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Hello everyone, last week I went from a stock 2000 c5(with only vararam) to a 2019 GS. WOW, I really love this car, but now I have the mod problem! I like this car so much that I was thinking of procharging it. At this point I have to ask myself, is it better to just get rid of this Grand Sport in favor of a zo6? Looks like it would cost about the same in the end. Any suggestions?
The Z06 is designed from the ground up to be supercharged. It’s not a Stingray with a roots blower slapped on. It’s an entire package. Now, should you jump to Z06, are you going to be happy with 650/650??? Lol
I guess it depends on if you can find the Z you want at a decent price still and so forth.
Nothing wrong with building a GS with more power, since it really already mimics some of a Z already.
Seems kind of rush just getting the car to be thinking about getting rid of it already, especially the fees and taxes lost in terms of getting it on the road, but thats the stuff I think about.
I just wanted a Z and held out till I can afford one and find one as well.
Agree with others. Z06 is stock, will hold the value. A modified anything will lose money and cost more for repairs. Dealerships want to deal with OEM cars.
If the GS isn't enough, go Z06. Good luck.
You will regret procharging the GS because you will be limited on power. Mainly by the fuel system but when you over come that you will be limited by the weak LT1 pistons.
If you can get a Z06, get the Z06. A bolt on Z06 will be stupid fast and if you get the mod bug it can handle a lot more power than the LT1's can.
I find my gs to have more than enough power but if I was to mod I would stay na as I don't like superchargers, more weight over the engine, less balance in handling, different engine sound and power delivery. If you like supercharged cars you will be much better off getting a zo6.
Perhaps, GM's C8 Corvette Team, recognized this and dropped them in the C8 line-up?
Here we go again. Zo6 has more power, Grand sport has less power but more than enough for most people, better handling, less weight, less maintenance, less upfront cost, a nicer driving car, a naturally aspirated engine with a better sound and power delivery, does not overheat. Aside from those differences they are pretty much the same. Grand sport gives you Less bragging rights and not as much ego boost for those that need it. Lol.
I have to disagree with a stock GS being the "better sounding car." Also, newer Z06's don't overheat.The engine is built with forged internals to handle the power. I'm all for modding what you have and the GS would be a great platform but as others said resale value will be lost and so will reliability. Base engines usually end up with blowby and oil leaks where you least expect them unless you go easy on the boost.
I have a C7 Z (7 speed) and my father has the C7 GS (7 speed). I really enjoy driving both. The GS is easier to drive and I feel like I can get a little happier with the right foot. The Z06 is just stupid fast and at times scary. We both bought the same color. Dad has the chrome wheels with tan interior. I have the black wheels with black interior.
How much is enough?? It is addicting to keep getting more but, how much can you really use?
Buy the Z06 cuz it was made in so many more ways for that power.
I have a 2019 Z06 that I truly love. However, I came from a 2017 GS and it was a great car other than the somewhat harsh Z07 package across Iowa potholed roads. That can be somewhat cured with the suspension upgrade but I traded and did not do it. My point is though if you are just wanting more power and are willing to spend the money I would seriously look into doing a big cubic inch Katech naturally aspirated conversion package. All the performance of the Z and none of the drawbacks of supercharging. Another point is that Katech built the engine for Corvette Racing before GM took that program in house. They know what makes power and what will hold up. That is the car the C7 Z06 should have been in my opinion. If you are going to keep the car longterm the Katech package would be fun but if you plan to change again in a few years down the road go with trading to a Z06 as it will hold value better than a modified GS.
Here’s a slightly different approach to the problem:
Everyone knows that modifications hurt resale value so when considering modifying your GS as compared to to getting a stock ZO6, long term, you are probably better off with the ZO6 unless you are in a high tax/fee state where you will take a bath on the costs of the switch.
However, if you are going to modify the ZO6 things change because the ZO6’s long term value will take a hit similar to the hit the modified GS will take when you eventually sell it. In that case I’d probably go with the GS (you already own it and presumably it’s in excellent condition) and go the cam/heads/headers/ (fewer total bucks and less weight on the front wheels) or do a full build with forced induction and make some real power. A full build GS should actually be stronger than a modified ZO6 so that is something to ponder. Apart from standing pat this is going cost you some substantial dollars but, as the saying goes, life is short.
My personal policy is to buy my horsepower from the factory whenever possible so the ZO6 would be my first choice but when I got my C7 I ordered a GS (it already struggles to put power down in first and second gear) because I live in the city and literally have no place to exercise the legs of a ZO6.
03-23-2023, 02:12 AM
GS or Zo6
