Question about tracking a C8
Purveyor of Common Sense
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From: Chicago Suburbs IL
St. Jude Donor '19
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Le Mans Master
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From: Rural NW Georgia. GO DAWGS!
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Eh, most drivers would never notice in an A/B test driving legally on a road. I specifically did not want summer only tires limiting four seasons usability. I definitely did not want the brake dust. Because it's already a 1%er in those areas. I did my build with no concern for money, but the factors above nixed Z51. It's good to realize that not EVERYONE thinks exactly the same. I can't for the life of me understand why someone would order a dream car as a coupe when HTC is has no downside (other than not showing the molded engine cover), but not everyone thinks like me!!! If we all thought the same, GM would sell one configuration in whatever they determine is the "best" color. Why would anyone want anything else?
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Melting Slicks
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From: Poplar Bluff MO
Melting Slicks
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From: Poplar Bluff MO
If money was not an issue, why on earth would you want to perform spirited street driving on purpose with less traction, less handling, less braking power, less spirited exhaust sound, less torque, etc. If you just like the looks of the Corvette C8 and not keen on performance attributes, then non-Z51 makes sense possibly.
JT
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
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From: NE South Carolina
Track use... Track days... or spirited driving. I did run my non Z51 on a track for 10 minutes or so per hour for a total of 5 times during the day. This was at a benefit event for autistic children. Our group had a pickup truck, a Tesla, a C6, a C8 Z51 and some cars I didn't recognize. So if the OP is talking about me this is what I did.
JT
JT
The simple answer depends on track type, expectations, risk taking, driver skill etc.
I have done a couple autocross events in my non Z51 and with the summer tires my times compared to other Vettes there and really is only separated by driver skill. For autocross the non z51 is fine. Since its basically a time attack and not consecutive laps around a large track i have had no cooling issues. I think I hit like 205 which I can hit in stop and go traffic.
If you are doing a lead follow and just an "experience" drive on the track that is fine as well.
I would not do a full track day somewhere like VIR in any Stingray TBH but for sure not the non Z51. The cooling will be a problem even on a cool day and the brakes would not be able to hold up either. Even Z51 cars can have cooling issues when running a full open session with a skilled driver really pushing it. Check out the tech portion of this forum, the track rat guys are doing a lot of work to their C8's for full day sessions.
I have done a couple autocross events in my non Z51 and with the summer tires my times compared to other Vettes there and really is only separated by driver skill. For autocross the non z51 is fine. Since its basically a time attack and not consecutive laps around a large track i have had no cooling issues. I think I hit like 205 which I can hit in stop and go traffic.
If you are doing a lead follow and just an "experience" drive on the track that is fine as well.
I would not do a full track day somewhere like VIR in any Stingray TBH but for sure not the non Z51. The cooling will be a problem even on a cool day and the brakes would not be able to hold up either. Even Z51 cars can have cooling issues when running a full open session with a skilled driver really pushing it. Check out the tech portion of this forum, the track rat guys are doing a lot of work to their C8's for full day sessions.
Advanced
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From: West Lafayette, IN
The early Model T’s and the cars before that, the “Alphabet” cars, were available on colors. When the assembly line was put in place he realized that the black paint dried quicker than the colors. The switch to black was a production decision.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Sarasota FL
St. Jude Donor '25-'26
Define a track car. Almost any car can be tracked for a HPDE event for fun.
If you want to drive HPDE, as a rookie for fun, all you need is high temp brake fluid. If you drive for fun you will be fine with an instructor.
As you get faster you will need to spend more money. Specifically a dry sump engine would be my first pick. I quickly sold a C5Z and purchased a C6Z.
I was behind several cars, driving HPDE, that had no business being on the that track. One was a base Challenger, another was a Ford Fusion, and the other was a Tesla.
As a HPDE driver, I can easily spot which car does not belong there. Do not be that guy outside of the beginner group. But yes, a non Z51 can drive HPDE for fun while driving conservatively.
If you want to drive HPDE, as a rookie for fun, all you need is high temp brake fluid. If you drive for fun you will be fine with an instructor.
As you get faster you will need to spend more money. Specifically a dry sump engine would be my first pick. I quickly sold a C5Z and purchased a C6Z.
I was behind several cars, driving HPDE, that had no business being on the that track. One was a base Challenger, another was a Ford Fusion, and the other was a Tesla.
As a HPDE driver, I can easily spot which car does not belong there. Do not be that guy outside of the beginner group. But yes, a non Z51 can drive HPDE for fun while driving conservatively.
Last edited by Keppler; Jul 9, 2024 at 11:08 PM.
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Melting Slicks
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From: Poplar Bluff MO
Driving at a benefit event to support a good charity you can drive any vehicle with 4 wheels at least at the one I went to. You drive based on the vehicle you're in... if your in a Z51 you might drive more aggressively than if your in a C10 pickup truck. Using common sense you monitor your oil temp and don't brake aggressively if your not in a car with capable brakes. It's all about using your head for more than a hat rack.
JT
JT
Race Director
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Brake fade will definitely be an issue for the non-Z on the track. Partly because of the smaller brakes and pad material, but also because of the complete lack of cooling vents for the brakes. If one wished to track the base Stingray, even for HPDEs, you'll want higher temp rated pads and the cooling vents from the z51. For autocross I think they'd be fine.
Race Director
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From: Bonneville Salt Flats
It doesn't matter what the Owners Manuals say about any production, street Corvette. They are not race cars... and yes, that's what "tracking" is all about. Finally, with one model, GM has admitted this. Believe it and go on. Of course, anyone can do as they wish with their own cars. 