ZL1 for Z06?
 

Thinking about trading in my low miles Camaro ZL1 for a new Z06. My main concern is the A8 and some of the issues I've read about online. I really like the ZL1 A10, but kind of wish I had the Corvette styling. I have an A8 (the same model?) in a Yukon Denali, but I'm not sure that's a fair comparison.

What do you guys think about the A8 in general? What other factors should I consider before trading or not?

EDIT: Should add this is for daily/weekend driving, not much into tracking yet.

If you're using this for a daily, i actually think the ZL1 is a better car for that. Even though it's cramped inside, i think because the car sits a bit higher up, and has a backseat (even though it's tiny), that will make living with the car on a day to day basis much better.

As far as the trans, the A10 is way better than the A8. In every way shape or form. I think if it was possible to actually put the A10 in the Z/ZR1, GM would have done that already. But there's no way that can happen. So the corvette got stuck with the autotragic A8 lol. It's a decent trans but crazy at how the ZF trans you see in the hellcat, or the A10 you have in the ZL1 is MUCH better than the A8 in the corvette.

Not to mention the ZL1 cooling system is MUCH better than any corvette (except ZR1). Doesn't matter if you get a manual or auto Z, the ZL1 cooling is much better. GM actually designed the ZL1 to be a more efficient track weapon than the Z06 lol

Yeah, we don't use the backseats and my wife hates the lack of lumbar support. The Recaros roll my shoulders in a bit, but I don't really mind - comfort-wise it's fine for me.

EDIT: How often do folks actually take the top off? Is it easy for one person or at least quick with two?

How many screen names do you have? lol

The base seats in the C7 doesn't have good lumbar support either. Maybe the comp seats are better but i don't know because i don't have them.

Taking off the targa is easy. Can be done in literally 30 seconds. It's only like 15lbs so it's light. It's carefully placing it in the hatch or somewhere safe that's a concern. But as long as you're not clumsy you'll be ok.

Definitely test drove the Z's before you even think about anything else. You may find out your ZL1 value, and get all excited, then find out you don't even like the Z. Test the Z first and make your decision.

You will be disappointed with the A8 though, because you're coming from the A10. I would test the manual Z first then lol

I had a chance to buy either earlier this summer. I went with the ZO6 for many reasons.
back seats are the same
Visibility probably even better out of the Corvette
Styling Z06 wins
Targa Top is nice this time of year
Corvettes lighter
more than likely better resale value in the Corvette if u sell it.
the Corvette actually has a lot of room in the hatchback
also I might add I was just looking for a weekend car not a daily driver.
oh yeah I haven't had any problems with my A8. I have the Range disabler in it, and it drives awesome

I don't think the A8 is an issue mine has performed well. Certainly is tough since guys have 800 rwhp then add a 200 shot and it holds for multiple runs. I do think the look from the ZL1 to the Z06 is nice jump. Some guys like to comment on the A8 but they don't have one or haven't driven one more than a few miles. Takes a bit to learn the thing. Sometimes I like driving the A8 better. Sometimes I rather drive the M7. Both are nice.

You can always find yourself a used Z instead of buying new. There are some reasonable deals out there on used low mileage Z's.

Stock A10 <2000 miles

colors/options? I have a 15' M7 Z06 with 3k miles. been looking at Zl1's

NFGM, everything but the carbon dash, however I'm strictly looking at autos

Can anyone comment on the stock exhaust sound between the ZL1 and Z06? Also, how does the suspension compare without the Z07 package?

I don't have a Z06 but I do have a15 Z51 (supercharged) and a 17 ZL1. To my ears, the ZL1 sounds much better.

Last question for now - how would the brakes compare? Not considering the Z07 package, just standard Z06 brakes vs ZL1.

I just traded my '16 Z06 A8 for a '18 ZL1 A10. Here is the thread I started asking the same thing in reverse. I thought it might be helpful.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-a-zl1-2.html

IMO the A8 in the Z06 is a complete let down. At WOT it is fine, but I often find it has a hard time finding the right gear and when playing around in manual mode the shift times are a joke (unless WOT). I have a sierra with the A8 as well and when just messing around, the shift times are very similar. Only driven the ZL1 a couple hundred miles so far, but cannot believe how much better the A10 is over the A8. Camaro rides better and is quiter (I went from Z06 coupe to ZL1 vert so not really a fair comparison). Camaro doesn't scrape on my driveway. Not bashing the Z06 here, I loved it, but it is an uncompromised sports car with a auto trans that leaves something to be desired. I think the Camaro would be more livable as a DD.

As for the targa, it is an easy one man operation, but my wife is 5'3" and she could not do it by herself without possibility of damaging the car. This was the main reason we switched over to the vert as well as being able to put kids in the back seat.

End of the day, I would either enjoy my ZL1 or grab a Z06 with a M7:cheers:

Only driven my ZL1 200 miles and have not made any hard stops, but 2 things I have noticed thus far.

1.) The Z06s brakes are much more responsive or grabby. It's easy to apply a little more brake pressure than needed and heave yourself forward. The ZL1 brakes are not near as touchy. Not sure which is better, personal preference I guess.

2.) The brake dusting on the ZL1 is far less. I drove the car home 160 miles the last 60 miles was in Dallas traffic, and when I got home, I was amazed that the wheels were still clean. My wife can make her 30 mile round trip to work in the Z06 and the black wheels turn brown by the time she gets home. If you get a Z06 and plan on driving it regularly, I would recommend changing the pads. (plenty on threads on this)

So far, I prefer the feel and less wheel cleaning of the ZL1. If you're looking for all out performance, I'm sure the Z06 brakes are better and less mass to deal with too. Just go R&T, C&D or MT, I'm sure they have the specs.

The LT4 is a better motor for the ZL1 chassis that in the Z06. Yes, the Z06 is lighter but it is also a lot more hairy because of it when you push it.

The Z06 has the benefit of less mass, better visibility and ergonomics compared to the ZL1.

In addition, if Auto is the only way to go for you - the 10 speed in the ZL1 is brilliant. Essentially the LT4 / 10 Speed combo sits exceptionally well in the ZL1.

I agree. It's sad the zl1 is better engineered than our z06's lol