stuka1166

Hello all -
At 53, I am a first time corvette buyer, looking at either a C6 Z06 or Grand Sport. Looking for honest opinions, pros and cons.
I love the LS7 and 6 speed manual, but have heard the stories on the valve train.
I love the Grand Sports, because you do have the automatic option, albeit, not the same power.
I may be upgrading power options in the future, when I am ready to do so, not because I "have" too.
My budget will allow me either option, I just don't want to be disappointed.

Looking for experienced input.
Thanks so much !!

WA 2 FST

If you are planning to do upgrades like a supercharger, and you want an automatic, then it is a no-brainer... LS3 Grand Sport. If you really want a manual, then I'd get a Z06 and have the heads done to fix the potential dropped valve problem... many for sale have already had this done. A heads/cam Z06 is a ton of fun and will make roughly the same power as bolting on a blower to the LS3. The Grand Sport has a removable roof... I'm sure you are aware of all of these things.

Based on the limited info you gave us about what you like, I think you will be happy with either. If you're a hot-rodder type who likes to mod, again, both will satisfy you. I think you have to decide between an auto or manual transmission. I am about your age, and I had a supercharged GS that made over 600rwhp and it was fun, but it was an automatic. I sold it, and bought a ZR1... manual, fixed roof. it was a great decision for me, but then again, the car is not my daily driver.

jimijam

GS for the targa top.

Iceaxe

Z06

/End Discussion

JABCAT

I’ve had both & they’re both great cars. The only reason I got rid of the GS was to buy my current Carbon Edition Z06 which is what I have wanted for years. The GS is plenty fast & the LS3 responds well to modifications.

I’m not really a top off person so I prefer the fixed roof of the Z06. You’re going to be able to get a newer GS for the same price as an older Z06 (‘13 GS about the same as an ‘09 Z06 for example).

Bronk

If you want a convertible (C6), then it would be a GS.

Bronk

sonik_fury

I was in the same situation a year and a half ago. After MONTHS of research, GS. If you stick with the manual, you get a Wixom built, dry sump LS3, with similar/same brakes and suspension. Pros are unquestionable reliability, removable top, automatic option(bleh), cheaper insurance, all the 2008 upgrades, launch control on every manual GS you look at, newer car for the same price range, and equally good wide-body looks. Cons are no aluminum frame and 69hp less.
If the car is an investment get the Z06, probably be worth more someday. If you want to thrash the car WORRY-FREE, get the GS.

VINAL13

Need to ask the OP one IMPORTANT question before you just shut the door like that...
Does the OP desire any "open air" driving experiences?
ONLY If the answer is a 100% definite NO then the discussion can end, if not... OP needs to add another vehicle to the mix.

VINAL13

You need to add another OPTION...
Let's say you want the option for "open air" driving experiences in a C6.. BUT the LS3 in the C6 GS leaves you wanting for more right out of the box, you want the power of the LS7.
Then my friend you have another option to think about, the 2013 427!
It's been considered by many as near to a C6/Z06 convertible as you will ever find.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...d-test-review/

toozicon

Hi There..

Just my two cents...I am also 53 ( just made it about two weeks ago )...and bought my first Corvette about two months ago ( shipped from MN ). I opted for the 6 speed grand sport ( 2012 Centennial Edition ). I have been very happy so far and it is a dream to own and drive...Ive added a Corsa Cold Air Intake and a few smaller mods so far....I am pleased with the HP but have to admit it would be nice to have a bit more. Overall I am very happy with my decision. If you want crazy pull and think you will really want power to burn get the Z06. If you want plenty of power and a great looking vette w the ability to pull the top off...The GS is the way to go! Here is a pic just cause...BTW...You can't go wrong.

BluegrassMotorsport

It all depends on what is important to you. For me, the Z06 wasn't even in the running because it doesn't have a removable top and that was a big requirement for me. I use that feature often. For others, open air isn't as important. There's no wrong answer.

Patsgarage

Honestly if you are not going to track the car then the Z06 is overkill. There are very few (if any) public roads that you can use 430 hp, much less 505.

Frankie15

One and done.

I had a base model before the Z and don't miss the removable roof whatsoever. It was so damn noisy no matter what I tried to shut it up. It would always creak. Hated it. Good riddance!

HobbesTiger

Went through a similar decision almost 2 years ago. Ended up with a GS M6, but was also looking at the Z06. As others have said...

- The GS has the targa whereas the Z06 does not. If the temp is between 60-90℉, I am driving with the top off.
- The LS7 makes the Z06 is violently quick. Even today, there aren't very many cars that can hang with it to 100mph. The LS3 makes the GS quick, but I got used to the power level very quickly.
- You'll be able to get a newer GS for the same money.
- If you plan on tracking it, spend the money on the Z06.

And most importantly, I think that the GS with the gills is simply better looking than the single vent on the Z06.

HiVolts

Get the Z06 in a manual then get a GS in an auto.

I went with the Z because I wanted a 427, with a 6 speed and I love it. More power than I need but it’s there in an instant.

Dano523

GS is factory built for autocross work.

While the Z06, is factory built for high speed road course work instead.

CamarosRus

My Modified 12' Inferno Orange Grand Sport................

hubes

One more thing to mention, if you're looking at a manual, you might prefer the different gearing in the GS

Dave_in_VA

Both cars are extremely fast. Unless you're going to race the car either will be a bunch of fun to own and drive. One will have a significant cost advantage in terms of total cost of ownership.

On the street, you can only use eithers power for a few seconds without getting into all kinds of trouble. I've got a long, uphill freeway on ramp close to my house. I can get to about 95 or so on it before I'm on the brakes hard to get my speed down. I dont want to pop out on FW at careless and reckless ticket speed and get caught. In VA where I live that's a felony ticket.

I go out to West Virginia with my local corvette club and get routy. We get in the 80s pretty commonly out there, lots of twisty/quiet roads. Lots of fun. The club has a few 700/800 HP cars and my modified LS2 easily keeps up. Only so much speed and HP is practical on the street.

So unless you're going to heavily track the car, go GS and spend the savings customizing your car to your tasts.

TraceZ

I had to choose between Z06 or GS a few years ago.

I got the GS. 2013 Coupe with a manual transmission.

1) top options. painted top, transparent top, or topless.
2) no LS7 paranoia every time you think you hear a noise. I understand that the heads can be fixed but I didn't want a fixed car. I want a car that is confidently rock solid from the get go.
3) Better ride quality. The Z06 rides very harshly in my opinion. I've spent hours driving one on the interstate. It is very jarring.
4) The GS Coupe with a manual transmission gets the same dry sump oil system as a Z06 with the battery relocated to the rear hatch area.
5) The GS Coupe with a manual transmission gets a hand built LS3 with the builder's name plate attached
6) The GS Coupe with a manual transmission gets the forged crankshaft from the ZR1's LS9.
7) I was able to buy a newer lower mile car with the same money
8) My car doesn't have F55 magride, but the GS is more commonly found with it while the Z06 is more rare with it. This may be a consideration for you.

I also avoided 4LT cars because of the issues with the leather dash bubbling and separating.

I was set on 2LT or 3LT. Either one was fine because in 2013 the 2LT included everything that mattered to me anyhow. Head up display, Bose audio. Also got NAV and the dual mode exhaust. The NAV headunit in the 13 also works nicely with my iPhone and I'm able to play music off my phone. A few other option like the chrome wheels and upcharge paint color.

There is a lot of fun in the chase! Happy hunting.