Built C6 versus built z06
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Built C6 versus built z06
I'm in the market for a Corvette. I'm looking at ones that are fully built (built engine, trans, rear diff and boosted, at a minimum) making 800whp+. I'm noticing a pretty big price difference of up to $20k between built c6 base/stringray versus C6 Z06 (basically the difference between $35-ish and $50 or $55k-ish). What's the major advantage of getting a built Z06 instead of a built c6 base?
If the engine, trans, and rear diff have been upgraded, the only remaining things that I can think of that might be better on a Z06 are the brakes and suspension (although most people upgrade those as well when they're pushing 800whp+). I feel like I'm missing something here.
If the engine, trans, and rear diff have been upgraded, the only remaining things that I can think of that might be better on a Z06 are the brakes and suspension (although most people upgrade those as well when they're pushing 800whp+). I feel like I'm missing something here.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
I'd start with an unmolested Grand Sport with M6 transmission. Build it like you want it. Less chance of "surprises" that way. That gets you transmission and engine oil coolers. Also gets you hand built LS3 with forged crankshaft. Also has similar brakes and suspension as the base model Z06. Includes wide body with wider tires and rims vs the base model. At 800rwhp, the LS3 is just a better place to start too. I like the ability to remove the roof panel also. Can't do that with a Z.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
I'd love to get a c7z for running at a road track, but the issue is that the closest road track to where I live is around 6 hours away, so realistically, I just don't have the time for it. If I lived in a place near a road track, on the other hand, I'd probably be buying an entirely different Corvette than the ones I'm currently looking at.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 145
Anyway, building big horsepower is easier than ever, if "mine's bigger than yours" is the goal here.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
Likes: 3,631
Street/strip car. I'm looking for ones that are at a minimum set-up for the "arm chair rolling racing no driver talent car for a half gear pulls on the freeway," but also have the engine internals and drivetrain to be pushed a bit harder for 1/4 mile passes. I figure if the drivertrain's solid, it's just a question of setting-up a suspension for 1/4 mile runs (although, a lot of the ones I'm seeing already have that too).
Strip car running drag slicks with prep;d track, can get it to hold some decent power to the ground.
Street wise, back to Cdot tires and unprep'd tarmac, going to be very limited on the amount of power that the tires can hold before just blistering the tires off the rims instead.
As for which car, base model since less air drag than a wide body car, and just comes down to how much power your looking to make in the first place, then what mods need to be done to semi bullet proof the drive line next.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 49
Likes: 19
From: RussellVille
All things being equal as far as mods are concerned (throwing the same mods at each car) the Z is the way to go, but its going to be a more expensive entry fee if you know what i mean. Plus the Z is going to be lighter, and stiffer from the get go as well as having a dry sump oiling setup. But ultimatly its your decision. If i wasnt getting in the Z id go for a Grand Sport as others have said.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski