claf

Soon to order a C7 convertible. Can't decide on a "bare bones Stingray" or a similarly equipped Zo6. Money is not a factor in buying, looking at potential resale 5 or 7 years down the road. No anticipated track time or autocross, the car will be strictly a cruiser probably never get over 75/80 mph. Would the Z06 be a total waste (for me) or still be worthwhile even if seldom taking advantage of the performance potential ?

The Creeper

The Z06 will get bored and tired of you.

Skid Row Joe

Since; "money is not a factor," ZR1.

TXshaggy

Given your description of use, get the Stingray.

23/C8Z

The questions when money is not a factor are these.

A year from now would you wish you had stepped up to the Z06 when you get used to the LT1 power?

A year from now would you wish you had not purchased the Z06 and got the almost 200 less hp and torque C7?

Just like anything else. Having more is better. You don't have to use all of it. But it's nice to have options.

And if anyone comments about how a Z06's extra power can't be used safely on the street, they would be lying to you. Leave the nannies on and the Z06 propels you when asked like nothing on the road. My car runs between 3.3 and 3.5 to 60 on stock tire in the street. And above 60 when all rhe power is being put down it's a feeling you don't get from the LT1 equipped cars. Unless you're coming from a much lesser vehicle.

And just daily driving the extra torque down low is worth the price of admission alone.

Good luck. And either one you will enjoy. But if you can afford a Z06 heck a ZR1.. go for it.

Rapid Fred

Since you are looking at resale, money does seem to be an issue. Look at depreciation rates. I believe the same rate or even higher than the Z06, meaning cost of ownership will be much higher for the Z. Your post says you will never use the Z06 additional performance — which of course comes at a modest comfort penalty.

Add that up and getting the base Stingray is an easy decision. Unless the style dominates money and comfort...

SilverGhost

ZR1 for the distance. Reasons

limited run, highest power: nobody chases 66 327 verts, they pay $500,000 for the most powerful 66-67 427-435hp verts.

ONLY on the ZR1 GM fixed the boo-boo's well documented in this forum on other C7's, without admitting guilt:

a. Best Cooling capability of any C7. Exclusive to the ZR1

b. NO Automatic Fuel Management (AFM.) Other C7 vettes may experience collapsing (failing) AFM lifters. Also AFM is highly suspect in causing the lugging of the motor in unbalanced v4 mode which causes uncontrollable vibrations in the drivetrain which can grenade the A8 transmission. On the ZR1 motor, no AFM no headaches down the road.

c. ADDED PORT FUEL INJECTION - After all the GM statements that ALL the C7 direct injection (only) motors do not cause carbon build up on the back of the valves which receive no cleansing from the detergent gasoline; GM does an about face and puts BOTH port injection AND direct injection in the ZR1 motor ONLY. A good explanation is in this video.


You want the marathon runner C7 that can go the distance to high $ resale desirability? go for the ZR1

Vetteman Jack

I would tend to agree with this. But either way, the car will be a blast to drive.

Kevin A Jones

Simply make the trip to one of the larger C7 dealers and test drive them to see which suits you the best. Doesn't seem power matters much to you, do you have any preferences as to narrow body vs wide body?

SuperdadZ06

First things first. If you like a manual transmission this may be your last shot for a while and I recommend it highly. I have the Z06 and love it but my best guess is no matter which version you get you will be pretty happy. A lot of guys say the grand sport is the sweet spot but i like the extra hp. The guy above makes some great points about the ZR1 if u can swing it.

Kevin A Jones

Actually the original 327s mid-years are quite popular.

m3incorp

Now, that was funny

MrClean21

What he said.

TXshaggy

The ZR1 depreciation in 5-7 years will exceed the cost of a base Stingray...if not more.

However, you could stand in line behind C4 and C6 ZR owners who bought in to the king of the hill thought process —-never make something like this again —- and wait for the market to turn...any day now! Worst investment choice ever.

dvilin

If money is not an issue why even think about potential resale 5-7 years down the road. Based on your driving plans just get the Stingray as the Z06 would be a sleeping beast never allowed to awaken and place a few skid marks in your shorts.

Zjoe6

Stingray.

bearphoto

Having had both cars I'd say hands down get the Z06. Its a beast!

GoatHead

Convertible Stingray fits your need very well.

Mr Triple Black

If you like the look of the Z06 but feel you need the extra power just get a Grand Sport.

Corgidog1

The 327/350 was considered the best street engine. I had a 68 with the 427/390 and enjoyed driving a friend’s 67 327/350 much more.