Which C6 Corvette To Buy? || A Full Guide

[@StupidFastTruck]

Amazing how much the value of a C6 ZR1 has gone up. Prior to Covid you could pick up a mint ZR1 for $60K. As you mentioned some sellers are putting unrealistic prices on their cars.

[@srvmotoman]

This is true. I ended up getting a 2008 C6Z for $34k with 53k miles in 2019 (before covid). A black ZR-1 was priced at $55k with 49kmiles...just out of reach for me at the time. Hind sight 20/20 as they say.

[@andrewe4277]

I own a 2013 60th Anniversary Grand Sport Coupe and love everything about the C6. The body is much more attractive than a C8. The lines and the curves are just right..... I am keeping it the way it was born too...

[@Tanner_Teves]

IMO the sweet spot is the C6 Z16 Grand Sport, especially in a 6 speed manual. All of the goodies that a Z06 has minus the worry-some LS7. Yes, it’s an awesome motor but for those who don’t want to be paranoid about a valve dropping the LS3 is still plenty of fun!

[@Diagts]

I agree. I have a 2012 Inferno Orange M6 GS. Back in 2012 I went with the GS over the Z06 because I wanted the removable top. To address the power difference, I sent it to Lingenfelter to have it supercharged and it currently has 670hp. It's still a LOT of fun!!

[@andrewe4277]

Another thing that many buyers do not realize about the entire production run of the C6 was devoid of AFM/DFM. I think this is a blessing because of known issues with lifter failure found in later Corvette generations.

[@running2redline]

This is a huge bonus I forgot to point out, thank you. AFM is such a pain and I constantly see other Silverado owners of my generation (14-19) complaining of failures. GMs older V8s are certainly more reliable.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

I believe the only C7 exemption is the C7 ZR1. I felt bad having to put heads on my C6 Z06, but after research, feel more fortunate than C7 Z06 owners.

[@andrewe4277]

@@billmcmeekin7909 you are correct. Only the C7 ZR1 is without AFM

[@dpbabbitt1]

Very good analysis. Last week I purchased a 2012 Grand Sport Coupe. I'm a very competent driver but won't be tracking it or driving it near its limits. I fell in love with the Corvette as a kid in the 1970s, so the C3 has always been my idea of what a Corvette should look like. To my eye, a widebody C6 evokes much of what I find beautiful in a car. While the car was being shipped across the country after I won it on BAT, I started having ideas about adding an air dam, side skirts and spoiler. After it arrived, I cleaned and waxed it, and I have to say it takes my breath away just as it is. So, it's got all the power and handling I could want, plus it's drop-dead gorgeous. Hopefully my wife doesn't read this, or she might get jealous (actually she absolutely loves it, especially with the top off).

[@running2redline]

Congrats, I hope you enjoy the car, that’s a great choice!

[@andrewe4277]

I own a 2013 60th Anniversary Grand Sport Coupe and love everything about the C6. The body is much more appealing than a C8. The lines and the curves are just right...

[@dpbabbitt1]

@@nickbuchanan4179 Torch Red 40k miles $31,500

[@Diagts]

I too have a 2012 GS. It's a Inferno Orange M6 Coupe. Back in 2012 I went with the GS over the Z06 because I wanted the removable top. To address the power difference, I sent it to Lingenfelter to have it supercharged. It currently has 670hp. 12 years later and it's still a LOT OF FUN!!

[@andrewe4277]

​@@nickbuchanan4179white with silver racing stripes. Diamond blue interior..

[@marcusrussell8660]

I own a 38 K 2011 base corvette automatic with 38k miles. I have always loved the looks of the c6>c7. I have owned four other c6’s. I love the 6.2. Some prior owner install a significant program. I had planned to have a supercharger on it until I bought it. It is great, and I paid pennies on the dollar for it. It is torch red and I love it.

[@Howdy76]

I really like my 2011 corvette in supersonic blue metallic. She is a manual gear jammer, has just over 25K on her. I just put on a set of ZR1 wheels and a new set of hooves. Gee i wish i was a young pup again.

[@Z06Phil]

The 7:22 time on the z06 was one with the z07 package very hard to find and has the zr1 carbon ceramic brakes

[@josephfamularo469]

Only 488 Z07s ever made, lots of ZR-1 goodies; brakes, suspension, x-pipe and exhaust. Super car killer version.

[@travismccarthy5681]

Nice video 👍 although the increased seat bolstering had nothing to do with model and trim level….the better seats were offered in 12/13. None the less great video

[@running2redline]

You are correct, I believe it’s material only. Thank you for the correction and I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Got my 09 Atomic Orange Z06 in 13. Had the heads done, and love it. Its staying home, until I leave horizontal, lol.

[@Hugemanazh]

I recently bought a manual grand sport. Love the car, wanted a z06 but I’ve seen too many examples of engine failure even with “fixed” heads….. just not something would want to worry about. Also I think a ls3 with a centrifugal supercharger is top tier so that’s the goal

[@running2redline]

Can’t go wrong, the LS3 is said to be GMs best even by many of their engineers. Congrats and enjoy the car!

[@jamessilvester4622]

Just picked up a 13 ZR1 PDE 6500mi Yellow calipers/ black headlight override/ Crystal red metallic. I found a unicorn Only 375 PDE in existence So pumped

[@running2redline]

What a car, really happy for you and hope you enjoy it! That’s a keeper

[@gbass7328]

C6 Z06 with a head upgrade at least. Done!

[@kareemrichards8635]

6C ZR1 is my favorite corvette ever. Thanks for sharing, captain.

[@running2redline]

Thanks for watching, getting to drive the ZR1 was something I’ll always appreciate and never forget, one of a kind!

[@isiahsmithz01]

Thanks so much, I was so educated by your information, I know the z01 is for 😊

[@themessenger1680]

First factory corvette to break 200, I cannot and will never get over the Callaway sledgehammer

[@everythingengine]

Its the C6 ZR1 for me!

[@Mid-LifeChrisis]

You didn’t mention the big brother to the grand sport the Z51

[@running2redline]

The Z51 is a package of options rather than a main trim options. The Z51 would still be a base model or GS, just with a few upgrades. I should have covered what that entails though, thanks for watching!

[@markchapman2585]

Great video

[@running2redline]

Much appreciated, thanks for watching!

[@jedimasterjoe5386]

American i4 list pls

[@dhofknecht8354]

The real answer to this question is the one you can afford

[@running2redline]

Can’t go wrong with any of them, I got my 05’ LS2 for $20k and couldn’t have been happier. That’s the beauty of a corvette. Thanks for watching!

[@aaranchristopher]

The Supercharged Callaway C6 Corvette beats all those models and the Z-R1 C6 was just a copy of what C6 Callaway was an just rebranded really an to bring back a name/model aka Z-R1, The Callaway C6 came in many variants of horsepower, and too mention more then 1 model back as in saying the C4 twin-turbo Callaway Corvette which is still today the fastest top speed Corvette too date made, the old C4 Callaway Corvette hit 254-255mph with 880hp horsepower and 772lb-ft of torque an 22lbs psi of boost

[@running2redline]

Interesting info, thanks for sharing this

[@rusilver2]

buy the newest lowest mileage corvette you can afford to pay cash with - its a weekend car (mostly) - having payments will tarnish the ownership, IMHO

[@running2redline]

Agreed completely here. Big proponent of buying what you can afford in full

[@andrewe4277]

I paid my 2013 Grand Sport Coupe off last year. Is it bad to want another C6 GS or ZR1???

[@Hugemanazh]

@@andrewe4277 30+ thousand dollars sitting in a car isn’t always more practical than paying $600 a month. Paying cash can be smart but it’s an unrealistic expectation.

[@philpernice4722]

Weekend car? Any day over 55 degrees ill be out driving

[@mmanzanozr1]

Not everyone is a retired older gentleman that can afford to pay 35k cash for a car. It's ok to make payments on a fantastic car like this when you're a bit younger. I did 35 and now own my 11 GS 6 speed.

[@larrysutton925]

Funny this narrator says there are "probably some better options at 100 grand" but doesn't name one example...let's face it-the C6ZR1 is one of the greatest supercars of all time, regardless of price.

[@running2redline]

Here’s a few that come to mind: -991.2 Carerra S -Lamborghini Gallardo -981 Cayman GT4 -2020-2021 Evora Gt -Audi R8 V10 -AMG GTS -C8 Z06 (105k) Just my personal opinion of course but that’s what I was thinking. The ZR1 is certainly within that conversation though, thanks for watching!

[@robyna8995]

@@running2redlinehad a 991.1 GTS. Now have an HCI C6 Z06 and the C6 is much much much more fun. Porsche had a nicer interior and better resale. That’s it.

[@terrywix6844]

All C6 Z06 have a major exhaust valve dropping into the cylinder eating up that 20K aluminum 427 engine. We got rid of our 2007 Z06 before that expensive problem occurred.

[@dangorski2975]

lol

[@craigthescott5074]

It’s actually an easy fix and if you get it done it increases the value of the Z06. These cars are now going up in value because they are the last of the big naturally aspirated engines with a manual. I just bought a 07 Z06 low milage car that was mint and had the head problem fixed and built the engine to 700 plus HP. Now it’s a monster for less than $50K.

[@Hugemanazh]

@@craigthescott5074 most people would still recommend you periodically check your valve train

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Just get some new heads. I had OEM built Lingenfelter installed to replace my potential stock grenading exhaust valve. Won and done, and keeping mine :⁠-⁠)

[@rapid13]

Not necessarily “all” but it is a real issue. I have stage 2 Livernois CNC heads with BTR valve train goodies. Never selling it.

[@gbass7328]

eManual seems like a good resource but from Hong Kong, and misspelled cover wording? Also more than one for my car. Seems like more than 5 might be the right one. Doesn't look legit.

[@running2redline]

The multiple manuals are different versions released at different times or for different countries. I have used them personally and can attest to their usefulness, I can appreciate the caution though. Thanks for watching!

[@racingdreamz8021]

Any corvette with an auto sucks so badly

[@running2redline]

I agree that the manual is superior by quite a margin, but the automatics are still great cars, just slow to shift and less engaging. Thanks for watching!

[@Steve-O_27]

My knees are bad so I'm happy with my 08 auto ls3. You'll get me off the line, but automatics are factually faster. So apples to apples with a manual vs auto, auto wins.

[@racingdreamz8021]

@ lol when it comes to a c6 ….Auto NEVER WINS!

[@craigthescott5074]

The C8 is the exception the 8 speed auto is extremely fast and crisp. It feels like one gear. I’m a total manual guy. I’ve owned 8 Corvettes 6 were manuals, but the C8 automatic is excellent.

[@racingdreamz8021]

@ I’m honestly not a fan of the C8 at all so I don’t speak on it much in corvette conversations