C7 Z06 Discussion General Z06 Corvette Discussion, LT4 Corvette Technical Info, Performance Upgrades, Suspension Setup for Street or Track

C7Z vs C8Z - Weekend driver question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 13, 2023 | 06:08 PM
  #1  
GTE's Avatar
GTE
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 172
Likes: 117
From: Sacramento CA
Default C7Z vs C8Z - Weekend driver question

Hello all,

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.

Reply

Popular Reply

Dec 14, 2023, 08:49 PM
kenw's Avatar
kenw
VIR
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 127
From: Palmyra Va
Default

I am sure the C8Z is a incredible car but I can't get past the looks, I really do not like the exterior. I never tire of looking at the widebody C7 so I guess I will keep my
Watkins Glen Grey Z06.
Old Dec 13, 2023 | 07:30 PM
  #2  
ffr1352's Avatar
ffr1352
Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 570
Likes: 103
From: Atlanta Georgia
Default

If you can't find one on Turo, you can drive a c8 z06 Drive a Z06 Corvette | NCM Motorsports Park here or go for a ride along.

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!
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 06:56 AM
  #3  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,477
From: South Florida
Default

The C8 Z06 is faster than the C7 Z06 in all aspects. Especially from a dig. Don't let the numbers confuse you. They are FAST. You will not regret it.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 08:12 AM
  #4  
c7gsmike's Avatar
c7gsmike
Pro
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 671
Likes: 423
From: Ramsey, NJ
Default

I have a '19 ELB M7 Z06. I installed an AFE CAI, 2.3" pulley and a tune. Can't get enough seat time in my beast...I am on Ciocca's list in the low 600's now and will most likely get to order a year from now. I am still on the fence about trading in my Z towards the purchase of a C8Z. All the engine/DCT issues I read about cast some doubt as my C7Z is rock solid. Most people that have gone from C7Z to C8Z say they are very happy moving forward. I may have to get behind the wheel of one sometime before making final decision.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 09:55 AM
  #5  
jerkyboy's Avatar
jerkyboy
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 243
From: Northern VA
Default

I've been wringing my hands over this a bit. I have a 15 Z 7spd in DSOM (not as rare as the Sterling blue which is awesome btw OP). The engine sound and the rev range is amazing on the C8Z. I think it sounds like a weed trimmer at anything below full boil though. All the new tech is cool and it certainly has a ton of traction. It's fast. For ME, there is a lack of driver engagement with the C8 in general as compared to my C7 manual. The other part of it is the cost and crazy mark ups. I could probably get 55-60K for mine and spec'ing out a C8 to what I would want would put me around 140K if I was to get it at MSRP ,which is impossible at this point. I then ask myself if the C8Z is a 100K better Corvette than the C7. I can't say that it is for me.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 12:23 PM
  #6  
GTE's Avatar
GTE
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 172
Likes: 117
From: Sacramento CA
Default

Originally Posted by Internets_Ninja
The C8 Z06 is faster than the C7 Z06 in all aspects. Especially from a dig. Don't let the numbers confuse you. They are FAST. You will not regret it.

​​​​​​​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.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 12:47 PM
  #7  
c6txvette's Avatar
c6txvette
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 227
Default

Wam from a roll I’ve never seen a C8Z beat a C7Z stock vs stock. Correct me if I’m wrong. Mine is modded so I know it won’t be remotely close but I’m talking stock from a 50 roll
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 01:29 PM
  #8  
Gullwaydad's Avatar
Gullwaydad
Intermediate
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 9
From: Ocean City MD
Default

Originally Posted by jerkyboy
I've been wringing my hands over this a bit. I have a 15 Z 7spd in DSOM (not as rare as the Sterling blue which is awesome btw OP). The engine sound and the rev range is amazing on the C8Z. I think it sounds like a weed trimmer at anything below full boil though. All the new tech is cool and it certainly has a ton of traction. It's fast. For ME, there is a lack of driver engagement with the C8 in general as compared to my C7 manual. The other part of it is the cost and crazy mark ups. I could probably get 55-60K for mine and spec'ing out a C8 to what I would want would put me around 140K if I was to get it at MSRP ,which is impossible at this point. I then ask myself if the C8Z is a 100K better Corvette than the C7. I can't say that it is for me.
I have to agree with you, now have a '19 coupe, ZO6-ZO7 automatic, L2, w/ 34 K on it a daily driver, track once a year at Watkins Glen. I am on the short list at one of the Big 3 and expect to get a call in a few months @ MSRP. But, if I could even get c C8 ZO7 it will easily be $ 100 K more similarly equipped, if I got the call today, not sure what I would do.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 01:33 PM
  #9  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,477
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by c6txvette
Wam from a roll I’ve never seen a C8Z beat a C7Z stock vs stock. Correct me if I’m wrong. Mine is modded so I know it won’t be remotely close but I’m talking stock from a 50 roll
I've seen a stock C8 Z06 pull a stock C7 Z06, especially up top. But it could be a drivers race.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 03:53 PM
  #10  
dar02081961's Avatar
dar02081961
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 857
Default

Keep your C7Z and get the C8Z.
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.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 04:20 PM
  #11  
Dave McDufford's Avatar
Dave McDufford
Racer
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 90 Days
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 437
Likes: 54
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Default

I think looking at the torque/horsepower curves is interesting. The LT4 always has significantly more torque/horsepower than the LT6 (often by a lot) until its redline.

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.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 06:37 PM
  #12  
black2010gs's Avatar
black2010gs
Instructor
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 224
Likes: 104
Default

Depends what you value most in a sports car. Do you need a manual and/or low end torque? If not the C8Z will be more enjoyable. The question is whether it's worth the extra 100k for a similar specced car or not.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 07:08 PM
  #13  
Dave McDufford's Avatar
Dave McDufford
Racer
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 90 Days
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 437
Likes: 54
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by black2010gs
Depends what you value most in a sports car. Do you need a manual and/or low end torque? If not the C8Z will be more enjoyable. The question is whether it's worth the extra 100k for a similar specced car or not.
I would argue it is more than just low end torque. The LT4 has more torque/horsepower until its redline.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 08:49 PM
  #14  
kenw's Avatar
kenw
VIR
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 127
From: Palmyra Va
Default

I am sure the C8Z is a incredible car but I can't get past the looks, I really do not like the exterior. I never tire of looking at the widebody C7 so I guess I will keep my
Watkins Glen Grey Z06.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2023 | 08:58 PM
  #15  
Gixxerman's Avatar
Gixxerman
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 15,269
Likes: 4,208
From: Northern Illinois
2023 Corvette of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
Default

My C7 Z07 car has more power than any OEM C8, granted I have a little done to it, but car is a beast and absolute thrill to drive.. which is what I want for myself not a daily driver with training wheels Hell most of these cars to be driven at a high level is something most will never even come close to.. even with pro drivers it's tenths of a seconds difference on most of the high performance cars.. many here will just not approach the limits. Just bench and dyno chat in cyber world.... I know one thing you'll definitely miss is getting in a gorgeous C7 .. performance issues aside some of us .. sorry folks, and yes just like you I have my own opinion.. find the C8 an absolutely hideous incongruous looking turd.. and that stops many from being too interested in the tec. Some do not want to overlook some of the uglier angles of that car just to have the newest thing. I personally want to be proud of my ride I purchased, not embarrassed at it's shortcomings. I think all generations previously had something to like.. we seem to be beating a dead horse in C7 section for some of us.. we have what we love.. enjoy what you love.. and just go drive and form your own opinions. Fanboys race online, real opinions are formed out on the roads and tracks.
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2023 | 07:46 AM
  #16  
JG853's Avatar
JG853
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,573
Likes: 1,002
From: WI
Default

Originally Posted by Internets_Ninja
I've seen a stock C8 Z06 pull a stock C7 Z06, especially up top. But it could be a drivers race.
Please post the link.

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).
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2023 | 07:47 AM
  #17  
c7gsmike's Avatar
c7gsmike
Pro
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 671
Likes: 423
From: Ramsey, NJ
Default

Originally Posted by dar02081961
Keep you C7Z and get the C8Z.

You will miss $50 oil changes.

DAR.
Where does one get their oil changed for $50? I am paying just over $50 for 5 quarts of Mobil One 0W-40 Super Car Oil. So 2x that plus the filter if you do it yourself.

Last edited by c7gsmike; Dec 15, 2023 at 08:12 AM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C7Z vs C8Z - Weekend driver question

Old Dec 15, 2023 | 09:23 AM
  #18  
Gixxerman's Avatar
Gixxerman
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 15,269
Likes: 4,208
From: Northern Illinois
2023 Corvette of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
Default

Once again a pro driver in a Miata can most likely destroy both with regular Joe's at the wheel... all the fake videos and variables do not mean a thing.. what matters is what you can do behind the wheel of your own car at the end of the day.. so you may as well be looking at something you like
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2023 | 09:32 AM
  #19  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,477
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by JG853
Please post the link.

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 saw it with my own eyes on the street. I have no idea what has been recorded and put up on the internet.
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2023 | 10:38 AM
  #20  
dar02081961's Avatar
dar02081961
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 857
Default

Originally Posted by c7gsmike
Where does one get their oil changed for $50? I am paying just over $50 for 5 quarts of Mobil One 0W-40 Super Car Oil. So 2x that plus the filter if you do it yourself.
You are technically correct it does cost me a little more than $50 now. I was basing my comment on $22 for 5 quarts which it had been for years up until this past summer. C7 factory fill is Mobil 1 5W-30.
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
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:40 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE