Hot Topics: Will the the Non-Z51 C8 Corvette Survive Driving in Extreme Heat?

C8 Corvette owners dive into a rumored overheating issue with base (aka non-Z51) cars, though it appears there’s no substance to it.

As most Corvette fans are aware, the C7 generation Z06 famously suffers from overheating issues at the track, particularly in hot weather, a problem that stems from the fact that it’s supercharged, at least partially. This has led to class-action lawsuits and GM granting owners extended warranty coverage, and as a side effect, the C8 Z06 has gone back to natural aspiration. Regardless, there are also some out there that claim the C8 Corvette is also overheating at the track, albeit only examples that are NOT equipped with the Z51 Performance Package and its additional cooling abilities, a discussion that arose in this thread over at Corvette Forum recently.

“I am looking for input from C8 Corvette owners without the Z51 package living in very hot weather areas,” said corvette-007. “I am finalizing my C8 build and got stuck at the Z51 package selection. From some C8 owners on YouTube, they recommended skipping the Z51 package if the car will not be tracked due to heat issues. I will not be tracking my C8, but I will be driving to Las Vegas often where outside temperatures can reach 120 degrees in the summer. Can the C8 without the Z51 package survive the heat with the A/C running on max?”

Responses to this query are decidedly mixed, with some saying that their non-Z51 C8 Corvette has no issues with searing hot weather, while others provide cautionary tales related to this decision. “No not at all, I have a non-Z51 with day after day 100+ degree days, no issues whatsoever. I don’t drive it easy either,” said Caymanspyder. “I haven’t seen anyone with a non-Z51 say they have overheating problems other than when something was wrong with the car,” added RKCRLR.

As most are quick to point out, the Z51 does indeed provide extra cooling, but that’s mostly beneficial to reducing transmission temps. Oddly enough, that’s precisely the sort of problem that Red Pill has experienced, though he doesn’t believe it’s related to cooling. “I have a 2021 2LT coupe, non-Z51, non-mag ride. I live in Florida. I’ve had no problems with it at all. The Z51’s cooling benefit is really only for track driving. I’ve not driven mine hard enough for a long enough duration to tax the stock non-Z51 system in daily driving and long range road trips through 106 degree heat. That being said, I’ve put 7k miles on it with no issues due to heat. I’ve blown up three transmissions due to its poor design, but that’s not related to heat.”

Thus far, it doesn’t seem like any C8 Corvette owner in the forums has had an overheating issue in a non-Z51 car, but there are a few out there that have. Thus, we’re curious to know – have you experienced any of these issues, or do you know anyone that has? If so (or even if you just want to learn more about this topic), be sure and head over here and join this interesting discussion!

Photos: Corvette Forum

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