CorvetteGuy86

Home from work with the flu was been doing some research. Basically, grew up with LT1 and LS1 camaros. Finally got done with college, got a job, and while I was still single, got a Vette. First one ever! Car is an 2008 AO M6 targa Z51. Picked it up with 4k miles. Absolutely love it...

but....

I never thought I would say this, but I just need more performance. Been browsing the Z06's today, so decided to grab a VIN and call GEICO. Only $9.70 more per month to put me in a Z. Gotta be the most amazing insurance company ever, I was expecting a ton more!

So yeah, I'm thinking about making the switch. I have never been in a Z, so my question is how big of a performance (acceleration and just raw power) difference is it from mine? I know the specs and all, but not something I have felt yet.

This is going to sound lame, but the only thing holding me back is how much I love love love the targa top. What you guys think? Should I make the switch?

Landru

It's big, don't trust me/us though.
IF you've not yet driven a Z06, now's the time.
One drive & you'll be telling us all about it.

Not lame, many prospective Z06 buyers who own or owned targa topped C6s ask the same thing often. Legit question, IMO.

Using myself as an example? Came from a '03 AE C5 and '06 C6 Z51 car. Both had removable tops as did two Camaros before the Corvettes. I loved the open air shtick as much as anyone.

Then, came my Z06.
The power, torque, increadible drivability quickly made me gladly forget all about open air riding. For real. Any gearhead has to experience a Z06 once before they cack.

OTOH if money isn't an issue? New 2013 special edition offers a LS-7 in a ragtop. For open air lovers, best of ALL worlds; although, not an inexpensive proposition as these cars will undoubtably carry a hefty premium.

You've got some deciding to do, my friend.
However one drive in a Z06 & all your questions will be more than answered. Just try one.

Mookster

I will tell you one thing, please do not go down to the dealer and test drive a Z unless you're 100% ready to buy. There wont be going back and you wont like your current c6 after the test drive.

Tsar

I went from a 99 Coupe to my Z....... You wont miss the removable top at all. The power will consume you to the bone, the Z51 will seem slow and almost boring.

Enjoy the Z ! (you know you're gonna get one)

GreekPT

Here, let me start your next thread for you......

TARGA SCHMARGA, I made the Switch!!

99HRDTP

I've never owned a removable roof Corvette. My Grand National has T-tops that I haven't removed since the '90's. Unless you're a dyed in the wool sun on your face kind of guy, you won't miss the targa top and will love the extra rigidity of the fixed roof. Oh yeah, almost forgot, the engine and handling are nice, too.

erichg1000

Yeah they are amazing until they drop your z06 after 6 months. And then expect you to keep you truck insured with them still. Lol... Only because my car came with a harness bar. IMO unless you are on the track or just have tons of money the jump isn't worth the extra cost of maintenance and tires and brake pads and worrying about a $14000 motor blowing (I couldn't afford one under warrenty)

JJC5

Oh brother....here we go again.
If you can't afford the brake pads, get a Smart car. The tires are the same as the GS and if you can't afford those, again, get a Smart car. The motor will blow if you mod it, drag race it and are not careful as with any car. Geico hasn't dropped me yet after 18 months and yes it was only about 100.00 more per year.
I came from a Z51 equipped vert w/6spd manual. I knew when I ordered that car that I really wanted the Z06. I should have done just that. I don't miss dropping the top either. The Z is incredible. Solid and rides on rails, fast as heck. I had a C5 coupe and rarely took the top off on it. Try to drive one so you make make the call for yourself.

CorvetteGuy86

Guess you guys pretty much answered this for me. Money is not a big issue, but Ive only been in the working world 7 months... so I need to keep it reasonable.

Would love a new C7, but probably dont need to spend it. So, I'll start browsing the C6 world.

To you gurus... anything to look out for on the Z06? From what I can tell, there has been no performance changes throughout the C6 years with the Z06s? I do believe I'm going to avoid the 07s, after reading the sticky with the rocker issues at times. Any just useful info would be good. Guess I need to drive one

JJC5

One of the things to look for is if the car has been modded/tuned. If so, you can bet that it's been driven pretty hard. Quite often, the mods have been removed prior to it going up for sale so just be vigilant when looking. I've always been kind of a "factory stock" kinda guy as that is some assurance that things haven't been brought to their limit, although not guaranteed. The '06 through current are pretty much the same car, save for interior upgrades, exterior options, new trans part number for '08 and later, stronger axles and things like that. Same engine all the way through.

palindrome1H

While on paper it only looks like 75 extra HP or so, it feels like 200. It feels like taking your 08 and putting 12 lbs of boost through it. Its a whole new beast. The torque is tremendous. Pull the trigger. You will NOT be disappointed!

arcticblast

Let me put it this way. My 2012 GS was just 2 months old and great. Then I drove a Centennial Z06. And drove it home. Yeah, one drive and you're going to get it.

QUAKEJAKE

No need to avoid the 07's. 32K miles and going strong. The motor runs strong and silent. No need to pass up a mint one.

HighPro

I bought an 09 and love the BlueTooth. I think 09 was the first year for it. As for the power, I had an 05 base coupe with a CAM that was making about 435 HP and I thought it was really fast. The Z is a monster. Take it easy with it until you get used to the torque.

SVTLOL

Z06 - When you want to go fast.

Larry Gonzalez

40K on my 07Z runs like an rocket, came from a 2003 Z06 with a pro-charger and no regrets at all, its a torque monster...

SRVfan09

One member on here but it well when he said:

C6 Z51 = Scalded Ape
C6 Z06 = Scalded Ape shot out of a cannon

tim414

I came from a C6 convertible with MN6/Z51 pkg ('09).

The Z06, you realllllly need to drive one. Your questions WILL be answered.

I NEVER rode in/drove one (Z) before I bought mine (bought new sight unseen over the phone). I just knew I wanted a 427 Vette. period. I was NOT disappointed.

I'm holding on to this one. I will pick up a C6ZR1 OR a C7 (if I realllly like them) in another 18 months when C7 arrives.

But realizing everyone else is not a 427 freak like me, you really need to go drive one. Something tells me you WILL be sold when you do.
Good luck.

07Z06FAN

Had an 02 Trans Am with T-Tops. Rode with them out the first couple of years, but the last several I rarely took them out. You won't miss them as much as you think. My insurance with Alfa went up 11.00 a month from the TA to the Z06. That is 11.00 well spent. Good luck.

Mdm23

Make the jump. I too have Geico and my insurance on my 08 Z is cheaper than my 03 cobra was. Maintenance will only increase if you abuse or mod the car. Bridgestones came on mine and they're known to have pretty good tread life and still will outperform the stock tires. I did what you're thinking and avoided the 07 cars. Sure most of them are ok but why chance it when have a choice, then end up with one of the bad ones? Start your search at 08 and go from there. I smoked a few base C6's in my modified Cobra but this car is an absolute beast in stock form. Bought mine sight unseen too from 800 miles away. Had driven one.