Can a C6 Z06 Outperform a C7 Z06 With a Few Mods?

It might be tough to match the C7 Corvette Z06’s performance, but a budget-friendly C6 can be a track monster,too.

Progress is the name of the game when it comes to the Corvette. Throughout its history, the Corvette has a tradition of make each successive generation leaps and bounds better than the last. This means older Corvettes seem to always play a game of catch-up to the newest generation. That’s no exception to this C6 Corvette being built up by PowerNation. They are building it in order to give a current C7 Z06 a run for its money. But they are also seeing if they can do so at half the price of that newer Z06. Obviously the C7 had a full engineering re-work to be the best Corvette on the market. But when performance is the subject, old dogs can be taught new tricks, too.

PowerNation hosts Pat Topolinski and Mike Galley have a great base to start with. A 2008 Corvette Z06 sourced through Bondurant Racing School will see a full transformation. Power will increase through a supercharger and long tube headers. New driveline components will control and dispatch all that power. And a new suspension will improve handling.

In the first part of this build, the host tackle driveline issues. Unfortunately due to the way the Corvette is designed, removing the driveline isn’t something you want to do at home. “We would never even attempt this on a set of jack stands. Make sure a lift is available,” Galley advises. The driveline came out in order to upgrade the clutch for future power increases, but also to replace the transmission due to first-gear damage. While the driveline was out was apart, a remote clutch bleeder was added to make servicing easier.

Upgraded shocks were needed, because body control is important when you’re rocking over 600 horsepower. Plus, new shocks also replace the worn-out originals from 2008. Single adjustable shocks will help dial in exactly the handling characteristics desired by the driver. For starters, we’ll adjust them to two clicks,” says Topolinski. This will give a baseline and allow room for firmer or softer settings as needed. Coilover suspension would offer more control, but wouldn’t fit in with this budget build ethos.

Powerstop used this Corvette for brake pad development purposes in its former life. The one-click kit from Powerstop will ensure long brake life on track. These brakes aren’t quite the exotic carbon ceramic units found on the C7 Z06, but proper venting and pad compounds mean they can get the job done. This is where the budget shines, since carbon ceramic brakes have eye-watering costs.

The Z06 build is finally ready to accept some more ponies under the hood. Long-tube headers have already been installed, and the engine is ready to accept its new supercharger. Any guesses on power numbers? We’ll have to check that out in the next episode.

Photos: PowerNation

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