The new 2008 Vettes are beasts...

390rwhp bone stock
418rwhp with exhaust & tune

and for the kicker...

477rwhp with just a cam.

That's Z06 power for half the price! Not to mention that the 620hp ZR-1 is an LS3 block with a supercharger.

 

That is crazy.

 

Yes......quite a wonderful machine!!!!

 

Wonder what kind of power it would make with those mods and the rest of the bolt ons too. Probably be way ahead of a Z06 power wise for 30 grand less.

 

First of all is not $30 gran less is actually $25,175 difference. Secondly if all you want is just to put cams and a couple of things and make similar power to a stock Z06 then yes you can do that but the Z06 is a whole lut more than just a "couple " of upgrades, it is 100% upgraded from a regular corvette and that includes:


the best transmission tremec (TR-6060) with triple shyncros
beefed up rear LSD
fat rims 19x12" imported from Italy made by Speedline(specific for the Z06).
better tires
6 piston calipers with 14" cross drilled rotors 4 piston calipers in the rear
holow aluminium space A (aeronautical specs)Hydroformed chasis
stiffer chasi, magnesium engine cradlle,magneisum roof reinforcement
specific sport seats
better engine
better exhaust
better suspension

better everything..... Let alone the appeal/looks, sort of like a regular lancer and a Evo MR. The Z06 is 3" wider than the regular corvette, has flare fenders(front and rear) wide open fascia, front spoiler,extrenal side engine vents that protude from the front fenders,hood scoop, rear and front air cooling ducts..none of that the regular vette has.

A regular corvette will be produced by assy machines and will roll out of the factory without any further higher performance standards. The Z06 is instead double tested and inspected by a single technican/craftman which puts the engine by hand and after is done is dyno tested to comform quality performance test.

The prices are scaled up or down accordingly in the overall performance. The 08 vette with a LS3 is a heck of a deal but falls short for a real car enthusiast like me but I definately think is a great car to have and beat.

Carlos

 

It is not half of the price. A regular vette MSRP is $46950 as per their own website, a Z06 MSRP is $72125. I don't know what word best describe your statement: Ignorance or false comment.

Carlos

 

The new LS3 is a beast for sure.

 

I almost got an 08 vette and when I added it up with the same options as the 77k Z06 it was 57k. SO it was more like 20k less. And like WRXtoEVO said, theres a ton more you get. It also has a full CF body. you couldnt make a 08 vette perform better then a z06 reliably and warrantied for 20k.


I do LOVE the LS3 though, cant lie. it seems like a great motor BUT, i'll still take the Z

 

You'll note I didn't say you could have the Z06 and all options, all the looks, the handling, etc... I said power.

Anyways, for the sake of trying to make my argument, I can give it a shot...

Suppose a barebones, everyday, run of the mill C6 can be had for invoice, which is $41,260.
Suppose finding a fully-loaded, Z06 in the exact color & spec you want, would run you MSRP due to demand, which is $77,820.

Now add up sales tax... for me in Mass, it's 5%.

Total is $43,323 for the C6... only 53% of the cost of the Z06 at $81,711 after tax.

It may not be half, and it may not be apples to apples, but I was trying to make a quick point, and it comes off the tongue easier to just say "half the price!"

Of course, the argument can be swayed in any direction... a loaded convertible C6 at MSRP is $63,175 compared to a barebones Z06 at invoice is $63,791... lol

 

Shamelesscookie,

Despite our partial disagreement I still validate some of your points. If the power is the only concern the gap will srink to about $20000. It will take a good solid $3000-$4000 to make the LS3 to make the same power as the LS7(not using NOS).

A set of decent headers will run run at least $1500, a decnt air filter another $400, then the tune($400-500) and finally the Cams. Add a good $1500 in labor for cams and the other parts.

^^ Now you just achieve a bone stock Z06 power but remember, the Z06 is 150lbs lighter so you would have so compensate that with even more power. The Z06 still puts a more lineal and steady flow of torque, even if you match the power of the Z06 you might have a challenge trying to match the lineal torque of the LS7.

The Z06 is right now a very demanded car, fortunately unlike Ferrari, GTR and other exotic cars GM can supplyu enough cars for the demand thus it does not involve a mark up(this was an issue when it first came up).

As we speak you can get new Z06 from www.corvetteconti.com or Kerbeck.com any day of the week 365 days a year at invoice. Considering that you get a true supercar status for $64k, you wouldn't go wrong.

Oh, last but not least, you can put an agresssive set of cams for the LS7 that will make about 80whp alone. Here is a link of many man Z06 with the same mods as with LS3 but instead the Z06 are making 600-635whp(agresive cams,headers,air filter,tune).

Before you read the dyno on the link remember that the higher the cam number is the higher the power it makes, ie:

G7x5 makes the most power
G7x4 makes a little less
G7x3 makes a little less

Link here:
http://lgmotorsports.com/gallery/thu...s.php?album=12

Just when you think a LS3 engine is a beast, you come to a conclusion that the LS7 just simply sweeps it away. And remember, the Z06 was the plattaform of the sucessfull C6-R winning champion Vette, it was developed simultaneously. Thats Z06 badge is more than just a badge,it truly means supercar performance.


Carlos

 

Thanks for the info Carlos, good to know!

Just an FYI, pushrod V8's have one cam, not cams

I do accept your valid points that the Z06 is well-worth the upgrade and that it blows away the regular C6

 

Funny thread!

 

the ls3 is one fine motor. but nothing beats a ls7.