Any Z06 owners or knowledgeable people know the differences between the model years?

Like previous generations, should one stay away from the first year in production?

 

I have very limited knowledge but here is what I got:

06 and early 07s had issues with the roof flying off, and also there was a rocker arm issue that could cause major engine damage. My understanding is the problem was fixed on later 07s and on.

08 and up has the Tremec 6060 trans as opposed to the T56 in 06 and 07. However, there are grinding issues with this trans in many 08s when it's cold.

08 and up has the carbon-look center radio bezel which looks 10x better than the funky silver/gray one in 06/07.

09 has an updated dry sump system that is improved over 06-08.

2010s (I know you didn't ask about 2010) have launch control

06s are the lightest of the bunch (not sure why).

Pretty sure the 08 and up has a stronger differential as well, but don't quote me on that

 

Differences in production:
2006
First year
-1LZ model is the lightest C6 ever made (due to least amount of sound deadening and features)

2007
-Atomic Orange replaces Daytona Sunset Orange Metallic
-Chrome rims became available
-Ron Fellows edition available (only White Z06 until 2010)
-Added sound deadening and additional seat padding
-Steering wheel controls added
-Onstar added

2008
-T6060 trans replaced T56
-JetStream Blue replaces Le Mans blue
-Competition gray wheels available.
-427 Limited edition available (only Crystal Red Z06 until 2010)
-3LZ package becomes available with leather dash, power pass. seat
-Shift **** and door button bezels changed from tech pattern to brushed aluminum
-Radio surround gets leather trim around the bottom

2009
-Improved dry sump system from the ZR1 (secondary tank to increase capacity)
-Blade Silver Metallic replaces Machine Silver Metallic
-"Spyder" wheels available
-GT1 edition available in black and yellow.
-Competition Sport edition available

2010
-White, Crystal Red available
-Torch Red replaces Victory red
-Launch control added
-Side airbags on all trim levels (previously 2LZ/3LZ only)


Known problems:
-2006-2007 (early). Delamination of roof skin. Covered under recall. By this time most Z06s have had this issue taken care of.
-2007 VERY small batch problem with rocker arms coming apart. Don't even worry about it.
-2006-2007 Rear axle shaft breaking. GM revised axle shafts due to failures in 2006, and again in 2007. By 2008 the problem was fixed, although another upgrade came in 2010 when the Z06 got the asymmetrical axle shafts from the ZR1.

The differentials are all the same


I'm sure there are some things I'm forgetting, but that is all I can remember right now.

 

2009 - Cyber Gray Metallic becomes available. Bluetooth becomes an available option (2LZ and 3LZ only)

 

^^ Jason's about nailed it.

Couple of things to clarify/add:

2007
(Mid-year) changed rear shocks - reduced, not eliminated rear end bump skip
Larger glovebox - I can't tell the difference
Keyless access added
Enhanced audio in 2007 (still sucks)
Onstar optional in 2007 - mandatory in 2008
Comp gray wheels available in 2007 (Q44)
Sound reduction material adds 30lbs

2008
Improved steering (rack ratios)
Wheels changed (got uglier IMO)
iPod/MP3 standard on non-Nav models
Crystal red metallic introduced

Unless you've owned the '06 or 07', you'd be hard pressed to tell much of a difference between them and the 08' mechanically. The shifting is better, but all the model years (2006-2008) rattle to one degree or another.

Haven't driven/sat in a 2009/2010.. can't help there. Jason likely has driven them all.

IMO, there are no C6 Z06's to stay away from.

 

Excellent detail guys, thanks very much. What material or driving differences between the T6060 trans and the T56?

 

Smoother shifting.

A lot of guys put short shifters on the T-56, so it makes the improvement moot.

I kept the T-56. I need the longer throws for my slow azz heel/toe

 

How could I forget Cyber Gray!

 

Good to know - thanks. BTW, I'm X5rolls over at Xoutpost.

 

I thought your tag sounded familiar

Small world, eh?

You can steal a Z right now - excellent cars.

 

Yes, small world for sure. Trying to convince my wife about the virtues of a Z06 - we are going back and forth on different cars. I think it would make a nice addition to the Viper, Carrera and 67 Mustang as well as the X5 4.8is.

 

Not as attention getting as the Viper.. Much, more daily-friendly.

That said, it's not like you really 'need' a Z with your stable

 

The Z is lower profile for sure, something that I want actually. I can leave it in a resturant or store parking lot and not worry about it (assuming I'm in a good place) like I do with the Viper. And who said it was about 'need' anyway?

 

Any changes Between 2010 And 2013? I'm Debating New Vs Used, As There Are Some Pretty Deep Discounts On Leftovers Right Now.