2002-2003 C5 Z06
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Oregon
I've seen a lot of mixed responses on Corvettes C5 & C6 when it comes to tire wear. I've talked to a few who have tires that are still looking decent after 40k! 
Tires on my S usually look like poo by 10k
Evan
Tires on my S usually look like poo by 10k
Evan
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,367
Likes: 6
From: SoCal
gotta pay to play. with that said tire wear isn't too bad with Vettes from what i've read, as long as your alignment isn't too aggressive. I've only had the Vette for 1 year and the tires still look brand new. I drive the crap out of it though no track time yet.
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 1
From: North Richland Hills, TX
I rode in a 600 hp Z06 at the track. He said he was on his sixth track weekend on his NT01's (soft R compounds). I was really impressed w/ that. When you think about it, the C5Z has pretty low weight relative to tire surface area, so that probably contributes to greater life.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,367
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From: SoCal
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,442
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From: Tualatin, OR
ahhh silver doesnt need washing
damn i want a c6 so bad! I actually was changing my mental tune towards a z51 c6 because of the ls-7 valve guide problem? hard to know the severity of it on internet forums though. Getting my c5z valve springs done next week, couldnt be soon enough.
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 79,195
Likes: 18
From: Home
I owned and tracked an '04 Z06 for 2 years. Did about 15-16 track days on it. The car is a BEAST on the track. I felt completely comfortable and had no problems with confidence. The shifter throw is a little longer than I liked, but I got used to it. I never had any major mechanical problems (that I didn't cause.) (I forgot to turn off traction control at the track, and ended up cooking the rear brakes. I had to buy two new calipers after that. But they were $40 ea. 
)
I also had a 2008 LS3 Z51 Coupe. I was ultimatly faster in the C6, but it took me time to be as comfortable behind the wheel. I'm not sure why. The Z51 was great on the street, but I thought a little too cushy on the track. The Z06 was firm, but reasonable on the street, and GREAT on the track. If I was going to be 100% on-road, I'd pick the C6. If I was going to do any real track time, I'd take the Z06 again in a HEARTBEAT.
The C6 has shorter overhangs than the C5, but neither one is actually THAT much bigger than an S2000. Wider (with MUCH wider tires) and several inches longer, but lower than an S2000 with a lower center of gravity. The C5 was SILLY flat through turns. Comparing body roll in a C5Z to an S2000 makes the S seem like a jeep (ok, that's an exaggeration, but not THAT much of one.)
Stick to street tires on the Z. R-Comps get you into all kinds of oil starvation problems, and the need for additional coolers.
)I also had a 2008 LS3 Z51 Coupe. I was ultimatly faster in the C6, but it took me time to be as comfortable behind the wheel. I'm not sure why. The Z51 was great on the street, but I thought a little too cushy on the track. The Z06 was firm, but reasonable on the street, and GREAT on the track. If I was going to be 100% on-road, I'd pick the C6. If I was going to do any real track time, I'd take the Z06 again in a HEARTBEAT.
The C6 has shorter overhangs than the C5, but neither one is actually THAT much bigger than an S2000. Wider (with MUCH wider tires) and several inches longer, but lower than an S2000 with a lower center of gravity. The C5 was SILLY flat through turns. Comparing body roll in a C5Z to an S2000 makes the S seem like a jeep (ok, that's an exaggeration, but not THAT much of one.)
Stick to street tires on the Z. R-Comps get you into all kinds of oil starvation problems, and the need for additional coolers.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 865
Likes: 1
From: Carolinas
IMO...these folks are King for Vette setups.I run the Street align setup on my 02Z.Good for handling & wear.
http://www.pfadtracing.com
\rlr
Carolina
http://www.pfadtracing.com
\rlr
Carolina
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 1
From: North Richland Hills, TX
I owned and tracked an '04 Z06 for 2 years. Did about 15-16 track days on it. The car is a BEAST on the track. I felt completely comfortable and had no problems with confidence. The shifter throw is a little longer than I liked, but I got used to it. I never had any major mechanical problems (that I didn't cause.) (I forgot to turn off traction control at the track, and ended up cooking the rear brakes. I had to buy two new calipers after that. But they were $40 ea. )
I also had a 2008 LS3 Z51 Coupe. I was ultimatly faster in the C6, but it took me time to be as comfortable behind the wheel. I'm not sure why. The Z51 was great on the street, but I thought a little too cushy on the track. The Z06 was firm, but reasonable on the street, and GREAT on the track. If I was going to be 100% on-road, I'd pick the C6. If I was going to do any real track time, I'd take the Z06 again in a HEARTBEAT.
The C6 has shorter overhangs than the C5, but neither one is actually THAT much bigger than an S2000. Wider (with MUCH wider tires) and several inches longer, but lower than an S2000 with a lower center of gravity. The C5 was SILLY flat through turns. Comparing body roll in a C5Z to an S2000 makes the S seem like a jeep (ok, that's an exaggeration, but not THAT much of one.)
Stick to street tires on the Z. R-Comps get you into all kinds of oil starvation problems, and the need for additional coolers.
)I also had a 2008 LS3 Z51 Coupe. I was ultimatly faster in the C6, but it took me time to be as comfortable behind the wheel. I'm not sure why. The Z51 was great on the street, but I thought a little too cushy on the track. The Z06 was firm, but reasonable on the street, and GREAT on the track. If I was going to be 100% on-road, I'd pick the C6. If I was going to do any real track time, I'd take the Z06 again in a HEARTBEAT.
The C6 has shorter overhangs than the C5, but neither one is actually THAT much bigger than an S2000. Wider (with MUCH wider tires) and several inches longer, but lower than an S2000 with a lower center of gravity. The C5 was SILLY flat through turns. Comparing body roll in a C5Z to an S2000 makes the S seem like a jeep (ok, that's an exaggeration, but not THAT much of one.)
Stick to street tires on the Z. R-Comps get you into all kinds of oil starvation problems, and the need for additional coolers.
IMO...these folks are King for Vette setups.I run the Street align setup on my 02Z.Good for handling & wear.
http://www.pfadtracing.com
\rlr
Carolina
http://www.pfadtracing.com
\rlr
Carolina