C6 Chevy Corvette Z06 vs Grand Sport Buyers Guide
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.ค. 2024
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If you're looking at buying a C6 Corvette, there is a strong chance you are cross shopping these two models of Corvette. This video breaks down the differences between the Z06 and Grand Sport. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Bought a 2011 GS back in June. It's has all the things I love about the ZO6 (wide body, suspension, brakes) and a steel frame vs aluminum, plus the Targa top w/o the insurance premium. ZO6 would have cost me 135% more than the GS, 436hp is MORE than enough to get from A to B, plus what I paid for my 2011 (30K miles), newest ZO6 would have been a first year 2006, maybe 07. Nice video, Thanks
Thanks for the comment! Enjoy the GS!
Awesome video, I have been daily driving my 08 C6Z for a few years now (heads fixed), and it has been one of my absolute favorite vehicles I have ever owned! You covered all of the salient differences well. Drive safe and enjoy that fantastic machine!
Enjoy your car as well! Can't go wrong with either.
Informative video. I have been trying to decide between the GS and Z06 and also A6 and M6 for a while now. Your video is helpful.
No problem! Can't go wrong either way, it really just comes down to what you're looking for.
2008 Z06 I bought new in 2009 just over 60,000 miles.I agree with everything that was said. I’ve taken mine on several trips camping and all I love it.
That's awesome! Thanks for the comment.
I own a 2012 GS centennial and I am in love with this car , it’s all I can handle and gives me goose bumps when I nail it
Fantastic car!
That's all that matter, perfect l!!👍
I'm looking into buying a Centennial too ! What advice can you give me??
@@mikebernard9840 I'm not familiar w/a centennial, never even heard of it till this post. I have a '13 60th anniversary LS7 Convertible. I got it in '20 from Legendary Motorcars w/ 2K miles on it.
Great video, I’m hooked on the GS and every video I watch confirms that’s the right model for me. Thank you!
I own a 2012 centennial edition grand sport and the car is everything I could ask for and very impressed with the handling and power , it’s a six speed auto but you can play wth the paddles , it’s the best of both worlds , truly a keeper for me👍
Great car, enjoy it!
Great video , love all the smaller details that were mentioned. I have been on that crossroad for a couple of months I decided what to get, if it wasn’t for the head issue I’d go zo6 , then again, I just as you mentioned, I don’t wanna drop 45-50k on a zo6 ( todays prices ) and lose a 15k motor over a valva issue . A 6 speed GS seems to be the winner after watching this video , and for 10k I can drop some boost for some reliable power ( 600 wheels seems to be a sweet spot of power/reliability) now for my question, will the tr6060 handle 600 ? Or will it need an upgrade ?
It is crazy how much the prices have changed since this video. The TR6060 is a very strong transmission and will handle 600whp as long as you aren't constantly launching and power shifting.
I own a c6 z07 h/c/i and I love it still need to get headers but actually made 582 whp which is good without headers.....great video!
Very great numbers!
Really nice job comparing the two corvette models! I wanted to let you know that I just bought my '07 C6 Zo6 in October 2020 and like a lot of folks, while I am impressed with the performance and styling of the car, I was concerned about the dropped valve issue you mentioned in your video. After doing a lot of internet based research I was prepared to spend the $5K to have the heads replaced and went to a reputable local speed shop to talk over the project. The speed shop owner, who had a garage full of corvette's being repaired, told me that it was a waste of money to have the heads serviced. It was his opinion that the various forums have blown this whole issue out of proportion and that I would be better served at this point (with 22K miles on the motor) to spend my money on other upgrades. He's been in the business for over 20 years and has never seen a stock motor with this problem. It's only one opinion, and I know I am taking some risk here, but I decided to take his advice for now and to forego the head service.
Thanks for the comment! As long as you are okay living with the "risk" and associated costs of a failure, that is all that matters. That being said, there have been cases of very high mile Z06's without failures. There have also been cases of very low mile cars with failures. A lot of it is random.
My 07 Z06 has more than 70k miles but I am getting a lot done to make it a 650hp car so might as well do all the necessary upgrades.
Enjoy it!
I purchased my 08 z from a corvette dealership in Louisiana..Red River Chevrolet to be exact and I talked to the head Mechanic/Technician over there and he's been there over 20 years and he drove the vehicle as well and he stated that he's never seen or had to fix a z because of valve issues.
Interesting! Thanks for the feedback.
I first had a 08 z06
Wanted a removable top so
I sold it and bought a 12 grand sport
Now i have a 07 C6Z06
Honest opinion
3d gear is flat compared to C6Z06 and i had to stare at speedometer to see when that lousy 150 is coming
on the zo6 l am at 148 at the end of 4th and pulling and it hammers hard in first 3 gears
And i felt the frame of grand sport flexed on my steep driveway vs rigid solid frame of z06
Total turnoff
A solid feel(zo6) vs a loose feel(gs)
With cracking sound
That is why i ended up with zo6 at the end
I will take my chances after heads are redone
I definitely would like to jump into a C7Z next!
I grew up with big blocks… torque for days at any RPM/gear. Only thing close to that these days is the LS7. It’s just preference, but if I’m going to have a play toy, may as well be a 427. Combine that with only 3100 lbs, stronger chassis, 630 NA HP available, it’s worth the step up in cost for me.
I have a 2011 gs and I've had it for lil over a year I love it
Awesome!
Thanks for making this video, very informative!
Happy to help!
I love my 07 Z06, I daily drive this car over 90 miles a day to work and back and oil consumption over other cars I've owned is noticeable but not terrible(add a quart or two between changes) but I drive in a spirited manner. I also drag race the car at a 1/4 mile track once or twice a month and the reliability is just phenomenal. I have over 90k miles and she just rips run after run...absolutely love my Z06!! Looking to go C7 Z06 at some point. Great review btw!!
Love that you actually put some miles on yours!
Let me know when you ready to sell
Do you have stock valve giudes
Did you ever do the heads fix? Bought my son a 2007 z06 31,000 miles and the heads are always on my mind every time he starts it up.
@@joshlaubach8166
U should fix it
Very informative for someone new to C6 Corvette's. Thank you for sharing the knowledge 🙏🏻
Happy to help!
Thanks for the informative video . Question , besides the badge what are the other giveaways that you are driving a GS rather than a Z06 ? ( ONLY By looking at it )
The fender vents in the front. All GS have dual vents, the Z06 is single vent.
Mag-ride control in Grad Sport adds a nice track setting. 2012 GS CE, does nice at Motorsports park Bowling Green with cup wheels/tires. Thanks for video. Nice
Mag ride is great, but the cost of replacement when a shock fails scares me, haha.
EXCELLENT REVIEW!!! Back in 2012 I had to make a decision between a C6 GS and Z06. I went with a brand new 2012 Inferno Orange 3LT Manual GS!! Bottom line.. I had to have the removable roof!! In terms of HP, I figured I could supercharge my GS later which I did. I sent it to Ligenfelter.. long story short.. the car is now making about 590 whp! I just hit 19K miles in Nov 2020. I absolutely love my GS!! Thanks for the info!
Thanks for sharing! I've already started toying around with the idea of supercharging my GS haha.
Don't hesitate.. GO FOR IT!! You won't regret it!!
How much did the charge cost?
Sold my Grand Sport I bought new in 2010 in November with 6500 miles Was an amazing car and I'm going to miss it but had to make room for my C8.
Did you get the C8 yet? If so, what spec?
Great information as I’m looking to get a C6 Grand sport next month. Had a base Vette a few years ago and went Maserati and sorry I did
I bet you're looking forward to getting back into a Vette.
What model Maserati did you go with? Always have loved those cars but scared of the high maintenance lol. Got a c6 grandsport back in October, awesome ride.
@@bird5743 Ghibli. Really pretty, great sounding exhaust, smooth at high speeds. I’ll b selling it in a month
Great information. Thanks for sharing brother.
Happy to help!
I own a 2013 GS, convertible so no tracking. Just what i wanted without that troublesome LS7. Went from a base 07 manual to the automatic paddle shift, having a ball driving it. Thought i would regret not getting the manual transmission but im happy with the automatic.
I've heard the later model automatics are pretty good to drive actually!
You can't get an LS7 convertible in 2013 w/an automatic transmission. 6 speed manual Tremec only, because of the high RPM and torque #s .
Never been in a GS but I love how they retain the targa. 08 hci c6z owner here.
Enjoy that Z!
I own a C6 Z06 and a C7 Z06 , I’m always a little worried about the C6 Z06 valve issue. Can’t wait to see the C8 Z06 to come out 🇺🇸 good video
I'm very excited to see what the C8Z will offer!
Lol if you own both you should be able to afford to have the heads fixed on it. I've only been in a C6 Z06 once and it's a hell of a ride! The power when you floor it is exhilarating. I can only imagine what a C7 could do.
Very informative, cheers, from NZ.
Thanks for watching!
Nice comparison. Thanks for the info.
Happy to help!
I have a 2012 Grand Sport with stage 3 cams, I love it.
Very fun car. Just a heads up though, LS engines only have one camshaft.
Good video ,,, Anyone have any numbers on the GrandSport in reference to 0 to 60 and also quarter-mile times ? Thanks 👍
What I found in a quick search:
Grand Sport
0-60 = 4.2 sec
1/4 = 12.6
Z06
0-60 = 3.8 sec
1/4 = 11.8
I don't own one but I had an 02 electron blue that I put some mods in,on top of engine mods I used brake ducts from a Z06,larger chrome wheels from a C6 & silver heritage stripes w/ drilled rotors & bigger red calipers.Some day I'd like a C7 GS convertible..
I'm still after a C7Z lol.
Just bought a 2013 GS convertible love it do want a better exhaust sound plan on changing that
Enjoy the car!
If the valves have problems then what does changing the piston head do?
It has to do with the valve seat and valve guides in the factory cylinder head casting.
Love my 2010 Grand Sport. It's boosted to 650 wrhp. I leave valve dropping ZO6s. Love my top comes off too. Next is a bigger intercooler, cam and tune. 800 rwhp baby. You can keep that thin wall 427.
Great car! Enjoy it!
Watching 4 of my friends drop a valve in their Z’s was the ultimate decision maker, boosted LS3 ticks off every box that even the C6 Z06 can’t
Great video!
Thank you!
I have a 2012 grand sport automatic had it for 3 years now i love it my First vett 😃
Awesome!
How's the shifting of the automatic? I have a Nissan 350Z automatic and I'm looking at stepping into the Corvette world. I don't daily, so I'm torn between an automatic and manual. It's really just for a weekender / road trip, back roads smile bringer :D
The later C6's with the autos aren't terrible, but it's definitely not a fast shifting DCT either.
Also, GS manual transmission , the engine is hand build like the LS7 and has forged steel crankshaft. Also 1rst to 3rd gears are shorter ratio than the regular Corvette manual transmission.
Exactly! Another benefit of the manual GS coupe.
My boy supercharged his c6 z06 4 years ago...no problems....he has a heavy foot too
Do you know what kinda power he's making? It can be safe with a good tune.
What are your thoughts between a c5 z06 and c6 grand sport as far as track-ability, reliability, fun factor, etc?
For a raw track car, you can't go wrong with the C5Z. It'll also be cheaper than the C6 Grand Sport. The benefit of the C6 Grand Sport is that the interior is a more comfortable place to be, and the ride is nicer. It really comes down to what you want out of the car, and what the budget is. Can't go wrong with either. C5Z is more raw, that's for sure.
@@FocusedGarage Okay good because I picked up a c5z this summer lol! I agree with your comments. 👍
Enjoy the car!
Just bought a 2011 z06. Love it. Rides a little rougher than I thought but I’ll get past it.
Still one of the most capable cars you can buy for the money!
Are you at all afraid of the valve dropping or is that something you’ve already planned out to get fixed?
@@ctm5617 already fixed
@@cali_scruff1697 That’s what’s up. I’m looking at buying a 07 Z06 and it hasn’t had the fix. If you don’t mind me asking, did you do it yourself or did you get it done and how much was it? I’m seeing quotes from 2-4K for a shop to do it.
@@ctm5617 not sure what it actually cost. The previous owner had it done
Mike, I’m 24... for years I’ve wanted a widebody C6. Simply it is my dream car. I don’t know where I fell in love but I truly love inferno orange and night race blue. I’m very jealous of your specific car and if you ever want to sell it please keep me in mind. I love your videos on the inferno orange grand sport!!!!!!!
Will keep you posted! Sometimes I keep cars for years, sometimes not so much haha. Thanks for checking us out!
@@FocusedGarage I would, like you said in earlier videos not many were made. Keep it up glad your channel is growing too!
Thanks!
I have owned both a C6Z HCI it was 600 whp fun car stupid loud the drone was exhausting on road trips. I ended up getting into a 2012 C6 GS crystal red 4lt car automatic transmission with basic mods ARH headers catless x pipe Haltech intake and tuned makes 400whp plenty for a daily driver and drone actually sounds fantastic.
I have a c6 z06.. dropped a valve at 90K blew the motor. I swapped a fully built ls3 making 570 wheel and don’t regret it one bit. Ls3 reliability and weight lighter than a standard z06 … perfect car
I bet the loyalists are mad but I love it! lol
I’ve had an ‘08 Z06 & now have a 2012 GS 6 spd convertible… I loved the Z06 but the valve problem was eating at my brain.. this is the 3rd GS I’ve had and I feel confident that she will last. I do love the ability to take the top down and enjoy the air… C6 RULES!
The LS7 really causes night terrors lol.
@@FocusedGarage it did, is Chevy telling the truth or are the guys who fix the valve problem? Is it some of both? Who knows, there have been problems,but with all of em? When’s mine gonna blow up? Would it be fine? It was just too much worry for me. LS3 is just fine w me.
LS7 engines with any of the quality aftermarket heads will not have valve drop problems
Correct, still an expense that people need to be prepared for and budget accordingly.
Just picked up a 2011 Grand sport with 37k miles, I frigging love it! I just want to add the touch screen infotainment system and the HUD. I dident go for a 3lt because i am too broke 🤣
Aftermarket headunits will beat what came in the car originally anyways! No need to worry.
@@FocusedGarage which one do you recommend personally?
One other thing to add to the GS. The GS coupe with manual transmission has a dry sump, hand-built (at Wixom plant) LS3 engine vs the production LS3 in the GS convertible, GS AT or the base models. The crank on the Wixom-built engines are nodular iron instead of cast and the hypereutectic pistons are on forged rods. The Wixom LS3s need NOTHING on the bottom end to hit 500 whp. Just a cam, header, CAI and exhaust package will put your MZ6 GS from about 390whp to 420-450. Add a very modest 5-6psi boost and you're past 500, flex-fuel adds about 20+ more. Heads and more boost can put you well over 700.
The steel frame on the GS, while about 110 pounds heavier, is also stiffer. For a non-track car, that 110# is a non-issue. Add in the fact that you can remove the roof of the GS, and it's a no-brainer for me. I had the opportunity at a 2008 Z06 at the same time as my GS. Had about 10K more miles and was similarly priced and I got the GS because of the removable top.
The GS can also (option) come with the same F55 magneto rheological shocks as the Z06/7 and the NPP exhaust. The GS NPP exhaust is the same 2.5" internal bypass pipe the Z06 has, but gets rid of the perforations in the pipe that robbed HP. If the Z06 used the same 3" pipe in the mufflers its exhaust has and the solid bypass pipe, the Z06 would have been even more of a beast. Figure another 10hp.
My 2011 GS 3LT has both the F55 and NPP on it. Pretty much every option short of the POS 4LT with its bubbling faux-suede dash cover and steering wheel. Next up ... heads/cam/headers/exhaust. Staying NA and will have just under $40K in it and getting Z06-beating performance. Find a bone-stock Z06 out there for under $40K ... go ahead ... that's a RARE find.
Thanks for that info! All the more reason to love the GS.
Great info, I didn’t know about the engine differences and for me manual transmission targa is the only way to go
Cam and full exhaust is more than 450 wheel unless you get the smallest cam possible
Have a 2011 Gs Just bought it ,So far been great
Fantastic cars!
I also have a 2011 GS 3lt package and LOVE it! Oh yea it also came with a Magnuson supercharger installed from a Chevrolet performance center... just ridiculus fun to drive! Picked mine up Memorial day weekend so only had about 5 months to enjoy it [Minnesota winters]
I owned Z06 and C6 Ls2 auto
They are both enjoyable to drive. I can say both are good but you have to know what do you want from that car ? if you are looking for power go with the Z06 and save your money also the Z06 it's a master piece & it's holder her value but if you are looking for fun car no races go with the base model it's still nice and it's enjoyable car to drive .
I agree! It really comes down to what you want out of the car, and what your budget is. Can't go wrong with either.
I’ve been in the market for a Z but the issues with the heads hold me back, i was looking into a 2011 GS 6spd black and im into it .
Both are great options, can't go wrong with either!
I bought a 2008 Z06 4 years ago. Heads have never been done and I don't plan on messing with them. I did buy a 4 year warranty for the drive train , which did pay for a clutch slave cylinder replacement a year ago. Great car with gobs of power.
@@glennweatherford8438 awesome, I ended up getting a C7 Z51. Loving it lol…
Heads aren’t a big of issue as made out to be🤦♂️
Chevrolet said it farmed out LS7 head manufacturing to another company to supplement Chevrolet LS7 head production.
They later discovered that company had incorrect tolerances on some of it’s production which caused the failures. So if it was a completely Chevrolet made head, it was fine.
Do you regret buying a GS, and wish you wouldve gotten a Z? Im set to buy a Z this week but all the “what ifs” keep running through my head. Its killing me lol
I have zero regrets getting the GS. I knew going into it, that I didn't want to deal with the known issues of a Z as well as wanting a removeable roof. If the heads have been addressed, I wouldn't worry too much. Can't go wrong with either!
@@FocusedGarage thanks so much for your reply bud. Great videos btw!
No problem! Thanks for checking out the channel!
I just got a one owner 2012 grand sport with 11k miles on it. 2 tone interior LT2. 6 spd. I can't wait to do mods any ideas on what I should do first. I actually got the same color inferno orange. I have been looking at these for years it is a second vehicle and will be garage kept until temperatures hit 70 again here on the East coast. Great video btw.
Very nice find with that low of miles! With the car being so low of miles, I'd change all of the fluids first just for peace of mind. As far as mods these cars really like to breathe with a better intake and full exhaust system with a tune.
@@FocusedGarage Thank you for getting back to me. I agree had the fluids changed Since its not my daily I was gonna do long tub headers,throttle body ,intake and full exhaust. I am on the fence about a Cam.
A cam can be great as long as you chose wisely. Too aggressive of a cam and you lose low speed street manners with the car wanting to buck and surge. There are plenty of mild to moderate cams out there that still offer plenty of power.
@@FocusedGarage Thank you so much. Will reply with complete list of mods once its done. We have some pretty good shops here in Jersey. Ttyl.
You're near RPM, definitely recommend reaching out to them as well! One of the most know LS shops in the country.
the points made in your video are exactly why I also chose a C6 Grand Sport over the Z06. There's nothing like taking the roof off of a GS and cruise on a pretty day. I do track it occasionally, and it does great, but if I were a hard-core track guy, I would have gone with the Z06. Can't go wrong with either one. Some of the best Corvettes ever made, IMHO.
Can't go wrong with removing the roof and letting that LS3 sing.
Might be worth noting the GS manual trans coupe has a hand built engine just like the Z06 and ZR1. No difference in horsepower but a factory hand built LS3 engine is definitely a plus in my book.
Correct. The manual GS coupe is the only hand built LS3 that I am aware of. I think I mentioned it in the video. Good catch if I did not.
Good ole GLD. Miss my home track
Always a good time!
Great comparison and I think it is all about what you are using it for. I looked closely at both and having a friend that DID drop a valve on his Z06 and spent $15k+ on a new engine went with the GS. BUT that wasn’t my only reason. Yeah all that power is great in the ZO6- BUT if like me you aren’t looking for a track car but a vehicle that has a perfect balance of Grand Tourer, Sports Car, AND Muscle car wrapped up into what can ALSO be a daily driver that you take on 500 mile road trips just as easily as you can run to the store for milk and eggs- there is NO comparison and the Grand Sport wins ALL day long. (*Especially compared to other cars like the 911, 350Z, Supra, etc. ALSO Huge bonus when you live someplace like Arizona where you can take off the Targa top or switch to the clear top -if you are lucky enough to have both-9 months of the year. OBVIOUSLY- if you are looking for something to devour other vehicles on the track and willing to deal with the trade-offs it brings on the street (louder, harsher ride, fixed roof, etc.) the ZO6 all day long. I ended up with the GS because I wanted a bullet proof dependable ‘fun car’ that I could service at any Chevy dealer no matter how rural or urban. AND as much as that LS7 is a beautiful hand built work of art- there is a reason that EVERYBODY swaps LS3’s into whatever they build from old C-10s to 90’s era RX7’s! Rock solid dependable (if not gratuitous) power! EITHER WAY- GS vs ZO6- You can’t go wrong, especially when compared to the price and dependability of anything out of Europe and much of what comes out of Japan!
Thank you for chiming in! Both great choices, just depends what you wanna do with the car.
Good video, I hope the prices come back down so is working people can afford a gs with low miles for around 30k.
The market is absolutely insane right now.
I love my gs c6 but in a way wish i would have went ahead got the z06 but herd they have head problem's 🤷
It really depends what you want out of the car. The C6Z is known to have valve issues.
If I had to do it all over, I would get a c6Z. It took approximately 8K just to get my 2010 Grand Sport to stock C6Z power.
Did you do cam and supporting mods or did you boost it? Hey, at the end of the day you can still remove your roof and they can't, lol.
Yeah headers and a cam would of gotten you to stock c6z numbers and for about 2500$ installed and tuned
Yah that will put you around 480 to 500 whp which are very healthy numbers.
You got your wallet lifted from your pocket then.
Amazing job keeping in point from topic to topic without ever taking your eyes off the road. Also convinced me that a GS is what I want and Z06 is not. Thanks
Love my 2011 GS Convertible 6 speed manual transmission.
Are we saying ruff or roof?
Nonetheless great video very informative!
C6zr1 is my obtainable dream car but the c6 platform period is definitely the nicest and most timeless looking
I was saying roof as in the top of the car. ZR1 is an amazing vehicle, you just have to wonder if it's worth double the price of a Z06 on the used market.
@@FocusedGarage haha no no I understood that maybe it’s your American accent. I’m from Toronto Canada! Definitely the GS and Z06 platforms are best bang for your buck but the ZR1 is a beast. It’d be a nice car to review on the channel if you can get your hands on one!
Thanks for the watch from Canada. Everyone knows Letterkenny is the best Canadian TV show. Haha. Absolutely, we'll keep our eyes out for one to review.
You made one error, the 2013 60th anniversary edition convertible Grand Sport also has a 427 , LS 7
Yes that does exist. Has the LS7 but is also a vert. Kind of an in-between haha.
I don't know why I keep seeing these C6 Grand Sport vs. Z06 comparisons. The only thing different about a Grand Sport from a Base C6 Corvette is that it has a wide body style similar to the Z06 and ZR1. It is a naturally aspirated LS3 with 436 horsepower whereas the Z06 is a 550 horsepower track car. I've owned two C6 Z06 Corvettes and one C6 Grand Sport. Love the GS but let's be honest...it's all show and in no way should be compared to a Z06.
They are priced similarly and often cross shopped with one another. The Z06 is 505 HP, not 550. You wouldn't believe how often people asked for this video.
The C6 GS is actually set up for the track also from the factory. That's why you'll only get about 10,000 miles out of your front tires. A pfadt "street" alignment will save your tires from unwanted inside tread damage. Tires sizes are a match & the brakes, suspension & gearing are also different from the base model.
A GS also weights only about a 100 lbs more than a Z06. The LS3 is claimed to be the best motor engineered at GM, and that's per GM designers. (inside info 😁). It'll take boost waaaaay better than the LS7. And has a stronger bottom end.
All for show lmao that’s why the track times are closer to a z06 than they are to a base 😐
Great job….but why must you drive the entire time?
Next time I'll sit in an empty room.
Wait a minute? The Z06 has longer gearing? I thought they had the shortest gears of any Corvette model. I am all ears to hear what people have to say.
Personally I'd get a Grand Sport as well. (:
I think the ZR1 and Z06 are the only C6's that can hit 60+ mph in first gear.
@@FocusedGarage Interesting to read. That's a lot of sped in first gear.
Same old shit with a zo6 motor ! Even the ls6 had the valve dropping problem . I hope you know that’s a big issue and it’s not like simply like breaking a tire rod
A dropped valve typically totals the motor. LS7's are not cheap. Around 12k+ for a long block.
💪🏼👍🏻👍🏻💪🏼good info
Happy to help!
I have a 2010 GS that’s cammed, procharged and a whole lot more and it makes 765whp and it’s friggin fast!
P.S …I made the 1000th like😎
Sounds like an awesome car!
10:30 ZR1 1st gear tops out at 67 mph :) it's intoxicating to drive
Gotta love that gearing!
There is a 427 edition which came convertible.
Yes you are correct. Similar to a convertible Z06.
Let's break it down very simply the Z06 has a stronger engine and is a legendary car because of that engine where as the GS is just simply another Corvette. Both beautiful cars but the Z06 is it's own class, and this is coming from a 2017 Roush mustang owner!!!
Very true, the GS is way more "run of the mill".
If 65 more hp, 400 more rpm redline while having faulty valve guides is legendary then you have no argument from me, as someone who was trying to decide between these very two cars in 2010 and having driven both the hp difference was so minimal that I opted for the more reliable engine and the removable roof, oh and my pro charger mod was still cheaper than the total the Z06 would of been but I’m sure a mustang guy knows what I’m talking about….
@@cloudstrife4897 actually before my mustang I had a 2009 z51 corvette and drove multiple Z06, so you are either full of shit about driving one or you never hit the gas, because my God there is a difference in power and the torque is everywhere. And working on cars for over 33 years I've forgotten probably more than you know. Just watch any video of a GS vs Zo6 and the difference is drastic on the street.
You can easily get the HP difference. The GS can actually handle more HP because of lower compression. The motor is much more reliable and given the GS can come with the same suspension, widebody etc that little HP difference is even less of a big deal.
There have been multiple mags that texted both and the GS was right behind the zo6 and in some cases it beat it.
@@UvidCo yes BUT you can make any car faster but at the end of the day you still only have a grand sport not a Z06 or ZR1
Very informative I like both vehicles for obviously different reasons. The Z06 for the 427 505 Hp, but the Grand Sport gives you almost all of the performance that you can enjoy daily without the harsh ride and available auto trans.
Thanks for checking out the video! Both great cars.
A Corvette should never have an automatic. What's wrong with you?
@@Noneofyourbusiness2000because?
I have an Edelbrock Supercharger on my 2011 GS putting out 600 hp it’s a besst!
Sounds like fun!
How bout a C6 427 Convertible 60th Anniversary edition!!!
LS7 vert is the move!
Don’t think 600 whp is possible with just the heads and cams. Lingenfelter LS7 package can get you maybe 560 hp with all the mods they provide now.
I got a 13' GS because it has the Z06 looks and brakes but top comes out and was a lot cheaper . As far as the LS7 .....? I think the LS3 is a better engine and as far as power, Procharger makes an easy fix and still cheaper than a Z06. Also will merk a stock Z06. 🤣 But main thing is the top comes out, just a better driving experience.
Love that removable roof.
I'll take the Grand sport with the LS3! Gap the rings and add a supercharger or twin turbos and run 800 plus horsepower all day long.
Its simple.. if you want to boost it than GS is your answer. C6z will make a nasty N/A setup.
I love that you can make 600 wheel horsepower all motor with an LS7. That is very impressive.
Super
Happy to help!
2012 GS 👍
Great cars!
Great comparison of two great cars. I voted Z06
Can't go wrong with either!
$5000 with new exhaust valves and guides etc with labor, ls7 problem fixed. The only plus of GS for me is the targa top.
"Fixed" heads can still fail. The only true fix is buying entirely new casted heads.
Unfortunately I really want that LS7 and I'm willing to spend the money to make it reliable. It's already a bargain collector's car and I only see the price going up from here on.
Grand Sport FTW
Love mine!
The Z06 has short gears, or at least shorter gears. This is how it works: the higher the number the shorter the gear, and the lower the number the longer the gears. So, 5.56 Gears would be extremely short. 2.70 gears would be extremely long.
Thanks for sharing. I was under the impression of the gears being "longer" in the Z06 because it can hit 60+ in first gear while the other base C6's can not.
@@FocusedGarage
You can have a long first gear and still have a 3.73 final drive ratio, which most people consider to be on the shorter side of gearing.
C6Z all day
For some that is the answer!
Don't forget the Z06 heat soaks more than the G/S!!
Just curious as to how that would be? They both have the same cooling systems and this generation of Z06 is naturally aspirated. Perhaps the extra horsepower generates some more heat, but I wouldn't think too much.
@@FocusedGarage I wanna assume it's not just a Z06 thing then? I just know the higher compression does build heat, I remember from forums and from watching Froggy's videos.
You might be talking about the C7 generation
You should get a z06
😮😮😮 is this the way?
Guess I am wrong with our c5 Z06
C5Z is a great car!
Save and get grandsport, cam it and supercharger it...
Solid option.
2013 Chevy Corvette 427 is a convertible zo6 prove me wrong
Minus the lightweight materials, but it does have the LS7.
THE "GRAND SPORT" CORVETTE WAS NAMED AFTER DICK GULDSTRAND, WHO RACED ONE OF THE ORIGINAL 5 GRAND SPORTS.
Did not know this.
What is the psychology behind writing in capital letters?
Anybody who owns or knows a lot about corvettes the zo6 is totally in a different bracket than the grand sport in speed ….
That doesn't mean that people won't cross shop the two. Also both can be modified to make additional power pretty easily.
LS-7 motors are not small block engines. There seems to be much confusion between the terms small block & big block since the adoption of metric engine sizing. Historically GM V-8 motors, anything under 402 cu in is a small block with exception of the 396 cu in Chevy motor. The main visual difference between small and big blocks is the design of the cylinder heads. Valve placement is the difference. The way to tell is the arrangement of the valves. On Small block V-8 motors the two center cylinders, the exhaust valves sit side by side. So you’ll see the two center exhaust manifold or header tubes are right next to each other. On Big block motors the valves are evenly spaced. The two center cylinder valves are staggered normally so they don’t exit the head next to each other. That’s the distinction between Chevy small and big block motors. And generally big blocks run from 396 cu in on up. With the exception of the 400 & 402 ci which was a bored out 350 small block and the 409 which was a truck motor with very unique cylinder head shape. Lastly, the term “short block” refers to a motor that’s built minus; intake, exhaust, alternator and accy pumps. It’s a starting point to replace an engine.
Thanks for the input.
I would respect your opinion more if you were ACTUALLY driving a Corvette!!
I owned a Grand Sport at the time of filming this. It was in the garage.
the z06 anyday over the grandsport. It’s dumb to think the gs is a better car than a z06. You don’t have to justify why you bought the gs.
Never said one is better than the other. It depends what you want to do with the car. I wanted to take the roof off and not drop a valve so a Z06 wasn't an option for me.
Focused Garage not every z06 drops a valve. If you check your heads and keep on top of it before they get to that point. Don’t believe everything on the internet. I like the grand sport. Thing I don’t like is some TH-camr making statements like all z06 are gonna drop valves. This is not true. Stop spreading that rumor. Also let’s be honest a z06 cost more money than a grand port. For a a couple of grand you can take care of the valve issues. Z06 is a superior car. Period.
Its a superior performing car, yes. However not everyone is going to harness every last horsepower out of the car. I also missed the part where the C6Z roof is removable. I'm just displaying the info for those looking to buy one. Maybe not everyone needs to spend the extra money for performance that many will never use.
I may have blown the valve thing out of proportion, not all will drop valves. However it is a inherent design flaw and NEEDS to be addressed if you have a LS7 powered car.
@@FocusedGarage I recently bought a 2013 427 convertible.
Have had European sports cars my entire life and still have 2 vintage Ferraris, but I wanted a fun open car for Florida and loved the look of a wide-body C6.
Before I made the decision I started reading about dropped valves in the LS7 motors. So, I reached out to a preeminent race engine builder I know and inquired about the issue. He never heard of it and contacted another person who also said they had never heard of the issue.
I wound up buying a low mileage car which had the valve guides replaced when some mods were done, but I do believe the issue gets blow way out of proportion to reality of actual problems. I do not say it does not happen, just it gets way to much attention.
Gato, I've got a c6 3LT GS 6-speed convertible.
For the cost difference I wax a c6 Z, and can do it topless.
MY 2012 C6 GRANDSPORT COUPE IS A MUST KEEP FKR ME.
Great car!
Why are you comparing them. They are too different. Z06 is practically a super car.
Because pricing is similar and a lot of people cross shop them. Two different cars for two different purposes.
There's really not that much of a difference performance wise. With a little $, (aka: like in the initial cost), the GS will give you killer performance.
Exactly. My modified GS is faster than a stock C6Z. Especially if you wanted to add boost, the LS3 will hold more power with a stock bottom end.
Thumbnail was a catfish
Yep, sorry. The info is the same however. We have videos of these cars racing on the track if you are interested.
Ruff
Thanks for checking out the video!