Step by Step Guide to Lowering the C8 Corvette Z06

If you own a C8 Corvette Z06 and are looking to improve its look, stance, performance and handling, lowering your C8 Z06 may be the answer. Lowering your car can help reduce body roll, improve grip and traction, and enhance its overall appearance. In this section, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to lower your C8 Corvette Z06, including the various options available, the necessary tools, and the steps involved in the process.

Lowering the C8 Corvette Z06 can seem like an intimidating task, but with the right guidance and tools, it can be done in a few hours. We will walk you through the process, starting with the basic knowledge you need to know before you begin. From there, we will cover the different lowering options available for your C8 Z06, including lowering springs and adjustable suspension systems. We will also explain the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

lowering the c8 corvette z06

Lowering the C8 Corvette Z06

Lowering your Corvette Z06 can have a significant impact on its overall performance and handling. While some may view lowering as merely an aesthetic modification, it can actually enhance your driving experience and improve your vehicle’s performance.

One of the primary benefits of lowering your C8 Z06 is the improved handling. Lowering your vehicle’s center of gravity can provide better stability and cornering capabilities, allowing you to take corners with greater ease and precision. Additionally, lowering your Z06 can reduce body roll, resulting in a more stable and controlled ride.

Lowering can also provide better traction, especially in high-performance driving situations. By reducing the distance between your tires and the road, you can improve your vehicle’s grip and traction, allowing you to accelerate and brake more efficiently. This can be particularly useful for track days or autocross competitions.

It’s important to note that lowering your C8 Z06 requires modifying its suspension system. This can involve replacing suspension components and adjusting the ride height. It’s crucial to ensure that these modifications are done properly to avoid any negative impact on your vehicle’s handling and performance.

Overall, lowering your Corvette Z06 can be a worthwhile modification, providing improved handling and traction while enhancing the look of your vehicle. It’s essential to choose the right lowering options and ensure that the modifications are done correctly for optimal performance and safety.

Lowering Options for the C8 Corvette Z06

To lower your C8 Corvette Z06, you have several options available, each with its own pros and cons. In this section, we will explore the different lowering options and help you choose the one that best fits your needs.

Lowering Springs

Lowering springs are a popular choice for lowering the C8 Corvette Z06. They are relatively easy to install and offer a significant drop in ride height. Lowering springs also provide improved handling and a more aggressive stance. However, they can cause a harsher ride quality and may require other suspension modifications to prevent rubbing or bottoming out.

Paragon Performance is coming out with lowering springs shortly via Hyperco as they did with the base C8 Corvette Stingray.

Pros Cons
Lower ride height May cause rubbing or bottoming out
Improved handling Harsh ride quality
More aggressive stance May require other suspension modifications

Coilovers

Coilovers provide the most adjustability of any lowering option. They allow you to adjust ride height, damping, and rebound, making them an excellent choice for track use. However, they are more expensive than lowering springs and may require professional installation. The C8 Z06 has stock coliovers that can be adjusted with spanner wrenches also on Paragon Performance’s website

Pros Cons
Most adjustability Expensive
Excellent for track use May require professional installation

Adjustable Suspension Systems

Adjustable suspension systems are a combination of coil overs and lowering springs. They allow you to adjust your ride height without sacrificing adjustability options. They also offer excellent handling and ride quality. However, they are the most expensive option and may require professional installation.

Pros Cons
Adjustable ride height and damping Most expensive option
Excellent handling and ride quality May require professional installation

When choosing the right lowering option for your C8 Corvette Z06, consider your budget, driving style, and preferences. It’s important to research and consult with a professional before making any modifications to your vehicle’s suspension.

How to Lower the C8 Corvette Z06

Lowering the C8 Corvette Z06 can significantly improve its appearance and performance, but the process can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the necessary steps. In this section, we will guide you through the process of lowering your C8 Corvette Z06, from selecting the appropriate lowering kit to installing the new suspension components.

Here’s a few videos that show you the step by step process on how to lower your C8 Corvette Z06

 Lowering Springs for the C8 Corvette Z06

Lowering springs are a popular choice for lowering a C8 Corvette Z06. They are designed to replace the factory springs and provide a lower ride height, improved handling, and a sportier look. When selecting lowering springs, it is important to choose a kit that is compatible with your C8 Corvette Z06 model and year.

The installation process for lowering springs involves removing the wheels, disconnecting the strut and sway bar, compressing the spring, and removing the old factory spring. The new lowering spring should then be installed, and the process should be repeated for the other three corners of the car. Once all four springs have been replaced, the wheels can be reinstalled, and the car should be realigned to ensure proper suspension geometry.

Upgrade with Coilovers or Other Suspension Components

If you’re looking for more adjustability and customization options, coilovers or other suspension components may be a better choice. Coilovers offer the ability to adjust ride height and stiffness, which can be beneficial for track use or performance driving. Other suspension components, such as adjustable control arms or sway bars, can also improve handling and performance.

The installation process for coilovers or other suspension components can be more involved than lowering springs and may require additional tools and equipment. It is recommended to seek professional installation if you’re not experienced with these types of modifications.

Additional Handling Upgrades and Performance Enhancements

Lowering your C8 Corvette Z06 can also be an excellent opportunity to make other handling and performance upgrades. Upgrading your tires, brake pads, or other components can help to maximize the benefits of a lower ride height, improving both handling and acceleration.

It is important to note that when lowering your C8 Corvette Z06, you may also need to adjust the camber and alignment to avoid uneven tire wear and maintain optimal handling characteristics.

By following these steps, you can successfully lower your C8 Corvette Z06 and improve its appearance and performance.

Maintaining Your Lowered C8 Corvette Z06

Lowering your C8 Corvette Z06 can improve its performance and add to its overall visual appeal. However, it’s important to keep in mind that making this modification may impact maintenance requirements, particularly when it comes to ground clearance. Here are some tips to help you maintain your lowered C8 Z06 and keep it performing optimally:

Regular Alignment Checks

Lowering the C8 Corvette Z06 can cause a change in your vehicle’s suspension geometry, which can result in uneven tire wear and poor handling. To avoid these issues, it’s important to have your alignment checked regularly by a qualified technician. This will help to ensure that your vehicle’s suspension is properly adjusted and that your tires wear evenly.

Watch Out for Speed Bumps and Potholes

Lowering the C8 Corvette Z06 will inevitably reduce the ground clearance of your vehicle, making it more susceptible to damage from speed bumps and potholes. To avoid causing any damage to your vehicle’s suspension or undercarriage, it’s important to exercise caution when driving over uneven terrain or obstacles. If possible, try to avoid driving over speed bumps and potholes altogether.

Regular Maintenance

Lowering your C8 Corvette Z06 shouldn’t impact your vehicle’s regular maintenance requirements. As with any car, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. This includes regular oil changes, brake checks, and fluid top-ups. Regular maintenance will help to ensure that your vehicle remains in good condition and that it continues to perform optimally.

Upgrade Your Shocks and Struts

Lowering your C8 Corvette Z06 can cause your ride to become stiffer and less comfortable. To counteract this, consider upgrading your shocks and struts. These components are responsible for absorbing bumps and providing a smooth ride, so upgrading them can help to improve your vehicle’s handling and ride quality.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your lowered C8 Corvette Z06 remains in good condition and continues to perform at its best. With the right care and maintenance, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy all the benefits of a lowered Corvette without sacrificing performance or reliability.

FAQ

1. Will lowering my C8 Corvette Z06 affect ride quality?

Lowering the C8 Corvette Z06 can result in a stiffer ride and potentially more road noise. However, this can be mitigated by choosing the right lowering option for your needs and ensuring that all components are properly installed and aligned.

2. Is it safe to lower my C8 Corvette Z06?

Lowering the C8 Corvette Z06 can affect its overall handling and stability, especially at high speeds. It is important to choose a reputable and experienced installer and to properly maintain your vehicle after lowering to ensure safe operation.

3. Will lowering my C8 Corvette Z06 void my warranty?

Lowering your vehicle may affect its warranty, depending on the specific modifications made and how they were installed. It is important to check with your dealership or manufacturer before making any modifications to your vehicle.

4. Can I lower my C8 Corvette Z06 myself?

While it is possible to install lowering components yourself, it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional installer to ensure proper installation and alignment.

5. How often should I have my alignment checked after lowering my C8 Corvette Z06?

It is recommended to have your alignment checked after any modifications to your suspension, including lowering. It is also important to have your alignment checked regularly, as driving on uneven roads and other factors can cause misalignment over time.

6. Will lowering my C8 Corvette Z06 affect its ground clearance?

Lowering the C8 Corvette Z06 will result in a lower ground clearance, which may make it more difficult to drive over speed bumps and other obstacles. It is important to consider the potential impact on ground clearance before lowering your vehicle.

How to Change the Oil on a C8 Corvette Z06?

If you have the new Chevrolet C8 Corvette Z06 with the hand built flat plane crank engine and want to change the oil yourself vs taking it to a Chevy Dealer this video from Paragon Performance is for you.

If it’s that time for your first oil change and you’re thinking “How to change the oil on a C8 Corvette Z06” this should help as it comes from the experts at Paragon Performance. And they have years of experience working on the C8 Corvette platform since it came out in 2020.

C8 Corvette Z06 Oil Change

Learn step by step what you need to do when changing the oil on the C8 Z06 from where to get the oil, type of oil, tools, and process.

Step by step walkthrough on how to change your oil on your brand new 2023 + Chevrolet C8 Corvette Z06! A straight to the point “How to” video. Drain your oil, replace your oil filter and fill with 7.5 Quarts of 5W-50 Dexos approved oil. Make sure to check while your engine is running! Do it yourself and save yourself the trip to the dealership. Looking to purchase our products? Click Here! C8 Corvette Z06 Oil Change Kit – Includes 8Qt 5w50 Mobil 1 & AcDelco Oil Filter!

Tell Paragon Performance C8 Corvette Blog sent you when placing your order for C8 Z06 oil in the purchase notes. At the time of this post its currently on sale for $172.77

YouTube Transcript:

hey guys Alex here with Paragon
performance today we’re going to be
showing you how to change the oil in
your Z06 if you haven’t picked up the
stuff to change the oil in it yet
check out paragonperf.com and get your
oil change kit today let’s get to it

[Music]
first thing we’re going to want to do
here is open the engine compartment if
you have an HTC you will need to put the
top here in service mode
as best practice it’s always good to do
an oil change on a warm engine just keep
in mind that the oil can be very hot
depending on how warm that engine is so
use your best judgment for that
we’re going to start here by locating
where the oil fill cap and dipstick are
they’re located here in the front
passenger side of the engine bay on
these htcs you will have a rubber flap
here on this top panel to access that
the coop is in the same location all
right so once you’ve located those we
need to get the vehicle raised and
supported here so we can access the
underside so we can drain the oil out of
it

all right so we’re going to start here
by draining the oil out of the engine
itself first this is a 15 millimeter
drain plug next we’ll move over to the
drain plug for the oil reservoir this
will be a 3 8 Drive Extension you will
have to push up and turn a quarter turn
to remove the drain plug
and then last
we will remove the filter from the
housing this takes a 32 millimeter
socket

thank you

all right so supplied with your oil
change kit from us here at Paragon we
include a new plastic plug for the oil
reservoir it’s not necessary to replace
it however they are plastic at some
point they will break or fail and if you
notice I did kind of have to pry it out
because they get stuck in there so we do
provide a new one just for safety’s sake
we’re going to install that and that
will you will install it push up and it
will turn a quarter turn but it does
have a stop and it will just stop in
place
just like that clean our oil off of here
some use of some brake clean works
really well for this as well and we’re
going to take our threaded
drain plug for the oil pan
reinstall that always inspect the seal
to make sure there’s no tears in it
then we’re going to torque this down to
18 foot pounds

all right so we’re going to grab the oil
filter provided
there is a new o-ring provided as well
for the cap
and then of course your oil filter

you can do this two ways you can install
this first and then put the cap on
secondly or this will actually snap into
the top of the cap if you want to do it
that way

then take a little bit of this excess
oil and just kind of wet the new o-ring
down
put my filter into the housing
and we’re going to just screw that back
into place
and the filter is torqued to 18
foot-pounds as well
clean up any excess oil
and we’re ready to fill it with oil all
right so we’re going to start here get
some oil put in it find you a suitable
funnel that you can set into
here makes it easy to pour the quartz of
oil into
it does take eight quarts of oil I like
to put about seven and a half quarts in
it to start and we’ll go through the
startup procedure in that process and
get the oil up to temperature and then
we’ll check it
it’s better safe to be a little low than
over so
it started about seven and a half quarts
and top it off from there

amazing

foreign
car here

and then you’re going to want to cycle
through until you can see this oil
temperature reading
and then we need to wait for that to be
about 175 degrees and then we can check
the oil
make sure you check for leaks

all right so we’re up to Temp now we’re
going to get the dipstick here pulled
and check the oil level

pull it out wipe it off
and put it back in
add that last half a quart of oil that
we had and we’re good to go

all right so we’ve got our low Mark and
our full Mark obviously the target’s to
be in between them but closer to the Top
If neat if we can be
this one’s good to go
there you have it Gia made it pretty
simple to change the oil in these cars a
little Tech tip remember when checking
the oil in the car does need to be at
operating temperature and while the
engine is running as always like
subscribe and comment we’ll see you guys
next time

 

Chevy Denies $5,000 Z06 Chevy Rewards (SHOCKING)

In this video by Austin on the Speed Phenom YouTube channel discusses is frustration with GM and Chevrolet with his Carbon Fiber Wheels and $5,000 Z06 Chevy Rewards he thought he was getting for not flipping the car in the first six months.

c8 z06 pricing

Z06 Carbon Fiber Wheel Issues

Not only did Chevy give Austin a new set of Carbon Fiber Wheels since the Chevy dealers were ruining them every time he changed tires from tracking the C8 Z06, once he received new ones for free the Chevy Dealer wouldn’t attempt to put them on.

He is currently trying to have an exotic car dealer help him get tires on the C8 Z06 Carbon Fiber Wheels made by Carbon Revolution.

As you will see in the video Austin from Speed Phenom on YouTube is not happy. First with the Carbon Fiber Wheels debacle and now with being denied the $5,000 in Z06 Chevy Rewards he was expecting to put towards brakes.

Z06 Chevy Rewards DENIED!

What do you think? Do you think his connection that got him the Z06 first, free carbon fiber wheels knows this is happening? Or the Chevy Rewards team isn’t aware he’s a YouTube influencer they gave special treatment for the exposure on his channel and showing the C8 Z06 tracked?

Austin seems like he’s going to sell the C8 Corvette Z06 after spending over $400,000 on Corvettes and go back to Ford and McLaren.

Will GM or Chevrolet make this right for C8 Corvette Z06 owners and Austin Everett, Speed Phenom?

UPDATE:

Chevy RESPONDS! Will I Be Getting My $5,000 Reward?

In this video update from the My Chevy Rewards $5,000 debacle sounds like Speed Phenom’s YouTube videos strike again and he will be getting the $5,000 as well as more information from Chevrolet soon on helping other C8 Z06 owners get their Z06 Chevy Rewards they thought they were getting for holding the car for six months without flipping it.

Since we own a C8 Corvette Z06 we called into My Chevy Rewards and they said our C8 Z06 is attached to our account as we asked the Chevy Dealer to do and there is nothing else needed. She did read a specific document they have about the Z06 saying after 6 months you get 500,000 points or $5,000 but there wasn’t any specific thing you had to do other than have it attached to rewards as we did when we bought the car.

For reference she put in the notes we called in and provided a case number in case we don’t get the rewards we can use that as a reference point since we just bought it a few weeks ago. We will keep you update on any other Z06 Chevy rewards findings.

Bookmark this page for more updates and share it with your friends on social media and all the C8 Facebook groups.

C8 Corvette Z06 vs Ferrari 812: C8 Z06 Ferrari Killer?

Check out this video by Drag Times on YouTube where Brooks races Matt Hurley’s C8 Corvette Z06 vs a Ferrari 812 in Florida.

They race the C8 Z06 three times in a quarter mile drag race and the C8 Z06 with Fabspeed exhaust and sport cats beats the Ferrari 812 that has 789 horsepower.

C8 Z06 vs Ferrari 812 Quarter Mile Drag Race

The C8 Corvette Z06 has 670 horsepower and they are about the same weight at 3,600 pounds. You can see the C8 Corvette Z06 launches a lot better in each drag race and the Ferrari 812 starts to pull on it towards the top end and at the end of the quarter mile race.

It would be interesting to see a C8 Corvette Z06 vs a Ferrari 812 in a half mile race as well to see if that gives the Ferrari 812 enough room to catch it.

Is a Z06 faster than a Ferrari?

Yes, time and time again the C8 Corvette Z06 is faster than a Ferrari. It has beat a Ferrari 812 and a Ferrari 458 in multiple quarter mile drag races.

Corvette Grand Sport X vs Z06 vs E-Ray: Which C8 Should You Buy?

Grand Sport X vs Z06 vs E-Ray: 721 hp and 2.4 s to 60 from $112,495, a 670-hp 8,600-rpm Z06 from $121,695, and used E-Ray prices from $89,397.

✍️ By TJ • C8 ZR1 Owner • Former C8 Z06 (×2) & Stingray Owner • @c8corvetteblog (30K+ on IG) • Last updated: November 5, 2026
⚡ QUICK ANSWER

Grand Sport X, Z06 or E-Ray: which is better?

The 2027 Grand Sport X is the quickest and cheapest of the three new: 721 hp, 0-60 in 2.4 seconds, from $112,495. The Z06 is the track car, with a 670-hp flat-plane V8 that revs to 8,600 rpm, from $121,695. The E-Ray is discontinued, so it only makes sense used, well below Grand Sport X money.

🏁 BENCHMARK

Three ways to spend six figures on a C8

Grand Sport X
721 hp
2.4 s to 60, from $112,495
Z06
670 hp
2.6 s to 60, from $121,695
E-Ray
655 hp
2.5 s to 60, used only
Z06 redline
8,600 rpm
flat-plane LT6

I owned two Z06s, and the question I get most from people shopping one now is whether the new Grand Sport X makes the Z06 pointless. It does not, but it does make the E-Ray pointless as a new car. Chevrolet dropped the E-Ray after 2026 and the Grand Sport X took its slot, so this used to be a two-car fight and now it is three: the new hybrid, the naturally aspirated Z06, and a used E-Ray. Here is how they compare on power, daily driving, sound, track use, price and resale, and which one I would put in which garage.

💡 WHAT THIS MEANS

This page is the head-to-head. If you want every Grand Sport X spec, trim, package and order date in one place, go to my full 2027 Corvette Grand Sport X guide. For the Z06 on its own, see my C8 Z06 guide.

Grand Sport X vs Z06 vs E-Ray: specs side by side

The Grand Sport X has the most power and the quickest 0-60 time of the three. The Z06 has the highest-revving engine and the highest top speed. The E-Ray sits in between on acceleration and trails both on trap speed.

Spec 2027 Grand Sport X 2027 Z06 2026 E-Ray
Engine 6.7L LS6 V8 plus front motor 5.5L LT6 flat-plane V8 6.2L LT2 V8 plus front motor
Engine output 535 hp / 520 lb-ft 670 hp / 460 lb-ft 495 hp / 470 lb-ft
Front motor 186 hp / 145 lb-ft None 160 hp
Combined power 721 hp 670 hp 655 hp
Drivetrain Hybrid AWD Rear-wheel drive Hybrid AWD
Redline Not published 8,600 rpm Not published
0-60 mph 2.4 s 2.6 s 2.5 s
Quarter mile 10.4 s @ 131 mph 10.6 s @ 131 mph 10.5 s @ 126 mph
Top speed Not published 195 mph (Z07) 183 mph
Battery 1.9 kWh None 1.9 kWh
Electric-only mode Up to 50 mph None Up to 45 mph
Weight (coupe) 3,800 lb curb 3,500 lb dry 3,774 lb dry
Standard tires All-season Summer performance; Cup 2 with Z07 All-season run-flat
Starting price $112,495 (2027) $121,695 (2027) $111,095 (2026, last year)

Grand Sport X and Z06 figures from chevrolet.com; Z06 torque from KBB; Grand Sport X weight from CorvSport; E-Ray figures from The Drive and CorvSport. Prices include the $2,495 destination charge and exclude any gas guzzler tax. Weights mix curb and dry figures as published, so treat the gap as approximate.

One spec in that table is softer than it looks. Chevrolet lists the Z06 at 3,500 lb dry, CorvSport lists the Grand Sport X at 3,800 lb curb, and The Drive lists the E-Ray at 3,774 lb dry. Dry and curb weights are not the same measure, so the Z06 is lighter than the other two, but not by a clean 300 lb. My C8 weight guide breaks the measures down.

Power and acceleration: the Grand Sport X wins off the line

The Grand Sport X is the quickest of the three to 60 mph. Chevrolet rates it at 2.4 seconds, the E-Ray at 2.5 seconds and the Z06 at 2.6 seconds. The front motor is the whole story: two driven axles put power down from a stop in a way a rear-drive car cannot.

By the end of the quarter mile the Z06 has caught up. Chevrolet quotes 10.4 seconds at 131 mph for the Grand Sport X and 10.6 seconds at 131 mph for the Z06. Same trap speed, so the X gains its lead in the first few hundred feet. The E-Ray traps 126 mph at about 10.5 seconds, which is the clearest sign of how much the LS6 adds over the old LT2.

Real-world tests come in slower than the factory numbers, as they usually do:

  • Grand Sport X: 2.65 seconds to 60 without rollout in a DragTimes test reported by autoevolution, against Chevrolet’s 2.4.
  • E-Ray: 2.8 seconds to 60 in Edmunds’ instrumented test, against Chevrolet’s 2.5.
  • Top speed: Chevrolet lists 195 mph for the Z06 with the Z07 package. The Drive and CorvSport list 183 mph for the E-Ray. Chevrolet has not published a Grand Sport X top speed.

The Grand Sport X makes 51 hp more than the Z06 and 66 hp more than the E-Ray. Corvette chief engineer Tony Roma told The Drive he is fine with the X beating the Z06 to 60 because, in his words, “they’re pretty dramatically different buyers.” Keep that in mind for every number in this section.

🏁 OWNER TAKE

Launching a rear-drive C8 hard has a cost. I broke a rear axle launching my Stingray. All-wheel drive spreads that load across two axles, which is one more reason the hybrids are the better drag-strip cars. If you plan to launch any C8 often, read why C8 Corvettes break axles first.

Daily driving and all-wheel drive: the hybrids are easier to live with

For a car you drive every week, in any weather, the Grand Sport X is the easiest of the three and the Z06 is the hardest. Roma told The Drive the Grand Sport X buyer wants straight-line speed, a grand tourer, or a car for commuting in bad weather, and he describes the Z06 as stiffer and less comfortable.

  • Traction: the Grand Sport X and E-Ray drive the front wheels with an electric motor. The Z06 is rear-wheel drive only.
  • Tires: Chevrolet lists all-season tires on the Grand Sport X, and CorvSport lists all-season run-flats on the E-Ray. The Z07 package puts the Z06 on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which Chevrolet calls summer-only.
  • Electric-only driving: Stealth Mode runs the Grand Sport X on the front motor for roughly 4 to 5 miles at up to 50 mph. The E-Ray tops out at 45 mph in Stealth Mode. The Z06 has no electric mode.
  • Fuel economy: The Drive lists the E-Ray at 19 mpg combined and KBB lists the Z06 at 15 mpg combined. I could not find an EPA rating for the Grand Sport X yet.
  • Ride: carsales.com.au drove an E-Ray and Z06 back to back and found the E-Ray calm in Tour mode and the Z06 much harsher over broken roads. The Drive found the E-Ray firm even in Tour, so none of these is a soft car.
🏁 OWNER TAKE

I lowered both of my Z06s on Paragon Hyperco springs and collars, and lowering makes the front lift matter even more on a car that is already low. I had a front lift failure on a lowered Z06 that was self-inflicted, so if you plan to drop a Z06 for looks, budget for driveways and speed bumps changing how you drive. More in my C8 Z06 lowering guide.

Sound and character: the Z06 is the one you buy with your ears

The Z06 is the most distinctive of the three because of its engine. The LT6 is a 5.5-liter flat-plane-crank V8, Chevrolet calls it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever in a production car, and it revs to 8,600 rpm. KBB lists its 670 hp peak at 8,400 rpm and its 460 lb-ft at 6,300 rpm, so you work it hard to get everything out of it.

carsales.com.au describes the Z06 as subdued at low revs, howling in the mid-range and screaming at the top end. The Drive found the E-Ray’s V8 loud and engaging, with an odd, distant siren-like tone from the hybrid system on top. The Grand Sport X uses the LS6 with the front motor, and I have not found a review that singles out its sound against the Z06 yet.

Having owned two Z06s, the engine is the reason to buy one. If you want a car that feels like a race engine at the top of every gear, nothing else in this comparison does that. If you want torque everywhere and a quiet mode for leaving the neighborhood early, the hybrids do that better.

Track use: the Z06 is sharper, the Grand Sport X is heavier

On a road course the Z06 is the better tool. Roma told The Drive the Z06 is extremely rewarding and very sharp on track, while the Grand Sport X is also a good track-day car but heavier and less sharp, with all-wheel drive helping it out of corners.

  • Z06 track hardware: the Z07 Performance Package adds Cup 2 tires, a unique rear spoiler and carbon ceramic Brembo brakes, and requires the Carbon Fiber Aero Package. Chevrolet quotes 195 mph with Z07.
  • Grand Sport X on track: Edmunds lapped a Grand Sport X and a Z52-equipped Grand Sport at Atlanta Motorsports Park. The X, on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, started losing grip after a few laps, and the Grand Sport resisted overheating better.
  • Grand Sport X vs Grand Sport lap gap: in the DragTimes test, the rear-drive Grand Sport was about three seconds a lap quicker than the X at the same track, which autoevolution credits to its tires and aero.
  • E-Ray on track: carsales.com.au found the Z06 steered more directly and hunted apexes harder than the E-Ray, which it put down to the E-Ray’s front-axle drive.

I have not found a published back-to-back lap time for a Grand Sport X against a Z06 on the same day and track, so I am not going to invent a gap. The pattern from every test above points the same way: tire and aero packages decide lap times more than horsepower, and the Z06 can be ordered with the stickiest setup of the three.

Price and value: the Grand Sport X undercuts the Z06 by $9,200

The 2027 Grand Sport X starts at $112,495 and the 2027 Z06 1LZ coupe starts at $121,695, both including the $2,495 destination charge. The last new E-Ray, the 2026 1LZ coupe, was $111,095 with destination, almost the same money as a Grand Sport X.

Model and trim MSRP incl. destination Model year
Grand Sport X 1LT coupe $112,495 2027
Grand Sport X 2LT coupe $117,995 2027
Grand Sport X 3LT coupe $123,145 2027
Grand Sport X convertible $119,495 2027
Z06 1LZ coupe $121,695 2027
Z06 1LZ convertible $128,695 2027
Z06 3LZ coupe $135,245 2027
E-Ray 1LZ coupe (last new price) $111,095 2026
E-Ray 3LZ coupe (last new price) $122,045 2026

Grand Sport X 2LT and 3LT are chevrolet.com prices plus destination. E-Ray prices are CorvSport’s 2026 MSRPs plus $2,495 destination. Gas guzzler tax not included.

Options widen the gap. The Z07 package requires the Carbon Fiber Aero Package, which runs $8,995 on its own before Z07 itself. The Grand Sport X comes with carbon ceramic brakes as standard, so the cheapest way into a C8 with carbon ceramics and all-wheel drive is now a base Grand Sport X. If you are weighing Z06 trims, my 1LZ vs 2LZ vs 3LZ breakdown covers what each step adds.

Depreciation and the used E-Ray market

A used E-Ray is now the value play of the three, because it has already taken the depreciation hit and a quicker replacement is on sale. I pulled a snapshot of TrueCar’s used E-Ray listings on November 5, 2026. These are dealer asking prices, not sale prices, and they move every day.

Model year Lowest asking Highest asking Notes
2024 E-Ray $89,397 $106,510 9 priced listings; cheapest is a 3LZ coupe with 23,615 miles
2025 E-Ray $95,997 $129,000 19 priced listings; top end is two low-mile convertibles

Snapshot of TrueCar used listings taken November 5, 2026: 34 E-Rays listed nationwide, 28 with prices shown.

The cheapest used E-Ray on that snapshot asked $89,397, about $23,098 under a new Grand Sport X 1LT. SlashGear, using Classic.com auction data from 2025, found sold E-Rays typically going for $30,000 to $40,000 under their original sticker, with the eight sales it tracked ranging from $89,000 to $148,500. The high one was an early car flipped in January 2025, before the market settled.

What that means for you as a buyer:

  • A used E-Ray makes sense in the $90,000s. At that price you get hybrid all-wheel drive, carbon ceramics and the same tire sizes as the Grand Sport X for over $20,000 less.
  • Above about $105,000, buy the new car. A 2027 Grand Sport X with a full warranty, 66 more horsepower and a 131-mph trap is too close in price to justify an older, discontinued model.
  • Discontinued does not mean orphaned. The E-Ray was built for the 2024 to 2026 model years. Read my C8 problems by year before you buy any used C8.
  • New Grand Sport X and Z06 resale is unknown. The X is too new for meaningful used data. I have not verified current used Z06 prices, so I am not quoting any.

Which one should you buy?

Match the car to how you will use it. Here is how I would split it:

  • Buy the Grand Sport X if you want the quickest launch, drive year-round or in rain, want carbon ceramics without ticking boxes, or want one Corvette that does commuting, road trips and the occasional drag strip. Of these three, it is the quickest to 60.
  • Buy the Z06 if you do track days, want the flat-plane V8 and 8,600-rpm redline, or care more about how the car feels at nine-tenths than what it does to 60. Add Z07 if the car will see a road course.
  • Buy a used E-Ray if you want hybrid all-wheel drive and carbon ceramics for the least money and can find a clean one in the $90,000s. Skip it if the asking price is close to a new Grand Sport X.
  • Buy none of them if you want the sharpest wide-body car for the least money. The rear-drive 2027 Grand Sport starts at $88,795, and with the Track Performance Package it was about three seconds a lap quicker than the X in the DragTimes test.
🏁 OWNER TAKE

I bought two Z06s for the engine and I would still pick a Z06 for a weekend and track car. If I had one garage spot and drove the car every day through four seasons, the Grand Sport X is the one that makes more sense. The E-Ray only wins on price, and only used.

FAQ

Is the Grand Sport X faster than the Z06?

In a straight line, yes. Chevrolet rates the Grand Sport X at 2.4 seconds to 60 mph and 10.4 seconds at 131 mph in the quarter mile, against 2.6 seconds and 10.6 seconds at 131 mph for the Z06. On a road course the lighter, rear-drive Z06 with the Z07 package is the sharper car.

How much does the Grand Sport X cost compared to the Z06?

The 2027 Grand Sport X starts at $112,495 and the 2027 Z06 1LZ coupe starts at $121,695, both including the $2,495 destination charge. That makes the Grand Sport X $9,200 cheaper to start.

Is the Grand Sport X better than the E-Ray?

On paper, yes. The Grand Sport X makes 721 hp against the E-Ray’s 655 hp, runs 0-60 in 2.4 seconds against 2.5, and traps 131 mph in the quarter mile against 126 mph. It also drives on electric power alone up to 50 mph, against 45 mph for the E-Ray.

Is a used E-Ray a better buy than a new Grand Sport X?

It can be if the price is right. On November 5, 2026, TrueCar listed used E-Rays asking from $89,397 to $129,000. A new Grand Sport X starts at $112,495, so a used E-Ray only makes sense well below that figure.

Which is better for daily driving, the Z06 or the Grand Sport X?

The Grand Sport X. Corvette chief engineer Tony Roma describes the Z06 as stiffer and less comfortable, while the Grand Sport X has all-wheel drive, all-season tires and an electric-only Stealth Mode. The Z07 package puts the Z06 on summer-only Cup 2 tires.

What is the Grand Sport X 0-60 time?

Chevrolet rates the 2027 Grand Sport X at 2.4 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. In a DragTimes test reported by autoevolution, a Grand Sport X ran 2.65 seconds without rollout.

Related posts

Sources: Chevrolet Grand Sport X, Chevrolet Z06, KBB 2027 Z06, CorvSport E-Ray guide, CorvSport Grand Sport X debut, The Drive E-Ray review, The Drive interview with Tony Roma, Edmunds Grand Sport track test, Edmunds E-Ray, autoevolution on the DragTimes test, carsales.com.au E-Ray vs Z06, TrueCar used E-Ray listings, SlashGear on E-Ray resale.

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C8 Corvette Z06 vs Lamborghini Huracan EVO (AWD)

In this video by Drag Times on YouTube you can see a C8 Corvette Z06 Convertible race a Lamborghini Huracan EVO all wheel drive at the track in the quarter mile. It’s a best of three race series where you get to see both the C8 Z06 and Huracan launch as well as the top end of each car at the end of the Quarter mile.

C8 Z06 vs Lamborghini Huracan Evo Quarter Mile Times

In the three quarter mile races you can see the Lamborghini Huracan EVO have a lot more top end speed then the C8 Corvette Z06.

However the C8 Z06 is heavier especially since this is the convertible variant of the C8 Z06. They both were in the high 10’s in the quarter mile and the C8 Z06 only won because of a red light as well as a bad launch of the Huracan EVO.

The times that this C8 Corvette Z06 aren’t the fastest times we have seen where the coupe model C8 Z06 with a change of rear tires that are better for that track has achieved lower 10s in the quarter mile and more in the 10.3-10.6 second range.

Nonetheless, the C8 Corvette Z06 MSRP ($140k with the spec in the video) is well over 100k less then a Huracan EVO currently without considering all the mark ups that dealers and people are putting on the C8 Corvette Z06 on sites like Cars and Bids.

DragTimes C8 Z06 vs Huracan EVO All Wheel Drive

Hoovies Garage Adds Soul Performance Sport Cats to his C8 Z06

In this video Hoovies Garage adds new Soul Performance sport cats to his Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

Hoovies Garage “lucked” into a C8 Corvette Z06 from the car dealership he use to work at before his YouTube and Autotrader career. Tyler “Hoovie” Hoover said he knows he has hit the lottery with his C8 Corvette Z06 since they are selling well above MSRP and production keeps having issues.

Chevrolet C8 Z06 SOUL Sport Catalytic Converters

Price: $3,960.00

Built around larger catalytic converters than previous generations due to the higher demands of the new 5.5L LT6 V8, our Sport Catalytic Converters for the C8 Z06 replace the factory units to extract additional sound and power from one of 2023’s most anticipated performance cars.

+  All Soul Performance Products exhaust components are backed by a renowned Lifetime Warranty for both street and track use
+  Added performance with NO check engine light
+  Designed and built in-house at our Willow Grove, PA facility

You can buy the sport cats from Soul Performance here and mention you saw them on C8CorvetteBlog.com

Tyler Hoovie Hoover mentions he went with just sport cats since the stock C8 Corvette Z06 cat back is already valved and there wasn’t a need for it.

In the video you can hear the sport cats add more volume to the C8 Corvette Z06 system making the C8 Z06 a lot louder.

C8 Corvette Z06 vs. Corvette Stingray Difference: U Drag Drag Race!

In this video Edmunds Cars compares the differences in performance and handling of the new C8 Corvette Z06 vs the base model Corvette C8 Stingray.

C8 Z06 Stats

  • 5.5 L V8 Flat Plane Crank
  • 8 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission
  • 670 Horsepower and 460 foot pounds of Torque
  • Starts at $109k
  • Weighs 3,681 pounds
  • 5.49 pounds per horsepower

More about the C8 Corvette Z06

Base Model C8 Corvette Stingray Stats

  • 6.2L V8
  • Same 8 Speed DCT Dual Clutch Tremec Transmission just geared different
  • 495 Horsepower, 470 foot pounds of torque
  • Starts at $59,995 or $50,000 less than the C8 Corvette Z06
  • Weighs 3,649 pounds
  • Weight to power of 7.45 lbs/hp

More about the C8 Corvette

Listen, we all know this race is going to end with the 2023 Corvette Z06 running circles around its lesser Stingray sibling. But just how drastically will the Z06 annihilate the Stingray? That’s what we wanted to find out, so we put them on our Edmunds U-Drag track to see how things shook out. Edmunds’ Clint Simone takes you through our Corvette Z06 vs. Stingray U-Drag in the video above! What is a U-Drag race? A U-Drag race consists of both cars heading down the track like a standard drag race, then braking hard, flipping around and then heading back. Source Edmonds

Conclusion of the C8 Z06 vs C8 Corvette Stingray Model

The C8 Corvette Z06 with the Z07 carbon fiber track package and carbon fiber wheels gapped the base model C8 Corvette Stingray by about 3-4 car lengths.

However the C8 Corvette Stingray did hang with the C8 Z06 at the launch but loses once the C8 Z06 gains traction and the top end kicks in.

C8 Z06 vs McLaren 765LT

The C8 Corvette Z06 was only 1.8 seconds off the Edmunds U Drags Leaderboard champion the McLaren 765LT. Keeping in mind the McLaren 765LT is well over $200k more just on MSRP numbers coming in at $358,000 not including any mark ups on either car.

Stradman’s C8 Z06 Sells for $218,200 on Cars and Bids

After taking delivery of his Accelerate Yellow 2023 C8 Corvette z06 in November 2022 from Whitmoyer Chevrolet the Stradman has sold his C8 Corvette Z06 on Cars and Bids for $218,200.

The Winning bid came from “Climat” who says on Cars and Bids in the comments of the auction;

I have a small channel that I post my HPDE sessions on and this is my car for this season so it will be out there, I am an instructor for NCM, Porsche Club and 1010ths motorsport.

Cars and Bids

Cars and Bids is a car bidding website started by YouTuber Doug DeMuro where people can auction their cars to the highest bidder.

Buyers pay a 4.5% commission, capped at $4,500. Sellers list for free and receive 100% of the sale price.

Doug DeMuro brings the eyeballs from his Car Reviews YouTube channel and they offer a lot of customer support buying and selling cars.

cars and bids

Stradman C8 Z06 Warranty and Transmission Issue

So part of Chevrolet and General Motors new policy with the C8 Corvette Z06 is that if it is sold prior to they original owner owning it more than 6 months the warranty is voided.

As stated in the Cars and Bids auction for the C8 Z06 Stradman sold there he did include that disclaimer as well as made in an depth video of everything about the car including the C8 Z06 transmission pan gasket being fixed under warranty while he had it.

cars and bids stradman c8 z06 warranty information

Best C8 Corvette Z06 Exhaust? (Stock vs Aftermarket)

In these videos by Fabspeed Motorsport and StreetSpeed717 you can hear the difference between the stock C8 Z06 exhaust and their first ever aftermarket exhaust components for the C8 Z06.

Fabspeed Motorsport was the first aftermarket exhaust shop to get a hold of a C8 Z06 thanks to StreetSpeed717. And using his car they were able to build a mold for a new cat back exhaust system for the C8 Z06 as well as sport cats.

A couple things you will notice in the videos is the stock C8 Corvette Z06 exhaust is amazing as is since Chevrolet took over two years to refine the sound from the flat plane crank engine they modeled off of the Ferrari 458.

Another thing you will notice with just the sport cats alone the C8 Z06 gets a louder sound but same tone from the stock exhaust built for the C8 Z06. Emelia Hartford has a video as well where she shows the stock C8 Z06 exhaust is straight piped in track mode.

So really the difference with the Fabspeed Motorsport cat back exhaust for the C8 Corvette Z06 is losing weight, better looking, and a little bit more of a higher pitched tone or sound.

After watching the videos what do you think? Leave a comment below would you leave a Corvette Z06 exhaust stock, add Fabspeed sport cats for the C8 Z06, or a complete system with the Fabspeed Motorsport cat back as well?

Fabspeed High Flow Sport Cats C8 Corvette Z06

Fabspeed explains the sport cats look very similar to the base model C8 Corvette however they are more high flow with a larger HJS 200 Cell cat.

They also gained about 19 more horsepower with their dyno testing just adding the Sport cats to the C8 Z06. Also, with their Supersport X-pipe exhaust they still were able to get more performance and sound gains.

If you are interested in purchasing the Fabspeed cat back exhaust or sport cats for the new Corvette Z06 check out more information here and when contacting them to purchase mention you found them on C8CorvetteBlog.com