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C6 Corvette ZR1 & Z06General info about GM’s Corvette Supercar, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Performance Upgrades, Suspension Setup for Street or Track
I believe your stats above is for an A8. The M7 C7 Z as I recall was in the 3.3 -3.4 range 0-60 and 11.3 quarter mile. The C6 Z is 3.6 and 11.6. Sure, if you're are going to compare a 650HP car to a 505HP, that is a huge difference in power, but the performance difference doesn't show it. The C7 Z is faster, but not by a lot. The torque is what really puts ahead, but it tends to peter out up top. I have not driven a C7 Z, but have looked a ton of race videos and reviews. I think it feels faster due to the massive amount of torque of the LT4. To be competitive are even faster than a stock C7 Z, the C6 Z needs to be modded and making probably 525whp or more since the stock C7 Z is making around 560whp stock, but it suffers from a 400lb weight disadvantage to the C6 Z. For every 100lbs of added weight, the car needs to be making another 10HP+-. In most, if not all, of the race videos I watched, the stock C7 Z gets stomped by a HCI C6 Z. But you can always mod the C7 Z and new ball game. I hear with just a CAI and tune you can make a lot more power out it. I would be curious to drive one, but I have never been crazy about the looks of the car compared to a C6 Z or ZR1. I just think the C6 Z is sharper looking car, but this is all personal preference. I got the C6 Z because I always loved the way the cars look and they were far less money than a C7 Z or ZR1. The best bang for the buck out there in a performance car. Also, once you get past the valve/heads issue on the LS7, it's a hell of an engine. Were are you going to get 427ci N/A engine in the future - you're not. For this reason our cars could go up in value down the road - last of the great GM N/A performance engines.
Well, thanks guys for listening to my opinion and staying civilized in your counter-arguments.
Point taken that the Dallas Performance upgrades may be "just that good" that the modification path can be perceived as merely an outlay of cash, not jeopardy for the car engine.
MrGizmo - I can only document what I have seen. I have done the comparison run on open "Mexico" highway, car beside car, and seen that result.
Considering other confirming or confusing facts/observations ..
Some magazine tests, for example, would make these cars almost equivalent based on tests run from a dead stop launch. These tests are out of date by about 30 years. Today's cars make so much power, that the real differences are only visible from a roll.. A ton of Googling around can show you some useful test results, albeit not perfect, where for example, the C7 does Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 3.2 sec while the C6Z does it 4.3 seconds. ( taken from - https://s3.amazonaws.com/amv-prod-ca...comparo-ts.pdf )
YouTube has a ton of GoPro videos where the techno-tube music starts and the C6Z pulls ahead, but these are all modified cars, so I don't know how to digest that.
Here is the full numbers for the C7Z from C&D. ( I could not find the exact same test listing for the C6Z )
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 3.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 6.8 sec
Zero to 160 mph: 22.9 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 3.2 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 1.7 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 2.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.1 sec @ 127 mph
car and driver (2015 c7 Z06 - 0-150 mph for the auto 17.8 and m7 was 18.3 seconds)
Car and driver December 2008 for the 2009 c6Z06 0-150 mph = 17.3 seconds and C6zr1 0-150 mph = 16.4 seconds
I have neither driven nor owned either. My last Vette was a 00 FRC, slightly modded in the suspension/rear end dept. I will say, you have to test factory stock cars against each other, not one that has any kind of mods done to it, be it drive train or suspension. That said, I would take a C6 over a C7 simply for the styling. and it would be a ZR1 tho. just my humble opinion.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Nobody loves their C6 Z more than I loved my 06 Z. The reality is my C7 Z06 is a better car in every way, except for weight. It is faster, handles better, is more comfortable. Much better interior, although I had no complaints about The C6 interior. The C7 Z has 145 more horsepower and makes 175 ft lbs more torque than the C6 Z.
Looks are subjective. The C7Z looks more modern, especially from the front. The C6 Z looks a little cleaner, less cluttered. Too many gadgets in the C7 Z.
Stock for stock the C7 Z is a faster, better handling car. Is it worth more than double the price of a nice, low mileage C6 Z? No. The C6 Z is the best bang for the buck and I will probably get another. The reality is, these cars get better every generation, and I've owned all 7 generations. I'm confident the C8 will be the best ever.
I own an 08Z... Love it, H/C/I/E @ 592/540 it is a blast to drive and I get looks, compliments everywhere I go.
I have driven both the A87Z and the M7Z.. Definitely 3 different cars. I doubt I could ever get rid of my C6Z.. That being said i'd be willing to bet that in a couple of years along with the C8 coming out that these higher mileage C7Z will drop to the upper $40s... I'll likely snag me an A8 then.. If I am being totally honest, I did not care for the C7's at first. Now they have grown on me and I like them very much. NOT enough to "trade" up from my C6Z though. Ultimate garage would to be to have 1 of each. Just my .02
I just finished the interior comparison video. Let me know what you think in the comments. After interior, I will move on to the exterior (street/curb appeal) and then on to the must hotly debated area: overall performance. Enjoy.
Good video! Nice comparison! I'm a new C6 Z06 owner, but have experienced a C7 Z06 with base interior (albeit on track only).
All you say is accurate and I do prefer the 'traditional' dash layout of the C6, but agree its very old-school.
Replacing the C6 head unit is a must and next on my list after winter hibernation, I really need the parking cameras as well as using my phone's apps.
And this from someone who will rarely listen to music (in this particular car I prefer the engine!)
I do lust after the C7's PDR however ;-)
Just a couple things to add that you may have overlooked...
Is the glove box and storage on the C7 as poor as the C6?
By my observation however, a critical difference is that the seats in the C6 are VERY un-supportive and the back rest flexes too.
Way worse than even the base seats in the C7 Z06. Ridiculous actually, for a sports car of this level. A disappointment.
Replacing them, is out of the question for me as I like the OE two-tone look of my 3LZ interior and am not building a track only car.
Having sat in one of the 'upgraded' newer C6 versions, is basically the same, very floppy feeling.
So that's not an upgrade path, nor is that available in my colors.
So, I wedge some hard rubber stair steps (cut out) between the console and seat as well as the door jamb and seat for track days (only)...a band-aid solution but does help.
Moreover...I've cut out and upgraded the foam in my side bolsters (as well as the cushion part) and replaced the soft foam with very high density stuff.
The seats are MUCH better now, but if I was doing more track days with it...I'd still have to get race seats.
I didn't feel that way in my friend's C7 Z06, even with it's base seats.
Also, I found it was hard to rev-match and heel and toe my downshifts with the original C6 pedals.
I wear a 9 shoe, but it wasn't as easy as on my friend's C7 for some reason. Not sure if there's a difference?
The car is made to accommodate bigger guys. So, I had to replace the gas pedal. Now its great in this respect. No biggie and I love an easy solution
That's it for my 'additional' comments re the interior.
Again, good video!
Good video! Nice comparison! I'm a new C6 Z06 owner, but have experienced a C7 Z06 with base interior (albeit on track only).
All you say is accurate and I do prefer the 'traditional' dash layout of the C6, but agree its very old-school.
Replacing the C6 head unit is a must and next on my list after winter hibernation, I really need the parking cameras as well as using my phone's apps.
And this from someone who will rarely listen to music (in this particular car I prefer the engine!)
I do lust after the C7's PDR however ;-)
Just a couple things to add that you may have overlooked...
Is the glove box and storage on the C7 as poor as the C6?
By my observation however, a critical difference is that the seats in the C6 are VERY un-supportive and the back rest flexes too.
Way worse than even the base seats in the C7 Z06. Ridiculous actually, for a sports car of this level. A disappointment.
Replacing them, is out of the question for me as I like the OE two-tone look of my 3LZ interior and am not building a track only car.
Having sat in one of the 'upgraded' newer C6 versions, is basically the same, very floppy feeling.
So that's not an upgrade path, nor is that available in my colors.
So, I wedge some hard rubber stair steps (cut out) between the console and seat as well as the door jamb and seat for track days (only)...a band-aid solution but does help.
Moreover...I've cut out and upgraded the foam in my side bolsters (as well as the cushion part) and replaced the soft foam with very high density stuff.
The seats are MUCH better now, but if I was doing more track days with it...I'd still have to get race seats.
I didn't feel that way in my friend's C7 Z06, even with it's base seats.
Also, I found it was hard to rev-match and heel and toe my downshifts with the original C6 pedals.
I wear a 9 shoe, but it wasn't as easy as on my friend's C7 for some reason. Not sure if there's a difference?
The car is made to accommodate bigger guys. So, I had to replace the gas pedal. Now its great in this respect. No biggie and I love an easy solution
That's it for my 'additional' comments re the interior.
Again, good video!
I replaced the pedals too and that helped. A couple years later I bought the Auto-Blip and I have to say that it's possibly the best mod I've done. The only other one that's close is the DRM Bilstein shocks.
I replaced the pedals too and that helped. A couple years later I bought the Auto-Blip and I have to say that it's possibly the best mod I've done. The only other one that's close is the DRM Bilstein shocks.
I hear ya...but I've been rev-matching and doing my heel and toe downshifts for 47 years ;-)
I have experienced a couple of cars with factory auto rev-match (the C7 Z06 I mention above and a 370Z) and they work terrific
But, the satisfaction of a perfectly matched downshift is an aspect of driving a sports car that I personally enjoy very much and frankly won't give up.
At least not in my hobby vehicle :-)
I've been on a 'wait list' for those darn DRM shocks since last July. Basically, the day after my first track day with this car.
I've spoken with Randy twice since then, but haven't been able to connect with him (or get a call back) in over two months now.
He really doesn't seem keen to do any business. I will keep trying to reach him, but if the shocks don't materialize by April, I will just get the regular Bilstein B8 shocks that his are based on. No choice.
I hear ya...but I've been rev-matching and doing my heel and toe downshifts for 47 years ;-)
I have experienced a couple of cars with factory auto rev-match (the C7 Z06 I mention above and a 370Z) and they work terrific
But, the satisfaction of a perfectly matched downshift is an aspect of driving a sports car that I personally enjoy very much and frankly won't give up.
At least not in my hobby vehicle :-)
I've been on a 'wait list' for those darn DRM shocks since last July. Basically, the day after my first track day with this car.
I've spoken with Randy twice since then, but haven't been able to connect with him (or get a call back) in over two months now.
He really doesn't seem keen to do any business. I will keep trying to reach him, but if the shocks don't materialize by April, I will just get the regular Bilstein B8 shocks that his are based on. No choice.
I totally understand and respect that. I still use heel-toe on a regular basis but I do use the Auto Blip at the track. I've read about how folks can't seem to reach Randy and get those shocks. It makes me wonder what's wrong. He was all over it a few years ago when I got mine. Sorry for your struggle with that. Hopefully he'll come through soon. Enjoy the beast.
Thank you all for watching. More of the comparison to come. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss the next upload. Just crossed 100 subs... THANKS!
I own an 08Z... Love it, H/C/I/E @ 592/540 it is a blast to drive and I get looks, compliments everywhere I go.
I have driven both the A87Z and the M7Z.. Definitely 3 different cars. I doubt I could ever get rid of my C6Z.. That being said i'd be willing to bet that in a couple of years along with the C8 coming out that these higher mileage C7Z will drop to the upper $40s... I'll likely snag me an A8 then.. If I am being totally honest, I did not care for the C7's at first. Now they have grown on me and I like them very much. NOT enough to "trade" up from my C6Z though. Ultimate garage would to be to have 1 of each. Just my .02
Twin Turbos on the C6z doesn't make it quite an equal comparison -- Tony has this similar post on the C7z Forum. Most of the guys over have had a c6Z and now have a C7z including me. --- Most of those guys except me feel the c7z is superior. -
From my perspective:
Engine - High Rpm rush of the Ls7 is much more satisfying when I wring the cars out on my favorite stretches of road.
Interior - Dash ( i like the Dash of the c6Z more) Seats(I like the C7Z more)
Handling - I had good year run flats on the C6Z and the MPSS on my non-z07 C7 Z06. I think the c7Z feels wiggy down low 1st through the top of second gear. Probably due to the high torque.
Overall feel - C7 is a Cadillac feel and C6Z is sports car feel.
Curb appeal - The C7Z does get a little more attention from the younger folks and the gals like the C7Z look better. -- C6Z gets the nod from the old school gear heads.
How will the looks of the car age- C6Z in my opinion will age better -- C7Z will age like a disco ball and John Travolta's platform shoes from Saturday night fever.
Reliability/Maintenance over the long ?- this the big uestion - once the heads are addressed C6Z will probably be easier to maintain. For me it was just easier to get a C7Z then to deal with getting the heads fixed. That was a big part of my decision as I didn't want to deal with that and no one really knows definitively what the root cause is -- maybe the right fix is brodix heads.
C7Z downfall on maintenance will be:
- The direct injection,
- All the ancillary systems and radiators(this while helpful on the track) will be messy down the road with their propensity to leak
- The high tech dash - this is a real wild card on how this crap will hold up over the long haul with extreme heat and cold temperature changes and availability of parts.
The stock C7Z a8 does post better times quarter mile then the C6Z.
With the M7 in the C7Z its a drivers race in the quarter - then on up to 150mph, the C6Z will walk the C7Z.
a Fair on track comparison would be a stock Stage 1 C7Z Non-Z07 M7 or A8 and a C6Z Non-Z07 with no add on skirts or aero -- on the exact same tires for each car -- for 5 Laps.
Does this mean I hate my C7Z or will get rid of it tomorrow -- no it doesn't. After owning Both cars a while and being a "non" track guy - this is my observation.
I'm not arguing either way which car is "better," because the definition of "better" is up to the individual. I am wondering what evidence you used to know the C6Z walks the C7Z to 150. Running 6-8mph on your favorite stretch of road does not seem like a comparison with strong evidence. A run on a controlled circuit with cars on the same tires, the same driver, with accurate timing, etc would be a good measure.
I know C& D did it as a magazine comparison, but I don't think that properly answers the question. Was it at the same circuit? Were the temps the same? Same driver?
Are there any more accurate comparisons? I'm just curious.
I sure hope "kids" keep buying them! Like it or not, they are the future of Corvette sales, racing, etc If they do not like it, the Corvette eventually dies out just like any other car...
01-04-2019, 03:52 PM
