It's Simple Math
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,910
Likes: 2,693
I think they have their hands full… watching the various videos with the engineers they do mention they want to increase output. But a few questions remain, like the overall process required to build, fit custom shims, re check the motor, make needed adjustments then dyno. Did they dyno the C7 Z06 motors? I couldn’t find any information on that. This motor is more sophisticated based on their process so it will be interesting to see how many they can produce.
The bigger issue is supplies/parts. The current issues with the supply chain will be around for the foreseeable future, this will continue to impact production.
The bigger issue is supplies/parts. The current issues with the supply chain will be around for the foreseeable future, this will continue to impact production.
Some are stating as fact that all the things they are doing have been done before... this is clearly not true.
Also, some are stating as fact that the engine will not be a delay. That's a sure way to lose instant credibility. They do NOT KNOW this. GM doesn't know this. They can ASSUME but that is all it is, an assumption. No one expected chips to cause delays either.
GM will do whatever they can to get the Z06's out but all this perfect case, never any issues, record breaking Z06 production...posturing is getting old. It is what it is. (or it will be what it will be...
)
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,445
Likes: 4,403
From: Northern VA
"Ask Tadge" Producer
Yes they did. They just didn't run them for 20 minutes like they're planning to do with the LT6.
You might want to be careful of who you're calling out. To say that "GM doesn't know this" is a fairly ignorant statement.
Also, some are stating as fact that the engine will not be a delay. That's a sure way to lose instant credibility. They do NOT KNOW this. GM doesn't know this.
Last edited by jvp; Dec 9, 2021 at 05:51 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,187
Likes: 1,766
I believe they are building the Z06 engines now or at least very soon for 2 reasons, first to stock pile a few engines as a buffer as they ramp up especially in case they run into a parts storage later on. Second they need to start training the actual engine builders to get them up to a level where they can build X amount per day.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 426
Likes: 197
From: Boston
I believe they are building the Z06 engines now or at least very soon for 2 reasons, first to stock pile a few engines as a buffer as they ramp up especially in case they run into a parts storage later on. Second they need to start training the actual engine builders to get them up to a level where they can build X amount per day.
having a bespoke engine and wide body is unique to the C8 so maybe the percentages of the past of base vs Z may not apply and who knows maybe we get to 50/50 Z vs base
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,361
Likes: 4,800
From: West Burbs of Chicago IL
GM announced that the hand build Z06 engines will be done by 10-12 engine builders. Now lets say each builder can build one or two per day. At one a day a tad less than 3000 per model year, and two per day equals a tad less than 6000 per year. Now how many deposits do you think the total is for every dealer in the US. Furthermore, how many more folks plan on a Z06 who have not given a deposit yet. The reality of the situation is that almost everyone wanting a Z06 will be waiting for many years if they get one, and most will not get one. Therefor, what makes sense to me is this: if you are the average Joe or Joline who does not own a C8 and wants a Z06 BUT HAS NO PLANS TO TRACK THE CAR, get a fully equipped C8 Z51. If you own a C8 and still want a Z06 (like I do), be patient. Be VERY patient!
Get in line. Put down your deposit. Wait your turn, and then do whatever YOU want to do with your Z06.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 639
From: Columbia SC
If BG is stock piling Z06 engines right now, or may be for the last few weeks, I would not want to be the one getting an engine that has sat for months with no long term storage oils to prevent rust from forming on bare steel parts. rust particles plugging oil feed hoes in a 8600rpm engine might cause a few problems. Yep lots of aluminum, but cranks, lifters and cams are still steel.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,187
Likes: 1,766
If BG is stock piling Z06 engines right now, or may be for the last few weeks, I would not want to be the one getting an engine that has sat for months with no long term storage oils to prevent rust from forming on bare steel parts. rust particles plugging oil feed hoes in a 8600rpm engine might cause a few problems. Yep lots of aluminum, but cranks, lifters and cams are still steel.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 136
Likes: 144
From: Rock Hill, SC
Agreed. I don't think this is GM's first rodeo.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,827
Likes: 301
From: Tucson Arizona
St. Jude Donor '08
Your engines/day estimates are probably off (on the low side), but more importantly and as I've stated numerous times in this section:
THE ENGINES WILL NOT BE THE LIMITING FACTOR!
Sorry for the emboldened text, but this is the fourth of fifth time I've had to say it. Other Z06-specific components may be a limiting factor, but the LT6 won't be. And note the emphasis on "may".
THE ENGINES WILL NOT BE THE LIMITING FACTOR!
Sorry for the emboldened text, but this is the fourth of fifth time I've had to say it. Other Z06-specific components may be a limiting factor, but the LT6 won't be. And note the emphasis on "may".
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 20,190
Likes: 400
From: NY
St. Jude Donor '26
It's not like GM is storing them in some barn.
Last edited by RJ-92; Mar 24, 2022 at 01:59 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 764
Likes: 691
From: Michigan
My wife's hairdresser's cousin has a son @ G.M. that is working on the Z06. He says to tell all the Chicken Littles on the Corvette Forum that the sky is not falling and that patience is a virtue. Remember, all comes to those that wait! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 845
Likes: 1,253
From: California
If BG is stock piling Z06 engines right now, or may be for the last few weeks, I would not want to be the one getting an engine that has sat for months with no long term storage oils to prevent rust from forming on bare steel parts. rust particles plugging oil feed hoes in a 8600rpm engine might cause a few problems. Yep lots of aluminum, but cranks, lifters and cams are still steel.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,445
Likes: 4,403
From: Northern VA
"Ask Tadge" Producer
- they don't like my presentation style
- they're waiting for me to be wrong on something so they can hang it around my neck forever
- they simply can't imagine someone else knows more about something than they do
- they simply can't imagine someone else knows things that they're not allowed to know
- they're just bored and need something to argue about
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 5,414
Likes: 3,957
From: Cincinnati, OH
This post made me LOL. GM projects XXX amount of Z06 sales. They then make plans with their vendors/suppliers to be able to supply enough components in a specific cadence of orders throughout the year....this is called capability and capacity planning.
I work for an OEM supplier in automotive...they have Supplier Quality meetings and visits in which GM tells us how many components they need for the year and at what batch size and frequency they want them. We as the supplier need to show and prove capacity and capability to supply said part. If GM wants sales profit they will find a way to get enough suppliers lined up to make it happen.
Things that delay us are also a reason for delay of other suppliers which can be out of our hands sometimes...raw material supply/cost and or logistic/shipping issues. Case in point...chip shortage...my company has nothing to do with chips directly but when OEMs shut down production because OTHER components can't be built it also reduces our orders for the parts we supply. If OEM's aren't building cars then suppliers stop supplying components for said cars.
There is SO much more then OP's "simple math" on "what he heard/read" about engine builder suppliers an their theoretical daily output.
I work for an OEM supplier in automotive...they have Supplier Quality meetings and visits in which GM tells us how many components they need for the year and at what batch size and frequency they want them. We as the supplier need to show and prove capacity and capability to supply said part. If GM wants sales profit they will find a way to get enough suppliers lined up to make it happen.
Things that delay us are also a reason for delay of other suppliers which can be out of our hands sometimes...raw material supply/cost and or logistic/shipping issues. Case in point...chip shortage...my company has nothing to do with chips directly but when OEMs shut down production because OTHER components can't be built it also reduces our orders for the parts we supply. If OEM's aren't building cars then suppliers stop supplying components for said cars.
There is SO much more then OP's "simple math" on "what he heard/read" about engine builder suppliers an their theoretical daily output.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 579
From: Central Gulf Coast Florida
This has happened for at least 10 years if not more here. It's likely due to a combination of reasons that can include:
- they don't like my presentation style
- they're waiting for me to be wrong on something so they can hang it around my neck forever
- they simply can't imagine someone else knows more about something than they do
- they simply can't imagine someone else knows things that they're not allowed to know
- they're just bored and need something to argue about