taylosw

So, I am in the process of finalizing my purchase for my 2017 2LT Z06 A8 (No Z07 Package) Watkins Glen Gray Metallic Corvette. It had ONLY 800 Miles and I purchased it for $79k with No tax and I think I got a good deal; even if I didn't...I think it's completely worth it.

The reason I am posting is because I am a very non-experienced driver of any type of fast car and I am looking for tips on understanding the power of this car to be as safe as possible for the first 6 months or more in order for me to be completely comfortable with the car before I "unleash" the full power. I have already considered doing the Ron Fellows class as soon as possible; however I'll be getting the car before I will be able to do the class.

So I thank you in advance, in any tips that you are willing to provide here or you may DM me if you feel it's necessary. I am open to everything you can teach me as part of me is scared to be operating such a powerful machine with limited experience. (Most I've driven is a Camaro SS (460HP)

The first time I will be driving it I will be picking it up from the owner who is 416 miles away with my GF. I plan on driving on it in Manual(Paddle Shift) Mode with Touring on as that will provide me with the most traction so I am able to be as safe as possible.

Thank you once again. I truly appreciate it. <3 I am looking forward to being a part of this amazing wonderful Corvette community that has taught me so much already.

VegasC7Z06

I recently took delivery of a new Z06 that is a M7. The car has a ton of power but it's fairly tame until you get into the higher rpm range (2500+). Keep a very light foot, don't drive in rain if you can help it, and don't go faster than you would in a Kia and you'll be fine.

musclecar6

Simple answer. Leave all the nannies hooked up, EASE or ROLL into the throttle ( IE, NEVER slam the throttle to the floor especially in traffic) and if the road is wet or cold ( below 50 to 60 degrees), just drive and cruise and no screwing around.

GRADUALLY over time, you'll learn to increase the fun factor by getting on it some more without scaring yourself and everyone around you. If you had bought a Stingray/GS, you could pretty much romp on it in most cases without nearly as much caution ( still would have to respect wet/cold roads). Not so with the almost 200 more HP/TQ of the Z06. That said, the extra power of the Z06 takes one from the very fast Stingray/GS level up to the explosively fast level. Used carefully, it can be a real blast in a safe ear to ear Sh-- eating grin manner. Enjoy !!!

mjdart

Congrats, these are wonderful machines with multiple personalities. Set to touring mode, it sounds and behaves like a very nice cruiser, however it stops on a dime and handles extremely well. I climbed out of my Cadillac ATS Performance car and have only racked up 110 miles, but the capabilities of these cars are astonishing in comparison. Curving expressway off ramps that the ATS could handle at 70 mph, but taken in the Z06 it feels like you are in slow motion at 70 mph the cars cornering capabilities are so high. Switch to Sport and blip the throttle hard and you it sounds like you've unleased a full on race car, very cool. I call my Z06 the "red Head" and my Son's wife went for a short ride with me and I jumped on it for a few seconds. This car will push you back and leap forward with a like you've unleashed a beast. Brittney turned to me immediately following and said "the Red Head has quite a temper", yes they do.........

Kyflyer

The Z06 is the best high performance production corvette to-date. It can bite the novice driver with its quick response and stupendous acceleration. The stock Michelin tires are the best runflat I have ever driven. If the temperature is 40F or less, beware that the tires will break loose easily, I know this from a personal experience and an unintended donut is hair raising. If you can wrangle it see if you can get the Ron Fellows program discount for a new Z06, it is well worth the money and fun as well. They will show you how well the car performs and handles and it is a lot of fun as well. Enjoy your new corvette and WGG is a great color. If you are in LV Ron Fellow is just a stone's throw away! This is the best corvette offered to-date for performance.

jabeasley1

Every comment has hit the nail on the head. Any car with this horsepower you learn to ease into the throttle. Any punching of the gas can break the tires loose, especially the first few miles before they warm up.

Larry M

As mentioned above, I think you'll be really impressed with the braking. Wife comments on it everytime she drives the car.

As far as power, I'm at about 1,900 miles, unfortunately since I've gotten my car it's typically been between 40* and 60* which is not good. Any blip of the throttle to 3500 rpm spins the rear tires uncontrollably

I've slightly broken the tires loose merging onto the highway. Very slightly broken, but enough to be like WTF, this car is too powerful.

I've gotten the car successfully to about 5500 rpms and throttle to about 75% without spinning...have to roll in. Can't mash the gas, power hits way too hard early in the rpm band

Just take it easy, enjoy the ride, it's super comfortable

Boba Fett

go to a high performance driving school

Corvetterwb

All the posts are good advice. I found that the traction control takes a split second to control wheel spin when you accelerate. I pulled out to pass on a two lane, punched it, and got some fish tail. The power is so awesome. You will get the hang of it. Enjoy and be safe.

taylosw

Thank you to all the responses; I truly appreciate and will be taking my sweet time to get use to all the amazing features of this car. Still a little worried; but I know with some patience, being smart, and not being "greedy" (for lack of a better term, that I will be able to learn while being safe.

capevettes

I agree on the High Performance driving school. Ron Fellows in Pahrump is excellent.

One other thing: Make sure your car is straight when you get on it. If you are pulling around another car to pass, especially in lower gears, roll into the throttle when you are going straight, not as you begin to pass. The car can swap ends easily. Starting out in first gear from a stop when you are turning as you start, it's real easy to lose it if you give it too much gas. Learn the car. Walk before you run as they say.

Enjoy it.

2017ZO6

Enjoy the best Chevy has to offer.

musclecar6

Absolutely 100 percent correct. To the OP, listen to this guy !!!

why1504

FWIW, I believe one of the reasons that GM puts all the restrictions on the throttle when breaking in is to help the new ower begin to learn the car. In first gear without mashing even 1/2 way to the floor, the throttle it is very easy to have the engine RPM climb super fast. Keeping the throttle below 3500 forces the driver to learn to roll into speed. BTW even if you don't exceed 3500 RPM you can still exceed 100 MPH and even with the restrictions the car is faster than most other vehicles.

The Z06 is no joke.

Hawkbarr

Great advice by all the owners. I would only add respect the car like a loaded gun, and find a LARGE parking lot where you can learn acceleration, braking, turning and combinations of all 3.
The ZO6 is a beast and addictive fun!
Enjoy!!

Tally Ho

Congrats. My car is pretty close to yours (WGG, black interior, 2LZ, A8, PDR/NAV). As everyone above has posted - respect the power and you will be fine. I flew up to NJ to get mine and drove it home to FL. I got to know it real well in those 1100 miles.

taylosw

HEy!!!! That's awesome! And YES! We pretty much have the SAME exact car?! BEAAUTIFUL!!

Also, how did the Side skirts do for protecting the car from rocks on the way home?!?!

I am sooo excited

Kinsale

If it looks like mine it was $75,500 plus TT&L. MSRP was $87,135. It came with the I05 nav (OnStar) so I installed an I06 unit and don't have to rely on OnStar. That was another $965 and I installed it. Congrats on the new ride. I attended the Mercedes Driving Academy, one and two day course and I highly recommend that you attend one. The Z06 is an awesome machine and easy to let it get away from you. The school will instill confidence and let you see the car with and without electronics on. It is a rush to do 160 on the back stretch and then slam on the brakes and do a 270 degree turn while accelerating in the turn. Any one of the schools is well worth the money.

Tally Ho

They did their job. No damage. I recently upgraded to the stage 2 skirts.

taylosw

I kind of dig the S1 Sideskirts that everyone seems to hate... here's the one I am getting ! Will definitely be doing the school soon enough!

Don't mind the bow.... the first owner bought it for his wife and she didn't like it; so he sold it to me. I am lucky!