Why go Callaway?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 5
There's no need to take these things personally guys. The object is an attempt at an honest, factual accounting of the advantages/disadvantages of a narrow-body C7 plus Callaway vs Getting a Z06 from the outset.
So if I have this right so far (Not bashing, just trying to do an honest accounting of the cost/benefit analysis): The Callaway package costs 1K less than an upgrade from a Z51 to a Z06 and 6k less than the upgrade from a non-Z51 to a Z06.
Advantage Callaway: 3rd intercooler which may or may not assist with cooling on the track (where the Z is apparently flawed for some but not all drivers on some but not all tracks) and some badging.
Advantage Z06: Additional 2yrs/24k miles included warranty, 23hp/40tq, wide bodywork, wheels, tires, suspension, aero etc...much of which provides an advantage at the track but is nullified in instances where the car overheats for some but not all drivers on some but not all tracks.
I'm sure I missed something + or - for either or both setups.
I think though that the only potential clear advantage to choosing Callaway is for the non Z-51 guy who wants to go fast in a straight line. That guy gets a unique car and saves over the Z06 to boot.
Otherwise, seems to the equation seems to get pretty murky and/or favors the Z, depending on individual circumstances.
So if I have this right so far (Not bashing, just trying to do an honest accounting of the cost/benefit analysis): The Callaway package costs 1K less than an upgrade from a Z51 to a Z06 and 6k less than the upgrade from a non-Z51 to a Z06.
Advantage Callaway: 3rd intercooler which may or may not assist with cooling on the track (where the Z is apparently flawed for some but not all drivers on some but not all tracks) and some badging.
Advantage Z06: Additional 2yrs/24k miles included warranty, 23hp/40tq, wide bodywork, wheels, tires, suspension, aero etc...much of which provides an advantage at the track but is nullified in instances where the car overheats for some but not all drivers on some but not all tracks.
I'm sure I missed something + or - for either or both setups.
I think though that the only potential clear advantage to choosing Callaway is for the non Z-51 guy who wants to go fast in a straight line. That guy gets a unique car and saves over the Z06 to boot.
Otherwise, seems to the equation seems to get pretty murky and/or favors the Z, depending on individual circumstances.
Last edited by 15Z06; Jul 21, 2015 at 04:18 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 5
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 408
From: Greer, SC
Think about what you are asking though. Do you really think guys with a Z06 are going to say they prefer the Callaway or vice versa? So what is it you expect to gain from this? An objective opinion? No opinion is objective if you ask me. Everyone brings their own bias into the discussion.
Btw, since you are the OP, you can ask the mods to close this thread if you feel it has gone off the rails.
Since you already have a 15, are you actually considering trading it for a Z06? If not, there really is no choice, is there?
Last edited by Mike02z; Jul 20, 2015 at 08:21 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 296
Likes: 8
From: Los Angeles Ca
There's no need to take these things personally guys. The object is an attempt at an honest, factual accounting of the advantages/disadvantages of a narrow-body C7 plus Callaway vs Getting a Z06 from the outset.
So if I have this right so far (Not bashing, just trying to do an honest accounting of the cost/benefit analysis): The Callaway package costs 1K less than an upgrade from a Z51 to a Z06 and 6k less than the upgrade from a non-Z51 to a Z06.
Advantage Callaway: 3rd intercooler which may or may not assist with cooling on the track (where the Z is apparently flawed for some but not all drivers on some but not all tracks) and some badging. Also a plus for a guy who's intent is to buy used and wants to refresh an expired or depleted warranty period perhaps.
So if I have this right so far (Not bashing, just trying to do an honest accounting of the cost/benefit analysis): The Callaway package costs 1K less than an upgrade from a Z51 to a Z06 and 6k less than the upgrade from a non-Z51 to a Z06.
Advantage Callaway: 3rd intercooler which may or may not assist with cooling on the track (where the Z is apparently flawed for some but not all drivers on some but not all tracks) and some badging. Also a plus for a guy who's intent is to buy used and wants to refresh an expired or depleted warranty period perhaps.
I wish there was someone out there who can share a track experience with a Callaway Stingray. If there isn't an overheating issue with them, it could be a huge marketing opportunity for the company.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 47
Likes: 6
I havent gotten my car on the track yet since its a convertible and track events that allow convertibles on the track are limited(I missed the only one this summer at the Pocono raceway). Im hoping before the summer ends to be able to get a track day in with the car. If anyone knows any events in the north east region that allow convertibles let me know and ill be there.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Casper Wyoming
Important Question:
There's no need to take these things personally guys. The object is an attempt at an honest, factual accounting of the advantages/disadvantages of a narrow-body C7 plus Callaway vs Getting a Z06 from the outset.
So if I have this right so far (Not bashing, just trying to do an honest accounting of the cost/benefit analysis): The Callaway package costs 1K less than an upgrade from a Z51 to a Z06 and 6k less than the upgrade from a non-Z51 to a Z06.
Advantage Callaway: 3rd intercooler which may or may not assist with cooling on the track (where the Z is apparently flawed for some but not all drivers on some but not all tracks) and some badging. Also a plus for a guy who's intent is to buy used and wants to refresh an expired or depleted warranty period perhaps.
Advantage Z06: Additional 2yrs/24k miles included warranty, 23hp/40tq, wide bodywork, wheels, tires, suspension, aero etc...much of which provides an advantage at the track but is nullified in instances where the car overheats for some but not all drivers on some but not all tracks.
I'm sure I missed something + or - for either or both setups.
I think though that the only potential clear advantage to choosing Callaway is for the non Z-51 guy who wants to go fast in a straight line. That guy gets a unique car and saves over the Z06 to boot.
Otherwise, seems to the equation seems to get pretty murky and/or favors the Z, depending on individual circumstances.
So if I have this right so far (Not bashing, just trying to do an honest accounting of the cost/benefit analysis): The Callaway package costs 1K less than an upgrade from a Z51 to a Z06 and 6k less than the upgrade from a non-Z51 to a Z06.
Advantage Callaway: 3rd intercooler which may or may not assist with cooling on the track (where the Z is apparently flawed for some but not all drivers on some but not all tracks) and some badging. Also a plus for a guy who's intent is to buy used and wants to refresh an expired or depleted warranty period perhaps.
Advantage Z06: Additional 2yrs/24k miles included warranty, 23hp/40tq, wide bodywork, wheels, tires, suspension, aero etc...much of which provides an advantage at the track but is nullified in instances where the car overheats for some but not all drivers on some but not all tracks.
I'm sure I missed something + or - for either or both setups.
I think though that the only potential clear advantage to choosing Callaway is for the non Z-51 guy who wants to go fast in a straight line. That guy gets a unique car and saves over the Z06 to boot.
Otherwise, seems to the equation seems to get pretty murky and/or favors the Z, depending on individual circumstances.
dpb
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 400
Likes: 47
I am going to respond to your pricing comment. You can't compare if someone choose to pay msrp while a large majority of the forum population paid way under. So if you go with the average price paid from forum dealers you are looking at around $63,000 for a Z51 Lt2 and the Z06 base at around $89,000. Now add the Callaway to the Z51 and your at around $81,000. So your saving around $8,000 on a Z51 Lt2 with the Callaway. If the Z06 starts to drop in price then of course it will make the decision for some people even more difficult.
I was also on the fence for quite some time weighing the options, prices, ect, back and forth between a Z06, Callaway and taking a Z51 over to east coast supercharger. I ran into some unforseen issues but looking to place my order soon with a Z51 and adding the Callaway.
So my decision came to saving around $8,000, neck snapping throttle response and standing out from the rest of the pack. Just my opinion of course, either way good luck
I was also on the fence for quite some time weighing the options, prices, ect, back and forth between a Z06, Callaway and taking a Z51 over to east coast supercharger. I ran into some unforseen issues but looking to place my order soon with a Z51 and adding the Callaway.
So my decision came to saving around $8,000, neck snapping throttle response and standing out from the rest of the pack. Just my opinion of course, either way good luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 873
Likes: 86
From: Katy Texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,345
Likes: 442
From: Jupiter FL
Ok From Kerbecks website, 2016 Z51 2lt mag ride, auto, PDR and a couple of cosmetics, $68,042, Z06 2LZ, PDR and auto, they all come with mag ride, $89,373. Difference is $21,331, the Z06 comes with 5/60 warranty as does the Z51. I think most agree none of us are putting 100,000 miles on our car in 5 years, maybe a small amount of people. Callaway, $17,995, you want the warranty to be equal in years, add $2,900, total is $20,895, difference between a Callaway with slightly better warranty and a Z, $436. I'd have to ship my car back and forth, add $3,000, for me the Z is cheaper. I love my car and the temptation for me is I want HER to be more powerful, but I think in the persuit of power I'd have to sell her and get a Z.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 35
From: Vernon Hills IL
I could say cooling, and I could say that I like the more understated styling of the standard Stingray body to the Z06 (which I do, but I like 'em both). Sure the Z06 is faster, but I don't really track my cars, so what do I care? I don't plan on going 200+ anytime soon.
When you get down to it, I wanted something different from the rest.
When the C6 came out my dad bought a Z06 (from ME when I sold Chevys) and I saw the value of his car go down the relative toilet after he bought it because there were so many of them on the street. While resale value won't kill me, I didn't like the fact that he bought this great car and there was a carbon copy at nearly every Corvette show we went to.
For me, I like having a unicorn. When I had my SRT Challenger, it was 1 of 162 in B5 Blue. I loved the fact that I rarely, if ever, saw another SRT in that color. Sure, it was just another Challenger, but Mopar people knew what it was and commented on how rare it was.
Plus, I've wanted a Callaway since about 1991 when I first saw a Callaway Speedster on the cover of my dad's Corvette Quarterly.
Now that I'm in the position to buy one, I did consider the Z06 but:
1. Looked at some of the cooling issues of the Z
2. Wanted something REALLY SPECIAL that I could hold on to for years
3. Wanted to realize a childhood dream
4. Wanted to get something that no one else in my neighborhood would get or even recognize.
When you get down to it, I wanted something different from the rest.
When the C6 came out my dad bought a Z06 (from ME when I sold Chevys) and I saw the value of his car go down the relative toilet after he bought it because there were so many of them on the street. While resale value won't kill me, I didn't like the fact that he bought this great car and there was a carbon copy at nearly every Corvette show we went to.
For me, I like having a unicorn. When I had my SRT Challenger, it was 1 of 162 in B5 Blue. I loved the fact that I rarely, if ever, saw another SRT in that color. Sure, it was just another Challenger, but Mopar people knew what it was and commented on how rare it was.
Plus, I've wanted a Callaway since about 1991 when I first saw a Callaway Speedster on the cover of my dad's Corvette Quarterly.
Now that I'm in the position to buy one, I did consider the Z06 but:
1. Looked at some of the cooling issues of the Z
2. Wanted something REALLY SPECIAL that I could hold on to for years
3. Wanted to realize a childhood dream
4. Wanted to get something that no one else in my neighborhood would get or even recognize.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 5
I am going to respond to your pricing comment. You can't compare if someone choose to pay msrp while a large majority of the forum population paid way under. So if you go with the average price paid from forum dealers you are looking at around $63,000 for a Z51 Lt2 and the Z06 base at around $89,000. Now add the Callaway to the Z51 and your at around $81,000. So your saving around $8,000 on a Z51 Lt2 with the Callaway. If the Z06 starts to drop in price then of course it will make the decision for some people even more difficult.
I was also on the fence for quite some time weighing the options, prices, ect, back and forth between a Z06, Callaway and taking a Z51 over to east coast supercharger. I ran into some unforseen issues but looking to place my order soon with a Z51 and adding the Callaway.
So my decision came to saving around $8,000, neck snapping throttle response and standing out from the rest of the pack. Just my opinion of course, either way good luck
I was also on the fence for quite some time weighing the options, prices, ect, back and forth between a Z06, Callaway and taking a Z51 over to east coast supercharger. I ran into some unforseen issues but looking to place my order soon with a Z51 and adding the Callaway.
So my decision came to saving around $8,000, neck snapping throttle response and standing out from the rest of the pack. Just my opinion of course, either way good luck
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 5
I don't see anyone taking it personally. I certainly am not.
Think about what you are asking though. Do you really think guys with a Z06 are going to say they prefer the Callaway or vice versa? So what is it you expect to gain from this? An objective opinion? No opinion is objective if you ask me. Everyone brings their own bias into the discussion.
Btw, since you are the OP, you can ask the mods to close this thread if you feel it has gone off the rails.
Since you already have a 15, are you actually considering trading it for a Z06? If not, there really is no choice, is there?
Think about what you are asking though. Do you really think guys with a Z06 are going to say they prefer the Callaway or vice versa? So what is it you expect to gain from this? An objective opinion? No opinion is objective if you ask me. Everyone brings their own bias into the discussion.
Btw, since you are the OP, you can ask the mods to close this thread if you feel it has gone off the rails.
Since you already have a 15, are you actually considering trading it for a Z06? If not, there really is no choice, is there?
I have no desire to close the thread. As I have a 2 month old Z06, you're correct in assuming that I have no desire to trade for a 2016 Z06. That's immaterial though unless you're going to tell me you've never second guessed yourself or sought knowledge for the future or even for its own sake even if it doesn't apply in the moment
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 5
Just want to clarify that the Callaway package will not refresh or add on to an expiring warranty. If you have a car that's already one year old and decide to get a Callaway, you don't get coverage for an additional 3 years. You get two years covered. The Callaway warranty will not extend beyond GM's factory warranty.
I wish there was someone out there who can share a track experience with a Callaway Stingray. If there isn't an overheating issue with them, it could be a huge marketing opportunity for the company.
I wish there was someone out there who can share a track experience with a Callaway Stingray. If there isn't an overheating issue with them, it could be a huge marketing opportunity for the company.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 5
I could say cooling, and I could say that I like the more understated styling of the standard Stingray body to the Z06 (which I do, but I like 'em both). Sure the Z06 is faster, but I don't really track my cars, so what do I care? I don't plan on going 200+ anytime soon.
When you get down to it, I wanted something different from the rest.
When the C6 came out my dad bought a Z06 (from ME when I sold Chevys) and I saw the value of his car go down the relative toilet after he bought it because there were so many of them on the street. While resale value won't kill me, I didn't like the fact that he bought this great car and there was a carbon copy at nearly every Corvette show we went to.
For me, I like having a unicorn. When I had my SRT Challenger, it was 1 of 162 in B5 Blue. I loved the fact that I rarely, if ever, saw another SRT in that color. Sure, it was just another Challenger, but Mopar people knew what it was and commented on how rare it was.
Plus, I've wanted a Callaway since about 1991 when I first saw a Callaway Speedster on the cover of my dad's Corvette Quarterly.
Now that I'm in the position to buy one, I did consider the Z06 but:
1. Looked at some of the cooling issues of the Z
2. Wanted something REALLY SPECIAL that I could hold on to for years
3. Wanted to realize a childhood dream
4. Wanted to get something that no one else in my neighborhood would get or even recognize.
When you get down to it, I wanted something different from the rest.
When the C6 came out my dad bought a Z06 (from ME when I sold Chevys) and I saw the value of his car go down the relative toilet after he bought it because there were so many of them on the street. While resale value won't kill me, I didn't like the fact that he bought this great car and there was a carbon copy at nearly every Corvette show we went to.
For me, I like having a unicorn. When I had my SRT Challenger, it was 1 of 162 in B5 Blue. I loved the fact that I rarely, if ever, saw another SRT in that color. Sure, it was just another Challenger, but Mopar people knew what it was and commented on how rare it was.
Plus, I've wanted a Callaway since about 1991 when I first saw a Callaway Speedster on the cover of my dad's Corvette Quarterly.
Now that I'm in the position to buy one, I did consider the Z06 but:
1. Looked at some of the cooling issues of the Z
2. Wanted something REALLY SPECIAL that I could hold on to for years
3. Wanted to realize a childhood dream
4. Wanted to get something that no one else in my neighborhood would get or even recognize.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 408
From: Greer, SC
I have no desire to close the thread. As I have a 2 month old Z06, you're correct in assuming that I have no desire to trade for a 2016 Z06. That's immaterial though unless you're going to tell me you've never second guessed yourself or sought knowledge for the future or even for its own sake even if it doesn't apply in the moment
I get what you're saying though and it makes sense, I guess.
I do commend you for staying very polite and professional during this debate.
I don't think there is a right or wrong here. Just opinions.
Enjoy the Z06!!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 35
From: Vernon Hills IL
I would never deride a man's Z06. It's a hell of a car. Heck, I would love to do a key swap with someone for a spirited ride around a twisty road when I get my Callaway! It's scheduled to be here in a couple of weeks. I CAN'T WAIT!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 829
Likes: 164
From: Park Ridge Il
Why go to callawau
I bought the Callaway upgrade package on my C7. I could've purchased the Z06 if I wanted to but I was looking for something that had a nice decent ride for this is a daily driver. As in the Z51 package this turns the C7 into a track car which makes the ride stiffer. I don't need a track car because I rairly take it to the track. Even though you have an adjustable suspension the touring mode still rides harder than the base Corvette. The Zo6 is the next step up which has even a stiffer suspension which makes it ride even harder. Maybe if you live in the contry where the streets are smooth you probably won't notice suspension differences.I live in a suburb of Chicago where the streets have allot of potholes and disrupted suffices So I'd notice this. Also I like the look of the supercharger sticking out of the hood. It ads to the looks of the car. I'm am very very happy with the Upgrade and if I had to do it over I'd still go with Callaway.