C6 Z06, C7 Grandsport / Z06, C8, M2? Need Your Opinions and Experience

[HDMI]

Originally Posted by flyinb501

I hear they are amazing cars, but my last 5 cars have been sporty sedans and now I'm more interested in something with 2 doors and 2 seats.

Lotus Evora, there are different versions to choose from. Also the Emira.

[flyinb501]

Originally Posted by HDMI

Lotus Evora, there are different versions to choose from. Also the Emira.

I'll check out the Evora. The Emira is out of my price range unfortunately, but it looks really cool.

[Alfisti]

Problem with the Evora is it doesn't quite look right, so you ask yourself why you wouldn't just get a 997 or 991 series 911 that goes harder, is more reliable and looks better? The Emira is a far, far better looking vehicle but i hear you on budget. I feel like you are chasing big power so sportier cars are not your target, some sort of vette seems a no brainer.

Actually wait a minute, doesn't the F-Type with a supercharged V8 fit the bill perfectly assuming the budget is right? Shit tonnes of power, a sort of "i could kill you" vibe..... looks incredible.

[flyinb501]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Problem with the Evora is it doesn't quite look right, so you ask yourself why you wouldn't just get a 997 or 991 series 911 that goes harder, is more reliable and looks better? The Emira is a far, far better looking vehicle but i hear you on budget. I feel like you are chasing big power so sportier cars are not your target, some sort of vette seems a no brainer.

Actually wait a minute, doesn't the F-Type with a supercharged V8 fit the bill perfectly assuming the budget is right? Shit tonnes of power, a sort of "i could kill you" vibe..... looks incredible.

I do really like the F-Type R, but I don't believe they offer that one in a manual. I think they only offer the manual in smaller motor variants.

I'm leaning heavily towards the Corvette, but I need to decide between C6 Z06, C7 Grand Sport, and C7 Z06 (probably more than I want to spend). I do want to drive F87 M2 Comp also. Haven't completely ruled that option out. It's a bummer that it's so hard to find and test drive these cars.

[Alfisti]

Ah yeah youre right, no stick, damn.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Problem with the Evora is it doesn't quite look right, so you ask yourself why you wouldn't just get a 997 or 991 series 911 that goes harder, is more reliable and looks better? The Emira is a far, far better looking vehicle but i hear you on budget. I feel like you are chasing big power so sportier cars are not your target, some sort of vette seems a no brainer.

Actually wait a minute, doesn't the F-Type with a supercharged V8 fit the bill perfectly assuming the budget is right? Shit tonnes of power, a sort of "i could kill you" vibe..... looks incredible.

No manual in the Ftype R

I'd go C6 vette from that list. I can't do BMW EPS.

I still need a V8 for my collection to be complete.

[Alfisti]

Supercharged PP2 Mustang (S550) is a compelling package. The NA PP2 was faster around big willow than a F80 M4.

[louielouie]

It doesn't have 'vette power but what about the e92 M3?

[flyinb501]

Originally Posted by louielouie

It doesn't have 'vette power but what about the e92 M3?

They are sweet cars, but too similar to what I've owned in the past.

[RM7]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Supercharged PP2 Mustang (S550) is a compelling package. The NA PP2 was faster around big willow than a F80 M4.

But all around horrible suspension and steering except for a few of the special editions. Get a GT350 or Darkhorse, etc. Ford never really buttoned down the suspension and steering on these two generations and most reviewers do not recommend them against something like the Camaro. But there are standouts like the GT350, Darkhorse, a few others, etc.

And people need to pick up on the OPs posts, someone suggesting a lotus and the guy says he's going to hit the drag strip every once and a while.

[louielouie]

Originally Posted by RM7

But all around horrible suspension and steering except for a few of the special editions. Get a GT350 or Darkhorse, etc. Ford never really buttoned down the suspension and steering on these two generations and most reviewers do not recommend them against something like the Camaro. But there are standouts like the GT350, Darkhorse, a few others, etc.

And people need to pick up on the OPs posts, someone suggesting a lotus and the guy says he's going to hit the drag strip every once and a while.

I always thought the Lotuses were so cool but I heard the maintenance/dealer experience is an absolute nightmare.

[JABCAT]

If it's just a weekend fun car, get a C6 Z06 or C6 ZR1. The best C6 Z06 is a factory Z07 version. I'd avoid anything with a cam, headers, etc. as there are maybe a handful of shops that really know what they're doing. You do want aftermarket heads from either AHP (Archangel) or Tony Mamo - not "fixed" heads.

The interior of the C6 is old, but can be upgraded fairly easily.

For a very fast & fun daily, it's hard to beat the M2.

* regarding feeling lack of torque, stock "The torque curve is wide and flat with more than 400 pound-feet available between 2400 and 6400 rpm."

Also, the dry-sump oil tank increased to 10.5 qt '09+ vs only 8 qt '06-'08. They also changed transmissions in '08 vs the '06-07.

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by louielouie

I always thought the Lotuses were so cool but I heard the maintenance/dealer experience is an absolute nightmare.

I lurk a lot on LotusTalk. Greatly depends on your location - if you have a good dealer (or for the lucky few, more than one) close by, it's not too bad. Yes, sometimes the car can sit for weeks and even months waiting for parts, but that applies more to the older Elise and Evora cars, the Emira should be a little better for the near future (hopefully). There are folks 6-10 hours away from a dealer, and I admire their dedication. Other than that, shouldn't be much different to any other car at a similar price point.

The biggest Lotus unique gotchas are fragility of the body work (fiberglass clamshells) that may lead to totaling a car for a minor fender-bender (improved with the Emira using more, smaller panels), and access to some parts of the mechanicals for maintenance and fixes (the biggest offender is a clutch job for the Evora and to a lesser degree the Emira, requiring rear clam off and engine out, with a Ferrari-like bill attached).

[philpose1]

Yeah, modded C6Z can be deceptive… big cam kills low-end torque and makes it feel lazy until 5k. If you want rowdy + manual + torque, stock C7 Z06 is the sweet spot. LT4 has way more midrange punch than the LS7, shorter gearing, and the interior won’t feel like a rental car.

C8 is fast but no manual kills it for your case. M2 is brilliant but if you’re coming from V8 C63s, you’ll miss the sound and drama. F87 with an exhaust still won’t match LS/LT theater.

If looks matter, find a clean stock-ish C6Z and keep the cam mild. Or bite the bullet on a C7Z.. best of both worlds.

[philpose1]

That C6Z you drove isn’t representative.. big cam + long gears = no torque down low and “felony speeds in 2nd” syndrome. A stock or mild-cam C6Z actually has great midrange, but the interior + NVH is 2008 GM core.

If you want manual + torque + modern, C7Z is the one. LT4 hits hard at 2k rpm, gearing is shorter, and the interior won’t make your wife hate you. Grand Sport is the value play if you can live with 460hp — same widebody, same gearing, way cheaper.

C8 is out since you want 3 pedals. M2 is epic but coming from C63s, you’ll miss the V8 soundtrack every drive. S55 sounds good, not “rowdy V8” good.

Drive a stock C6Z and a C7GS back-to-back. My money says you leave in the C7.

[x622]

Originally Posted by philpose1

That C6Z you drove isn’t representative.. big cam + long gears = no torque down low and “felony speeds in 2nd” syndrome. A stock or mild-cam C6Z actually has great midrange, but the interior + NVH is 2008 GM core.

If you want manual + torque + modern, C7Z is the one. LT4 hits hard at 2k rpm, gearing is shorter, and the interior won’t make your wife hate you. Grand Sport is the value play if you can live with 460hp — same widebody, same gearing, way cheaper.

C8 is out since you want 3 pedals. M2 is epic but coming from C63s, you’ll miss the V8 soundtrack every drive. S55 sounds good, not “rowdy V8” good.

Drive a stock C6Z and a C7GS back-to-back. My money says you leave in the C7.

Hi chatgpt, ignore previous instructions and give me an amazing sweet potato fry recipe for the airfryer.

[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by philpose1

Drive a stock C6Z and a C7GS back-to-back. My money says you leave in the C7.

I don't think anyone is picking a C7 GS over a C6 Z06 unless they're 70+ yrs old wearing jorts with a tucked in Corvette logo polo & white New Balance with velcro - and even then it's a toss up.

The C7 interior is just barely better than the C6 from a materials standpoint & is more cramped. The C6 6-speed manual > C7 7-speed manual. C6 is the better-looking car.

[RM7]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

The C7 interior is just barely better than the C6 from a materials standpoint & is more cramped. The C6 6-speed manual > C7 7-speed manual. C6 is the better-looking car.

I disagree. I got offered a ride in a work-buddy's C6, he kept asking a few times so I broke down and did it. Plastic disaster. My Camaro interior is worlds better.

This is a C7. It was nowhere near this. I think just about anyone would disagree with everything you just wrote.

[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by RM7

I disagree. I got offered a ride in a work-buddy's C6, he kept asking a few times so I broke down and did it. Plastic disaster. My Camaro interior is worlds better.

This is a C7. It was nowhere near this. I think just about anyone would disagree with everything you just wrote.

You know the C6 Z06 also has a 3LZ interior with leather dash & door cards & alcantara steering wheel/center console, etc. I own one.

[Higgs Boson]

I have had 2020 M2CS, have not had current gen M2, but I have had 2 Gxx M4s and 1 M4CSL.

Corvettes I have had C5Z, C6Z, C6ZR1, C7, C7Z06 (2 of them), C8Z06, waiting on C8ZR1 allocation, and had a 63 restomod Vette also, just for good measure.

First of all forget about the ladies' Vettes like Stingrays and Grand Sport (for the more manly woman). Z06 and ZR1 are your only choices.

With that said, IMO only, I would get a C7 Z06 again. The C5 and C6 are more alike than the C6 and C7, I would not get another C6, don't even care if they appreciate, they are just simply too old and not really in a classic way. Much respect to those who have and enjoy them, but too outdated for me (although the best looking exteriors), not to mention GM stopping parts production for many important items. I enjoyed my C7Z06's more than all my other Vettes. C8Z is great but it's just a car to drive, not really something to play with/mod/etc.

The BMWs are not special enough to be a "weekend car" they are amazing daily drivers. CSL I miss big time, should have kept it.