C6 or Import a Z06?
Discussion
Have just seen a 2009 for 40k and a 2008 for 42k !!!
There is also the option of a Grand Sport, looks like a Z06 but with the
base running gear with a few changes.
Got my third corvette, a C5 Z06 from a guy called Adrian Dromey, 01507 211599.
There is also the option of a Grand Sport, looks like a Z06 but with the
base running gear with a few changes.
Got my third corvette, a C5 Z06 from a guy called Adrian Dromey, 01507 211599.
Edited by BlackZeD on Saturday 3rd September 22:59
Several years ago, having owned Corvettes since 1990, I was looking for a C6 Z06 but a UK/Euro car newer than 2008 was proving hard to find. I decided to try a 2008 C6 auto instead. It suited me and I ended the search for a C6 Z06. I now have a 2013 GS.
Yes, it could be an age thing - I can't help that (I wish I could sometimes) as it's all down to the year in which I was born. Or, it could just be down to my personal preference. One day you may be "old" and you may find that your opinion and preferences have changed.
Apologies to the OP that this has gone off topic. Ian Allan Motors in Virginia Water have a 2013 White GS Coupe - may be worth a look.
Yes, it could be an age thing - I can't help that (I wish I could sometimes) as it's all down to the year in which I was born. Or, it could just be down to my personal preference. One day you may be "old" and you may find that your opinion and preferences have changed.
Apologies to the OP that this has gone off topic. Ian Allan Motors in Virginia Water have a 2013 White GS Coupe - may be worth a look.
Is the gransport the exact chassis as the z06 just with different springs and ls3?
Any comment on the gear shift movement between the years and versions?
Any comment on the waterproofness of the vette? Do I need kiddy gloves like the tvr?
Any comment on the feel in terms of solidity conspired to TVR?
Finally. Any comment on track use of stock c6? Really want targa for the Alps for some reason. Perhaps I'm being stupid.
Any comment on the gear shift movement between the years and versions?
Any comment on the waterproofness of the vette? Do I need kiddy gloves like the tvr?
Any comment on the feel in terms of solidity conspired to TVR?
Finally. Any comment on track use of stock c6? Really want targa for the Alps for some reason. Perhaps I'm being stupid.
e46m3c said:
Is the gransport the exact chassis as the z06 just with different springs and ls3?
Any comment on the gear shift movement between the years and versions?
Any comment on the waterproofness of the vette? Do I need kiddy gloves like the tvr?
Any comment on the feel in terms of solidity conspired to TVR?
Finally. Any comment on track use of stock c6? Really want targa for the Alps for some reason. Perhaps I'm being stupid.
http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c6-corvette-general-discussion/2896022-z06-vs-grand-sport.htmlAny comment on the gear shift movement between the years and versions?
Any comment on the waterproofness of the vette? Do I need kiddy gloves like the tvr?
Any comment on the feel in terms of solidity conspired to TVR?
Finally. Any comment on track use of stock c6? Really want targa for the Alps for some reason. Perhaps I'm being stupid.
Waterproofness- no problem
No comparison to a TVR; totally different animal
05-07 = t56 transmission
08+ (could be registered 07!!!) gets the tr6060 - if you're tracking, ignore all slushbox options.
This is the same for the Z but it only came out in 06.
Tr6060 supposedly gives improved feel but all my yank Vette mates say they don't notice any difference. I have an 05 which I dropped the box from and sent to RPM transmissions for a rebuild (stage IV) and it is 'usable' when cold but at temp is ok when you get used to it. At track temps ( I do about 8-10 a year) it is sublime. Never missed a shift, it just happens, no baulking at all etc. This is the way around I would want it.
05 is a single year rear diff and if you want to swap it out you need to change the tailshaft housing on the transmission. Another big DIY job which probably isn't necessary. Quite a few 05 diffs have grenaded in the states but as far as I can see all big power cars being dragged - (wheelhop!)
Z mainshaft is stronger (32 spline iirc vice 24?) means you can't swap out a Z diff or transmission independently. Pretty much all driveline components are slightly upgraded on the Z but are invisible iyswim?
08 also sees intro of the LS3(more power) and faster steering rack/improved feel mainly.
Z has LS7 for all years. My understanding (no expert) on the LS7 is the early ones were prone to oil starvation and dropping valves (small number but a genuine issue) again, my pretty extensive list of yank Vette mates say they wouldn't buy a Z without evidence of the valve train and head work upgrades done - circa 2k dollar in the land of plenty.
Seats are s
te in all versions/all years. You sit on not in - suitable for old people though 
. Not suitable for track use, period.
Brakes are crap in standard form, I mean Z51, don't even consider a none Z51 for your use, that adds coolers for oil, tranny and PS. However, I do 'drive' the car, lot's of it in 110 degree heat of Nevada desert and I am still on the original caliper. I have DBA 4k discs all around and have track compound pads. So many options it's untrue! I swap the fluid before a track weekend and experience little in the way of fade. Obviously the Z brakes are better but if you don't change out discs and pads you'll kill them on track - trust me. Anybody who is tracking in anyway seriously will want a BBK on a Z06.
You will need new wheels on the coupe if you want to fit Z brakes as they will not clear the calipers without spacers.
Wilwood have a great caliper upgrade kit (aero6?) that works with the stock size discs and then also with the larger Z disc thus allowing an element of staged upgradeability. Sells for less than a set of Z brakes does secondhand, a no brainer for me.
The roof! I love the Z, it really is a supercar slayer but yeah that fixed roof is a killer! They have addressed it now with the C7 but that's a few dollars more! I love my coupe, I use in similar ways to I think you want to, it is definitely enough car in all respects. Taking the roof off and smashing along at silly speeds is remarkably civilised. I just wouldn't consider a vert, especially with the track use.
There is a good video on youtube where they test the Z51, the Z06 and the ZR1 back to back on track. It doesn't take the brains of an archbishop to work out which order they finished on a timed lap but the conclusion from the testers was that for the increased cost the Z06 was a bit of a let down and much less 'chuckable' so in their opinion a bit less fun. Not saying that is the order I would have them but it's food for thought.
If I were buying another (and I might) I would definitely be buying a manual Grandsport. All that widebody loveliness and dry sump action - lovely. Oh and if you really need those extra 65-70 horses (you don't) then you can practically bolt that on!
GS has steel chassis like the coupe. It effectively replaced the Z51 option in the states. Widebody, Z brakes, coolers for everything, dry sump, it's the perfect compromise but yes, you don't get the LS7.
Never had a TVR but I understand they are kit cars pretending to be a production vehicle and not comparable. I'd love one obviously but I think the Vette is the thinking mans version. It won't leak lol.
2005 Z51 MN6, Halltech CAI, Fast 92mm intake, MSD coils, Kooks headers, Magnaflow SS with high flow cats, TSW Alloys, none runflat tyres!, Pfadt stage 1 ARBs and shocks, Z06 springs all add up to a lot of smiles on track for me. I doubt you'll be disappointed, maybe a fraction of second slower than if you got the Z but there you go!!!
I've done 60k miles in mine over 6 years, camping, touring, tracking, posing. Done more trackdays in it than I can remember, if you want anything more specific let me know.
Ultimately they are all pretty sweet.
08+ (could be registered 07!!!) gets the tr6060 - if you're tracking, ignore all slushbox options.
This is the same for the Z but it only came out in 06.
Tr6060 supposedly gives improved feel but all my yank Vette mates say they don't notice any difference. I have an 05 which I dropped the box from and sent to RPM transmissions for a rebuild (stage IV) and it is 'usable' when cold but at temp is ok when you get used to it. At track temps ( I do about 8-10 a year) it is sublime. Never missed a shift, it just happens, no baulking at all etc. This is the way around I would want it.
05 is a single year rear diff and if you want to swap it out you need to change the tailshaft housing on the transmission. Another big DIY job which probably isn't necessary. Quite a few 05 diffs have grenaded in the states but as far as I can see all big power cars being dragged - (wheelhop!)
Z mainshaft is stronger (32 spline iirc vice 24?) means you can't swap out a Z diff or transmission independently. Pretty much all driveline components are slightly upgraded on the Z but are invisible iyswim?
08 also sees intro of the LS3(more power) and faster steering rack/improved feel mainly.
Z has LS7 for all years. My understanding (no expert) on the LS7 is the early ones were prone to oil starvation and dropping valves (small number but a genuine issue) again, my pretty extensive list of yank Vette mates say they wouldn't buy a Z without evidence of the valve train and head work upgrades done - circa 2k dollar in the land of plenty.
Seats are s
te in all versions/all years. You sit on not in - suitable for old people though . Not suitable for track use, period. Brakes are crap in standard form, I mean Z51, don't even consider a none Z51 for your use, that adds coolers for oil, tranny and PS. However, I do 'drive' the car, lot's of it in 110 degree heat of Nevada desert and I am still on the original caliper. I have DBA 4k discs all around and have track compound pads. So many options it's untrue! I swap the fluid before a track weekend and experience little in the way of fade. Obviously the Z brakes are better but if you don't change out discs and pads you'll kill them on track - trust me. Anybody who is tracking in anyway seriously will want a BBK on a Z06.
You will need new wheels on the coupe if you want to fit Z brakes as they will not clear the calipers without spacers.
Wilwood have a great caliper upgrade kit (aero6?) that works with the stock size discs and then also with the larger Z disc thus allowing an element of staged upgradeability. Sells for less than a set of Z brakes does secondhand, a no brainer for me.
The roof! I love the Z, it really is a supercar slayer but yeah that fixed roof is a killer! They have addressed it now with the C7 but that's a few dollars more! I love my coupe, I use in similar ways to I think you want to, it is definitely enough car in all respects. Taking the roof off and smashing along at silly speeds is remarkably civilised. I just wouldn't consider a vert, especially with the track use.
There is a good video on youtube where they test the Z51, the Z06 and the ZR1 back to back on track. It doesn't take the brains of an archbishop to work out which order they finished on a timed lap but the conclusion from the testers was that for the increased cost the Z06 was a bit of a let down and much less 'chuckable' so in their opinion a bit less fun. Not saying that is the order I would have them but it's food for thought.
If I were buying another (and I might) I would definitely be buying a manual Grandsport. All that widebody loveliness and dry sump action - lovely. Oh and if you really need those extra 65-70 horses (you don't) then you can practically bolt that on!
GS has steel chassis like the coupe. It effectively replaced the Z51 option in the states. Widebody, Z brakes, coolers for everything, dry sump, it's the perfect compromise but yes, you don't get the LS7.
Never had a TVR but I understand they are kit cars pretending to be a production vehicle and not comparable. I'd love one obviously but I think the Vette is the thinking mans version. It won't leak lol.
2005 Z51 MN6, Halltech CAI, Fast 92mm intake, MSD coils, Kooks headers, Magnaflow SS with high flow cats, TSW Alloys, none runflat tyres!, Pfadt stage 1 ARBs and shocks, Z06 springs all add up to a lot of smiles on track for me. I doubt you'll be disappointed, maybe a fraction of second slower than if you got the Z but there you go!!!
I've done 60k miles in mine over 6 years, camping, touring, tracking, posing. Done more trackdays in it than I can remember, if you want anything more specific let me know.
Ultimately they are all pretty sweet.
e46m3c said:
Is the gransport the exact chassis as the z06 just with different springs and ls3?
Any comment on the gear shift movement between the years and versions?
Any comment on the waterproofness of the vette? Do I need kiddy gloves like the tvr?
Any comment on the feel in terms of solidity conspired to TVR?
Finally. Any comment on track use of stock c6? Really want targa for the Alps for some reason. Perhaps I'm being stupid.
Any comment on the gear shift movement between the years and versions?
Any comment on the waterproofness of the vette? Do I need kiddy gloves like the tvr?
Any comment on the feel in terms of solidity conspired to TVR?
Finally. Any comment on track use of stock c6? Really want targa for the Alps for some reason. Perhaps I'm being stupid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRU5zSpdnlI
There ya go, found it. This will cause arguments lol........
There ya go, found it. This will cause arguments lol........
AdeTuono said:
C6NL said:
AdeTuono said:
You can service it with a pen-knife and it'll just go on & on.
LS7 certainly not bombproof, do a search for LS7 wiggle test, numerous LS7 have blown up, specially in Germany where they are driven hard.No idea what the numbers involved are, but even taking that problem into account, the LS7's are still pretty robust with minimum intervention.
JM my heads still need addressing, I have been looking at a lot of
different options either importing new heads and selling mine or getting
some rebuilt ones from American Heritage Performance with a core exchange
or selling them over here and sending cash instead or heads back.
Do you know someone who could do the guides "correctly" over here ??
Either send heads or take car in ?
different options either importing new heads and selling mine or getting
some rebuilt ones from American Heritage Performance with a core exchange
or selling them over here and sending cash instead or heads back.
Do you know someone who could do the guides "correctly" over here ??
Either send heads or take car in ?
e46m3c said:
Just to clarify. The Z51 package also adds extra rads?
Im curious as to when that add says "z51 suspension package" if its actually the Z51 pack.
Right now im learning towards this one to be honest.
However I suppose Aston Vantage is also in this range.
Yes it does, coolers for oil/transmission and power steering.Im curious as to when that add says "z51 suspension package" if its actually the Z51 pack.
Right now im learning towards this one to be honest.
However I suppose Aston Vantage is also in this range.
Suspension = thicker antiroll bars, different shocks and different spring ratings.
Brakes = thicker pads, slotted/grooved discs
Gears = closer ratios
Might be other trivial stuff, can't think off top the head.
The none Z51 is really really soft and designed for the pensioner market.
Euro versions were different I believe? I don't 'think' you could order a none Z51 in euroland?
Z06 also has a diff oil cooler.
BlackZeD said:
JM my heads still need addressing, I have been looking at a lot of
different options either importing new heads and selling mine or getting
some rebuilt ones from American Heritage Performance with a core exchange
or selling them over here and sending cash instead or heads back.
Do you know someone who could do the guides "correctly" over here ??
Either send heads or take car in ?
The chaps that did mine were brilliant. Tipton Garage http://www.tiptongarage.co.uk/ They are real engineers. I bought the parts from the States and they did the rest.different options either importing new heads and selling mine or getting
some rebuilt ones from American Heritage Performance with a core exchange
or selling them over here and sending cash instead or heads back.
Do you know someone who could do the guides "correctly" over here ??
Either send heads or take car in ?
If only you'd been asking a few months ago, you could have had my C6 Z06 for £30k!
I went from a Tuscan to a Z06 and then to a Sagaris; in each case I overlapped the cars by a year or two so was in a good position to make comparisons.
The Z06 is vastly more solid than the Tuscan; everything feels very well put together. It is also very planted - where the Tuscan felt a bit floaty at 1.6 leptons, the Z06 felt perfect at an indicated 1.99 (not on a UK road, I hasten to add!). Yes, one could break traction, but in a more predictable manner than in the Tuscan, plus you've got TC looking after you if you need it. The Z's boot is even bigger (substantially) than the Tuscan's, and I didn't often find that I missed being able to remove the roof. For one thing, the air con in the Z is vastly superior!
In terms of noises, the Z06 doesn't have all the squeaks of the Tuscan, but it isn't a quiet environment largely because of the noise from those massive tyres. The tyres do a great job of enabling fast cornering but they can be a downside, not just because of the noise, and the previously mentioned aquaplaning (only once in ten years in my case though) but also because they are so expensive to replace. They're the only big maintenance cost on the car though, so if you can find a well priced source for tyres then I would say go for it - it's a superb car, that is brutal, yet also grown up.
I went from a Tuscan to a Z06 and then to a Sagaris; in each case I overlapped the cars by a year or two so was in a good position to make comparisons.
The Z06 is vastly more solid than the Tuscan; everything feels very well put together. It is also very planted - where the Tuscan felt a bit floaty at 1.6 leptons, the Z06 felt perfect at an indicated 1.99 (not on a UK road, I hasten to add!). Yes, one could break traction, but in a more predictable manner than in the Tuscan, plus you've got TC looking after you if you need it. The Z's boot is even bigger (substantially) than the Tuscan's, and I didn't often find that I missed being able to remove the roof. For one thing, the air con in the Z is vastly superior!
In terms of noises, the Z06 doesn't have all the squeaks of the Tuscan, but it isn't a quiet environment largely because of the noise from those massive tyres. The tyres do a great job of enabling fast cornering but they can be a downside, not just because of the noise, and the previously mentioned aquaplaning (only once in ten years in my case though) but also because they are so expensive to replace. They're the only big maintenance cost on the car though, so if you can find a well priced source for tyres then I would say go for it - it's a superb car, that is brutal, yet also grown up.
The JM said:
BlackZeD said:
JM my heads still need addressing, I have been looking at a lot of
different options either importing new heads and selling mine or getting
some rebuilt ones from American Heritage Performance with a core exchange
or selling them over here and sending cash instead or heads back.
Do you know someone who could do the guides "correctly" over here ??
Either send heads or take car in ?
The chaps that did mine were brilliant. Tipton Garage http://www.tiptongarage.co.uk/ They are real engineers. I bought the parts from the States and they did the rest.different options either importing new heads and selling mine or getting
some rebuilt ones from American Heritage Performance with a core exchange
or selling them over here and sending cash instead or heads back.
Do you know someone who could do the guides "correctly" over here ??
Either send heads or take car in ?
Those boys are a long way away from me.
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