2016 z06
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Massapequa Park NY
2016 z06
Have a 2016 Z06 A8 (no Z07 package) on order (TPW 3/21/16, so I have some time). But I'm hearing some real concerns from other owners about the rear tires handling the HP and controlling the car effectively when driving aggressively (wont be 'tracking' the car tho), or am I making more of an issue than it is...some have recommended swapping-out the rear tires for another tire, i.e. Mickey Thompson's...and if so, what is recommended (model-wise)? Any advice would be welcomed & appreciated....I'm new to the club...
Thanks
Thanks
Racer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 267
Likes: 47
From: San Diego CA
The car is plain and simply a monster. It is amazingly powerful and fun, but needs time to get used to. Don't be stupid with it until you have a complete understanding of how much power that really is and you will be fine. Enjoy!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 239
Likes: 10
From: Marlborough CT.
Spring Mountain
Have a 2016 Z06 A8 (no Z07 package) on order (TPW 3/21/16, so I have some time). But I'm hearing some real concerns from other owners about the rear tires handling the HP and controlling the car effectively when driving aggressively (wont be 'tracking' the car tho), or am I making more of an issue than it is...some have recommended swapping-out the rear tires for another tire, i.e. Mickey Thompson's...and if so, what is recommended (model-wise)? Any advice would be welcomed & appreciated....I'm new to the club...
Thanks
Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,063
Likes: 9,826
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Not really an issue if you know how to drive. Mickey's are fine on a drag strip but you give up a lot on the street as they will lower the handling capability of the car. One of the worst things you can do is put a lower handling tire on the rear. It has a huge potential to increase over steer since the lateral grip is much less. Learn how to roll on and off the throttle properly and you won't have any issues with the car being a monster.
Bill
Bill
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 13
From: Madison MS
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 233
Likes: 20
From: Johnston IA
The tires are not an issue unless it is cool outside and are the best suited for the car. I did switch out the Cup II for the non Z07 Michelin tires just because for the street I wanted better wear. I have a set of Continentals as well and they are not near the tire in my opinion for grip
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 8,729
Likes: 1,508
From: Redmond WA
The car has more power than it needs. It's not a four-cylinder turbo car where you plant the pedal, wait for the boost to come up, and ease back on the throttle so avoid wheelspin.
It's a "don't ever do that unless you have a lot of room and a perfect surface" car. And even then, you likely will want to roll into the throttle carefully. The days of just "stab and steer" are over once you own this car.
You can harness that power much more easily with MT ET Street S/S tires (drag radials) but they compromise the driving experience in other ways (follow ruts, etc). Bottom line is that 650hp is no joke. And 650 ft/lbs is deadly serious.
It's a "don't ever do that unless you have a lot of room and a perfect surface" car. And even then, you likely will want to roll into the throttle carefully. The days of just "stab and steer" are over once you own this car.
You can harness that power much more easily with MT ET Street S/S tires (drag radials) but they compromise the driving experience in other ways (follow ruts, etc). Bottom line is that 650hp is no joke. And 650 ft/lbs is deadly serious.
Last edited by davepl; Mar 1, 2016 at 04:22 PM.
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Thanks to all !
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
Concur with all comments here. The non - Z07 tire is definitely preferable for the street. In general, the Michelin MPSS and MPSC are more temp-sensitive than I think they should be, even though they are the best tire for the car. It just means you have to be very judicious with your right foot when it is cool out. I would not even waste time trying any full-power launches unless it is at least 75F out and the tires and pavement are warmed up.
Also, you need to be careful with the A8. It shifts fast and is very responsive to getting you in the gear it thinks you need. I have out my foot in it a little too much a couple of times getting onto the freeway and it has jumped 2 gears, with the rear getting a little out of shape.
The car is a monster and you just have to respect the power here.
Also, you need to be careful with the A8. It shifts fast and is very responsive to getting you in the gear it thinks you need. I have out my foot in it a little too much a couple of times getting onto the freeway and it has jumped 2 gears, with the rear getting a little out of shape.
The car is a monster and you just have to respect the power here.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 655
Likes: 70
From: Naples Florida
The car has more power than it needs. It's not a four-cylinder turbo car where you plant the pedal, wait for the boost to come up, and ease back on the throttle so avoid wheelspin.
It's a "don't ever do that unless you have a lot of room and a perfect surface" car. And even then, you likely will want to roll into the throttle carefully. The days of just "stab and steer" are over once you own this car.
You can harness that power much more easily with MT ET Street S/S tires (drag radials) but they compromise the driving experience in other ways (follow ruts, etc). Bottom line is that 650hp is no joke. And 650 ft/lbs is deadly serious.
It's a "don't ever do that unless you have a lot of room and a perfect surface" car. And even then, you likely will want to roll into the throttle carefully. The days of just "stab and steer" are over once you own this car.
You can harness that power much more easily with MT ET Street S/S tires (drag radials) but they compromise the driving experience in other ways (follow ruts, etc). Bottom line is that 650hp is no joke. And 650 ft/lbs is deadly serious.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 153
Likes: 25
I'm surprised no one mentioned the traction and stability control systems. The car has a lot of different settings, several of which will go a long way in keeping you out of trouble. Things can get serious fast when you turn the nannies off. Also, make sure you go easy until the tires warm up if you have the car out in colder temps (say 30-50 degrees). When they're cold, they are like plastic Big Wheel tires.
Good luck and enjoy!
Good luck and enjoy!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Massapequa Park NY
I knew going from a 2006 C6 to this 'animal' was going to be a totally new experience...but all your insight & comments definitely gives me a better perspective of what I will be dealing with...I'll be sure to tread carefully & wisely, especially during the 'break-in period' !
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,907
Likes: 207
From: Kern County CA
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 13,300
Likes: 2,510
From: Bluffton SC via Canton Oh
Interesting. I was told by the school that my 16 qualifies????
To the OP...... Nannies ARE your friends...don't let your ego talk you into hitting buttons and my experience is you better be intune to the weather. Yea wet vrs hot sunny is obvious, cool and overcast too but there are just some days when you shift and bang a gear and are surprised.
I can get on it and run up thru the gears some days and feel in control and others when the TC kicks in and I thank GM it only jumped a few inches to the side and did not spin out. Same roads coming and going to work but minor changes in temperatures/conditions can take a car running with that much HP over the edge. I like it!
To the OP...... Nannies ARE your friends...don't let your ego talk you into hitting buttons and my experience is you better be intune to the weather. Yea wet vrs hot sunny is obvious, cool and overcast too but there are just some days when you shift and bang a gear and are surprised.
I can get on it and run up thru the gears some days and feel in control and others when the TC kicks in and I thank GM it only jumped a few inches to the side and did not spin out. Same roads coming and going to work but minor changes in temperatures/conditions can take a car running with that much HP over the edge. I like it!
Last edited by Greg00Coupe; Mar 2, 2016 at 03:08 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 525
Likes: 15
From: Mahopac New York
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