C7 vs C8, which one for track dependability?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
C7 vs C8, which one for track dependability?
Hey gang. I'm looking to buy my first Corvette. Mostly for weekend drives but I do like to track 4-5 weekends per year. Looking for Z06. I prefer the C7 body style and interior but studying the C7 forum, I read about a lot of transmission issues. I had a manual track car and thought I'd switch to 'new technology' automatic, with paddle shift, so on track, I can focus on gas and brake and not worry about what gear to be in... Now I hear C7 track car must be manual, & certain years had cooling problems..... Are late model 17-19 C7 Z06, good/dependable track cars? I don't want to spend money for a problem car.... Is the new C8 technology and transmission that much better than C7 for track weekends? Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 2,206
From: Massachusetts
The C7 is still a great car. Easier and cheaper to maintain/repair. With the new trans-fluid, the C7 A8 is reliable.
The C8 is a level higher in track use.
Now the Z06 is a beast. Can't go wrong with a Z06 in C7 or C8. Z06 is more $$$ either way.
Keep looking and the one mean-to-be will show up.
Good luck and enjoy the search.
The C8 is a level higher in track use.
Now the Z06 is a beast. Can't go wrong with a Z06 in C7 or C8. Z06 is more $$$ either way.
Keep looking and the one mean-to-be will show up.
Good luck and enjoy the search.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 121
Likes: 77
From: Florida
Rent both cars for a weekend. See which one you like more. The C8 is a better car both base and z06 from a track performance perspective, but a base is +$40k to the C7 and +$60k to the z06. The C7z and C8 are closer in price and are a tighter comparison. I'd personally still go C8, but it's subjective.
Only you can decide what is the right answer. All the track and reliability stats are out there at your fingertips. Get out there and have some fun
Only you can decide what is the right answer. All the track and reliability stats are out there at your fingertips. Get out there and have some fun
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 20
From: Knoxville TN
You can go rent both and drive them on track in Bowling Green. That may help with the decision.
Drive A Corvette | NCM Motorsports Park
Drive A Corvette | NCM Motorsports Park
Purveyor of Common Sense
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 628
From: Chicago Suburbs IL
St. Jude Donor '19
The DCT in the C8 is awesome! It really is an automatic manual. When you hit the paddle shifters to change gears, it's immediate like using a stick, only faster! C7Z's are great too, but IMO, get the latest mid-engine technology and don't look back.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
C8 - No brainer
I have been doing what you want to do. My first track time in my C7 Z06 started on a cool morning. Other than having to be very careful applying throttle exiting corners, the car was a joy to drive. But as the outside air temperature started warming up, so did the engine water temp, to the point that the car would go into limp mode after 2 laps. Not good. So, after making every mod possible (without actually changing any OEM engine parts, except for a cooler thermostat) to increase cooling, I go to the track the second time. About the same weather as the first, except the outside temp rose more quickly...and the car would go into limp mode after 2 laps. Not good. The day after my drive home I had a flat right rear tire. Took the wheel/tire to the shop to be told that the wheel had a major crack. Not good. Both problems are inherent with the C7 Z06.
I sold the C7 Z06 and got a C8 with the Z51 package. The C8 (non Z06) runs much quicker lap times, does not even get close to overheating during a full 20 minute track session, and hasn't cracked any wheels.
My takeaway - C7 Z06 is an awesome street car, but unless you want to spend thousands of dollars on aftermarket cooling mods and wheels so you can track the car, go with the C8. It is a magnificent track (and street) car without any mods!
I sold the C7 Z06 and got a C8 with the Z51 package. The C8 (non Z06) runs much quicker lap times, does not even get close to overheating during a full 20 minute track session, and hasn't cracked any wheels.
My takeaway - C7 Z06 is an awesome street car, but unless you want to spend thousands of dollars on aftermarket cooling mods and wheels so you can track the car, go with the C8. It is a magnificent track (and street) car without any mods!
Hey gang. I'm looking to buy my first Corvette. Mostly for weekend drives but I do like to track 4-5 weekends per year. Looking for Z06. I prefer the C7 body style and interior but studying the C7 forum, I read about a lot of transmission issues. I had a manual track car and thought I'd switch to 'new technology' automatic, with paddle shift, so on track, I can focus on gas and brake and not worry about what gear to be in... Now I hear C7 track car must be manual, & certain years had cooling problems..... Are late model 17-19 C7 Z06, good/dependable track cars? I don't want to spend money for a problem car.... Is the new C8 technology and transmission that much better than C7 for track weekends? Thanks.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
Thanks for the input. I appreciate it. I've decided to 'pull the trigger' on a C8 Z51. 2023 with low miles. Actually I found my car here on the forum. Not a huge fan of 'wall 'o buttons' but, fun days at the track with no issues is my goal.
