Help me decide.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 305
Likes: 245
From: GSO, NC
Having just moved from a C6 GS Vert to a C7 Z Coupe I can tell you there IS a difference!
Gas Mileage: My C6 GS had CAI, headers, and high flow cats, with NPPS (auto) and I typically got 17-20mpg. My new Z (manual) only mod so far is a Corsa X pipe and I'm getting 20mpg on avg.
Insurance: I can see vey little difference (less than $50 year) in my policy. Now my cars were a 13' and a 16' and I keep them on a low mileage (less than 5k a year) policy
Fun Factor: The feel and power behind the wheel of the Z is a WHOLE new level compared to my GS (even after an extra 50+ HP added with aftermarket stuff).
Last thing to consider: The Z WILL hold a higher resell long term over the GS.
Gas Mileage: My C6 GS had CAI, headers, and high flow cats, with NPPS (auto) and I typically got 17-20mpg. My new Z (manual) only mod so far is a Corsa X pipe and I'm getting 20mpg on avg.
Insurance: I can see vey little difference (less than $50 year) in my policy. Now my cars were a 13' and a 16' and I keep them on a low mileage (less than 5k a year) policy
Fun Factor: The feel and power behind the wheel of the Z is a WHOLE new level compared to my GS (even after an extra 50+ HP added with aftermarket stuff).
Last thing to consider: The Z WILL hold a higher resell long term over the GS.
The higher resale value is relative. If you are buying a second hand Z06, you are paying a higher price now and you will never recoup that extra when you sell (unless you can keep it in pristine condition for 50 years, then it would be the same for a well kept C7 GS).
If money is no option, go for the Z06, but the only advantage the Z06 has is the extra power. No one needs these vehicles, it is purely a want, so if you want the 650/650 for what ever reason, it is your decision.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 939
From: Georgetown, Tx
Per the data found at corvsport you may have a little more wiggle-room than you think.
The C7 Z06 production ran 5 years whereas the C7 Grand Sport production ran only 3 years.
The total Z06 production was 39,940 where the Grand Sport production total was 26,280.
Looking at the raw numbers, Z06 production to Grand Sport production was 1.5 : 1
There simply are more Z06s' out there than Grand Sport models. So if you really want a Z06, you have more to choose from than from the Grand Sport.
Happy hunting!!
https://www.corvsport.com/c7-corvett...ction-figures/
The C7 Z06 production ran 5 years whereas the C7 Grand Sport production ran only 3 years.
The total Z06 production was 39,940 where the Grand Sport production total was 26,280.
Looking at the raw numbers, Z06 production to Grand Sport production was 1.5 : 1
There simply are more Z06s' out there than Grand Sport models. So if you really want a Z06, you have more to choose from than from the Grand Sport.
Happy hunting!!
https://www.corvsport.com/c7-corvett...ction-figures/
Racer
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 305
Likes: 245
From: GSO, NC
Do you have a place to use the extra power is the real question?
I lost interest in the Z06 when I realized that I wouldn't really have a place to enjoy being able to smash the gears without going to jail. Even with 460HP, It only takes 1 shift and few seconds to be breaking speed limits.
If I lived in areas where the speed limit was 70-80 everywhere, that would be a different story.
I lost interest in the Z06 when I realized that I wouldn't really have a place to enjoy being able to smash the gears without going to jail. Even with 460HP, It only takes 1 shift and few seconds to be breaking speed limits.
If I lived in areas where the speed limit was 70-80 everywhere, that would be a different story.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 32,042
Likes: 4,610
That's not a reason to base a decision on which one to buy.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 44
Likes: 8
Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 15,236
Likes: 4,195
From: Northern Illinois
2023 Corvette of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
Z06, maybe stick with a Z06 but without Z07 to mellow it a bit. I think you'd regret not going for the Z.. you can drive both the same and always use more or less, of the Z's power, but if you want it and it's not there.. your SOL. The wheels are not every single car.. many are fine and you just need to be careful. In terms of wheels either forged or cast, you always have to exercise common sense. No wheel that wide with those areas of basically unsupported structure can bend.. just a matter of physics. I tracked my 17' and had no cooling problems whatsoever. I don't hear valve problems as much as people on wheels and cooling, but it can happen.. I think C6-C7-C8 all have some problems like that REMEMBER this IS a GM product after all Good luck on your decisions hope to see a pic here of it soon.
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,476
From: South Florida
The most preferred is the 2019 as it has some suspension updates, the ZR1 low side fuel pump, rear differential and a revised Track display. But at least the 2017+ model as it has improved cooling and pulls less timing due to blower heat soak than the 2015-2016 years. However, any year C7 Z06 will be better than a Grand Sport in my opinion.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 8
Likes: 3
This is all great info.
If I do find a Z is there trims package that are must have.
What is the difference between a 1lt,2lt and 3lt
Also, I will be in the market for an auto only because the wife may drive it once a year.
If I do find a Z is there trims package that are must have.
What is the difference between a 1lt,2lt and 3lt
Also, I will be in the market for an auto only because the wife may drive it once a year.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 762
From: Lindenhurst, IL
I was in the same boat as you last year. I was moving up from a C6 Z51. When I drove the GS, the driving experience wasn't all that much different from the C6. Sure, it is smoother & handles better; but the power & sound is pretty much the same. I decided to spend the extra money on the Z06. I didn't want to be second guessing my self later, and regret my decision.
Man, am I glad that I bought the Z06. Stock (like many cars), the throttle has a ton of lag, and it almost makes the car feel heavy. So, I installed a freer-flowing air filter, a Soler ported throttle body, and a their throttle controller. The throttle response is now extremely responsive & linear. This car is scary fast. It doesn't scare me, but it scares almost everyone else in the passenger's seat.
The only thing about it is that you do have to be careful when you're pushing it hard on the street. You'll have to be more cautious & smooth with your throttle input than you would with the base / GS engine. You MUST run summer tires. All season tires, which I only run during the cold weather months, are no match for this car's power.
Man, am I glad that I bought the Z06. Stock (like many cars), the throttle has a ton of lag, and it almost makes the car feel heavy. So, I installed a freer-flowing air filter, a Soler ported throttle body, and a their throttle controller. The throttle response is now extremely responsive & linear. This car is scary fast. It doesn't scare me, but it scares almost everyone else in the passenger's seat.
The only thing about it is that you do have to be careful when you're pushing it hard on the street. You'll have to be more cautious & smooth with your throttle input than you would with the base / GS engine. You MUST run summer tires. All season tires, which I only run during the cold weather months, are no match for this car's power.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,501
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
The most preferred is the 2019 as it has some suspension updates, the ZR1 low side fuel pump, rear differential and a revised Track display. But at least the 2017+ model as it has improved cooling and pulls less timing due to blower heat soak than the 2015-2016 years. However, any year C7 Z06 will be better than a Grand Sport in my opinion.
1) Better cooling with larger radiator
2) Updated reservoir
3) Improved (Beefier) upper control arms
4) Updated track dashboard 2018's and newer
5) Better fuel system from the ZR1
6) Better MRC shock mapping (although 17's can be reflashed for a price)
7) Better PDR cameras
8) Better rear diff with the ZR1’s spider gears
9) Better paint, fit and finish from the upgraded BG facility
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 16,015
Likes: 2,697
From: Frisco, TX
corvette world dallas has a red 2019 auto with 58k miles for $59k (not sure where you are located though)
https://www.corvetteworlddallas.com/...year=2016-2020
https://www.corvetteworlddallas.com/...year=2016-2020
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 762
From: Lindenhurst, IL
Racer
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 305
Likes: 245
From: GSO, NC
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 280
From: Arizona
i replaced mine with granite, had them made out of some old counter tops I was getting rid of.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 787
Likes: 127
From: Connecticut
If you are looking for the forum opinion on which one to get, you are going to see that those that have a GS will tend to steer you towards a GS and those that have a Z06 will tend to steer you towards the Z. After all they bought their car because that is what made most sense to them and fit their needs..
Looking back, I wish I got the Z06.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,102
Likes: 24,732
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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If money was not a concern, I would go with the Z06. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing a GS as it is more than capable on the street and track. Tough choice to make.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 229
Likes: 193
From: Colorado
I looked and contemplated for a year plus. Z or GS.
Then prices shot up. Money was not a concern.
Sure the Z has more hp, but I can get a ticket just as easy with the 460 hp in a GS.
I did settle on the GS Collector Edition and have been very happy.
The GS is pretty much the Z without the added HP.
Sure the wheels may crack someday but ok, then I get forged.
Go with what you can afford and have fun.
Good hunting.
Then prices shot up. Money was not a concern.
Sure the Z has more hp, but I can get a ticket just as easy with the 460 hp in a GS.
I did settle on the GS Collector Edition and have been very happy.
The GS is pretty much the Z without the added HP.
Sure the wheels may crack someday but ok, then I get forged.
Go with what you can afford and have fun.
Good hunting.
