In several different posts it has been said that the Z06 would perhaps make a better track car?!! I understand why some might feel a N/A 427 might be better than a supercharged engine under certain conditions on a road course. Are there suspension/track width/handling/or other set up issues that might make the Z06 a better choice? I had assumed that the ZR1 was also a further developmental improvement on the C6 platform and would be a better handling car than the Z06, separate from the increased HP and torque. I'd appreciate informed opinion about which is better and why. Thanks

 

Cost/Cost

FI/NA

Other than that the zr-1 has better brakes and suspension all the way around.

If money is no object and you don't mind a blower than Zr-1

 

Way more power, ceramic brakes, better aero, better suspension with the magna shocks, better tires, etc. make it a no brainer. Things change !!

 

I appreciate the thoughts and data. All the ZR1 upgrades probably do make it a no-brainer. I have a few concerns about the ZR1,though. I've driven 2 S/C cars, and I'm always disappointed in where you have to be in the power band, RPM wise to get the advertised additional ponies. These were not backyard bolt-ons, but hi-dollar, done at the famous name tuner, cars. Sure wish GM had gone another route with the ZR1. Also, it took Porsche a while to get it right with their ceramic brakes, and early on, owners complained that they were told cracked or warped rotors could only be due to the owners abuse, and they'd have pay for replacement---a rather pricey fix! Also on a new model, I wonder about heat soak on summer track days here in the south with S/C. thanks for the input.

 

As a pure trackcar, I'd go with the Z06. That's it's job, to be the lightweight, hardcore version in the Corvette line. The ZR1 is the all rounder, it's supposed to do everything well and it does.

However, I wouldn't spend that type of money on a car you are going to ride hard and put away wet. A used Z06 with a big brake kit, coilovers and slicks will pretty much destroy everyone at a trackday and with bolt-ons and cam will satisfy most 98% of drivers.

Of course the ZR1 benefits from the latest and greatest tech but I don't see it as much of a trackcar like the Z06.

 

I would think the z06 as well as it is a lighter car and setup specifically for the track. For the money saved you could address the few shortcomings such as brakes and a more aggressive suspension. Having driven several on the track they make more than enough HP for nearly any track.

 

Sorry.....I thought a better track car meant a faster car. You would have to spend way more than $25,000 to equal the ZR1. Brakes, engine work, shocks and suspension, aero, are worth way more than 200 lbs. And you would still not have the value of a ZR1.
Check the cost of a Guldstrand Track ZO6.......way over $100,000. Or ask the gentleman on this forum with the beautiful Katech prepared ZO6 way,way, over $100,000. Lingenfelter too. Time marches on and it costs more to play with the big boys every day. Believe me I know.

 

Z06 in a heart beat, (GM has stated this themselves). ZR1 is more of a GT car.

 

Both those cars would destroy the ZR1

 

But would they destroy a Katech ZR1 ?? That's the real answer to the question. Please go back and see what the original question was. Then use your vast amount of track experience to figure out which is faster.

 

I don't see how a Katech ZR1 is the real answer to the question. And BTW, as I stated earlier, GM themselves have said the Z06 is the more hardcore track car. I guess I need vast amount of track experience to listen to GM (BTW, apparently you know about my track experience)

 

You're talking about centrifugal S/C's like a Procharger or Vortech. The Eaton TVS roots style blower that the ZR1 uses is a TOTALLY different animal. It makes more power and torque than N/A everywhere...not just at high RPM. It really can't be accurately compared to a centri.

However; for pure track purposes, I agree with HotRodGuy. The ZO6 is more of pure track car, while the ZR1 is more of a GT car.

 

I'm not trying to hassle you. Stock for stock the ZR1 would be way faster. However if you just want to enjoy a fun weekend and build it up slightly....use the ZO6 as its much easier to maintain and get parts for. I'm not advocating being the pioneer on the ZR1 as your weekend fun car. However I'm sure Katech and Pratt&Miller would be glad to take your money. BTW......wasn't the ZR1 about 20sec alap faster at the 'Ring.????????????

 

I wouldn't consider the 'ring a good comparison of true track effort. The straight aways are a huge part where the ZR1 picked up it's time....there aren't many straights like the ones at the ring on the tracks in the states (but then again, how many tracks take 8 minutes to lap ).


I'm just going off of what GM has said multiple times, the ZR1 is a GT car, not a track car. Similiar to a DB9, etc. They have repeatedly said if you want a weekend track toy the Z06 is it.

I'd be willing to bet the Z06 is faster then the ZR1 on MANY tracks in this country, but we won't know till more ZR1's get out on the track.

 

I'm mainly knowledgeable about Sebring, Daytona, Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen, Road America, and Homestead. I doubt the zo6 would be anywhere near the ZR1 on those tracks...except it could hang in there at Miami-Homestead on the short road course.
The big tracks are too fast and require too much braking for this comparison.
My internet war is over...nice talking on this thread.