Hey Guys,

Thanks for the great advice, dad is definitely set on the Z06. He has to decide now between the 07 and the 08. Can anyone describe in detail what the differences are, I heard that the 08 had an improved transmission and steering, but we need to know more info about both upgrades and see if they are worth the nearly $8-10K difference in asking price.

 

Raiyu,

I have not driven an 07 so I couldn't tell you the differences.

However I have included information below from the national corvette museum and a copied a few comments from a certain corvette forum

My comments are in bold
Source:http://corvettemuseum.com/specs/2008/index.shtml

# Improved manual transmission shift effort
Transmissions and axle ratios – The shifting efforts for both the six-speed manual transmission and paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmissions have been improved in '08 Corvette models. The manual transmission shifting improvements include a more positive and direct feel during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location.

They switched from the T56 to TR6060 transmission with triple syncros and higher torque holding capacity One small downside is that 1-2 seems to grind when cold - goes away when hot.

# Improved steering feel
Steering system – The Corvette's precise rack-and-pinion steering system is revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system's internal components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes.

# New Keyless Access remote key fob with integrated key
The '08 Corvettes also come with a new Keyless Access fob, which features the key and remote-function controls integrated in a single unit.
The old key fob is plain UGLY. This one is MUCH better.

# Interior trim enhancements for all models, including wrapped center trim plate with Cyber pattern and new, brushed aluminum accents. The center console material is a new high gloss pseudo CF. It really helps the interior look less cheap. In that department, the car can use every piece of help it can get lol

# iPod/MP3 jack included on all sound systems except navigation
# OnStar and XM Satellite Radio standard on all models
# Auto-dimming mirrors with compass standard on all models

Others' comments:

Post 1:
" I'd avoid a Jan '07- June '07 build date due to a possible rocker issue."
Yes - many were faced with this issue. Many big-named tuners are claiming to not have this happen on any of their cars. Many users were finding the rocker bearings in the oil when doing an oil change!


Post 2:
Steering is def heavier (takes just a bit more effort to turn), feels more solid, more "Porsche like" if you've ever driven a Porsche you'll understand.

Shifts are just a bit shorter maybe 10% and smoother less klunky/notchy feeling. The whole gear box feels a little tighter. Definitely noticeable.

The black carbon fiber trimmed and leather wrapped center console and chrome trimmed shifter makes a big difference to the interior. The plastiky look is gone.

Post 3:
Buddy of mine just picked up a 2008 Z06 ~6000 miles... and I had the pleasure of driving it home 300 miles.
I have a 2007 ~15K miles. My observations:

Tranny
DAY and NIGHT difference. The '08 tranny feels amazing. Shifting gears is smoother, more positive, less notchy. Throw is shorter. It's the closest to a GOOD aftermarket shifter as i've ever felt (from a factory tranny).
I know a lot of '08 owners have the cold-grind problem... and i sympathize. But for those who got one of the properly-working tranny's... it's a DEFINITE improvement over the 06/07 tranny

Steering
Noticeable difference. Lighter at parking lots speeds. Heavier at freeway speeds. But i can't say if it's "better" than the 06/07 steering. One would have to track an 08 vs. 06/07 back-to-back to see if the 08 gives more feedback at the limit. I can say that my '07 gives me zero feedback

Suspension
This was strange... the '08 felt MUCH tighter/stiffer. Over speed bumps, over uneven pavement on the freeway, around on/off-ramps. Not sure if GM changed something

Everything Else... felt the same: Brakes, acceleration, water/oil temps, etc.

Overall I'm impressed with the changes GM made
*********

I hope this helps!

 

^ All of this information nailed it on the head. Good luck with your dad's purchase... Enjoy it and just remember that it's one of the fastest stock cars out there so don't go crazy... immmediately.

 

I personally wouldn't pay $10K difference - My '07 shifts and steers just fine.

The '08 does both better, but it's not worth 20% upcharge.

08 Z's can be purchased new for < $60K, so you might as well 'splurge'.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ible-deal.html

Either way, your dad will be a happy fellow.

 

I was wondering are there any updates on the dry sump between 06, 07, and 08 model years?

The car will be tracked heavily so do we need to upgrade that right away?

 

No, the capacity was increased for 09.

For track use your bet bet is probably an 06. They had some weird issue with the roof flying off - just make sure that's taken care off!

 

^^ is correct.

Here's a good post re racing setup. If filled correctly - eg, not overfilled, most folks find the stock system (regardless of year) just fine.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/corvet...-dry-sump.html

You save about 30lbs on the '06 due to less noise dampening material used. The '06's also had crap rear shocks, but if you're racing, those will go anyway.

GL on your decision.

 

I have both an '07 & '08. It is almost impossible to tell the difference between the two. The only advantage for the '08 is if you get the upgraded interior. It is worlds better than the plastic everything in the '07.

 

I'm starting to see many familiar names here from CF

 

I think your splitting hairs, if your going to track it just buy the cheapest one you know your going to mod it anyway.

 

The idea was to keep the Z06 as close to stock as possible and make sure its going to stand up to repeated track duty (50+ days a year).

The only things he has on the list would be seats, harnesses, rotors, and the sump upgrade if its necessary.

He's thinking about the 08 because there have been a few stories regarding the transmission being an issue in 1st and 2nd gear in prior years and some complaints about the Z06's steering, though personally I dont know how much of an improvement the 08 will be vs 07 or 06.

For the people who have tracked their Z06s or have buddies who have, is it worth paying the extra for an 08 to get peace of mind, or are there more horror stories on the net about the prior years than the number of people that actually experienced issues.

 

most stories that are told are gonna be negative.

most people don't post stories of how great cars are...its just the bad stories that get recognized.

 

They let us hang out in here - as long as we don't post to much on the F-P-L side of the fence

 

I think Eric (AtomicZ) is a qualified respondent ^^^ - he's got lot's of track time and plenty of Z experience.

 

08 is the best.