DanMan35

Seeing as how most C6 Z06's can be had in the 30k-35k price range and most C6 ZR1's seem to be around 55k-60k. Is the extra 25k worth it to get into a ZR1? And I'm asking from a non-collector's perspective. How much would it cost to make a Z06 as fast as a ZR1?

I just sold my C6 Z06 and I already miss it. I sort of knew that would happen. I'm not going to get into anything right away but I feel like within the next 2 years I'd like to buy another Corvette and the only options I would want to consider would be:

C6 Z06
C6 ZR1
C7 Z06

I like the exterior looks of the C6 more than the C7 although I prefer the interior of the C7 much more than the C6. I was extremely happy with my 517rwhp Z06 and I think in the future I'd want to be around the 700rwhp mark. Just trying to see if the extra 25k for a ZR1 is worth it or if it would be better advised to save that 25k and drop it into the Z06 to make it just as fast.

Anyone who has owned both and can tell me if they feel the price difference is worth it?

Rod2013C6

Well i have been fortunate enough to have owned both, currently the 08 Z06 modded with heads,cam,headers intake , 102 tb, cold air and fast fuel rails. I have owned it since 12/14/17 and with the weather the way its been ..really have not driven it enough to form a solid opinion on it but with that said ..i loved the ZR1..its a bad ride that you can easily get bigger hp numbers out of than the Z06 but is it worth it..yes i believe so .

DanMan35

Did you sell the ZR1? If so, why? Are you saying that mod for mod the ZR1 will gain more than the Z06? Why is that?

ssbowtie1

Tough call. If you want a toy to throw money at and mod to hell for the fun of it, stick with the z06 and use the $25k as mod money.

If you want a clean, turn key beast then buy the ZR1 and don't mess with it.

DanMan35

I wouldn't keep either stock but I'd be inclined to do much less to the ZR1 than the Z06. I think with the Z06 I'd do all bolt ons and go with a procharger set up. With the ZR1 I would probably only do exhaust, headers and cam and leave it at that.

ssbowtie1

Well, do you enjoy the process or do you just want the result? Process: Z06, Result: ZR1

ralphsmithiii

I went from a H/C/I ECS w/meth 07 Z06 to now a mildly modified 10 ZR1 on E85 and I prefer the ZR1 hands down. The ZR1 motor is part forged, part titanium from the factory and being that it comes with the blower is built for boost. The carbon ceramic brakes are a nice touch as well and the aero bits, different front fenders and carbon roof are also nice. All of these things be done on or to a Z06 but then guess what...you have a ZR1.

For probably around $4k (extra) you can have a 700rwhp monster. You're next biggest issue is the tires because the blower puts down most of torque down low and carries it all the way to redline.

Hope that helps.

Also, you're more than likely going to have the build the Z06 motor as its fairly maxed out due to its NA design. The most boost I could run on mine without cracking the block was around 6lbs and that was with meth. The cylinder walls of the LS7 are thin and thus many people opt to swap the motor out for a LS3 or other option as forging the LS7 doesn't seem to be a super popular option, again due to the already thin cylinder walls. That at least, is my limited understanding.

DanMan35

I'm okay with either. I feel like whether I buy them stock or already modded I'd still be spending close to 20k more for the ZR1 when it's all said and done.

Did the LS9 have the same valve issues as the LS7?

rudutch

not to me

Maligator

Zr1 all the way, not a time bomb like the Z06. Zr1 gives you modified Z06 performance from the factory with almost no worries. If money isnt an issue, Zr1 all the way. I have a modded mint Z06 and if the numbers were right, Id dump this car in a second for a Zr1

I brake for nothing

No need for cam and headers on the ZR1 for what your after. It needs to breath . Blower up.

mirage2991

that question has been asked since 2009 LOL

I loved my 08 Z06 so much that in 2012 I bougth a new left over 2011 ZR1. My thoughts were if the Z06 is so great, then the ZR1 will be just that much more...6 years later 0 regrets

DanMan35

Did the LS9 have valve guide issues like the LS7? What are the well known problems with the ZR1 that owners address?

BearZ06

That is a very short list. About the only thing I'm aware of is some earlier models had rotors that were slightly out of balance and caused some vibration at speed. GM replaced a few under warranty. It's a great car. FYI headers don't seem to add much other than sound until around 800 hp.

Gary '09 C6

Here's some reading for you, Dan.

Bottom line, the valve guide wear issue exists in the LS9 but can certainly be properly addressed.
The incidence of reported (on the CF) catastrophic LS9 engine failures is less than that of the LS7,
but about 30,000 LS7s were put into C6 Corvettes vs about 4,700 LS9s.

I own a C6 ZR1 and have also driven a C6 Z06...both are great cars. The LS9 is more powerful than the LS7,
and despite the bit of added weight of the ZR1, the difference in power is discernible. GLWP !


https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-the-cf.html

Bryan91SE

This review by Car and Driver is a good review in analyzing the differences between the Z's.

keeso6z

If you want 700rwhp it is easier to get there with the ZR1 and have stock drivability. I don't think you will have that with a big cam in a Z06 and still not get there on the HP. Go take a look at the performance packages at 21st Century Muscle Cars web site. Furthermore, the ZR1 is more exclusive and could be a really good buy in a few years as prices continue to fall. I have a C6 Z06 making 525rwhp, so about what you had and I love the car. But would I like to have a ZR1 - yes. A friend on the Forum took his to 21st Century and got their minimal performance package and is putting down 632rwhp with stock drivability. To get a car for $55K that sold new for $120K is a pretty good bargain. But the C6 Z is an even better bargain at $35-$40K and those could drop to $30K. The C6 Z prices seem to be holding their own a bit better than the ZR1 because they are already relatively cheap.

simnova6

Z06 is like a horse. ZR1 is like a unicorn. Which would you prefer

bjmsam

Bryan91SE

That's an amazing video! They were neck and neck most of the way through the turns until the straight-away when the ZR1 hit 182 mph and the Z06 hit 171 I think.