Steven.Bateman

So I'm looking into getting a corvette, currently have a 5th gen camaro and have always wanted a vette. I know the main differences between the GS and the Z06 (supercharger, engine internals, wheels, etc.) My question is, are there any other main drivetrain differences? Is the rear end the same and is the transmission and suspension the same? My plan is to swap the block with an LME 416 LT1 (1400rwhp) anyway, because of its extremely high horsepower rating and would be doing a procharger or twin turbos. So would it be worth my while just to get a GS instead of the Z06 since I would be swapping out the block regardless of which I get and wouldn't have any use for the supercharger as I'd be getting rid of it anyway.

falcon5619

The suspension is the same. Are you planning for auto or manual trans?

The gear ratios in the Tremec manual are different between the GS and the Z06. The Z06 uses taller gearing to handle additional torque of the Z06. At 1400hp I assume you will have to beef up the trans anyway. I would think you would save some money and buy a GS and then use the money for the crazy mods. I am just trying to get my head wrapped around how you will put all that power down. The Z06 at 650hp is already traction limited and you are planning to more than double the power. Sounds fun though.

Steven.Bateman

I was planning on going with the auto trans. Yeah it's quite a bit of power. Something I would do over time, but I'd like to be taking it to half mile/mile events, and some car shows as well. Definitely a bit much for the street. But I feel if the only differences are the internals and the supercharger and I'd be swapping that stuff out anyway, may as well save myself some money and just go with the GS.

altransam

Wheels are different in looks only, size are the same with both GS and Z06

Steven.Bateman

Yeah I figured that! My main concern is basically the rear cradle, axles, driveshaft and auto trans.

DrFeX

Want to revive this thread. Did this get to any conclusion? Are there differences in the main mechanical components (other than wheel looks, trans ratio etc.)?

DrFeX

I don't doubt that you can feel that extra power.
I've driven both and can feel it. I was thinking more along the lines of if I wanted to add 200-300hp to my GS if I would need to worry about drivetrain etc.

96GS#007

None outside of these two main items...the engine of course and the gear ratios of 1,2, and 3 in the transmission on the manual transmissions cars. You can get into supporting details like the HPFP as well.

Minor differences in spring rates and sway bars due to the added weight of the Z06. The hood is a different shape to clear the supercharger. The Z weighs about 100lbs more.

To get to Z hp levels N/A you need to add a supercharger or go with a big cam and other mods.

DrFeX

Thanks for the comments. I prefer N/A feel, sound, no heat issues, less weight, etc.
Though, I have a "full spec" low mileage 2019 GS, 3LT, Z07, stg 2 aero, carbon ceramics, M7. Since they are discontinued and moving forward everything will electric, its value as is I suspect will continue to rise. On the other hand, I do plan to drive all my cars, lot let them sit and collect dust.. lol

96GS#007

I can relate

Rky Mtn C6

jimstem

Great track photo!!! What track were you at there? (my wife works for NASCAR)

DrFeX

SICK!! I love what you did with the exterior aero. I wonder how those front canards would look on a black car (Mine's black with red details). Have you done many bolt ons?

96GS#007

Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. Fun, high speed track.

96GS#007

It has a few changes. Just got the car back a few weeks ago. Also added a larger front splitter from Faircloth Composites

DrFeX

WOhaaa! 427? I was thinking to do something similar

96GS#007

Still stock displacement. Larger crossed my mind but the costs go astronomical. I did that with a prior car and not only is there the cost to do so, but then you keep finding "the next weak link" and those parts have to be fixed/upgraded as well. This one is basically everything but displacement. I think my favorite part is the lightweight clutch & flywheel. 40+lbs less than stock. Love how the car revs.

DrFeX

Nice, you don't hear of many cars that do flywheel and clutch. You are running the M7? How has it been holding up to the extra power?
And I've always debated on Cam - Love the power gains up top, like the sound of the chop, but the daily usability id really reduced.
Done any of your own tuning?

96GS#007

It's an M7. The clutch is an RPS Billet Carbon Street Twin with the aluminum flywheel. It hasn't been on track yet. Watching the weather to see if I can make it out the end of this month. If not. I'll go sometime in March. This will be the first time out with the new engine/clutch/suspension and larger front splitter so a rainy day wouldn't be much fun.

You don't hear about a lot of C7 guys make the clutch swap. It's a lot of money and not needed for a street only car. Driveability is fine. The only two downsides are 1) if you have the transmission in neutral and the clutch pedal out, you get a "box of rocks" sound from the transmission. The factory dual mass setup dampens this out. I had a lightweight setup in my '96 Grand Sport and the sound was way worse with the ZF6 transmission.2) you have to tune for it or be sure not to use Active Rev Match since the engine revs waaaaay faster.

The cam is definitely not for everyday use but fine for the occasional outing. You could always go mild and pick up 70-75hp with a slightly larger cam, headers, and a tune and be fine.

I used to tune in my C4 days. Life got too busy and I didn't keep up with it. I have VCM Editor, a stock 2019 file and my tuned file. VCM Editor goes along with HP Tuner. Looking at all the tables in the file, there's a lot going on in there...more than I feel like taking the time to learn.