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Has anyone else seen all the C7 Z06 and GrandSport owners modifying their cars to look like ZR1’s?
They say imitation is the greatest form of flattering but I haven’t seen this many mod’s since the 60’s when everyone was putting FI, Stinger or Bubble hoods on their 327 CUI C2’s or all the C6 owners putting on the C6ZR1 rear spoiler
Not knocking it, as it definitely makes their car look better with our front nose clip,etc. I just can’t believe the volume
At least it takes a whole lot more parts than simply changing your rear bumper to square lights and adding a badge like it was in the C4 ZR-1 days. Only the eagle eyed could spot the wider fenders (and 3rd brake light on ‘91-up cars).
That is why when you buy C7 "ZR1 only" body parts it takes a VIN, proof of ownership, pictures, GM God's signature and sometimes installation by the Dealership where purchased or their Vendor.
Definitely lots of copycats out there! The other day I actually went through a lot of pictures just to try and figure out the key differences between a real ZR1 and those with full aftermarket body kits, and I found 3 main areas that you can use to distinguish between them:
1. Real ZR1s have a noticeable sharp crease starting from the hood cowl and extending all the way up to the corvette badge on the nose, none of the aftermarket bits replicate that from what I’ve seen.
2. Real ZR1s have 2 extra radiators on each side of the front end (we all know that to course), but in addition to that, there’s a support strut right in the middle inside the center grille. Aftermarket bits don’t have that.
3. The final main difference is that real ZR1s have a very sharp angle on the body-lines surrounding the fender vents, all other C7s have a rounded edge in that area (pictures to highlight the areas below. Also, a we all know, ZR1s are the only C7s to come with a true wide body up front, no fender flares, another thing I never saw replicated with other aftermarket bits).
Of course, the ZR1 is the only one to have the engine cover stay in place if you open up the hood
Also, if you’re actually planning on getting a C7 ZR1 and want to ensure it’s legit, the easiest way to do that (without needing to check any documentation or even opening the engine bay) is to simply see what drive mode the car has. The C7 ZR1 is the only C7 to have only 3 drive modes as opposed to 5 (Tour, Sport, and Track). It also has a ZR1 badge on the dash.)
1. Sharp crease on the hood and bumper 2. Sharp angle next to fender vents 3. Radiators and support strut
Definitely lots of copycats out there! The other day I actually went through a lot of pictures just to try and figure out the key differences between a real ZR1 and those with full aftermarket body kits, and I found 3 main areas that you can use to distinguish between them:
1. Real ZR1s have a noticeable sharp crease starting from the hood cowl and extending all the way up to the corvette badge on the nose, none of the aftermarket bits replicate that from what I’ve seen.
2. Real ZR1s have 2 extra radiators on each side of the front end (we all know that to course), but in addition to that, there’s a support strut right in the middle inside the center grille. Aftermarket bits don’t have that.
3. The final main difference is that real ZR1s have a very sharp angle on the body-lines surrounding the fender vents, all other C7s have a rounded edge in that area (pictures to highlight the areas below. Also, a we all know, ZR1s are the only C7s to come with a true wide body up front, no fender flares, another thing I never saw replicated with other aftermarket bits).
Of course, the ZR1 is the only one to have the engine cover stay in place if you open up the hood
Also, if you’re actually planning on getting a C7 ZR1 and want to ensure it’s legit, the easiest way to do that (without needing to check any documentation or even opening the engine bay) is to simply see what drive mode the car has. The C7 ZR1 is the only C7 to have only 3 drive modes as opposed to 5 (Tour, Sport, and Track). It also has a ZR1 badge on the dash.)
1. Sharp crease on the hood and bumper 2. Sharp angle next to fender vents 3. Radiators and support strut
Now this is a great breakdown of accurate information. The radiators and strut for the front diffuser are definitely a dead giveaway .
Thanks for taking the time to post and provide pic’s Prime
Definitely lots of copycats out there! The other day I actually went through a lot of pictures just to try and figure out the key differences between a real ZR1 and those with full aftermarket body kits, and I found 3 main areas that you can use to distinguish between them:
1. Real ZR1s have a noticeable sharp crease starting from the hood cowl and extending all the way up to the corvette badge on the nose, none of the aftermarket bits replicate that from what I’ve seen.
2. Real ZR1s have 2 extra radiators on each side of the front end (we all know that to course), but in addition to that, there’s a support strut right in the middle inside the center grille. Aftermarket bits don’t have that.
3. The final main difference is that real ZR1s have a very sharp angle on the body-lines surrounding the fender vents, all other C7s have a rounded edge in that area (pictures to highlight the areas below. Also, a we all know, ZR1s are the only C7s to come with a true wide body up front, no fender flares, another thing I never saw replicated with other aftermarket bits).
Of course, the ZR1 is the only one to have the engine cover stay in place if you open up the hood
Also, if you’re actually planning on getting a C7 ZR1 and want to ensure it’s legit, the easiest way to do that (without needing to check any documentation or even opening the engine bay) is to simply see what drive mode the car has. The C7 ZR1 is the only C7 to have only 3 drive modes as opposed to 5 (Tour, Sport, and Track). It also has a ZR1 badge on the dash.)
A few side notes, your Sebring Orange Designer Package (available on the 2019 ZR1) has the bronze colored dash (instead of the silver) on the aluminum panels, along with orange seat belts, stitching, orange brake calipers.
Warning, do NOT remove the center support strut of the splitter if your car sees high speed!
Adding the auxiliary radiators and intercoolers is a big outlay of time and money for someone with a Z06 looking to make a clone.
For me though, the easiest way to spot a fake is the front fenders. The ZR1 replica bumpers are meant to fit the front fenders on all the other C7s, which have “spats” to extend the width. The ZR1 fenders are bespoke and are just wider without the use of the spats.
I would also expect to see even more since the real ZR1s are just becoming way out of reach for many..
I have a 16 Z and the only copy I had thought about was getting the replica rims, but then decided to just roll with my stock chromes.
I am all for modding ones car however that they want to, but, I believe that this commandment holds true "thou shalt not badge anything it is not"
We all laid down the cash to buy a new ZR1, but how many here can say they "Built one" with their bare hands?
We can all share our 2 cents, but if it was YOU who did all the work, spent all they money and applied all the effort that Sammy did building a damn near perfect ZR1 clone, how would you react when someone tells you how you can or can not "Badge" your car?
Not sure about you, but I can say with all honesty someone would be on their *** looking up at the stars!
04-21-2023, 12:15 PM
C7Z06 to C7ZR1 parts conversion
