C7Z vs C8Z - Weekend driver question
I went back a few months and didn't see a thread posing this question and it's been beaten to death in the C8Z forum but from the view of C8Z owners.
I currently have a C7 Z06 absolutely love it but the C8Z bug has bitten me.
The question is; has anyone went from a C7Z to a C8Z and regretted it? I'm concerned that I'll miss the low end torque. Unless I'm driving it spiritedly, it's rarely over 3000 rpms. Cruising in 6th at 70 and need to get around someone? Just give it some gas. Not sure if the C8Z will be able to do the same without downshifting a gear or two.
How does the LT6 sound at low-mid RPM and part throttle? Heard that some people say it has a weird tone at lower RPM. I've never heard one and there is a 0.00% that a dealer around here will let me test drive one.
My Z06 is a 2017 Z07 M7 w/ under 9k miles in Sterling Blue Metallic. Those aren't exactly growing on trees so if I sell it to buy a C8Z, it's not likely I'll ever find another one.
200k miles in c7 z06 vs 1.5k miles in c8 z06 :
Over time i will probably come to like the c8 better because it is easier to drive at the limit in turns, launches better from a WOT start, better forward visibility, better front splitter ground clearance, better seats/ergonomics, better stereo, more electronic screen features, etc. as in many reviews, but find the ride too harsh, exhaust note too whiny and dct/car dependability to be subpar.
It has been described by others as scalpel (c8) vs sledgehammer (c7). I love taming the beast of the c7 at wot, risking my life in high speed turns due to oversteer, pucker factor when rear starts to go sideways during an acceleration run, etc. in that it is a car which can scare you to death (and kill you if not careful) and that makes it so rewarding when well driven. I am not reckless on public roads, but i hope you catch my drift! So i did trade a c7 z06 A8, but don't regret it only because i kept my c7 zr1 M7 vert!
I'm not trying to claim that it isn't faster. I'm one of those owners who will never track the car (yeah yeah, I know lol) so I'm not concerned about how the cars compare at 10/10s.
Here are some examples of what I mean:
I had a CBR600 and then got a liter bike. Even though the 600 was way faster than my skill level, I found the liter bike much more enjoyable to ride. RPMs were more in the 6000-8000 range instead of the 600's 10000-120000 range in order to have the same level of acceleration
Ex GF had a S2000 and it was marvelous driving on a windy mountain road but terrible around town. Want to get around a car on a two lane road? You're downshifting from 6th to 3rd to get the RPMs up. Obviously the C8Z has way more TQ than a S2000 but the C7Z has way more TQ at 2500 than the C8Z has.
Had a TT 6 spd Supra BPU and sold it for a 2004 Cobra pullied/tune and while the Supra was just as fast, it was always felt slower because the boost had to build in the higher RPMS. The Cobra was violent.
So, to make a long post shirt, I *really* like torque and concerned I'd miss it.
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Your C7Z may be close to paid for before you actually are able to get the C8Z of your liking.
You will miss the instant torque, acceleration without downshifting, passing folks on the interstate without downshifting 2 or 3 gears and startling everyone in the pack.
You will enjoy the sound most of the time but other times you will wish the C8Z weren't so loud. Like every time you shoot a gap in traffic through town and every LEO within 5 blocks thinks you are intentionally showing your azz and takes it personally.
You will miss the gas mileage as the C8Z get less mileage and has a smaller tank so you will stop more often for fuel.
You will miss being able to reach into the back and grab whatever...... like your lady's purse or snacks on a trip.
You will certainly miss the storage behind the infotainment screen.
You will miss the smaller lighter car.
You will miss $50 oil changes.
You will miss the confidence of the C7 in the rain and that is really saying something. LOL
And most will miss the ability to add 40-70 hp with a few simple DIY bolt on parts and a tune.
In the C8Z you will love the sound most of the time.
You will like the blind spot warning system.
You will love the larger infotainment screen.
You will love the quick shifts and the paddle shift.
You will love the improved mag ride quality.
You will like the improved view over the nose.
You will like the 8600 rpm rev capability.
You will love the low speed traction at WOT.
You will like being able to adjust the brake feel.
You will love being able to set up/configure the car in 2 personal modes (My mode and Z mode).
And whatever you do, do not I repeat do not drive the C8Z over 60-65 mph where there is obvious standing water on the road. It will go its own way.
I can not emphasis this point enough.
200k in C7Z's
17K in C8Z's.
DAR.
Last edited by dar02081961; Dec 15, 2023 at 01:07 PM.
The LT6 wins the horsepower race because it can rev higher (Horsepower = Torque x (RPM/5252). Better performance is because it can stay in a lower gear longer.
It is interesting that the LT2 beats or matches the LT6 until about 5500rpm.
Last edited by Dave McDufford; Dec 14, 2023 at 07:03 PM.




It has been shown that a C7 Z06 M7 on a roll walked (Slightly) a C8 Z06. From a standing start, there is no question the advanced launch control and ME platform will beat a C7 Z06. That is where the C8 Z06 is making low quarter mile times - GM did a great job with the C8 Z06 launch control. There was just a video of a 10.5 at 128 (MPH is no faster than a C7 Z06).
On a road course with equal tires - I think it is a drivers match between the C7 Z06 Z07 and C8 Z06 Z07 (Which has also been shown to be true).
Last edited by c7gsmike; Dec 15, 2023 at 08:12 AM.




It has been shown that a C7 Z06 M7 on a roll walked (Slightly) a C8 Z06. From a standing start, there is no question the advanced launch control and ME platform will beat a C7 Z06. That is where the C8 Z06 is making low quarter mile times - GM did a great job with the C8 Z06 launch control. There was just a video of a 10.5 at 128 (MPH is no faster than a C7 Z06).
On a road course with equal tires - I think it is a drivers match between the C7 Z06 Z07 and C8 Z06 Z07 (Which has also been shown to be true).
I change my own oil here at the house so including the Ac Delco PF-64 filter current pricing has me at $64 plus tax for an oil change.
That all being said Mobil almost always has at least a $10 rebate on 5 qts.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-A...-5-qt/17034372
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/promotions.
DAR
















