maxxmuscle

Been lurking on the forum for a while and need some help.Just not feeling the new c7 so I going to get a c6.I could pick up a 3lt 2013 GS auto for a round 55 to 60 and add a supercharger and headers for another 10 grand or pick up a used 11 or 12 Z06 for around 70.I know the GS w/supercharger would get me around 600 hp but the Z06 is no push over .Any adviced would sure help alot.Thanks in advanced.

1MEANGS

I was in the same boat as you, was stuck between a new GS or a USED Z06... Decided to go a new GS 3LT! I'm gana have a blower put on in the new few months... So for me the ls3 is the by far the better car for boost & honestly there's nothing like buying a new car, nothing wrong with used but sometimes you just don't know what your getting! If Id have to chose again id make the same choice, GS is best of both worlds Good luck w/ your seach!

maxxmuscle

Thanks for the post 1MEANGS.If I do decide to go with GS, I'm lucky anuff to live close by Ragin Racing and Lethal Racing,so I know I would get top quality work done on my car.

Thomasmoto

We have had our GS for almost 2 years and we recently supercharged it and for us there really is no comparison. I'm not knocking the Z06, but I agree the LS3 is more reliable at those power levels and we can stow the top in the rear and/or see through the glass top which aids in everyday use as a daily driver. The Z is a great car, but really only does 1 thing best, their midrange power. The 427 is pretty tuff til you start leaning on it. The valve train is almost maxed out in stock form. The LS3 will take quite more abuse in boost or nitrous. The LS 3 will usually outlast the drivetrain behind it and it's much more enjoyable. JMHO

old motorhead

You might do a search on "LS7 valvetrain problems". An LS3 with positive manifold pressure looks like a whole lot better deal to me.

Thomasmoto

Oh and also "the sound of the blower" is like car guy Nirvana! And everyone I've taken for a ride, well when they get out you couldn't drive a needle up their butt with a sledgehammer, priceless :-)

playtoy

It all depends on your end goal with the car. If you want to build a big motor with a blower go with the GS. If you like having the top come off (or down if you are a convertible guy) get the GS. If you want a car with mild boost and just a good driver car go with the z06

Ferocious C6

A grand sport is just a wanna-be z06.
The z06 has a meaner engine, it's lighter and stiffer thanks to being a hardtop, and it has a better driveline.

11BladeGS

A GS isn't a "wanna-be" anything. It is a GS. The Z06 being a more purpose built car obviously has it's advantages. But a better driveline sure isn't one of them when the engine goes "pop".

J

speedraider

I would take a GS with a centrifugal supercharger anyday over a z06.

1MEANGS

Z06-TT

I'm making 816/843 on my stock ls7. Replaced the exhuast valves but other than that. And studs its stock

The ls7 driveline is alot better.

In the GS when you have to upgrade the rear what is the next option?........ A z06 rear.

1MEANGS

^ I don't think the Grandsport rear is gana pop @ 600hp the OP wants to be at!

69ls6

gs has the same rear as the zo6..same trans and all.Just has a better engine then ls7

maxxmuscle

Thanks for all the comments guys.I didn't want to start a GS VS Z06 war.I really love both cars but just can't decide on which one.I will not track the car or do 1/4 mile runs.I will do a little red lite racing.and will not take the top off the GS.I'm just at a point in life where I can finally get a true sports car and just can not decide which would be a better fit.

fairway97

I would go drive both the z06 is a not joke i went with the ls3 cause I add a&a kit but i think you will be happy with z06 with bolt ons 500 to the wheels

Luffsvette

GS vs Z06=No comparison.
Are you gonna drive the LeMans course to work everyday? Can those extra 100 lbs you are carrying in the GS be lost using Jenny Craig?
The GS got just too many good things going for it. Wide Body, LS3 engine, Can get Automatic, convertible and etc.
You mentioned you are not gonna race it so the GS is the way to go.

camirocz

I m really surprised how most of you put the z06 down.It is the most nimble ,lightest corvette,has power to spare and once you drive both cars,will make a grand sport feel like it needs more power.z06 is the way to go.

breecher_7

Choice here should depend on application.

Personally, I dislike the GS. I think it was a great marketing move by GM though, to give a car a Z06 like appearance at a cheaper price tag was definitly a way to refresh sales in the c6 market. My big hang up about it is the front fenders, as silly as that is. Those fenders and the grandsport emblem are ugly as hell.

Out of the box, the Z06 is more car. Its more powerful, its lighter, its stiffer, it really is one hell of a car.

The LS7 has its valve issues, this is no secret, but considering your are going to modify whatever you buy anyways a heads and cam package can easily remedy that. Plus, most of the LS7's I know that crapped out were seriously abused on the track. I beat the unholy hell out of one for years with zero failures.

The LS3, well built engine, proven to take forced induction well, its a great engine. If you get the GS with the TR6060 you still get the dry sump setup, so thats awesome.

Now, power adders and modification. You say your goal is 600hp, im going to assume flywheel by that statement as there is no mention of rwhp..

LS3 with nothing other then a A&A or ECS kit will do 550whp without blinking an eye on a conservative tune. On the other hand, do a heads an cam package on a LS7 and you are at that same power level naturally aspiriated and the Z06 will be hands down a faster car. Blower alone on the LS7 will crank out 600+whp without even trying.

Consider what you want and need out of the car. If track days are somthing that really interests you. Get the Z06 and go with a heads and cam package... If a nasty street car is your goal, you cant loose with either.

You need to drive them both, they are different animals.

maxxmuscle

Thanks again for all the help guys.Does the 2011-13 Z06 still have the vavle issues ? I thought on the newer models that was cleared up.My goal is 600 reliable rwhp.