C6 Corvette Z06 Owner Considering Swapping in a ZR1 Drivetrain

Corvette Z06 owner quickly learns that buying the ZR1 parts would be a waste of money.

The C6 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 came from the factory with 505 horsepower from the LS7 while the ZR1 from the same generation delivers 638 horsepower from the supercharged LS9. With the ZR1 packing so much stock power, you might think that the drivetrain components rear of the crankshaft might be stronger, but as Corvette Forum member “GX427” has learned, there isn’t much benefit from transplanting the transmission, torque tube and different from one Z to the other.

Corvette Drivetrain Question

When the OP first posed his idea to the forum, he provided some basic information on his goals of building an LS7 to delivery 900 wheel horsepower. With this in mind, he was thinking of getting the ZR1 drivetrain components with the thought that they must be strong.

Have an 08z full drivetrain im thinking about selling 24k miles. Was thinking for a decent 900whp drivetrain would be a zr1 drivetrain? what do used ones go for with lower than 30k miles? to do a swap im assuming i just need the Diff, Trans, TT, and a zr1 specific clutch? what do you think i can get for a 24k mile tr6060 diff trans and TT? upgraded with LG billet couplers just put them in. Or should i just go straight to a RPM trans and diff instead of a zr1? ill only be on the street with some sticky tires eventually 15 inch.

The first person to reply was “EViL427”, who suggested a car swap rather than a drivetrain swap.

Why not just sell the Z06 and buy a ZR1? Unless the drivetrain is in something other than a Vette?

To which the OP provided a little more information.

already have a fully built engine and YSI so thats far from a choice but yeah if i could go back i would

Don’t Buy ZR1 Parts

The first person to really answer the question was “MTPZ06”, who told the OP to go straight to the RPM transmission, and that was backed up by “CBMZR1”. After that, “Unreal” provided information on the ZR1 parts, explaining why the OP shouldn’t spend the money to buy everything.

No reason to go through that, when it would be easier/cheaper to just upgrade what you have.

Only difference is the zr1 rear case is stronger, rest of it is easily fixable or the same.

There is no zr1 clutch, only reason they are different is for ls9 flywheel pattern is different, so you couldn’t run a zr1 clutch flywheel anyways without swapping cranks. Torque tube and the rest is all the same, so no point.

That lead to another question from the OP.

Thought the TT was a inch shorter? Could I mate a zr1 trans to my diff? I talked to rick transmission and he did say the zr1 stuff is stronger inside and out I’m pretty sure.

Which prompted this response from Unreal.

Depends on year, not zr1 or not. They changed torque tubes lengths one year, I think 08+.

Yes you could use your diff for a zr1 trans, but the trans isn’t better per say, just different ratios, which for most suck.

If you have any insight on preparing a C6 Corvette Z06 drivetrain to handle 900 wheel horsepower, click here to head into the thread.

Photos: General Motors

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