Does the 2017 A8 Z06 still overheat on the racetrack and dragstrip?
#1
Does the 2017 A8 Z06 still overheat on the racetrack and dragstrip?
Are there any owners of a 2017 A8 Z06 that can state that GM has eliminated the overheating problem on the race track?. It's hard to believe that a simple hood and supercharger cover design change that improves air flow will eliminate the problems. GM had to put 11 heat exchangers and 3 radiators on the 2017 ZL1 Camaro to keep it cool on the track. After having had and enjoyed C5, C6 Z06's as well as a 2010 ZR1 I passed on buying an A8 2015 or 2016 Z06. I would have had the same overheating/power loss problems that owners of stock 2015 Z06's owners had who raced at the PBR drag strip in FL. Most had to make air intake, stat, 80/20 anti-freeze modifications. I would have had the same problem running on the street in FL. After owning my 2010 ZR1 I bought a new 2012 GTR which I like for the power and performance but hate for the comfort. I made 2 or 3 full 1/4 mile runs as well as spirited street driving every time I used my Z06, ZR1 and now make on my GTR without problems. My Z06's and ZR1 ran at 228 degrees and my GTR engine temp is 177 degrees with trans temp at 188 on 95 degree summer day. I plan to keep my GTR but I would still like to buy a 2017 Z06 instead of a 2017 ZL1 Camaro. I look forward to seeing 2017 Z06 1/4 mile Fast List times on the forum. Thanks.
#2
Melting Slicks
You're not going to have any issues at a 1/4 mile track. But I strongly doubt that the '17 A8 will act any different to the previous two model years on a road course in high ambient temps. Best thing is to learn to drive around the engine oil/water overheating issue by only driving in 'M' mode and short shifting when possible, using the tremendous torque instead of 6500 rpm all the time.
Bish
Bish
#3
Are there any owners of a 2017 A8 Z06 that can state that GM has eliminated the overheating problem on the race track?. It's hard to believe that a simple hood and supercharger cover design change that improves air flow will eliminate the problems. GM had to put 11 heat exchangers and 3 radiators on the 2017 ZL1 Camaro to keep it cool on the track. After having had and enjoyed C5, C6 Z06's as well as a 2010 ZR1 I passed on buying an A8 2015 or 2016 Z06. I would have had the same overheating/power loss problems that owners of stock 2015 Z06's owners had who raced at the PBR drag strip in FL. Most had to make air intake, stat, 80/20 anti-freeze modifications. I would have had the same problem running on the street in FL. After owning my 2010 ZR1 I bought a new 2012 GTR which I like for the power and performance but hate for the comfort. I made 2 or 3 full 1/4 mile runs as well as spirited street driving every time I used my Z06, ZR1 and now make on my GTR without problems. My Z06's and ZR1 ran at 228 degrees and my GTR engine temp is 177 degrees with trans temp at 188 on 95 degree summer day. I plan to keep my GTR but I would still like to buy a 2017 Z06 instead of a 2017 ZL1 Camaro. I look forward to seeing 2017 Z06 1/4 mile Fast List times on the forum. Thanks.
Read my comments on my youtube video here. May have to go straight to youtube for that.
Last edited by Dabigsnake; 02-09-2017 at 03:35 PM.
#4
Le Mans Master
So what was this "fix all" GM had for the 17's?
#6
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Posts: 40,078
Received 8,915 Likes
on
5,326 Posts
Add the secondary radiator as standard on all M7s to reduce oil temps and to change the intercooler bricks in the supercharger. They are tilted and add more cooling surface for air passing into the rear cylinders.
Do a search on Tadge comments about what the S/C changes do. They do not change HP.
The secondary radiator works well on 15 and 16 Z06 M7 cars keeping oil and coolant temps in check.
Bill
Do a search on Tadge comments about what the S/C changes do. They do not change HP.
The secondary radiator works well on 15 and 16 Z06 M7 cars keeping oil and coolant temps in check.
Bill
#7
There is improvement, but no real fix. I had a '15, now have '17. Haven't been able to run in high ambient temps yet, but I have not seen any reduced power as yet. I would get reduced power even in cool temps on my '15. Go with the M7 if you really have the ability to run 9/10th. A8 is amazing for a short period.
Read my comments on my youtube video here. May have to go straight to youtube for that.
Read my comments on my youtube video here. May have to go straight to youtube for that.
I loved this comment:
"Turn you S.O.B., TURN!!!"
#8
Team Owner
Add the secondary radiator as standard on all M7s to reduce oil temps and to change the intercooler bricks in the supercharger. They are tilted and add more cooling surface for air passing into the rear cylinders.
Do a search on Tadge comments about what the S/C changes do. They do not change HP.
The secondary radiator works well on 15 and 16 Z06 M7 cars keeping oil and coolant temps in check.
Bill
Do a search on Tadge comments about what the S/C changes do. They do not change HP.
The secondary radiator works well on 15 and 16 Z06 M7 cars keeping oil and coolant temps in check.
Bill
The following users liked this post:
Damian M (02-09-2017)
#9
The 'fix' I was referring as decribed in my post was the one Tadge Juechter Corvette's chief executive engineer described when he said, "the 2017 Z06 'Vettes will have a new hood for better cooling, a different supercharger cover and modifications to the actual cooling system -- all working to help keep the Corvette cool.
I don't think those changes will help much in 95 degree temps. There are now numerous after market parts made by GM like larger intercoolers, radiator, etc. all of which will void your warranty. GM claims they are going to modify the language in the warranty to allow these parts but I wouldn't buy a car based upon GM's claims. Thanks.
Read more: http://autoweek.com/article/car-news...#ixzz4YU81kz1r
I don't think those changes will help much in 95 degree temps. There are now numerous after market parts made by GM like larger intercoolers, radiator, etc. all of which will void your warranty. GM claims they are going to modify the language in the warranty to allow these parts but I wouldn't buy a car based upon GM's claims. Thanks.
Read more: http://autoweek.com/article/car-news...#ixzz4YU81kz1r
#10
GM's 2017 Z06 overheat fix.
There is improvement, but no real fix. I had a '15, now have '17. Haven't been able to run in high ambient temps yet, but I have not seen any reduced power as yet. I would get reduced power even in cool temps on my '15. Go with the M7 if you really have the ability to run 9/10th. A8 is amazing for a short period.
Read my comments on my youtube video here. May have to go straight to youtube for that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hws8TqChNoA&t=3s
Read my comments on my youtube video here. May have to go straight to youtube for that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hws8TqChNoA&t=3s
#11
Le Mans Master
We won't know until summer. Then "Dave's Magical Timing Cascade Theory" might prove correct - that it's timing retard caused by conservative ignition tables and poor intercooler performance for the back cylinders. Or maybe we'll still be seeing them overheat at high ambient tracks... but we need high ambient temps and more than just a few cars out there to know.
At least that was my guess 2 years ago. No one (except GM) seems to agree, but we shall see!
I have my doubts that it's a panacea, but I think it'll help the A8s. How much I have no idea.
At least that was my guess 2 years ago. No one (except GM) seems to agree, but we shall see!
I have my doubts that it's a panacea, but I think it'll help the A8s. How much I have no idea.
Last edited by davepl; 02-12-2017 at 03:48 PM.
#12
Over heating because GM complied with Europen
We won't know until summer. Then "Dave's Magical Timing Cascade Theory" might prove correct - that it's timing retard caused by conservative ignition tables and poor intercooler performance for the back cylinders. Or maybe we'll still be seeing them overheat at high ambient tracks... but we need high ambient temps and more than just a few cars out there to know.
At least that was my guess 2 years ago. No one (except GM) seems to agree, but we shall see!
I have my doubts that it's a panacea, but I think it'll help the A8s. How much I have no idea.
At least that was my guess 2 years ago. No one (except GM) seems to agree, but we shall see!
I have my doubts that it's a panacea, but I think it'll help the A8s. How much I have no idea.
What infuriates me is that we have this overheating problem in the Z06 because Tadge and corporate felt they should comply with European Pedestrian Safety Standards which compressed the total engine compartment area and lowered the hood height. These EU requirements are not enforced in the US and may not ever be enforced at all by NHTSA. Just venting.
I considered buying Ligenbfelter's 850hp Z06 package but they too haven't done any testing in 86 degree plus temps. I also considered buying Callaway's SC757hp Z06 package for 17K and might have if it was a SC857K like it should be. Callaway also told me they will not test the SC757 on the race track so I told them there will be no proof it wouldn't overheat in 95 temps. Cutting a hole or venting the hood , installing a larger intercooler, and reinstalling the ZR1 SC which would return the 100 hp GM lost, does make some sense for a future fix on the 2018 Z06. GM' doesn't seem to care about retrofitting 2015-2017 Z06's. Looks like I am going to end up with a 2017 ZL1 if I want to do any modifications and not worry about overheating. Thanks, George.
#13
Race Director
Member Since: Jul 2008
Location: The Sunshine State
Posts: 16,992
Received 2,673 Likes
on
1,479 Posts
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Thanks for the reply. It gets above 86 degrees in Feb at times in FL so maybe some FL Z06 owners will respond. I would normally order a 2017 Z06 in August '16. I have been waiting since 2015 to buy a Z06. I still enjoy my GTR. Just swapping out the factory midpipe with a non resonated AAM mid pipe added 32 crank hp (13awdhp) and a nice sound. I plan to install Jacks Trans JT800 package when my factory warranty expires in March 2017.
What infuriates me is that we have this overheating problem in the Z06 because Tadge and corporate felt they should comply with European Pedestrian Safety Standards which compressed the total engine compartment area and lowered the hood height. These EU requirements are not enforced in the US and may not ever be enforced at all by NHTSA. Just venting.
I considered buying Ligenbfelter's 850hp Z06 package but they too haven't done any testing in 86 degree plus temps. I also considered buying Callaway's SC757hp Z06 package for 17K and might have if it was a SC857K like it should be. Callaway also told me they will not test the SC757 on the race track so I told them there will be no proof it wouldn't overheat in 95 temps. Cutting a hole or venting the hood , installing a larger intercooler, and reinstalling the ZR1 SC which would return the 100 hp GM lost, does make some sense for a future fix on the 2018 Z06. GM' doesn't seem to care about retrofitting 2015-2017 Z06's. Looks like I am going to end up with a 2017 ZL1 if I want to do any modifications and not worry about overheating. Thanks, George.
What infuriates me is that we have this overheating problem in the Z06 because Tadge and corporate felt they should comply with European Pedestrian Safety Standards which compressed the total engine compartment area and lowered the hood height. These EU requirements are not enforced in the US and may not ever be enforced at all by NHTSA. Just venting.
I considered buying Ligenbfelter's 850hp Z06 package but they too haven't done any testing in 86 degree plus temps. I also considered buying Callaway's SC757hp Z06 package for 17K and might have if it was a SC857K like it should be. Callaway also told me they will not test the SC757 on the race track so I told them there will be no proof it wouldn't overheat in 95 temps. Cutting a hole or venting the hood , installing a larger intercooler, and reinstalling the ZR1 SC which would return the 100 hp GM lost, does make some sense for a future fix on the 2018 Z06. GM' doesn't seem to care about retrofitting 2015-2017 Z06's. Looks like I am going to end up with a 2017 ZL1 if I want to do any modifications and not worry about overheating. Thanks, George.
#15
GM aftermarket cooling parts for 2015-16 Z06
GM has added many aftermarket cooling parts for the 2015-2016 Z06 but none of these parts have been added to the new 2017 Z06 which makes no sense. This is a site that has all these parts https://www.gmpartsoutlet.net/auto-p...ing-system-cat
GM did add a second radiator to the 2016 Z51 but did not retrofit it to the 2015 Z51. I read a thread about a 2015 Z51 owner who tracked his car and added this part to his 2015 Z51 and received a letter from the SVC MGR stating that the added part would be covered by his warranty. He shouldn't have need any documentation. Thanks.
#16
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Posts: 40,078
Received 8,915 Likes
on
5,326 Posts
Bill
#17
Le Mans Master
Note that GM has never said that the "improvements" to cooling on the 2017 models will fix the problem once and for all. They are only minor changes and this distinction must be noted. By offering these "improvements" far too many people will read into this that the problem was fixed and perhaps purchase the car based on this information. GM marketing had to do something because the overheating concerns were becoming too prominent and making these marginal changes will help to negate some criticism.
#18
Melting Slicks
is the overheating the same for manual?
so can you fix the overheating with aftermarket parts/whatever? if so how much does it cost?
My budget limit is maxed out at GS z07, but really want z06's top speed stat and straight line performance (since that's what most fun things will happen on the street heh) Might go all out and get a z06 but the overheating is an issue even though I probably won't track it. I mean if 2018 or later half of 2017 they fixed it, then my z06's resale will drop a ton right? even now with the issue maybe the resale value is already poor vs if there wasn't any issue at all? also other car owners will comment on the overheating issue, and it's on the back of my head.....decisions decisions.
so can you fix the overheating with aftermarket parts/whatever? if so how much does it cost?
My budget limit is maxed out at GS z07, but really want z06's top speed stat and straight line performance (since that's what most fun things will happen on the street heh) Might go all out and get a z06 but the overheating is an issue even though I probably won't track it. I mean if 2018 or later half of 2017 they fixed it, then my z06's resale will drop a ton right? even now with the issue maybe the resale value is already poor vs if there wasn't any issue at all? also other car owners will comment on the overheating issue, and it's on the back of my head.....decisions decisions.
#19
Race Director
See the new front facia on the spy photos of the zR1? Wonder if that cars solution along with a few mechanical changes will satisfy the 20 minute track runs...
Not sure how it will actually look but changing the nose piece will probably let more air in and not affect any warranty...
Should be a cheap fix to consider as a first step?
Not sure how it will actually look but changing the nose piece will probably let more air in and not affect any warranty...
Should be a cheap fix to consider as a first step?
The following users liked this post:
Ryan R (08-17-2018)
#20
Le Mans Master
Its a safe bet that there are a lot more coolers on the ZR1. Without a doubt this car will be just as efficient at cooling things down as the Camaro ZL1. They are going to sell the ZR1 as the ultimate track car and finally they will have a C7 model that has the chops to run at the track all day long. GM cannot afford to miss out on this opportunity.
Last edited by b4i4getit; 04-23-2017 at 08:29 AM.