What are your guys opinions on the new z06 versus the c6. Would it be worth selling the c6 to get the z06 or would i be better off just modding my c6. I know that we dont know prices yet but assuming its over 60k. That gives me 14k in mods i could do to the c6 to cover the price difference if it was right at 60k for a z06. Do you think the ls2 is going to be more compliant with mods than the ls7. Also will the upgraded brakes and other compenents (not just the ls7) make it worth the 14k plus. All opinions appreciated.

 

400 hp is more than enough for me. All I'm getting in way of mods is the Corsa Sport Quads and maybe paint the calipers red. But I need to see the color red that they used on the ZO-6.

 

There is no substitute for cubic inches. There isn't anything you could do to the 6 liter that wouldn't produce bigger results on the 7 liter. Add to that the LS7 redline is a full 7000 RPM, and anyone attempting to match a LS2 against a LS7 mod for mod would simply lose.

Now, could you get 500 hp from the LS2 with less than $14,000 worth of mods? Sure. That would bring you equal to a stock *warranteed* LS7. Then you have to look at everything else the Z06 offers from big brakes to big flares to handle big wheels and tires, to hydroformed aluminum chassis, carbon fiber, etc which reduce weight. Could you also do all that with what's left of your $14,000? Probably not.

*But*, you can buy a 1SX C6 for $44k. That buys you a car that's only a few tenths slower to 60 MPH, and about a second slower to the quarter mile than the $60k Z06. Is the difference worth $16k? Maybe, if you're an all out racer. Otherwise, I think not. I doubt most Corvette buyers are good enough drivers to take advantage of that small increment, certainly not on the highway.

$16k is a lot of money for something you realistically won't be able to derive any tangible driving benefit from having. And that is assuming the Z06 actually sells for $60k. If it is $75k as many have speculated, then you're talking about $31k extra for performance you probably won't ever get to feel on the street.

Unless you're a pro doing heads up racing, on the drag strip you'll be bracket racing, and can easily be beat by a much cheaper and slower car unless *you*, the driver, are a better driver. On a X cross, same thing. On a big road race track, the advantages of the Z06 will be harder to overcome, but you'll still need to be a very good driver to make those advantages work for you.

Lets face it, for most Corvette owners, having a Z06 is more about bragging rights than anything else. So it boils down to what it is worth to you to have that Z06 badge on the fender, and those LS7 engine covers under the hood. A 1SX LS2 car can't legitimately wear those badges, no matter how much you spend on engine mods.

 

First question you have to answer for yourself is what am I using this car for?

It's going to be very expensive to get a C6 to Z06 levels in the ALL AROUND package, power, weight, wheels/tires, brakes and aerodynamics.

However, if the most important characteristic is just power, screw-type supercharger with aftercooler will get you very close if not right there.

But start adding, brakes (big ticket item), suspension, new wheels and tires, and some aero aids to reduce lift and I think the price goes over $14,000.

And you still have the weight, getting your car to stay at it's current weight alone is going to be near impossible. Big brakes and big wheels alone will add a good amount of mass.

And let's not forget that a modified C6 will need the frame, halfshafts, drivershaft and clutch beefed up to have the reliability of the Z06.

Turning a C6 into a Z06 is going to get VERY expensive. You'll have to keep your goals more limited.

 

Well, whether or not it's worth the cost is a matter of personal budget and priorities. Compared to it's competition, probably. But, this is one car that I think I will give both the factory and the aftermarket folks a year or so to sort out. It's got some new and expensive stuff, and I'm not sure how friendly some of it is going to be for accommodating replacements and modifications.

 

Anyone have any idea what aftermarket TI rods will cost for a 7.0L? How about GM prices on those rods once the LS7 is out?

I agree with Mighty Mouse. To get to the overall performance level of the Z06, 14K won't get you there spec for spec. You can get 500hp out of the LS2(waiting on tuning) for well under 5K most likely(headers and cam should put you at 500fwhp), but it won't be the same as the 7.0L with its much greater torque advantage with the stroke being 4.00".

We are saving for a Z06 right now and I want it for the package. I can imagine putting headers and maybe a bit more aggressive cam in it, but out of the box, it should blow everything I have owned in the past away!

Todd

 

I suspect when the ATI and Vortech superchargers come out in the next few months, you'll be able to install one on an LS2 for about $7K and have 550 HP and be able to beat the Z06 at the dragstrip. If straight line acceleration is mostly what you are interested in, that's probably the ticket. Sure, hook that same thing up to an LS7 and you'll get even more, but we're talking about modding an LS2 to beat a stock LS7 and a supercharger will do it for significantly less than buying a Z06. That is, again... if you are mostly concerned about straight line acceleration.

Mike

 

C6 has plenty of power for me. My C6 might see the track for club events, track days, etc. . .but thats it. Right now Im still getting used to the power, and feel I don't need any more power for the street. If you are a track guy then I can see getting the Z06.

 

All said above true. 400HP is more than enough for me, but bigger is better. Read about the engine in MT or C&D, awesome. It’s state of the art, an engineering marvel. I'll be in line for a Z06 in 2 years. Meanwhile it's NOS for my L2.

 

I love my C6, I want to get it somewhere in the 500 RWHP range with a heads and cam package and blower. Actually might end up with a lot more than 500 horse to the wheels. I like the base suspension, I don't road race or anything so its more than perfect for me. I'm getting 14" front and 13" rear brakes to go along with a 19/20 HRE wheel/tire package. Want to keep this one for a long time.

Having said that, I want a 3rd or 4th year Z06. I don't want what happened to me when I got the 01 - I want to wait until Chevy gets the power to 500+ which I'm sure will happen soon enough.

 

Yeah sorry for not being more specific...the c6 has plenty of handling and stopping power for me. Im only concerned with improving straightline. Sounds like i should stick with the c6. I mean 14k will put in a lot of mods including some minitubs hopefully. And thats IF the z06 is 60k. If its even 65k then thats 19k where we are getting into TT territory.

 

A Procharger kit will cost ~$7k & provide well over 500HP on the LS2.

Supposedly due out very soon.

 

That is a lot of double negatives!! You've just stated that there is no way the 7L would ever outperform the 6L!! Maybe you meant the reverse? Incidentally, a couple of hairdryers will definitely make the 7L the 6L's huckleberry!

 

Yes it is worth it. Unless, you want to be another POSER always chasing the Z06.

 

and your insurance premiums will be lower.
How many Z-06's are going to be made that will determine what the real price will be I mean if they only made 3,000 units what are the chances???Jump from the frying pan into a frenzy of hungary sharks.

 

I thought the price was goinig to be $60-65K! I fear that the Z06 will go the way of the ZR1. A heckuva car priced out of its segment. I love the Vette, would love to buy a new Z06. BUT when its time to buy I will do a lot of thinking before plunking down 75K for another C6. The new Z06 isn't as different looking as the 01-04 Z's. I think those will hold value more in the future IMO.

 

Can't wait

 

I think when you see one in person you will change you're thinking in regards to the looks. As far as future value/collectibility, who knows but my bet is that production numbers and performance = the new car will be more desired in the long run.

 

What I meant was that the 01 to 04 Z06 with the fixed roof looked different right away. I love the look of the C6, can't wait to see a Z up close n personal.

 

Plus where do you draw the line on power???Like $$$$ there is never enough...