C6 Corvette Z06 Review || The Affordable Legend

[@bananos2000]

Coming from a 2019 manual C7 Z06 3LT to a 2008 C6 Z06, now owning the best Corvette they ever made imo, recaros, harness and brakes makes it even better.. do your heads! Greetings from Germany

[@running2redline]

I’m sure the Recaros are a game changer, sounds great!

[@GTStuning-]

This was my dream car for the longest time and I finally bought one a few years ago. Did heads/cam/exhaust mods and I don't regret any of it. There is uncertainty about the valve drop issue due to the factory guides but honestly it's just a great excuse to have the heads rebuilt and milled for a bit of extra power (I went with the Advanced Induction 280cc package). Always nice to swap out the stock lifters anyways so pulling the heads covers that aspect as the lifters in these engines are beneath the heads. Very potent engines, I made 629 rwhp and it's naturally aspirated. At the track I had a lot of problems launching due to prep and my inexperience with manual transmissions at the launch, but despite my shortcomings it still did a 132 mph trap in the 1/4 mile. Low 10 second cars were trapping that speed at my track, so it just shows how wild these are with a better driver. Auto Glory has a bunch of videos on utube of these cars racing very quick cars, and winning. It's also crazy how low these are completely stock, mine is a 2009 c6z06 with stock suspension and I have to be very careful where I drive, 100% avoid all speed bumps haha. It's bad on gas at heavy throttle as you have 427 cubic inches to feed, but on the highway in 6th gear 1300 rpm, my display says it's using 4L/100 kms of fuel. I was absolutely shocked. I almost bought a base c6 and thought I would just supercharge it and be happy, but there is SOOO much more the z06 offers in the C6 model, zero regrets.

[@running2redline]

Congrats on the car, that sounds incredible and I like your approach to the valve drop issue. The Z06 is truly a cut above and worth that gas mileage. Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@SamM-qk9xo]

I also did a heads, cam, ported intake manifold upgrades on mine and it made around 635 whp. I also went with AI heads. Incredible car. Way more than enough power for the street. I want another one.. why.. I don’t know. I love the LS7. 14-15 Z28 Camaro also has the LS7… prices keep going up on them and they are getting harder to get.

[@running2redline]

That's great power! A Z28 would be an awesome pick up, one of my favorite Camaros ever and will surely age well.@@SamM-qk9xo

[@andrewe4277]

A great looking 2013 Z06. I own a 2013 60th Anniversary Grand Sport and really enjoy driving it. C6 is my favorite generation of Corvette, and they catch my eye every time I am out driving.

[@running2redline]

Grand sport is a great car too, especially in a 60th. I think the C6 will be a classic in hindsight, it’s always what I think of when I hear Corvette. Thanks for watching!

[@pontiacGXPfan]

like this Z06 much better than the C8 version

[@running2redline]

That seems to be a somewhat popular opinion, less electronics and a simpler car overall. Having a manual transmission is certainly a leg up

[@craigthescott5074]

I’m really happy with my C6 Z06. Found a super nice one with 30K miles had the heads fixed and did all Texas speed upgrade on LS7 engine for over 700HP. The cars a monster now for less than $50K and still gets 20 MPG. I really think these will increase in value being the last of the big cubic inch engines.

[@running2redline]

That sounds like a blast of a car, it is a shame we don’t see these anymore and I agree that values will likely go up

[@blerdninja2562]

Just picked up a 2012 Z06. After coming from a 2019 GT mustang I can truly say the feeling of torque is addictive.

[@running2redline]

Oh man I can totally agree with that. I just went from a BRZ to a 2005 Vette, I can never go back lol. It makes regular use so easy and pulls nicely at low rpm. Congrats on the car and thanks for watching!

[@betterthanezra2583]

I’m thinking of a 2015 GT Mustang or like 06 corvette ish

[@caseymoore4759]

@@betterthanezra2583lol I had a 15 mustang gt premium with performance pack. Loved everything about it but the transmission. Now I’m shopping for a c6 z06

[@damo514]

Do you feel a huge difference with the weight difference? I had a 2021 it was great all around but definitely took time to get confidence in the suspension to carry all the weight in turns

[@blerdninja2562]

@@damo514 massive difference with the weight. I liked the GT but the corvette literally feels like you are in a go kart on steroids. It pretty much does everything better handling and performance wise. Only draw back is when it comes to making power easy the coyote can’t really be beat.

[@Glimmertwins427]

Best year Z06 ever made!!! LS 7 Rocks! Get one!

[@MikeZeamer]

Have a 2013 427 convertible. Everything you said plus carbon fiber body, open air and magnetic shocks for better ride. Amazing vehicle.

[@running2redline]

That’s really rare! I’m sure the magnetic shocks are a game changer. Thanks for watching

[@danziger69]

Not quite. Steel frame, no magnesium cradles and mostly regular fiberglass. However, you get beautiful wheels, mag ride and of course, convertible. Both great cars.

[@kibo16ardal]

Steel frame was my deal breaker

[@sandyk6657]

I own a 2006 Z06 and love it. It's also red. They are great looking cars. It's definitely a driver's car and a visceral experience. I did some performance mods to mine, and it is making 526whp or around 620 HP at the flywheel. It transformed the car into a beast, and it sounds so good. At the time I bought it 7 years ago, they were around $40K. I did think about a C7 Z, but they were $85K+- and I didn't see paying double for that car for a minimal difference in performance. And I think the C6 Z is a better-looking car. I'm biased, but I think it is the best-looking Corvette ever made - along with C6 ZR1.

[@running2redline]

That sounds incredible, the red is beautiful on these cars. I also agree that 85k is hard to justify with these out there for half of that now. Thanks for watching and nice car!

[@t.smith317tf]

I've been fortunate enough to own a C6 Z06 and now a C6 ZR1. Both are amazing cars!❤

[@carlostorres8771]

Can I have one ?

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Well done Tony :⁠-⁠) I have an atomic orange Z and wish I could afford the ZR1 in AO also. I might be jaded, but believe these C6 widebody cars have lasting lines that will age well for decades to come. Enjoy Mr Smith :⁠-⁠)

[@josephpetersonjr.8270]

I have an 09 Z06,Head fix,cam,ported intake,throttle body. She went from beast,to angry beast!

[@drewmorg.]

Watched a billion corvette videos and never knew the seats were upgraded in the final 2 years of C6 Z06. Very useful knowledge! Thanks.

[@c6corvette]

I believe in the Grand Sport as well... final 2, 3 years the seats were better, more comfortable.

[@StupidFastTruck]

Great review as usual. BTW that looks to be a super clean example. By 2013 the C6 was very refined and the best year, the interior, especially the seat were much improved.

[@running2redline]

Hey welcome back! Glad to see you again and thanks for the support as always. It is indeed a very pristine example with only 10K miles. The seats are lovely and I couldn’t find a paint chip on the entire car. Lovely car and happy to hear you enjoyed.

[@exoticolors9953]

my c6 z06 has 600hp… it makes driving to work fun lol

[@running2redline]

I could only imagine, that sounds great!

[@stefantakacs]

Dream car right there. I will own one hopefully this year. Would definitely put some carbon side skirts, new lights front and rear + Paint correction = perfection.

[@running2redline]

Good luck on your search! The lights are totally a good idea especially if you’re thinking morimotos. I just did those on mine and it’s worth every penny. Thanks for watching

[@cjdavid1997]

I picked up my 2007 C6 Z06 with 28k miles last September for $40k.. Victory Red too! Super happy with my purchase. I finally received my new custom heads and cam. Looking to get this build together soon!!

[@running2redline]

That’s a great deal! The heads will add heaps of toque and the cam will sound incredible. Good luck with the build and thanks for watching!

[@sknfjuebc]

Very nice

[@Sandy-oy2lr]

I switched from the GY Eagle F1 EMTs to Michelin Pilot Super Sports, and now 4S tires non run flat. The transformation is astounding. The ride improves dramatically, the tramming reduces to nil, tight turn front tire hopping disappears in warm weather, traction level increases dramatically and cold weather handling improves to very useable. Best upgrade for these cars, imo.

[@VetteZ-fq4zi]

I run Michelin Super Sports (285s up front/345s out back) on my Z06 and they're fantastic.. whether daily driving or pushing it hard on the track.

[@naturallyaspirated7829]

​@@VetteZ-fq4zi Isn't 345 too big and therefore effecting the handling ??

[@secretsquirrel572]

I love my C6Z. I’ve owned two… both with HCI, full exhaust, etc, and both making nearly 600 RWHP. There’s a reason the car crowd calls the C6Z the “supercar killer”. At 3150 pounds, you won’t find a faster street car for the money.

[@running2redline]

That sounds sick, must’ve been a handful from behind the wheel!

[@secretsquirrel572]

@@running2redline it’s not for beginners but the handling package really compliments the power so it’s not as bad as one would think.

[@browningbelgium2326]

Glad I saw this because after a rigorous 2-3 year search for this Vette, I found her sitting on a velvet pillow. It's an 09 with less than 14K miles. I'm over the moon. Mission accomplished. Thanks for the vid. If I can figure out how to delete the 3 beeps of the horn when I get out of it, I'll be happy.

[@running2redline]

That sounds like a sweet deal I’m glad you found the right car! Glad you enjoyed the video and yes the beeps get annoying on mine for sure. Thanks for watching

[@pilotgirl5953]

Excellent review ! Very well done !

[@running2redline]

I’m glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching

[@TheWolfMatt]

One of my dream cars right there. I'd prefer a Yellow Z06 but whichever color is good tbh, what really matters is the drivetrain, suspension, and character of the car, not so much the color anymore. Beautiful ride, thanks for posting another great review.

[@running2redline]

Yellow is a really nice color on these for sure! These cars are truly a treasure, that’s spot on. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@billmagorian490]

You have a very professional delivery and cover the various features of the car without being repetitive. Chevrolet should have engineered the ZO6 so that it could have a targa roof. With the advent of the C7 even the monster ZR1 could be had with a soft top. Everything you say makes this car desirable so long as a fixed roof isn't a problem. Great Job young man!

[@running2redline]

I really appreciate that, and I’m glad you found this useful! I think the fixed roof was for rollover rigidity during track use, but the targa would’ve been a great feature, I use it all the time on my 05 C6 and love it.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Awesome looking Z06 you have there! Looks pristine :⁠-⁠) I found an 09 Atomic Orange Z in 13, and have kept it ever since. Finally got upgraded OEM Lingenfelter heads installed, new tires and four wheel alignment this year, so as not to worry about driving it. It turns heads quickly and draws any car nut in my Northern BC communities to it. I have a Boss also that is awesome, but nowhere the handling and truly comfortable car the Z is. Cheers, from Canada, and thanks for sharing your enthusiasm :⁠-⁠)

[@running2redline]

Love the atomic orange! I’m sure that’s a pretty rare sighting up there, must be fun to get it out. I’m glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching.

[@xballsport]

Pround owner here of a bone stock 09 c6z with 58k miles. Incredible driving experience. Exhaust note honestly sounds like nothing else on the road. Imho this car has a more menacing more aggressive look than the c7. The rear end ide say is one of the best in the whole generation. Yes lol, i might be a lil biased but ive seen many random polls online supporting this.

[@running2redline]

I agree with you on a lot of this, I’d love to own one of these as well. The sound is addictive, I’d end up with a ticket or two just trying to hear more. Thanks for watching!

[@RicardoMNogueira]

Amazing car. My favourite generation!

[@derklanz1222]

In a c5z now and I love it, but the c6z or ZR1 will be my next toy.

[@dmadatawiz]

I have 2 C6 Z06's. My original 2008 that I bought new is now a raw race car, and has close to 700 HP NA. I also have a 2009 3LZ garage queen that I bought used with 26k miles for 1/2 price. It still has less than 40k miles and still looks brand new. I also have, and race, a 2021 C8 Z51, and while quicker to 60, the C6Z is WAY faster. I'm fortunate to run an autocross club that has access to a 1/2 mile airstrip and I've roll raced my '09 and my '21 from 30-130 and the C6Z is 2+ car lengths ahead. Same torque, 10 more HP, BUT...440 lbs lighter. The days of 3,100# cars are long gone, another reason the C6Z will always be coveted. My 2021 goes away in this coming September for a fully spec'd 2024 C8 Z06, but for nearly $180K, you can't lose appreciation for the basic, lightweight, big displacement that is the C6Z. I will have both of my Z's forever, and the 24 will be kept forever too, but I'm going back to running the '08 full time as soon as the new engine arrives....engine #3, and the car still only has 14k miles on the chassis. But...I beat the snot out of it, and I always smile when I race it.

[@running2redline]

You have a dream garage right there. C6Z race car must be a blast, and congrats on the C8Z!

[@dmadatawiz]

@@running2redline Here's a vid of my '08 race car and my '09 garage queen drag racing...with the rest of the family fleet. LOL kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpPIZKGEZbSga9E We basically did the MotorTrends World's greatest drag race. '09 does 11.89 in the 1/4 at 124.5. Race car has 3.73 gears and spun in 1st-3rd, but when it hooked up (after 10 seconds), it was 20 car lengths in front of the stock car at the finish.

[@running2redline]

The ‘08 rips! That’s really cool. Like how the camera is facing backwards because everyone was behind you. Thanks for sharing that

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

This is my favorite car!

[@jafo4u508]

Relaxing voice for a car review! New Sub, Loved your content on this beast of a car! I'm definitely going to be watching your reviews on other cars also.

[@running2redline]

I really appreciate that! Welcome to the channel and I hope you enjoy the other reviews I have available

[@jafo4u508]

@@running2redline I will definitely be watching for more awesome reviews from you in the future!

[@derincatalbas9425]

Good review seems like a really fun car to drive, however I believe the exterior of the c7 generation absolutely has the c6’s beat

[@running2redline]

Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@Carado5150]

Your taste is lacking

[@300cmysrt8]

Curious on how you said it's not scary. Did you drive it with traction control off? Makes a huge difference. 1st and 2nd will easily break traction if you arent careful.

[@running2redline]

Yes I drove with no TC, my comparison there was to the ZR1, which is much more unpredictable. Although the Z06 can break traction I felt that it did so predictably rather than snapping into oversteer like the ZR1. I hope you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching!

[@lifeonmars03]

Niceeee. Hoping I can pick up a silver 08 or metallic gray 09 this week. Sold my 14 paxton fbo gt coyote 2 weeks ago.

[@running2redline]

Metallic gray is super sharp. Good luck on the purchase!

[@timbaer8525]

The Z06 is not structurally the same as the base model. Steel frame for the base vs aluminum on the Z’s

[@running2redline]

This is true, I meant in terms of geometry. The geometry of the front end length, wheelbase, etc is the same.

[@paisley2342]

Excellent review man! Very thorough and well described.

[@running2redline]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it! I tried to be in-depth without making the video super long as I understand that can be a pain to watch. Lovely car though, welcome to the channel

[@richardcerritelli9657]

It's amazing how the color can totally make this car personally I think that red is awesome makes the car look fantastic the black yellow white and silver make the car look ugly but the best color of all in my opinion is sunset orange that color is amazing in my opinion.

[@running2redline]

I agree color makes the car, I’ve noticed that a lot on the C8 as well actually. Sunset orange is also a beautiful color, right there with jet stream blue. Thanks for watching!

[@JamesRSchwartz]

Lemans blue is the best color

[@andrewe4277]

Keep it stock and it will live a long time....and hold its value. I really like the factory chrome spider wheels...

[@andrewe4277]

@@yungtooli agree with a professional fixing the cylinder heads.....but turning it into a drag car would be a shame.

[@andrewe4277]

@@yungtooli i didn't say it did..........

[@georgefeelgood1821]

Well done👍🏼

[@running2redline]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@stevesmith2155]

Beautiful car, now how can l find one with less than 30,000 miles on it, thanks.😊

[@running2redline]

Unfortunately I think the answer to that is a fair bit more money lol. They’re out there, just becoming harder and harder to find. Thanks for watching and good luck on your search!

[@Wootangtw]

Awesome car

[@YELLOW08Z06]

To put into perspective how rare your 2013 c6z is… they only made 470 of them. The 11-2013 also make a lot more power than the previous years.

[@running2redline]

Unfortunately the car isn’t mine lol, and yes that is indeed ultra rare. And from my understanding from 05-13 was all 505 Hp, at least on google that is. Thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed the video!

[@joem1382]

They are all 505 horses from factory and if anything. The newer Z06 are slower as you go up in years so does the weight. 2006 Z06 being the lightest

[@YELLOW08Z06]

@@joem1382 I know what they make from factory I own 2 of them. Not every car is created equal!!! The later ones make more power do your research

[@joem1382]

@@YELLOW08Z06 stop the BS. They are all LS7 505 horses. The only thing that changes is how heavy they got after 2006.

[@YELLOW08Z06]

@@joem1382 so that’s why they ALLLLLLLLLLL dyno the exact same numbers correct??!!! Wrong you stop the bs

[@wyattllc]

lets not forget the valve issues that need to be addressed before putting too many miles on it. Especially if youre not the original owner

[@running2redline]

Yes, aftermarket valve guides are a must in the long term. Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@wyattllc]

@@running2redline and the exhaust valves too, they have a tendency to snap off. Best case scenario you find the pieces in your catalytic converter instead of the engine. So basically if you buy a c6 z06, you're going to want to spend a few grand to have these issues fixed before you have a reliable vehicle

[@sknfjuebc]

Guys who get grandsports never drove a Z 😅

[@josephlakhno3556]

Your style of reviewing the car reminds me of doug demuro a bit.

[@therealjoshtodd]

i would argue it's nowhere near "in between" a basae model and a zr1. if a base model is a 1 and a zr1 is a 10, the z06 is like an 8. The grand sport is around a 3 or 4 and the 427 vert is 5 or 6 so that would be your "in between"

[@running2redline]

8 is in between 1 and 10 to be fair. Didn’t say where on that spectrum it lied, but I would solidly agree with that assessment having driven all but the 427. Hope you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching!

[@jamessilvester4622]

600+whp NA 427 with top down Might be a 10 even weighing 3350lbs

[@ryancompeau146]

Your base has the steel frame, z06 is aluminum. That also contributes to the "light" feel you speak of.

[@running2redline]

Interesting to know, I guess that’s how they compensated the extra weight of the LS7. What’s really intriguing to me is that the base weighs 3179 and the Z06 3175. They’re only 4 pounds apart yet the Z06 feels so much lighter. Thanks for the info and welcome to the channel!

[@ryancompeau146]

@running2redline no prob! The z06 aluminum chassis is about 100lbs lighter than the base (the grand sport also uses the base steel chassis), and the LS7 is basically the same as LS2/3. The z06 "catches" back up with heavier wheels and tires, brakes, and cooling /heat exchangers.

[@Fit5Pt0]

What is the bes year for Z06?

[@running2redline]

I always liked the 12 and 13 for the different seats, but the 2006-2007 can be had for roughly half the price making those pretty hard to pass up in terms of value

[@danziger69]

I won't get rid of my C6 Z06. 3100lbs with 505HP and a manual 6-speed.

[@running2redline]

That’s a formula which is getting much rarer now, I’d do the exact same! Thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed.

[@danziger69]

@@running2redline I did enjoy and keep up the strong work!

[@LivingOnCash]

Too bad you don't have any curvy roads in Florida to really see how this car shines.

[@running2redline]

I would love to have driven this on tail of the dragon or another mountain backroad. Thanks for watching!

[@Rondleswango-p8g]

I like the red or blu but it isnt a 2019 which they have a way better look and the ZR1 will only get higher in price

[@running2redline]

Those are indeed running about double a C6 ZR1 in price right now. Very rare sight

[@Subpac_ww2]

Dream car. Hopefully once the mortgage is paid off I think I got the wife on board.

[@running2redline]

Good luck with the purchase, you won’t regret it!

[@sknfjuebc]

Get this guy in a hci packaged c6z and he will reiterate this whole video 😂

[@running2redline]

I’m sure that would be such a game changing and exhilarating drive!

[@petelanzone484]

Not really between a base and zr1. More technically between a Grandsport and Zr1

[@running2redline]

Also true, I reviewed a C6 GS as well and agree that’s accurate. Feels a lot like a more powerful and better sounding GS, handling was pretty close between the two. Hope you enjoyed the video and welcome to the channel!

[@petelanzone484]

@@running2redline GS frame is steel. Z06 is not. I believe 08+ the 6.2 in the GS. And yes Z06 is more powerful however GS isn't a slouch.

[@6598901]

This for sale?😜

[@running2redline]

I doubt it, it was just purchased lol. It’s a pristine example too, lovely car!

[@6598901]

@@running2redline once it go for sale , i will be ready 😜

[@juansaladzar]

Wtf? Freight trains are slow brah

[@running2redline]

This is true lol, at the time I think I meant the low end torque just felt like it had so much weight behind it

[@juansaladzar]

@@running2redline 🤔