cybernetic77

I am purchasing my first Corvette. This is my first thread ever on Corvette Forum. I have just placed my order for a 2017 Grand Sport 2LT. My dealer said, however, that I could still make changes for the next 2 to 3 weeks before the order was firmly in place and could not be altered. He shouldn't have said that because I was and still am somewhat interested in a Z06 but I hesitate because a Z06 might be too much power for the street (I don't plan on tracking the car - it's just for the street). I thought initially that the Grand Sport would be enough and it is a superb machine. I am wondering though if it might be worth changing to a Z06. I don't want to buy something that can only be used safely on a track. I welcome opinions out there (especially those of you who have a Z06 - your experiences on the street). Thanks.

ZEEEE06

If you can, drive both cars. The ZO6 is amazing!!!

RVC

If money is no issue, hands down get the Z06. I would pretty much kill to have a C7 Z06. The GS is a great machine, cooler looking than my Z51 but that Z06....hell yes.

mpuzach

I sell them all and have plenty of seat time in every model. Without question, the Z06 is a wonderful machine that's capable of far more than most owners will ever extract. Having said that, the same can be said for a Stingray or Grand Sport. Based on your opening post, IMO the best reason for you to switch to a Z06 is bragging rights. There's nothing wrong with that, mind you, but I highly doubt that you'll actually realize its incremental performance capabilities over those of the Grand Sport.

JRYELLOWCORVETTE

I looked at both and my neighbor has a Z06 but since I was not going to the track and there is no place to enjoy the added power of the Z06 I decided to go with the Grand Sport and I am very happy that I did. Insurance is less and I will not have to replace tires as often. To me having a Z06 is simply bragging rights (my neighbor agrees) if you are not going to track it or live in a State where you can use all that power.

cybernetic77

That's what I am wondering. In terms of seeing the performance difference between the Grand Sport & the Z06, I can imagine that would be almost impossible on the street. Bragging rights are nice but are they worth the price?

Micster

Bought first Vette in August of this year, having driven both a Z06 & Z51. I LOVE my Z51, ample power, a blast to drive. To be perfectly candid...if the Z06 weren't slightly out of reach, I'd have snatched one up with 7M. The Z I drove was A8, and preferred dealer didn't have an M7. Combine those two things, have a Z51 M7 that I love.

Even though you have no plans to track, buy the Z. Absolutely intoxicating. You will love either one though, guaranteed. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

After reading JRYELLOWCORVETTE's post, I urge you to check with your insurance carrier. Here's why: my insurance company didn't distinguish between base, Z51, or Z06: same premium to the penny. (I was pleasantly surprised)

cybernetic77

Thanks for the feedback. I also am not sure where I can use all that power. I can afford it but does it really make sense for just a street car? Amazing how one part of your brain is so eager to buy it and another part is countering that with common sense.

Supersonic 427

One thing though ...I would not order the Z07 pkg if you will never track the car.

kenownr

Karson1

I just picked up a 2017 GS with the Z07 package 460hp is plenty in one of these. I just sold my 2013 Shelby GT500 factory powered at 662hp, raised to 735hp. HP is nice, but is it usable.......ok 650hp usable? NOPE, no Autobahn here, or unless you like jail. Keep it in control and enjoy with plenty of power with 460hp. I'm young and very aggressive but the 650hp would have killed me or gotten me in trouble. I am just as happy with my standard LT1

dead of night

I'm reading the large thread on the Z06 forum where very experienced drivers state the Z gets away from them, loses traction, turns to the right, violently without warning and they don't know why.


It's those kind of posts that make me lean toward the GS. OP, if I were you I'd stick with the GS. The horsepower war is getting out of hand.


What good is a car with vast hp if you can't drive it in a straight line!

Bill Dearborn

There is no need for the power of a Z06 on the street. The same can be said for the GS. But, just like the GS you can control how much HP and Torque is applied by judicious use of the throttle pedal. It gets down to whether you want to spend the money for something you may never use. If you are coming from a low powered vehicle (350 HP 4500 pounds) it will take you a while to get used to the snap from even a base Corvette. Just driving away from a stop light with a small throttle input will give you a several car length lead over any other car sitting beside you. With the Z06 I have found out that sometimes I have to keep my foot off the throttle and modulate my speed from a stop just using the Clutch if I have a car in front of me.

Bill

cybernetic77

That's funny - I was just speaking to a guy at the office about wishing we had an Autobahn. In the US - Jay Leno had a nice video of him test driving a Z06 which ended with him being stopped by the State police for speeding. I know it was done on purpose for the video but I guess the point was made. Still - so tempting but obviously that's not my brain saying that right?

Dwim

Watch this video, starting at 10:25 and going through 11:50. These guys (Motor Trend) are driving a Grand Sport, and comparing it to their experience in a Z06.

Micster

Thanks! Talk about a compelling argument for LT1/ Grand Sport.

cybernetic77

Great Video. Thanks. Very informative. Would also love to drive that same route.

FLATJ

Wise beyond years are you, young Jedi!

mpuzach

There's lots of great feedback in this thread.


Another thing to consider is whether or not you care about supercharged vs. normally aspirated. Some folks don't care one way or the other, others prefer one over the other.

dvilin

Very easy to experience the performance difference on the street. Any Corvette has more power than you need for the street But if you like to drive aggressively when the conditions are favorable and feel the instant rush of the Z06 power than that should be your choice. IMHO