gmafl

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.

thebishman

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

Dabigsnake

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.

sam90lx

So what was this "fix all" GM had for the 17's?

TKOGTO

In for road course feedback/experiences.

Bill Dearborn

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

sunsalem

Thanx for the video.
I loved this comment:
"Turn you S.O.B., TURN!!!"

JoesC5

I don't believe there has been any notification from GM that the cooling surface area has been increased for the 2017 bricks.

gmafl

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

gmafl

Thanks for the rely. I have watched many 2017 ZL1 Youtube runs. Obviously northern owners of the 2107 Z06 will see more benefit from the minor cooling fix than those from the south. After having the GTR I definitely want an A8 2017 and be able to make run repeated drag strip runs on the street. The Z06 does not have a DC trans but its trans does shift well for a torque converter car. Eventually I might hear from some or one of the 2017 A8 Z06 buyers who also upgraded to a 2017 Z06 like you did and who race at the FL drag strips. I am in no hurry when it comes to spending 95K again. I waited 30 years for GM to put some horse power back into the Corvette when they finally released the 2002 Z06. Thanks again.

davepl

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.

gmafl

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.

MSG C5

Do you think all the additional cooling vents and hood scoops seen on the camo test mule will work into the 2018 Z06 or do you think the camo mule is a new ZR1 with the Z06 remaining basically unchanged for 2018 only utilizing the higher intercooler and secondary M7 cooler incorporated into the 2017?

Dakota Slim

I think this may have been answered before but can't find anything. Does the GM secondary radiator add on in the 16/16 M7 affect the GM warranty?

gmafl

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.

Bill Dearborn

No. GM has provided info that it will not. It is pretty simple in concept it takes the hot coolant coming from the oil cooler and cools it to some degree before sending it on to the main radiator. The thing that is amazing about it is it cools even though the air flow through it is limited by the solid panel directly below it.
Bill

b4i4getit

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.

okaythen

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.

JerriVette

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?

b4i4getit

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.