carfitzy

My uncle suddenly passed away and he always wanted a corvette and we always talked about getting one. I want to make his dream come true (have learned the term "dont wait to start living" since he passed) but I am stuck between c6 gs or a z06. The z06 would be something he would of been so proud of but the gs is just more practical especially for a DD

No intentions to track but plan on a long term ownership (and turning it into the car that would make me thr cool uncle to my nieces and nephews)
If I went z06 I know I'll need to get heads/etc taken care of which adds to the cost but would be the dream for sure
If I went gs I'd keep it relatively stock (headers only probably) then go for a a&a supercharger from rpm but that would be 3-4 years down the line just because I want to enjoy my first raw v8 power

I'm 26 w no plans for kids and budget wise 35-45k if that matters

PMPerformance

Really, both are complete overkill if you aren’t going to track.

If money is not an option and you are willing to fix the heads and want the raw power, Z06 is the obvious choice.

If you want all the Z06 bits without the Z06 problems, the GS is the best compromise out there.

VetteVinnie

If you're planning to supercharge, then my vote is Grand Sport. The LS7 (with fixed heads) is a great engine NA, but the thinner cylinder walls (unless you sleeve it) and higher compression could hurt the long-term reliability. Of course, a competent tuner can help mitigate some of the risk especially if you run E85 that is less prone to detonation. I've seen my share of leaned out cylinder 7 on LS7s cracking pistons. My LS7 in my 2008 Z06 also had a lifter seize and eat a lobe off the cam shaft, but I've also seen that happen with LS3s that are modified. Bottom line, a bone stock LS3 is probably among the most reliable outside the LS9, which is all forged from the factory.

Your budget can get you a really nice low-mileage and well-optioned Grand Sport. But it could also get you a higher mileage, older Z06. If you go Z06, my recommendation is to start with 2009 since it not only has the beefier TR6060 transmission, it also has the higher capacity dry sump tank that the ZR1 has.

Good luck.

EDIT: Incidentally, I had a 2003 Z06 for a few years and then went to a 2006 Z51 with an automatic. When I traded that 2006 coupe for my 2008 Z06, that Z06 was scary fast even in stock form compared to those two previous vehicles. My Grand Sport isn't nearly as powerful nor fast because that LS7 engine has gobs of torque and can light up the tires with ease. So that's something else to keep in mind. A bone stock Z06 with fixed heads will probably be more than enough power for anyone, especially for someone new to Corvettes.

sramzzz

Kinda of a loaded question because we all buy these cars for differen reasons. For me the GS would be the only option as I am a convertible guy so the Z06 would not check that box.

Travlee

27k miles, heads fixed.... top of your budget

https://hotrides.com/2009-chevrolet-...-75006/7303290

or a 5k mile RF edition

https://hotrides.com/2007-chevrolet-...-75006/7241601

vetteish

Thats a great budget. I love my GS and would get another. Sometimes i wonder how much i would like the ls7 power-but really have no need for it

FatsWaller

To add to the above, if you want a vert or the removable targa top, then those are not available in a Z06. There is a 427 vert, but those are pretty hard to find relatively speaking, and there’s still the heads issue since it’s the same engine.

VetteVinnie

I seriously considered a 427 convertible when I started shopping for a convertible in 2022. But the price difference (~$60K vs. the $38,500 I paid for the GS) made the decision a whole lot easier for me.

C6_Prodigy

Sorry about your uncle.

Welcome to the forum.

As a fellow younger C6 owner, I couldn't agree more with responsibly living the life you want to live today instead of waiting until a "better" time.

You can't go wrong with either cars. Both engines have their pros and cons. The LS7 with fixed heads, headers, and cam sounds soooo good and will hurt a lot of feelings if you end up doing any racing. The LS3 is very nice and a legend in its own right, but needs boost to be in the LS7's ballpark, which comes with its own set of issues.

I went GS because I've always wanted a boosted car, and this will be the one I do it with. I also highly value the removable roof of the GS.

Tally Ho

The two main things you need to consider are:

1. Do you want auto or manual trans (Z06 is manual only).
2. Do you want fixed roof or targa/convertible (Z06 is fixed roof).

Good luck with your search.

Kevin Mason

If I were looking for a true DD, as in "I have no other car and I drive each day to work, groceries, etc.", I'd take the GS. Fewer hassles and Uber trips.

I have a Z06, FWIW, but I am in a different situation.

LOURDESBELLE

I too, wanted a Z06 and then dealing with the cylinder heads issues made me looked at the Grandsport. Yes, the Z06 LS7 427 is amazing.
But the Grandsport LS3 with a Supercharger is even more amazing. No regrets for me. Good luck on your decision.

carfitzy

Grand sport does seem to be the winner. Checks off all the boxes I realistically need. (10 years from now I'll just have the wife buy me a zr1 )

thank you guys for all the suggestions/advice. If you guys see any manual 2+lt GS for sale nearby Delaware hit a brother up <3

StayinStock

Sorry for your loss, I'm a bit bias so i voted GS but if your aware of the head issues and willing to do the fix then the z06 is a winner too. At that point its really your preference. The GS overall will be cheaper to maintain over its lifespan.

MikeFloyd

My C6 is a 2013 427 Convertible. It has everything I wanted.

LOURDESBELLE

Just to add an engine pic of my Supercharged 2013 Grandsport. With Kooks long tubes headers, it’s pumping out 623 RWHP!

PMPerformance

yea I forgot to mention I was not willing to trade off a targa top in my decision.

elementary46

almost zr1 power, good for you!

JABCAT

I've owned both. If you're not going to track/race, the above is really the primary consideration.

Also relating to the previous comment, why the desire to supercharge in a few years? If it's just because, that's cool, but both have more than enough power for the street.

My current Corvette is in the sig - Callaway supercharged Z06. So yes a Z06 can be supercharged, but I would't trust just anyone to supercharge an LS7.

My '12 GS had Longtubes, high-flow cats and Corsa Xtreme exhaust. I updated my interior with an aftermarket head unit, custom leather seat skins and other leather to cover the plastic interior pieces. Custom steering wheel.

My Z06 has Corsa Xtreme exhaust & I've updated the interior similarly to the GS but with Alcantara & real carbon fiber.

My personal opinion re: daily driving, I wouldn't daily either. Maybe in my mid-20's I would've ignored the hassle it is to dd a Corvette, but now in my mid-40s, the Corvette is a weekend only toy. If you like current tech in your vehicles realize a C6 is like having an Atari 2600 video game console (being in your 20s you'll probably have to google that ). You can put an aftermarket head unit in it, but that's really about the only update you can do. The seats in the C6 are horrible (another reason I wouldn't dd).

Good luck with whatever you choose.


2012 GS manual

2011 Callaway SC652 Carbon Edition Z06

jbc1995fb

This is the best answer and no one can answer that for you. I see that you did say the GS seems to be the winner in your other post.

The 3rd thing to consider is color. Everything else option wise is easier to upgrade or change later on if you can't get 100% match. (exhaust, headers, radio, seats, HUD) etc.