[cre8fun]

I'm very much liking tracking a car with a track warranty and with the end of Camaro's coming, I've been pondering what I'll move to when GM will no longer pay the tab on fixing the car.

Seems like the choice is run the caddy or the C8. I've not paid any attention to how the C8's are standing up to extreme track time. Has anyone made the switch or has anyone paid attention to what it looks like to heavily track a C8? I've see a few motors go, but that happens with the camaros too. I've read about some tranny issues, but don't know if they're outliers. the SSLE has been pretty good under abuse. wondering what C8's are like?

[cvp33]

Might have to take this question to the Corvette forum. Converts usually stick with their forum, not always but usually. There are several ex-Camaro owners in the C8 forum and you’ll likely get some quick answers.

[cre8fun]

Thought about it, but also figured some here may have looked at the move and stopped based on what they found. I know they have motor issues, so do we. Reading some of their threads on transmission issues can be quite alarming.

[AZIROC]

Imo, if you had a regular ss (non 1LE) then id say 100% yes, upgrade to a base C8. Since you have the 1LE version, imo that's probably the best "bang for the buck" track car you want more HP...add a blower of your choice. Otherwise, imo, it's a better car than a base model c8. Same for if it was a zl1 to a c8...imo that's a HUGE step down. **granted going to a c8 z06 would be a big step up but no ine is getting those cars for "affordable" prices.

[ariZona28]

One of my fellow track enthusiasts put considerable time on his C8. Kept having brake issues. Went back to his C5 Z06 because it was more fun to drive in his opinion. I say stay with the 1LE. You don't really need more power with it just maybe some small suspension and brake upgrades. I really like my C5 Z track toy but I could see myself in an '18 SS 1LE someday.

[cre8fun]

Originally Posted by AZIROC

Imo, if you had a regular ss (non 1LE) then id say 100% yes, upgrade to a base C8. Since you have the 1LE version, imo that's probably the best "bang for the buck" track car you want more HP...add a blower of your choice. Otherwise, imo, it's a better car than a base model c8. Same for if it was a zl1 to a c8...imo that's a HUGE step down. **granted going to a c8 z06 would be a big step up but no ine is getting those cars for "affordable" prices.

yup, I agree. the 1LE is the best bang for the buck. more HP would be fun, but that would end the warranty and I did enjoy having GM foot the bill when mine blew. I also don't consider blown 1LE motors uncommon so I'd like to keep the warranty. For the same reason, I don't add grip or run slicks. I feel the wet sump is just begging for oil issues. So staying with the 1LE while the warranty is intact. Just looking into what's next. Don't see myself tracking a 4dr caddy. could get another 1LE before production is done and start another 5 year warranty, but would be nice to run something else also.

[Heartbreaker]

After 4 years tracking a ZL1 I bought a c8 Z51. I wish I hadn’t. The brakes are not up to track use. The understeer at the limit is a real PITA. You are forced to get a very aggressive track alignment that eats up the tires for street use. I had buyers remorse with the C8.

[khcoaching]

I've had multiple track friends get one and all have been disappointed in either lap times, or how the amount of mods needed. Brakes, suspension, heat and transmissions top the list. I really love the idea of a base Z51 and I think there is something there, but not without spending some $.

Ken

[carguy55]

I really like the looks and think they have a lot of potential with the right mods.
Ran with one that was doing the same lap times as an stock SS 1LE, both on 200TW.
I also know one C8 guy who is on his 3rd transmission.
G Speed has done some track prepped C8s and they have been very fast, like 4 -5 secs faster on the same tire. Don't know what those mods cost.
Then there is the jump in the budget for running an $80K or more car.

This tracked prepped one is 10 secs faster than me on G3Rs.

[kropscamaro16]

i was at the track saturday and never seen more c8 in one place than ever


most of them were quicker than us modded ss / 1le guys and they seemed pretty damn stable also

[carguy55]

[wakespeak]

Originally Posted by carguy55

I really like the looks and think they have a lot of potential with the right mods.
Ran with one that was doing the same lap times as an stock SS 1LE, both on 200TW.
I also know one C8 guy who is on his 3rd transmission.
G Speed has done some track prepped C8s and they have been very fast, like 4 -5 secs faster on the same tire. Don't know what those mods cost.
Then there is the jump in the budget for running an $80K or more car.

This tracked prepped one is 10 secs faster than me on G3Rs.

I have driven C8s and the big difference is the turn in. Without the weight over the nose the car changes direction more readily. Agree a lot don't seem faster at the track but I have assumed its the drivers, or they weren't set up for the track per the manual.

But this guy...wow he is stuck to the pavement. I am almost exactly the same speed in the big straights but he just smokes turn 2 into the esses and turns 16-18 over 90mph is amazing. 80+ at turn 19 as well. Would like to know that set up over the base Z51. I see the spoiler. Assuming slicks also.

[CTRifecta]

OP if you really have an Audi R8 I would not buy a c8, too similar imo.

[cdrptrks]

I know someone who has both SS 1LE and C8 that he tracks and he has been fighting bad brake vibrations on the C8 while never experiencing that issue on the SS 1LE. He replaced the nearly new front brake rotors which fixed it for now. I don't think the extra cost of the C8 is worth it compared to ordering a new SS 1LE before production ends.