11Black-GS

I bought my GS b/c a Z was out of my price range. If I were in your shoes I would get the Z06 but only if I could get a nice warranty with it in case the previous owner(s) used and abused it.

ButWhatDoIKnow

Easy, simple, to-the-point.

not08crmanymore

whichever one you like better.Newer is almost always better.Even though it's not apples to apples where performance is concerned.I like taking my roof off.My 2LT 13GS was had for less then 50 grand.Not a centennial though.

nous defions

I could not have stated it better (and, I actually didn't).

Goaty

I wouid go with the 12 GS. The LS7 issues scare me and I wouldn't own it without a warranty. Even if you can get a warranty on the Z06, it would be out of warranty in a few yrs.

Jeff-Ford

LFZ

Drive both to see what you prefer. Look at what you get with each model, then decide for yourself what best fits your needs/wants. If you do go with the Z06...don't let Corvette Forum hysteria convince you that your Z will break. There are a lot more strong running and driving Z06s out there versus broken ones.

Ozzy12

All comes down to what you are using it for. Me personally, I couldn't give up the ability to remove the top..it's 90% of the joy I get out of having a corvette. To me, the extra 69hp (436 v 505) just isn't worth the sacrifice of the open air driving. For ZR1 power, then yeah I might bite the bullet. Now, if I was a track guy and did that all the time, then okay I'd probably change to a Z, but for now I'm perfectly content with my base coupe.

Also agree with LFZ above, don't let the LS7 valve issue scare you. A lot of people found the forum because they had a problem and were looking for a solution or somewhere to voice their displeasure. I'd say you definitely would fined a lot fewer failures in the marketplace per capita than on the forum.

AmericanVette

I would pick the Z06.

KABAL182

I would drive both , that should help you decide. If it was me I would go with the GS because of the warranty. It may still have the 3/36 bumper to bumper on it and also the balance of the 5 year /100k drivetrain coverage. I myself would not feel comfortable with a Z06 not under warranty for 50k. PS you can extend coverage with GMPP.

kenw

While there is nothing wrong with the GS and the removable top is great but there is just something about the Z06.

R&L's C6

Exactly, enough of a reason to stay away from them IMO.

LFZ

Clear example of someone who's fallen for the hype.

R&L's C6

Are you saying they don't have a know, real problem with the valves on some of them?

Landru

Z06, hands-down.
My '08 JSB now has 32K & has been easily the most reliable, thoroughly enjoyable car (of any marque) I've ever owned. Pure joy to drive, and I'm one of those who loved my removable paneled Corvettes to boot.

Just one thing, the selling dealer (hopefully a GM store) may well offer you an extended waranty at time-of-sale, ideally a GMPP. Don't think, buy it. Do NOT "mod" the engine w/ tune, cam etc.
Doing so will void a warranty pronto.

FYI in the unlikely event your Z06 did suffer a broken exhaust valve it'd trash the engine requiring replacement. A new LS7 costs ~$18 large (+/- a few bucks) which would include installation. A risk not to be taken likely.

IF no waranty's available get the heads rebuilt, budget ~$3K for the job though I've seen less cost. Point is after heads are bullet proofed on nonwarrantied Z06s, it's ready for years of enjoyment.

QUAKEJAKE

The key statement here is"A self proclaimed gearhead" The only answer is the ZO6.

Ozzy12

I think that's with anything, not just LS7 exhaust valves. Look at the flying roof folks: I dont think it happens that often in the general Vette population, but when it does people find solace in seeking out others who did the same thing and before you know it you have a 20 page viral thread. Over on the Escalade forum everyone has an electrical issue: it doesn't mean that escalades have debilitating electrical issues and no one should buy one, its just that those issues come up and people ask others for their opinions and advice. Yes the issues exist, but it isn't every other car like a forum makes it sound like.

LFZ

Only the majority of guys that read this forum are convinced that all Z06s are destined for valve drop...like yourself. Go out into the real world, and its hardly existent. It's not enough reason for anyone to totally steer away from an opportunity of owning one of the greatest corvettes ever made.

Ward Cleaver

Hmm, I can't agree with this being a valid rationale that this fellow should be using in making his choice between the two cars.

Using your rationale, anytime a ZO6 owner (such as yourself) would see a ZR1 he would have to "try to convince himself" that his ZO6 is "almost" the same thing.

Or anytime a ZO6 owner is out and about in his car, "tons of people who don't know much about cars" will be asking..."Is that a ZR1?"
And then you have to tell them..."No, it's a ZO6," and explain to all of them why you chose it over the ZR1.

I don't imagine that "tons of people who don't know much about cars" are inquiring of you all the time whether or not your car is a ZR1.
When those "tons of people" see a Corvette, they simply see a Corvette...they don't see a ZR1 or a Grand Sport or a ZO6...because they "don't know much about cars" as you say (and even less about Corvettes). So they usually just say..."Hey man, nice looking Vette."

And the Corvette guys won't have to ask you what type of Corvette you have, because they already know about Corvettes.
From those guys you'll usually get a wave if you're out driving, or if you're in a parking lot they might give you a comment such as..."Hey man, nice looking Vette."

A friend of mine has a beautiful looking Grand Sport and that's the type of comment he usually gets. He tells me he can't recall even one time (much less "tons" of times) where he's had to stand in a parking lot and try to "explain" to people his reasoning for choosing a particular model of Corvette.




If the decision were mine, I'd easily choose the 2012 GS.
Here are my reasons (yours may be different)...

1) The 2012 is newer and still under factory warranty (a BIG check in the "plus" column for the 2012 Vette).

2) The 2009 is no longer covered by a factory warranty (a definite check in the "negative" column for the 2009 Vette).

3) Although both cars have the same mileage, it's more probable that the ZO6 was beaten harder or abused more during those miles than the Grand Sport was. Combine that with the warranty already being expired on the ZO6, and that places another check in the "negative" column for the 2009 Vette.

4) The cars I buy are for driving on public streets and highways. I have no interest in racing any car that I buy or beating it and attempting to push it to its limits on occasional weekends at a drag strip in an attempt to see how quickly I can cover a distance of 1/4 mile.
Therefore it's not that important for me to have a car that will go from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds as opposed to 4 seconds, or having the capability to attain a top speed of 197 MPH as opposed to 190 MPH...and most certainly not important enough for me to purchase an older car with an expired warranty to get an extra 7 MPH and an extra 3/10's of one second.
0 to 60 in 4 seconds and the capability of a top speed of 190 MPH is more than adequate for driving on public roads, and any C6 Corvette is easily capable of handling a winding country or mountain road without difficulty. For me, another check in the "plus" column for the 2012 Vette that's three years newer and still under factory warranty.

5) The Grand Sport is a better street car with a better ride, but still has the type of power, cornering ability and braking that need make no excuses to any imported sports car. Another check in the "plus" column for the 2012 Vette.


I guess the main thing you have to decide is whether you want a car that is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds as opposed to 4 seconds, is capable of a top speed of 197 MPH as opposed to 190 MPH, and has a somewhat stiffer suspension...all of whose limits you won't be testing and pushing unless you drive it at race tracks.

Then you have to decide if an extra 7 MPH top speed, 3/10's of one second and some stiffer suspension is important enough to you to buy a car that's three years older with an expired warranty.

Regards,
-Ward

RULEMKR

There's just something special about the Z, and will probably always be. JMO.