SS Performance

I'm looking into getting a C6 to do some road racing HPDE type events. I don't think I will be autoXing.

So I'm not sure which one I should get, Z06, ZR1, Grand Sport or something else.

I was going to build a 4th gen Camaro but I think I can get more from a C6 and be in it for less.

I'm leaning towards a Z06, I know they have oiling problems but they can be overcome.

ZR1 is a bit pricey.

Car will see some street use but will primarily be a track car.

Thanks for any input/advice

dhowdy

If you were looking at a 4th gen f-body, what made you skip considering a C5?

SS Performance

I don't know, I just figured the C6 would offer more options & performance.

If I'm wrong please educate me.

Hi Volts Z06

C5 is your best bang for the buck.

Mark@AMT Motorsport

I would say you have the same good options between both variants, maybe a smidge more for the C5. C5Z vs C6 performance is negligible. C6Z is a bit faster than a C5Z for double the price, but way more in consumables, LS7 head concerns, and a driver mod in the C5Z will trump an extra 100 HP in the C6Z every time.

ZedO6

Like others have mentioned, the C5Z is a lot more bang for the buck and the way I see it, if you are considering a C6Z you can get the C5Z and spend some of the savings addressing issues that will be required on either car for track use. Like engine cooling, brake upgrades (the C6Z brake consumables are expensive and offer a marginal upgrade for track use over the C5Z), seating and safety. Plus the C5Z engines seem to be far more reliable than the C6Z's for track use. Not dissing the C6Z, but for me, the extra 100 hp was hard to justify for another $15K.

SS Performance

Since several people have mentioned going C5Z I have done some checking. Local to me the difference in price between the C5Z and C6Z is $5-$10K unless I want something with 100K plus miles. Granted $5-$10K isn't chump change but I am still conflicted.

Looking some more a C6 coupe LS2/LS3 is about the same as a C5Z. How is the performance/handling between these?

I guess the question is do the Z's have superior suspension packages or just engines?

Thanks

ponycar

A C5 is a great track car. The Grand Sport is the way to go in a C6 track car. The C6 Z06 is a monster on track, but can be very costly to track for many reasons. I know several people who have sold C6/7s to buy a C5 for track use.

Rexracer77

bah skip them all and be unique and save a bunch of money, go C4!!

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ual-trans.html

similar lap times as a C6 Z06 driven by instructor.

dhowdy

Where do you live? C5Zs seem to go for low 20s and C6Z for low 40s in comparable condition.

Personally, I'd go C5Z...

LS3s apparently have oiling issues on the track.

LS7s have head issues.

Suspension on all of them is super similar in design and it's easy enough to swap springs/shocks/bars and then it's all level playing field.

hungryhippo

Since a zr1 is in your budget, go with the c6 z06. It will need the least modifications since it already has the dry sump, wide wheels, additional cooling, and best powerband.

R_W

I went this route for the exact reason that a C6Z could be very costly if something goes wrong ($14k motor to pay for if you drop a valve).
The Grand Sport (6speed Manual) is basically a C6Z with different fenders, an LS3, and a steel frame. Plus the money I saved going with a GS went toward an oil cooler, bigger radiator, and other track oriented parts to combat this Texas heat during the track season.
Just food for thought.

SS Performance

Are Grand Sports & Z51 the same?

JerryTX

2nd Vote!!

ridenrunwv

I'm in a situation similar to the OP and recently joined the forum to do research. Base C5 cars are a decent bit cheaper than C5Z so if you don't mind spending the extra to modify is a C5Z worth the extra? I know they appear to be the most popular choice along with the FRC but wondered if the hardtop is really worth the premium.

Charley Hoyt

Speed cost money, so It is important to think through what you are really going to use the car for and define your budget expectations. I did Track events with my Corvette for years and had a great time doing it. As I started to get a bit faster I realized that my car wasn't a great race car and it wasn't a great street car anymore. A few years ago, I decided that I wanted more safety than I could get in a dual purpose car, so I turned my Corvette back into a street car and bought a dedicated racecar. At first I was looking at barely street legal C6z, then I looked at dedicated C5 caged race cars. But then I decided to go a different way and got a Radical which is a light weight (~1,300lbs), high down force (~1,700 lbs) racecar that is capable of 2.5g turning. You can get a used Radical for a similar price as a C6Z...but their are pluses and minuses. Consumables are minimal, for example brakes last forever... But engine overhauls are expensive. So think through what you really want to do with the car and how much you are willing to pay. If you can afford a dedicated car I would look at something with a cage and fire extinguishing system. Then have fun with the path you pick.

Charley

PSU_Vette

No. The Z51 was the predecessor to the Grand Sport. It (Z51) had different gear ratios, brakes, and suspension from the base model, as well as a small oil cooler. The Grand Sport has the flared fenders for wider tires, bigger brakes, dry sump, better suspension, etc as compared to the base model and Z51. If you can afford both, then definitelygo with the Grand Sport!

R_W

Not to thread hi-jack, but R&T did a good article on a C5Z.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...trackday-hero/

truth.b

No, they are similar but a manual grand sport is basically a Z06 with a smaller engine (LS3) and a steel frame (approx 150lbs heavier). I've been tracking & daily driving my stock GS for a little over 3 years and it has been great. If I was building a dedicated C6 track car I would start with a manual grand sport then add after market radiator, tires, sways, headers, tires, and race seats/harness. I guarantee with good driving you would be 95% faster and more reliable than most cars at any given HPDE.

If I really wanted to go all out I would add a big brake kit (AP Racing), high dollar coil-overs, upgraded drysump system, a mild cam to get at about 475 RWHP, and lastly true aero ala splitter/side-skirts/wing.

In short, 10K in additions builds you a track monster.

Queue shameless stock Grand Sport vid

SS Performance

Nice thanks.

What data logger/camera system are you using?