Help deciding?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,928
Likes: 1,447
From: Any City USA
Maybe, being a purist is tough... A GS with no added HP? I might as well get a Ferrari with a VW engine....Everyone one with a GS please don't get defensive, its only my lonely opinion! Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. lol
Last edited by V Vette; May 15, 2019 at 05:59 PM.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,077
Likes: 12,436
From: NE South Carolina
This is what Tadge (Corvette Chief Engineer) posted on the form:
Drag coefficients:
- Base C7 cd= 0.30 with a drag reducing center air dam and no extra drag due to a rear spoiler.
- Z51 with no center air dam and added drag from rear spoiler cd = 0.35
- Z06/Grand Sport cd = 0.35 with added center air dam reducing drag but larger rear spoiler increasing drag.
The only direct comparison of 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile times I found on a quick search was:
Z51: 0 to 60 = 3.8 seconds; 1/4 mile = 12.0 seconds
Grand Sport: 0 to 60 = 3.6 seconds; 1/4 mile = 11.8 seconds.
Don't have a direct comparison of the base C7
Looks like the improved off the line traction provided the Grand Sport edge.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,077
Likes: 12,436
From: NE South Carolina
Would need some sticky racing tires!
Last edited by JerryU; May 15, 2019 at 06:44 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
Likes: 12,865
From: Virginia
You sound like someone who has never driven a GS. What C7 do you own, or do you even own one? There's a lot more to a fine high performance sportscar than just HP.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,357
Likes: 2,409
I don’t see a 500hp LT2 beating on a 650hp LT4 unless it were possibly all wheel drive. That’s not happening with a base C8 at the price many are hoping for. I have no doubt that the C8Z version will be plenty fast. I’m just not sold on the no option for a manual. Time will tell.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,928
Likes: 1,447
From: Any City USA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,928
Likes: 1,447
From: Any City USA
An interesting point, the base C7 may have the "fastest" trap speed at the drag strip!
This is what Tadge (Corvette Chief Engineer) posted on the form:
Drag coefficients:
Hey JerryU..... You are still the best!
The only direct comparison of 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile times I found on a quick search was:
Z51: 0 to 60 = 3.8 seconds; 1/4 mile = 12.0 seconds
Grand Sport: 0 to 60 = 3.6 seconds; 1/4 mile = 11.8 seconds.
Don't have a direct comparison of the base C7
Looks like the improved off the line traction provided the Grand Sport edge.
This is what Tadge (Corvette Chief Engineer) posted on the form:
Drag coefficients:
- Base C7 cd= 0.30 with a drag reducing center air dam and no extra drag due to a rear spoiler.
- Z51 with no center air dam and added drag from rear spoiler cd = 0.35
- Z06/Grand Sport cd = 0.35 with added center air dam reducing drag but larger rear spoiler increasing drag.
Hey JerryU..... You are still the best!
The only direct comparison of 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile times I found on a quick search was:
Z51: 0 to 60 = 3.8 seconds; 1/4 mile = 12.0 seconds
Grand Sport: 0 to 60 = 3.6 seconds; 1/4 mile = 11.8 seconds.
Don't have a direct comparison of the base C7
Looks like the improved off the line traction provided the Grand Sport edge.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 1,369
From: Mesa AZ
Go test drive each and you'll know which model best fits your needs. I did and ended up with a GS. Very happy with that decision. Note: There are differences in the driving characteristics between the Z51 and the GS that become clear only after test driving both.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 1,002
From: Orwigsburg Pa
Just my opinion the deals that are going on for a Z06 I would go for one if your budget allows you too. I don’t see how the Z06 is overkill. I just drive it like I drove my C5 Z06. But when I want the extra power you know it there. Insurance wise not much difference in the price from the grand sport. But you need to decide. Also I think the resale value is better on a Z06.
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It sound to me like you want the base model from your description. As far as the ZO6 goes, its better to have it & not need it than to need it & not have it
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,077
Likes: 12,436
From: NE South Carolina
Just my opinion the deals that are going on for a Z06 I would go for one if your budget allows you too. I don’t see how the Z06 is overkill. I just drive it like I drove my C5 Z06. But when I want the extra power you know it there. Insurance wise not much difference in the price from the grand sport. But you need to decide. Also I think the resale value is better on a Z06.
Some of us prefer a NA engine with "sufficient" power for our DD!
Don't understand those that "Have To Buy" a car with the most power available can sleep at night owning a Z06 knowing they missed 105 hp!
Last edited by JerryU; May 16, 2019 at 08:32 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,357
Likes: 2,409
FWIW, money is NOT my issue. If I felt I needed all the power I could get I'd buy a ZR1! (I'd get the one with lower rear wing and not the one that looks like "Boy Racer!")
Some of us prefer a NA engine with "sufficient" power for our DD!
Don't understand those that "Have To Buy" a car with the most power available can sleep at night owning a Z06 knowing they missed 105 hp!
Some of us prefer a NA engine with "sufficient" power for our DD!
Don't understand those that "Have To Buy" a car with the most power available can sleep at night owning a Z06 knowing they missed 105 hp!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 157
Likes: 45
From: Illinois
Going with a GS the price could jump up a lot if the Z07 package is selected. The GS alone along with that package makes the Z51 still appealing. There is no Z07 package on a Z51 to tempt you to spend more money. It’s probably doesn’t need to be added on a street driven GS though.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,077
Likes: 12,436
From: NE South Carolina
I was commenting about those that bought a Z06 ‘“because they had to have the MOST hp,” probably not being able to sleep at night knowing they left 105 hp on the table! (755-650=105 hp for those math challenged! 
(755-650=105 hp for those math challenged!
Last edited by JerryU; May 16, 2019 at 12:15 PM.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,077
Likes: 12,436
From: NE South Carolina
Going with a GS the price could jump up a lot if the Z07 package is selected. The GS alone along with that package makes the Z51 still appealing. There is no Z07 package on a Z51 to tempt you to spend more money. It’s probably doesn’t need to be added on a street driven GS though.
Unless an aggressive Tracker no use to get the Z07 option. Yep better brakes but look at the pic I provided of the 6 caliper GS/Z06 front pads versus the Z51. Even a modest Tracker won’t overheat those. Can always buy racing pads.
Now if you want to spend more, suggest the Stage 2 Aero package, upgraded wheels, etc! BTW both the Z51 and the Grand Sport have Track usable brake pads that have heavy dust. Unless you plan on cleaning the wheels every 150 to 200 miles plan on ceramic street pads day 1! I waited 6 months on my Z51 and was cleaning the black wheels every ~3 trips to town OR the dust not only looked bad but was pitting my wheels! Once I SWITCHED I cleaned my wheels when I washed the car, with car soap. Same with my Grand Sport!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,357
Likes: 2,409
Gotcha. Yes it’s temping. I’m holding out for a gently used ZR1👍🏻 Can’t bring myself to pay 100k for a Chevy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 916
An interesting point, the base C7 may have the "fastest" trap speed at the drag strip!
This is what Tadge (Corvette Chief Engineer) posted on the form:
Drag coefficients:
The only direct comparison of 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile times I found on a quick search was:
Z51: 0 to 60 = 3.8 seconds; 1/4 mile = 12.0 seconds
Grand Sport: 0 to 60 = 3.6 seconds; 1/4 mile = 11.8 seconds.
Don't have a direct comparison of the base C7
Looks like the improved off the line traction provided the Grand Sport edge.
This is what Tadge (Corvette Chief Engineer) posted on the form:
Drag coefficients:
- Base C7 cd= 0.30 with a drag reducing center air dam and no extra drag due to a rear spoiler.
- Z51 with no center air dam and added drag from rear spoiler cd = 0.35
- Z06/Grand Sport cd = 0.35 with added center air dam reducing drag but larger rear spoiler increasing drag.
The only direct comparison of 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile times I found on a quick search was:
Z51: 0 to 60 = 3.8 seconds; 1/4 mile = 12.0 seconds
Grand Sport: 0 to 60 = 3.6 seconds; 1/4 mile = 11.8 seconds.
Don't have a direct comparison of the base C7
Looks like the improved off the line traction provided the Grand Sport edge.
Just for the record...
Chevrolet.com shows the Z51 with the A8 running 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds if you click on the fine print link.
https://www.chevrolet.com/performanc...ray-sports-car