 2007s were also subject to delamination. Indeed all painted roofs in 2006s and early 2007 C6s and Z06s which were not SMC roofs were subject to the delamination issue. Early 2007s did not have SMC roofs.
The roof delamination issue could affect any 2006 C6 with a painted roof, and early 2007 C6s without the SMC roof.
Roof issue extended from '06 and went in to '07.
The first three following threads describe '07s which did have it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1770414
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1672398
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=roof&page=3
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1566074187
No. The first month and a half of 2007 production was made using the old polycarbonate panels and a new adhesive bonding process at the factory called 'triple bonding.' The new SMC tops were not phased in at the assembly plant until August 3, 2006 and at that point it was not a total changeover. The panels arrive at the factory painted by the supplier, not painted at the plant. The changeover was made on a color by color basis until the supply of old panels was exhausted and the new SMC panels were started on the line. I am still unaware of any of the 2007 cars panels separating but this would be the scenario that would allow for it to happen. The SMC panels will not come apart for the reasons that drove the polycarbonate painted panel to come off.
The VIN information for the new panels is not publicly available. The SMC roof panel was starting to be phased in on the line on August 3, 2006. The panels were incorporated on the line as stock of each color became depleted. Prior to the SMC phase in, the assembly plant was using polycarbonate panels that were manufactured using a triple bonding process to help deal with the coefficient of expansion differences of the previous design. Your manufacturing date means that you have either a new design SMC panel or an intermediate design triple bonded polycarbonate panel. You likelihood of delamination should be extremely low.
"1. Customer Satisfaction program 05112D address 2005 and some 2006 painted roofs. Some 2006 and 2007 Corvette may experience the same concern. Should a vehicle outside the original bulletin breakpoint or VINs come into the dealership that is experiencing the same complaint, they should be handled with same process as outline in bulletin 05112D"
There was an approximately $4700.00 price increase from 2006 to 2007.
Last edited by '06 Quicksilver Z06; 02-28-2010 at 10:42 AM.
02-28-2010, 03:18 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
I'm glad I read this. I didn't know about the hatch button that's above the rear plate. Live and learn.
Larry
Larry
I feel smited
02-28-2010, 05:20 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
.
Quote from QuicksilverZ
There was an approximately $4700.00 price increase from 2006 to 2007.[/QUOTE]
But there was a wooper of dealer mark up on the 06 in 05
Quote from QuicksilverZ
There was an approximately $4700.00 price increase from 2006 to 2007.[/QUOTE]
But there was a wooper of dealer mark up on the 06 in 05
06-26-2010, 12:39 PM
#19
Team Owner
06-26-2010, 12:46 PM
#20
Melting Slicks
It is a feature of the Tremec tr-6060 tranny.
It occurs when the tranny is cold but goes away when it is warmed up.
It occurs when the tranny is cold but goes away when it is warmed up.
