Boring??
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 2,045
From: Columbus OH
Funny, I got rid of my C6 ZR1 shortly after getting the C8, but then I also just picked up a C4 ZR-1. 
The only place I really feel the C6 ZR1 is better is for highway rolls and top end. Of course part of it is also where you live, if were were still in DFW are, I'd probably have kept the ZR1 as there was a lot of highway driving at high speeds where I could enjoy it. Being in Omaha now, it takes maybe 15 minutes from one side of the city to the other.
Back to the OP's question/comment, there are a couple of things that can make a big difference, one that costs money and one that's free:
The only place I really feel the C6 ZR1 is better is for highway rolls and top end. Of course part of it is also where you live, if were were still in DFW are, I'd probably have kept the ZR1 as there was a lot of highway driving at high speeds where I could enjoy it. Being in Omaha now, it takes maybe 15 minutes from one side of the city to the other.Back to the OP's question/comment, there are a couple of things that can make a big difference, one that costs money and one that's free:
- The free one is to drive the C8 in manual mode 100% of the time. I drove the C8 for a couple of months only using manual when I wanted to play, and like you started to feel that it was a little boring. A great car, but not as engaging as I wanted. I then tried using Z-Mode all the time (with shifts set to track), and that helped, but still wasn't giving me what I wanted. I then decided to use manual shift mode all the time, and bingo, that was exactly what I needed. While different from the experience of a stick/clutch manual, the paddle shift manual mode is very engaging & enjoyable, while being a slightly different experience. Using it 100% of the time keeps you much more engaged with driving the car and thinking about what you're doing. Even the occasional issue of having to plan around when/how to shift when making a sharp (i.e. 90-degree) turn from a stop makes it more engaging. The only time I use auto mode anymore is if I want to do max acceleration runs or if I want to either engage V4 mode for highway cruising or just want to veg while cruising on the highway on a trip.
- The one that costs money is the exhaust. The factory NPP is just a little too quiet at part throttle and mid-rpm. It's fine at full throttle and upper rpms, but while I don't want drone at cruising speeds, I do want to hear it above 3000rpm. Unfortunately for me, the wife doesn't want me to do an exhaust upgrade on the C8 (she tolerated the Corsa Xtreme on the C6 ZR1), so instead of buying an exhaust for the C8, I bought a C4 ZR-1 with long tube, no cats, B&B exhaust and aftermarket cams.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,064
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From: Kick "A" then takin' a nap
Younger generations, todays youth relatively, aren't into muscle cars let alone driving period. Three of my neighbors boys did not want to drive at all. They had to be forced when each left to college, one they still have to drive back and forth. Chevy is having to make changes for a younger target market, also for EPA and safety standards.
For those of us that want the C8 to be a muscle car it is probably better to own one of each generation of the Vettes we like.
I love the C8 but miss the more raw feel of my C6 Z06, but would prefer the C8 as my daily driver.
For those of us that want the C8 to be a muscle car it is probably better to own one of each generation of the Vettes we like.
I love the C8 but miss the more raw feel of my C6 Z06, but would prefer the C8 as my daily driver.
Last edited by BlaznZ06; Aug 3, 2023 at 11:48 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,338
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From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I'd say if you want a car that can do both with all the modern creature comforts ZL1 1LE manual is your target... Absolute weapon of a car in stock trim. Probably one of the most fun cars I've ever driven personally. Its refined but also feels like it could break your neck at any point if it decided too.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 2,045
From: Columbus OH
I agree 100%, my '23 C8 Z51 is my 42nd Corvette (most being C2 and C3 steel bumper cars) and the C8 is far more refined and exciting to drive than the others. You probably just need to move on to another car.
Sports Car:
A general term for any nimble two-door car that favors performance over all else. Typically, 2-seaters, though a limited number may have very small back seat (2+2). Built to be quick and handle twisty roads with authority. Early sports cars came from legendary brands like Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Maserati, Porsche, Morgan and MG etc.. Many of these sports cars found their way across the ocean during the 1950s and ’60s. Corvette is widely known as America's Sports Car.
Muscle Car:
An American V8 coupe and sometimes sedan that prioritizes acceleration over handling. These cars starting appearing in the 1960s and early 1970s. They’re typically rear-wheel-drive, American production cars that are typically equipped with a large V8 engine, wide tires, flared fenders, and large hood scoops. They were often the top-performing versions of typical (read boring) daily drivers such as the Chevrolet Chevelle, Camaro, Ford Mustang etc.. Muscle cars existed primarily to go fast in a straight line, where as true sports cars also emphasize handling.
Sports Car:
A general term for any nimble two-door car that favors performance over all else. Typically, 2-seaters, though a limited number may have very small back seat (2+2). Built to be quick and handle twisty roads with authority. Early sports cars came from legendary brands like Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Maserati, Porsche, Morgan and MG etc.. Many of these sports cars found their way across the ocean during the 1950s and ’60s. Corvette is widely known as America's Sports Car.
Muscle Car:
An American V8 coupe and sometimes sedan that prioritizes acceleration over handling. These cars starting appearing in the 1960s and early 1970s. They’re typically rear-wheel-drive, American production cars that are typically equipped with a large V8 engine, wide tires, flared fenders, and large hood scoops. They were often the top-performing versions of typical (read boring) daily drivers such as the Chevrolet Chevelle, Camaro, Ford Mustang etc.. Muscle cars existed primarily to go fast in a straight line, where as true sports cars also emphasize handling.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 2,208
From: Massachusetts
Good news for me. I am going from a C5, 2-C6's, and a C7 Grand Sport to a 2024 C8.
I want the GT ride and feel. Old age!!
The new Mustang Dark Horse seems to be a great muscle/sports car. More of that raw feeling, but it too is getting the refinements. But at least you can get a 6-speed manual!
Let's face it, the C8 isn't for everyone. Many of you are better drivers, more aggressive, and more experienced.(compared to me)
Find what makes you happy. Best wishes to all.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 153
Likes: 77
I spend 95% of my seat time in the C8 in manual mode. I agree it helps make driving the C8 a little more engaging. But it doesn’t totally eliminate the ho-hum feeling I get driving the car. And as you mentioned, figuring out how to press the up-shift paddle when making a 90-degree turn from a stop can be a real PITA.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 153
Likes: 77
I'd say if you want a car that can do both with all the modern creature comforts ZL1 1LE manual is your target... Absolute weapon of a car in stock trim. Probably one of the most fun cars I've ever driven personally. Its refined but also feels like it could break your neck at any point if it decided too.
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 562
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From: Philly Suburbs PA
I have made this point previously the C8 (like modern Ferrari's and other mid-engine exotics) is not very exciting to drive until you get close to the limits that most owners have neither the skill nor the nerve to reach. Like going into a tight corner (in track mode with the nannies off as much as possible in manual mode) in 3rd gear at 60+ and dropping into 2nd gear as you hit mid corner, the tail will wag (depending on tires and the road conditions) or start to get loose which for me is the reason I drive sports cars. Granted I'm a bit different than the rest of you (fear is my happiness when driving), and probably have a lot more experience (almost 6 decades of building 1 of cars and as a driver and coach) behind the wheel of high-powered machines. The car itself is just a very good scalpel for the money, not really a good hammer though then again just going fast in straight line gets old pretty quickly I'd imagine.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 70
Likes: 25
It maybe the C8 didn't live up to your expectations. I had this happen at the COS. I did the COS hoping to get the same thrill I got racing my DSR. But the C8 and DSR can't be compared. 3600# / 495HP vs 900# / 200HP. Without any preconceived expectations the C8 is a great drive and the COS is a great school.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 153
Likes: 77
Lot of great opinions here.
maybe I just need to drive it harder. I’m willing to keep it longer. Maybe exhaust as some have suggested. Whipping it around curves is a hoot but the grunt holy **** this car may kill me feeling is lacking.
The one thing that has kept me from already rage trading it on a red eye or ZL1 is the fact that at the end of the day it’s still americas sports car. And at 38 im
pretty lucky to have one. I had my
First vette at 29 and came back now.
maybe addition of an older more raw car is the solution rather than addition by substitution.
hmmm
maybe I just need to drive it harder. I’m willing to keep it longer. Maybe exhaust as some have suggested. Whipping it around curves is a hoot but the grunt holy **** this car may kill me feeling is lacking.
The one thing that has kept me from already rage trading it on a red eye or ZL1 is the fact that at the end of the day it’s still americas sports car. And at 38 im
pretty lucky to have one. I had my
First vette at 29 and came back now.
maybe addition of an older more raw car is the solution rather than addition by substitution.
hmmm
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,995
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From: Alberta
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
The ZLE is amazing, but the Multimatic shocks make it stiff - great for track days, but not great for street driving.
I would say that I get bored in all DCT/PDK cars I have driven in about 5-10 mins of driving. I'm a well known manual transmission advocate, so I understand my bias and am happy to embrace it and choose cars that offer that experience. That was my biggest C8 disappointment, and the sole reason I haven't pursued ownership after having experienced the C8.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 153
Likes: 77
ZL1 M6 Vert is an awesome combination.
The ZLE is amazing, but the Multimatic shocks make it stiff - great for track days, but not great for street driving.
I would say that I get bored in all DCT/PDK cars I have driven in about 5-10 mins of driving. I'm a well known manual transmission advocate, so I understand my bias and am happy to embrace it and choose cars that offer that experience. That was my biggest C8 disappointment, and the sole reason I haven't pursued ownership after having experienced the C8.
The ZLE is amazing, but the Multimatic shocks make it stiff - great for track days, but not great for street driving.
I would say that I get bored in all DCT/PDK cars I have driven in about 5-10 mins of driving. I'm a well known manual transmission advocate, so I understand my bias and am happy to embrace it and choose cars that offer that experience. That was my biggest C8 disappointment, and the sole reason I haven't pursued ownership after having experienced the C8.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25,583
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I happen to like "rowdy and raw," as well as sophisticated and comfortable a la C8. It's a feeling thing. The C8 outperforms many of rowdy and raw high performance and pure sports cars, but some miss the "feel." I'm fortunate enough to be able to own both a C8, as well as a couple of models that deliver more of the traditional sports car experience.
The C8 delivers both remarkable track performance as well as tremendous comfort. It is arguably the most comfortable "road trip" long-distance cruiser I've ever owned, but a lot of the traditional sports car feel is missing. The design goal of the Corvette C8 team was to deliver the best of both worlds.
Depending upon what type of driving I'm doing, I like going back and forth. If you can only own one, then it's sometimes a tough choice for those of us who are brand agnostic, and you have to make compromises and decide what's most important for you.
Last edited by Foosh; Aug 3, 2023 at 01:34 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 351
Likes: 246
From: Silicon Valley
Sports cars have become more sophisticated and easier to drive. A Porsche turbo from 2023 doesn't scare you or of your skin like a 1977 turbo did despite much more power. Same goes for new Ferrari, Lamborghini, and most others. The point if the C8 is to put down its power to the road instead of converting it to tire smoke.
If you want your car to scare you, a ZL1 is a better choice. If you like an older Corvette better, that's what you should drive.
I don't find my C8 boring, even though I only have the NPP exhaust. If I did I would sell it and buy a different car.
Would I buy a C8 with a manual instead of the DCT? I don't really know. I always had stick shift cars in the past, and I do miss it a bit at times, but I like the DCT a lot.
If you want your car to scare you, a ZL1 is a better choice. If you like an older Corvette better, that's what you should drive.
I don't find my C8 boring, even though I only have the NPP exhaust. If I did I would sell it and buy a different car.
Would I buy a C8 with a manual instead of the DCT? I don't really know. I always had stick shift cars in the past, and I do miss it a bit at times, but I like the DCT a lot.
Last edited by c_r_h; Sep 11, 2023 at 11:55 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 153
Likes: 77
And therein lies the issue for some sporty car fans.
I happen to like "rowdy and raw," as well as sophisticated and comfortable a la C8. It's a feeling thing. The C8 outperforms many of rowdy and raw high performance and pure sports cars, but some miss the "feel." I'm fortunate enough to be able to own both a C8, as well as a couple of models that deliver more of the traditional sports car experience.
The C8 delivers both remarkable track performance as well as tremendous comfort. It is arguably the most comfortable "road trip" long-distance cruiser I've ever owned, but a lot of the traditional sports car feel is missing. The design goal of the Corvette C8 team was to deliver the best of both worlds.
Depending upon what I'm driving I'm doing, I like going back and forth. If you can only own one, then it's sometimes a tough choice for those of us who are brand agnostic, and you have to make compromises and decide what's most important for you.
I happen to like "rowdy and raw," as well as sophisticated and comfortable a la C8. It's a feeling thing. The C8 outperforms many of rowdy and raw high performance and pure sports cars, but some miss the "feel." I'm fortunate enough to be able to own both a C8, as well as a couple of models that deliver more of the traditional sports car experience.
The C8 delivers both remarkable track performance as well as tremendous comfort. It is arguably the most comfortable "road trip" long-distance cruiser I've ever owned, but a lot of the traditional sports car feel is missing. The design goal of the Corvette C8 team was to deliver the best of both worlds.
Depending upon what I'm driving I'm doing, I like going back and forth. If you can only own one, then it's sometimes a tough choice for those of us who are brand agnostic, and you have to make compromises and decide what's most important for you.
that’s why addition of another car may be the solution. I’m thankful to have the ability to do so. Then again. I do have my eyes on a new ZL1 vert. Perhaps I will make that leap
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
