[DangerZL1]

I had a 5th gen ZL1 auto, one of the first ones made, and it was a portly car. It rode nice and was a good touring car. I haven't driven a 6th gen yet, but I understand there really isn't a comparison between the two from reading comments on this forum and reviews. I suggest driving one before making a decision, especially if you're interested in the 6 speed, which seems to have a low-end throttle response issue.

[Blackkaz04]

Originally Posted by kttxz06

Great questions. I have a feeling my Z06 numbers were over rated and my Zl1 numbers are under rated.

Z06 was done on a Dyno Jet. Zl1 done on a Mustang dyno. Tuned by 2 different shops so. I will be adding a meth kit sometime this week or next so, that should put my Zl1 in borderline crazy territory for me personally. I'm def gonna need a better tire here soon. But, it is 40 degrees, so I'd expect zero hook up. When it starts warming up, I should be able to put the power down.

I know for a fact, my Zl1 pulls way harder than my Z06 did from 30-140. The fastest I ever went in the Z06 was 170 so. I have a feeling it will pull the Zl1 up at those speeds for obvious reasons. But, who cares. To me, the 30-140 sprint is where I stay so. Let's just say......in the Z06. My wife..........enjoyed it. The Zl1. It actually gets her worked up. From the passenger seat she can tell big time it pulls harder. She actually finds herself trying to hold on to something.

Thanks for the info...what are your mods to this point? How much did it cost to get you there...ish? thanks,

[VAZL1]

I've traded my C7 for the ZL1. Like others have said, loved the vet, but just couldn't get comfortable for long rides. This isn't an issue with the ZL1. I will say if you decide to get the Z06 make sure you get a 17 or newer model. 17 was the first year with the cooler upgrades.. :-)

[kttxz06]

Originally Posted by Blackkaz04

Thanks for the info...what are your mods to this point? How much did it cost to get you there...ish? thanks,

Upper/lower pulley. Headers. Intake. Exhaust. Wires. And about 7 dyno tunes. haha. Had to dial it in. I'm sure I'm missing some other minor mods. But, all the major one's have been done except cam. As mentioned, I have an Alky meth kit coming, so that should put me around 750ish.

I don't remember how much, but with tuning/labor/parts. So far, under $10k. My wheels are my biggest expense. They ran me $9k so. I still have some suspension work I have to do. Parts are in, but haven't installed.

The Z06 had same mods, minus headers. No Meth either. But, we added cooling upgrades.

[Snagged]

Well since you are going to be driving it a good bit I would go for the ZL1. Just from that alone I would get the ZL1. They seem to be more usable on a day to day basis.

[91454]

Well, I think it had been described in the valet parking post: all said and done, it's a camaro. The z06 had a distinction about it. As far as driving goes, two different cars trying to do the same thing. And after all, I don't find it any easier to get in and out of the Camaro.

[devnull]

Originally Posted by Gunkk

If you must have a manual, go for the Z06.
If you prefer automatic, go for the ZL1.

+1

I superficially prefer the vette, but freaking love my 1LE (almost as much as the C7)

[unavailablezl1]

Wow, what a choice with 2 cars, same engine. That decision, I have never had to make before but has been around for a long time. You can see the cars I have owned so I do know what nice cars are like. And so the choice is at hand of the ZL1 or Z06(with extra packages).

Since the motor decision is no factor(I know, dry or wet sump), the decision in this respect would be car weight, drag coefficient, cooling, brakes, suspension, and small respect the 7 speed(if you want standard). Don't hound me if I left something out.

I have always wanted to own a vette, but just haven't. The ZL1 is a beast beyond explanation. The handling and power is unmistakable. But to get this in a vehicle that is 400 lbs lighter(whatever!!) would blow my mind because the ZL1 does already. The close to full G corners I have taken are in incredible on backroads. So to have a car that has the same power, less weight, but if cooling was not a problem(shutup, I know) I would buy it. But since it exists, I would not buy the Z06. I would be worried all time. But if it could be fixed, then I would buy the Z06

[Blackkaz04]

Originally Posted by unavailablezl1

Wow, what a choice with 2 cars, same engine. That decision, I have never had to make before but has been around for a long time. You can see the cars I have owned so I do know what nice cars are like. And so the choice is at hand of the ZL1 or Z06(with extra packages).

Since the motor decision is no factor(I know, dry or wet sump), the decision in this respect would be car weight, drag coefficient, cooling, brakes, suspension, and small respect the 7 speed(if you want standard). Don't hound me if I left something out.

I have always wanted to own a vette, but just haven't. The ZL1 is a beast beyond explanation. The handling and power is unmistakable. But to get this in a vehicle that is 400 lbs lighter(whatever!!) would blow my mind because the ZL1 does already. The close to full G corners I have taken are in incredible on backroads. So to have a car that has the same power, less weight, but if cooling was not a problem(shutup, I know) I would buy it. But since it exists, I would not buy the Z06. I would be worried all time. But if it could be fixed, then I would buy the Z06

The cooling issues an absolutely be fixed. I like that the Z has a targa top now. But at the same time does the Z scream look at me?! Or mid-life crisis?? Hah. Who knows...

[BlackinBlack]

100% drive them both.

I went from a Gen 5 ZL1 to a 2016 Z06. First the overheating crap is so overblown. Mine is one of the non-"fixed" cars and has never overheated. My Gen 5 was noticeably slower in the heat. My Z06 runs the same all the time and has never gone into limp mode. (I run mine hard too and live in FL so it gets hot here.) Also I went to Spring Mountain and ran a Z06 auto for the whole weekend. Temp was 95+ degrees and no limp mode with the AC going. I was fastest in the class too. That is my real world experience not something I read off the internet.

For me the Z06 was more comfortable than the Gen 6 ZL1. Much easier to see out of. The LZ2 and 3 cars get front parking cameras which are a huge benefit. The trunk is world apart bigger and the car gets noticeably better MPG. The removable roof is great. Looks is personal preference but I do know I get more compliments on the C7. Finally the Z06 is no question faster than the ZL1. Easy 1/4 to 1/2 second faster. Many many stock Z06 cars have run 10 second ETs with the hero run being under 10.5 for a bone stock car. On a road course again the Z06 is going to be much faster. Even a ZL1 1LE is not going to keep up with the Z06 Z07 cars. (Just look at the Lighting Lap. The Z07 car which was having issue ran a full second faster.) I drove a Z07 car running the standard Pilot Super Sports (Not Sport Cup2) and the car was seeing 1.39 cornering forces.

Negatives.

1) Tire cost is much higher. About $500 per set.
2) Oil changes are higher
3) Initial purchase cost is higher.
4) Road noise is higher due to the open trunk area and huge back tires.

I know this is a ZL1 page and most will say ZL1. Both are amazing cars and both are fast, look good and will be loads of fun. Pick the one you like and enjoy.

[2017-ZL1]

Research a little more on some of the issue's Team Corvette has. I had 2, C7 Z06's. Both gone. Torque converter/Stator support still not corrected. If you track the car, get an M7 and pray it will stay in gear while moving. Insufficient cooling and there's still a peeing match going on between GM and owners about installing a simple catch can. Not saying they're all bad. But I can say this Zl1 has been superior at everything I ask it to do. To me, the ride is far better in the ZL1. And it'll light the tires up on demand!

[Indyblue98]

Originally Posted by RSFR

The ZL1 is 9/10ths the performance of the Z06 at 6/10ths the cost. For me, the numbers just didn't add up for the Z06.

I bought a 3LZ Convertible for $80,000 new , red tag special.
I know there are still similar deals to be found.
Would love to have a ZL1 Auto Vert, but can't find one for less than $64000.
Any help finding one for under $60000 would be greatly appreciated .

[VcrusaderV]

What a fabulous decision to make. I went through the same thing and after researching, I bought a manual ZL1 and I haven’t regretted it any. Having the ability to go into touring mode and feel as good or better than a CTS-V was a decision point for me as well as the positive feedback from the streets. The corvette gets looks but the ZL1 draws crowds and folks love it. I had a 2012 ZL1 and I really thought I’d go with something different but after driving and feeling the handling and technology I couldn’t go with anything else. The frame is so rigid!! The Recaro seats are so comfortable. I am so happy and impressed with this car and it takes a lot as Ives fortunately owned some great rides. Best of luck in your decision.

[msawyer110]

Originally Posted by RSFR

The ZL1 is 9/10ths the performance of the Z06 at 6/10ths the cost. For me, the numbers just didn't add up for the Z06.

I completely agree, the extra 30,000$ for the vette is not even close to worth it imo.