C8Z vs C7Z - My thoughts on which is the better track car
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C8Z vs C7Z - My thoughts on which is the better track car
About 9 months ago I posted a video on my thoughts on which is the better car, C7Z vs C8Z, after owning the C8 after a month.
I have now owned the C8z about 10 months and have done about 8 track days and have progressed a good amount, gotten very close to my PB’s on the C7z. So here’s a follow up, now comparing both on track and my opinion as to which I think is the better track car:
I have now owned the C8z about 10 months and have done about 8 track days and have progressed a good amount, gotten very close to my PB’s on the C7z. So here’s a follow up, now comparing both on track and my opinion as to which I think is the better track car:
Sr.Random input generator
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Sammamish, WA
C8 Z51 and C8 Z06 are about the same curb weight, and yet the MCS coilovers that worked just fine on Z51 were utterly insufficient on the C8 Z07 when I switched them over, despite having identical suspension geometry. I eventually switched to another set of coilovers meant for Z06, and it took me TWO more iterations of revalving to finally start liking the feeling of the rear end. I think it all has to do with the much taller CG the Z06 has at the rear, despite being about same curb weight, due to DOHC engine design.
You mentioned your brakes were getting into ice mode on C7Z all the time. Did you have exact same issues before installing the AP kit? on C7 Z06, the brake boosters of base and Z07 models are different, yet Essex racing doesn't know about it, and they developed their kit for 'one of them'. When I got my C7 Z07, I switched to J56 brakes, and immediately felt they were very spongy. I replaced the $100 brake booster to non-Z07 car version, and the issue was resolved.
I would love to do the similar change on C8 as well, but this time, it's the same brake booster with different 'program', which I cannot change : ( I ended up switching to Pagid RSL1E enduro pads to get to modulate them enough...
You mentioned your brakes were getting into ice mode on C7Z all the time. Did you have exact same issues before installing the AP kit? on C7 Z06, the brake boosters of base and Z07 models are different, yet Essex racing doesn't know about it, and they developed their kit for 'one of them'. When I got my C7 Z07, I switched to J56 brakes, and immediately felt they were very spongy. I replaced the $100 brake booster to non-Z07 car version, and the issue was resolved.
I would love to do the similar change on C8 as well, but this time, it's the same brake booster with different 'program', which I cannot change : ( I ended up switching to Pagid RSL1E enduro pads to get to modulate them enough...
Last edited by X25; Apr 28, 2026 at 07:27 PM.
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C8 Z51 and C8 Z06 are about the same curb weight, and yet the MCS coilovers that worked just fine on Z51 were utterly insufficient on the C8 Z07 when I switched them over, despite having identical suspension geometry. I eventually switched to another set of coilovers meant for Z06, and it took me TWO more iterations of revalving to finally start liking the feeling of the rear end. I think it all has to do with the much taller CG the Z06 has at the rear, despite being about same curb weight, due to DOHC engine design.
You mentioned your brakes were getting into ice mode on C7Z all the time. Did you have exact same issues before installing the AP kit? on C7 Z06, the brake boosters of base and Z07 models are different, yet Essex racing doesn't know about it, and they developed their kit for 'one of them'. When I got my C7 Z07, I switched to J56 brakes, and immediately felt they were very spongy. I replaced the $100 brake booster to non-Z07 car version, and the issue was resolved.
I would love to do the similar change on C8 as well, but this time, it's the same brake booster with different 'program', which I cannot change : ( I ended up switching to Pagid RSL1E enduro pads to get to modulate them enough...
You mentioned your brakes were getting into ice mode on C7Z all the time. Did you have exact same issues before installing the AP kit? on C7 Z06, the brake boosters of base and Z07 models are different, yet Essex racing doesn't know about it, and they developed their kit for 'one of them'. When I got my C7 Z07, I switched to J56 brakes, and immediately felt they were very spongy. I replaced the $100 brake booster to non-Z07 car version, and the issue was resolved.
I would love to do the similar change on C8 as well, but this time, it's the same brake booster with different 'program', which I cannot change : ( I ended up switching to Pagid RSL1E enduro pads to get to modulate them enough...
No I didn’t change the booster on the C7z. It was a base car with iron brakes so never really considered it, I thought that’s only needed if the came with CCB’s?
On the C8 I’m using Girodisk GP40’s and as long as I have smooth application the brakes do work better than on the C7 on stock or even AP’s.
I spoke to MCS about getting a 2 or 3 way setup done for me, they recommended that I “double” the factory spring rates and maybe add a bit more rear spring rate.
Is this correct?
Sr.Random input generator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,815
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From: Sammamish, WA
No I didn’t change the booster on the C7z. It was a base car with iron brakes so never really considered it, I thought that’s only needed if the came with CCB’s?
On the C8 I’m using Girodisk GP40’s and as long as I have smooth application the brakes do work better than on the C7 on stock or even AP’s.
I spoke to MCS about getting a 2 or 3 way setup done for me, they recommended that I “double” the factory spring rates and maybe add a bit more rear spring rate.
Is this correct?
On the C8 I’m using Girodisk GP40’s and as long as I have smooth application the brakes do work better than on the C7 on stock or even AP’s.
I spoke to MCS about getting a 2 or 3 way setup done for me, they recommended that I “double” the factory spring rates and maybe add a bit more rear spring rate.
Is this correct?
I started with MCS' 200 / 220 N/mm front/rear setup, and it wasn't sufficient. With advice from MCS, I upped it to 240 / 280, and later to 260 / 320. The last one stabilized the rear, but I no longer had enough traction, and lost lap times. It doesn't need anything more than that original 200 / 220 (which is double OEM), but it needs aggressive low speed comp and rebound to support the rear, and it hasn't. I discussed this all in my build thread : )
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Joined: Jan 2025
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C8 Z51 and C8 Z06 are about the same curb weight, and yet the MCS coilovers that worked just fine on Z51 were utterly insufficient on the C8 Z07 when I switched them over, despite having identical suspension geometry. I eventually switched to another set of coilovers meant for Z06, and it took me TWO more iterations of revalving to finally start liking the feeling of the rear end. I think it all has to do with the much taller CG the Z06 has at the rear, despite being about same curb weight, due to DOHC engine design.
You mentioned your brakes were getting into ice mode on C7Z all the time. Did you have exact same issues before installing the AP kit? on C7 Z06, the brake boosters of base and Z07 models are different, yet Essex racing doesn't know about it, and they developed their kit for 'one of them'. When I got my C7 Z07, I switched to J56 brakes, and immediately felt they were very spongy. I replaced the $100 brake booster to non-Z07 car version, and the issue was resolved.
I would love to do the similar change on C8 as well, but this time, it's the same brake booster with different 'program', which I cannot change : ( I ended up switching to Pagid RSL1E enduro pads to get to modulate them enough...
You mentioned your brakes were getting into ice mode on C7Z all the time. Did you have exact same issues before installing the AP kit? on C7 Z06, the brake boosters of base and Z07 models are different, yet Essex racing doesn't know about it, and they developed their kit for 'one of them'. When I got my C7 Z07, I switched to J56 brakes, and immediately felt they were very spongy. I replaced the $100 brake booster to non-Z07 car version, and the issue was resolved.
I would love to do the similar change on C8 as well, but this time, it's the same brake booster with different 'program', which I cannot change : ( I ended up switching to Pagid RSL1E enduro pads to get to modulate them enough...
Are you using those Pagid pads with CCB's or steel brakes?
I found my CCB's a bit of a "black box" on my first runs!
Thanks!
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 29
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From: FL
C7 Z07 booster's boost is "less" than Z06/J56 booster. As such, if you had too much boost with AP kit, perhaps Z07 (CCB) spec would fix it. Anyway, I suppose you sold the car, so it doesn't matter.
I started with MCS' 200 / 220 N/mm front/rear setup, and it wasn't sufficient. With advice from MCS, I upped it to 240 / 280, and later to 260 / 320. The last one stabilized the rear, but I no longer had enough traction, and lost lap times. It doesn't need anything more than that original 200 / 220 (which is double OEM), but it needs aggressive low speed comp and rebound to support the rear, and it hasn't. I discussed this all in my build thread : )
I started with MCS' 200 / 220 N/mm front/rear setup, and it wasn't sufficient. With advice from MCS, I upped it to 240 / 280, and later to 260 / 320. The last one stabilized the rear, but I no longer had enough traction, and lost lap times. It doesn't need anything more than that original 200 / 220 (which is double OEM), but it needs aggressive low speed comp and rebound to support the rear, and it hasn't. I discussed this all in my build thread : )
Last edited by KawiZX10r; Yesterday at 10:47 PM.
Sr.Random input generator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,815
Likes: 2,240
From: Sammamish, WA
On C7s and C8s, the issue is about reversed. On C8s, you also can't just install a different booster. The part number for the booster is all the same for C8s; it's just 'programmed' differently.
Your statement is correct for C7s. I was actually the one who brought it up for C7s : )
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1599420009
Your statement is correct for C7s. I was actually the one who brought it up for C7s : )
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1599420009
Last edited by X25; Today at 01:36 AM.
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From: WI
Thanks for the video.
Like both cars - Have you ever tried a tune A8 Z06 on track? The minute I did, I sold the manual as it made a huge difference in the A8 trans for the C7. Might need to ask a few shops for the set-up on the C8 based on the tracks you run.
Like both cars - Have you ever tried a tune A8 Z06 on track? The minute I did, I sold the manual as it made a huge difference in the A8 trans for the C7. Might need to ask a few shops for the set-up on the C8 based on the tracks you run.
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Joined: Aug 2025
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Black E, are saying it was a mistake installing the wider front tires on the C8Z, because the front/rear balance was messed up? Also, w.r.t. engagement, would using the paddle shifters on the DCT be more engaging, without losing lap time?
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No I have never actually driven an A8 car, on track not the street.
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Correct, the car does not like a wider front tire IMO.
I do use the paddles, I use “manual” shifting almost exclusively on track. The trans shifting logic in D ends up doing some ill timed downshifts at both of my local tracks so I rather take control.