Best more modern Corvette to buy?
Discussion
Having just sold my trusty 1975 LS5 454 cube, i'm looking for a more modern but still American car, preferably another Corvette.
The old beast had aftermarket heads, ignition, cam, valve gear, intake manifold and exhausts plus a bit more. It gave an easy going 504 bhp and about the same in ft/lbs. But time had caught up with her and plenty needed doing so it went this afternoon to a friend in France who will make it wonderful, i am sure.
I am torn between a 6.2 litre, the C6 with 430 bhp and the 7011cc Z06 version, with 505 bhp. Are there any big ups or downs with these two motors? Is it a no-brainer to go for the bigger engine with more power? From what i remember doesn't the bigger engine have some nice engine parts as standard?
Which would you buy? Oh and how does the older 7 litre motor compare with the later C7's 460 bhp 6.2 powerplant?
The old beast had aftermarket heads, ignition, cam, valve gear, intake manifold and exhausts plus a bit more. It gave an easy going 504 bhp and about the same in ft/lbs. But time had caught up with her and plenty needed doing so it went this afternoon to a friend in France who will make it wonderful, i am sure.
I am torn between a 6.2 litre, the C6 with 430 bhp and the 7011cc Z06 version, with 505 bhp. Are there any big ups or downs with these two motors? Is it a no-brainer to go for the bigger engine with more power? From what i remember doesn't the bigger engine have some nice engine parts as standard?
Which would you buy? Oh and how does the older 7 litre motor compare with the later C7's 460 bhp 6.2 powerplant?
They say you can't beat cubes (and I'm an advocate of that with 489 of them in my C3) but the C6 Z06 IMHO is right on the edge of maximum capacity for the small block Chevy. Great looking car, some great kit on them, and they are certainly quick. Haven't been without their share of problems though have they. Probably most were sorted during warranty?. Of course the one that are left that haven't gone-off the road or been sold in Europe mean a bit of a price premium for them. My money would be of the later L6 Grand Sport. That had most of the Z06 features like Z06 body, wheel sizes and dry sump lube perhaps in a more useable package with auto as an option. But here's the rub, there are even fewer of there around that the Z06 and tend to be (pro-rata) at even more of a premium. Ever notice that GM brings out a 'hot' Vette (like the C5Z06 - and C6 Z06) with all the trick bits........and then the next model comes out with more or less (or certainly not far short) power as standard in a more user friendly package.
My money would be a 2008 onwards LS3 powered C6 and go and treat yourself to one on the many aftermarket supercharger or turbo kits readily available 'Stateside'.
My money would be a 2008 onwards LS3 powered C6 and go and treat yourself to one on the many aftermarket supercharger or turbo kits readily available 'Stateside'.
The Achilles heel of the LS7 is excessive wear to valve guides that some engines suffer due to a manufacturing error with the cylinder head.
Hence why there are lots of 'heads and cams' modified Z06 on the market. Problem solved.
Personally the main attraction of the C6 Z06 is the full monty 7 litres of NA power. A boosted LS3 doesn't do it for me.
Hence why there are lots of 'heads and cams' modified Z06 on the market. Problem solved.
Personally the main attraction of the C6 Z06 is the full monty 7 litres of NA power. A boosted LS3 doesn't do it for me.
Zarco said:
The Achilles heel of the LS7 is excessive wear to valve guides that some engines suffer due to a manufacturing error with the cylinder head.
Hence why there are lots of 'heads and cams' modified Z06 on the market. Problem solved.
Personally the main attraction of the C6 Z06 is the full monty 7 litres of NA power. A boosted LS3 doesn't do it for me.
640 bhp of American V8 sounds just fine!Hence why there are lots of 'heads and cams' modified Z06 on the market. Problem solved.
Personally the main attraction of the C6 Z06 is the full monty 7 litres of NA power. A boosted LS3 doesn't do it for me.
The JM said:
I can definitely recommend a C6 Z06 having owned one for over 10 years. Makes sure you either buy one with the heads "fixed" or get them fixed and you will have a monster of a car that is brilliant to drive.
I think it was your silver Z06 in the classifieds a couple of years ago that got me thinking I really want one. Just happened across it and it just struck me that it was a hell of a lot of car for the money. Since then I've been consuming all C6 Z06 stuff I can find, and hatching a plan. Always liked them but never had a real desire to own one until that day.It was whilst I looked back over old threads on here I put two and two together. I'm not stalking you. Promise
Both C6 Grand Sport or a Z06 are special cars, I'd love either.
For me, I think the Grand Sport would just edge it. The ability to remove the roof panel and bullet proof LS3, combined with wide body and dry sump are enough to swing it. A cam change and a few other bits would up the performance, although 430bhp is enough on our roads.
For me, I think the Grand Sport would just edge it. The ability to remove the roof panel and bullet proof LS3, combined with wide body and dry sump are enough to swing it. A cam change and a few other bits would up the performance, although 430bhp is enough on our roads.
Hi
Might be selling my 2015 C7 which has a Magnuson supercharger fitted. The car was standard but we import lots of Medical equipment from the US so just added the Supercharger to the consignment
Was fitted by Parts USA and the correct map entered and certainly makes a huge difference.
Very tractable car and with every available option fitted is quite desirable as its the EU spec bought through Ian Allen Motors.
Richard
Might be selling my 2015 C7 which has a Magnuson supercharger fitted. The car was standard but we import lots of Medical equipment from the US so just added the Supercharger to the consignment
Was fitted by Parts USA and the correct map entered and certainly makes a huge difference.
Very tractable car and with every available option fitted is quite desirable as its the EU spec bought through Ian Allen Motors.
Richard
Gassing Station | Corvettes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff