Questar

Today was my first track day for the 2018 season and my new ZR1.

A few initial observations...

The car is definitely a leap forward from my 2017 Z06/07. I’d have to say it’s better in every category I can think of. Most obvious is the sheer power. Even though I was taking it “easy” this first day out the car just pulls... easily... effortlessly. My back straight top speed is already 9mph faster than the best top speed I achieved last year in the Z06 (151mph compared to 160 mpg today, and there’s more to be had).

The car feels more “planted” in corners... corner entry feels more stable... exit is smoother. The additional downforce is working and noticeable.

I have an A8 (bad knee makes driving manual impossible these days) and I drove all day in “D” letting the computer shift. As expected RPM’s were kept high and gear selections were seamless and quick... almost unnoticeable. This was something I was never able to do with my Z06 because of the overheating issues... today it was no issue whatsoever.

The ambient temps were cool... only in the 60’s but humid. Even in those conditions last year my Z06 had overheating issues (water temps in the 240-250 range and oil in the 285-295 range at the same ambient temps and with short shifting by 500 to 1,000 rpm).

Today I ran repeated 20 minute sessions, in auto mode, and the highest oil temp I saw all day was 260-264. Water temps held steady all day in the 220-225 range from what I saw.

I’ll pull my Cosworth data tomorrow and verify numbers. I also have data from my Dash Command logging... I’ll follow up with what I find there.

I did get some readings of intake air temp and was pleased to see it holding in the 70-90 degree range when running on track.

So far I’m really happy with the car. The Z06 was so frustrating for me. Today was an absolute blast.

Looking forward to a closer inspection of the car and can’t wait for my next track day.

kingpin111

Questar sounded familiar but I couldn't place my finger on it until I went into my safe just now. LOL

pfg1

What track?

Palantirion

Nice to get feedback on the car, thanks!

Questions:
1) ZTK?
2) How often did you have to fill the tank?

GrapemanZR1

Thank God. A post about something other than what happened in Detroit. Great to hear your thoughts on track. I'm jealous! Can't wait to get mine, break it in, and do the same. Please keep posting about your events.

Glennm27

Nice and interesting post.
Thanks.
Sounds like this car is the real deal track car.

Kenny94945

Very good to read you are happy with your ZR1 on the track.
Have fun!

The reason I posted was operating costs.
Rumor was the ZR1 has very high per track day operating costs.
There is an opportunity to compare a Z06 vs a ZR1 track day car costs from the OP.
OP, any thoughts/comments on that rumor or comparison costs?

Questar

Mosport (also known as Canadian Tire Motorsport Park), Ontario, Canada

It's owned by a Group headed up by Ron Fellows (his home track).

He was there yesterday... I'll see him again Monday.

Foosh

Seems to me that the ZR1 is the car the Z06 should have been in perfect 20/20 GM hindsight. They seem to have addressed all the major weaknesses that plagued the Z06 for track use from the beginning.

Are there logical reasons for Z06 production to continue in the current C7 lineup? I really can't think of any, but wonder what others think.

Questar

Yes it' a ZTK on Cup 2's.

Only changes from factory were the required fluids, track setup and a DSC spec Street/Track alignment. I did NOT lower the front end as outlined in the Owner's Manual.

First part of day was on 94 Octane pump gas... the rest was using the track's "pump" gas (94.9 Octane).

I was actually expecting worse gas consumption than what I saw yesterday. I filled once at @1/2 tank... and used up @ 2/3rds of the second tank. From what I had read I was expecting to see a tank disappear every 20 - 25 minutes on track... but in fact I was seeing about 1/3 to 1/2 tank used per session (15-20 minutes) so I was pleasantly surprised.

Remember, I was not pushing all out this first day so that may account for some of it... but it doesn't appear that it will be as bad as I expected. My Z06 was a pig on gas.

The Z06 wasn't cheap (consumables costs) so I don't expect the ZR1 to be any better... probably worse. Gas consumption will be higher (more horsepower = more fuel). And more speed will likely mean more brake wear. Only time will tell on that front.

I don't get the sense that tires are going to be much different. The car felt more stable than the Z06... so I got the impression that the tires were not being stressed as much. I ran part of the day on my new Cup 2's and ZR! wheels, then finished the day using my spare Z06 wheels and the set of Cup 2's I had used end of last season on my Z06. Didn't feel any difference... nor did I see high temps in the tires... but it was a really cool day (cloudy, no sun, and only about 60-65 ambient). It was actually hard to build enough temp in the tires to get them working.

My gut tells me brakes will continue to be the issue. We're going to take a really close look at them next week up on the lift. I really love the CC brakes but for frequent track use they are VERY expensive.

I think the Z06 fills a market. It's NOT a track car, though it is a car that someone can take to the track once or twice and have a bit of fun with... but not for the serious track junky or for the person who wants to really push the car for 20 to 30 minute sessions all day long.

It's a Grand Sport with a bigger engine. It's every street driveable and I loved mine on the street. Great to drive... comfortable... and for the guy who wants to power it's great. There's a market for it.

For the track, the ZR1 is the car. Very driveable on the street BUT a waste of money (honestly) if you're not taking it to the track and pushing it.

Foosh

I suppose the sales numbers will determine whether it makes sense to continue with the Z06. The price gap may close, and it seems to me both are equally street friendly.

I know the same discussion occurred about the Z51 when the GS debuted. However, there are many like myself who prefer the narrow body as far more street-friendly and cleaner looking, but still want most of the GS performance features.

Rinaldo Catria

RJ-92

The Z06 should have been NA. Then it would be 100lbs lighter and not have had the overheating issues. But that 's JMHO.

UnhandledException

Foosh

Isn't that just a GS? You can't get much more than 500HP on an NA engine unless it's a much larger displacement boat anchor under the hood.

fruitsalad

Worst post of the day. Seriously?

Foosh

OK, pardon my brevity. It is a little more complicated than that, and yes you can squeeze more power out of NA, but manufacturers have to meet CAFE and emissions requirements and produce a street-friendly engine. The only practical way to meet all the requirements on street engines in the 600-700 range is FI.

G fix needy

It fills the price gap between the GS & ZR, & is a cheaper way to get 750 hp as modded by Callaway, especially with a discounted Z06 & leaving off the Z07 package.

3 Z06ZR1

Some prefer the Z06 which is huge upgrade over the C7 also the more popular Z06 better looking less expensive for really the same car (if the tracking is not used) will sell many more units than the ZR1.

If you don't track like most do not there is no logical reason to spent MSRP
on a ZR1 that is made from the base car which is a Z06.
The Z06 has some pretty good discounts.
The Z06 has plenty of logical reasons it is the best Sport car made period available under 100k.

To the C7 buyer the Z06 should be a welcome step up and very much is, lot of Z06 buyers come from the entry C7.

spearfish25

The on-track fuel consumption seems to grow exponentially as you go faster and push harder. The sessions where I'm all out the whole time can burn 3/4 to 4/5 a tank in my Z06.