I washed and detailed the ‘16 Z06 and ‘19 ZR1 back-to-back today.

Differences noted:

1) ZR1 wheel faces are much easier to wash. Full stop. Way easier!
2) Can’t use mitt on wheel barrels on ZR1. Not even the rears. Had to use Micro fiber towel. The CCB rotors are just too big to get a mitt in there.
3) Carbon ceramic brakes are much cleaner. I did not have to rinse the wheel face mitt or barrel towel between wheels on ZR1. I had to rinse for each wheel on Z06 (Iron brakes).
4) No need to clean rust off rotors post wash on ZR1

5a) ZR1 front fender side vents are much easier to wash. Z06 has way more detailed areas in side vents.
5b) Same for front grill on ZR1. Much easier.

6) I reserve a mitt for upper and lower surfaces on Z06 (and Camaro). With all the carbon fiber down low, the ZR1 gets upper surface mitt on all areas.

7) Z06 gets small rocks lodged into gap between spoiler and rear deck. This is not an issue on ZR1. I use a dental pick to get them out of the Z06 gap.

8) New paint plant on ‘19s is nice. That said, ‘16 Z06 paint is not noticably different after decontamination and proper coating.

9) Drying the ZR1 is easier with my Stihl leaf blower (filter on intake). The surfaces are simpler and the carbon fiber is slicker than carbon flash paint on Z06.

The ZR1 is an easier car to wash. However for the money, the ZR1 should really come decontamined (iron partcles removed and clayed) and finally ceramic coated from the factory. Ceramic coating makes it so much easier to wash and dry a properly prepared surface. Right now the Z06 surface runs circles around the ZR1. In the next few days I will prep and ceramic coat the ZR1. This is probably a 6 hour job. After that I’m thinking the paint cleaning will be a push. ZR1 will win overall contest (and time) because of the wheels.

Other observations:

a) ZR1 needs carbon fiber mirrors, rear brake inlets and tail light bezels (Ben @ weaponX are you listening?).
b) Wondering why no factory spats on ZR1.
c) ZR1 needs mud flaps. Carbon Fiber? I see ACS sells them (non CF), but the price ...
d) Would like to see stripe kit for ZR1. Carbon flash stripes really finish the shark grey Z06. Watkins Glen grey ZR1 would be enhanced as well.

^^^ This.

Surface decontamination is a pre-requisite before sealants, ceramic coatings or wraping with xpel, etc.

The modern mitts/sponges that replace clay bars also do a great job decontaminating the windows with proper lubrication. I did this before sealing the glass on the Z06 and Camaro. It’s amazing how clear the glass is and how easy it cleans up.

BTW this “detailing disease” is a direct result of maintaing a black car (Camaro). You are all now properly warned. Haha.

Especially the part comparing iron rotors and break dust

i was under the impression we share experiences on this forum for the greater good. Merry Xmas

Adam’s sells great detail spray. I use it.

Now visit his web site and check out all the products he sells to decontaminate painted surfaces. He has videos as well. Really go check it out. I’ll wait.

As you're well aware mechanical and chemical decontamination is very real and a necessary step if you are going to apply a ceramic coat or even wax or apply sealant for that matter. It is a big reason show cars look so much better than daily drivers. Some people just will never learn from others who know better. Life often passes these people by.