Corvette C6 Z06 | Best of a Generation

We review the 2009 Chevy Corvette C6 Z06, we drive it on track, and with the help of GM Engineers, we discuss what made the LS7 an amazing engine. We discuss the best and worst features and why it has it is still relevant despite the flaws. Others to consider are, Nissan Z, Toyota Supra, BMW M4, Honda S2000, Miata.

With the excitement over the C8 Z06, picking up an older Vette has never been a better option.

@corvette
@Z06
@cars

Thanks The Owner: M Simms

Index:
00:00 The Intro
1:02 Interior Impressions
3:57 In the Shoppe - Suspension and Body
9:44 A Talk With The Small Block Engineers
11:54 The LS7
19:57 Driving Impressions
26:05 Final Thoughts

[savagegeese]

Just as a small note Jordan's updated title is global chief engineer of small block engines. And yes the Chevy boys call it a Chivy.

[RDMcK]

The plastic interior bit on the seatbelt flopping around on Mark's shoulder with the ls7 screaming in the background is the perfect metaphor of this car.

[facetydread]

This is exactly why I love this channel. These deep dives on older cars is truly something special. Plus I don't know how you guys even managed to get in touch with the team that built this car, that blew my mind. Good stuff!!

[jonnyj.]

The interviews with the engineers are SUCH an amazing part of this channel. Literally no other youtube channel does stuff like this, and its SO refreshing to hear straight from the people who designed the parts rather than from rumors started by forums/random journalists

[DSimms]

It was great working with you guys on this! Great job Mark and Jack!

[CSuperchargedZR]

I'm an automotive engineer myself (vehicle dynamics). The reason I am, and the reason I wanted to achieve something in life when I was young, is the C6 Z06. It is my absolute dream car. I had the chance to afford one 4 years ago and it is everything I wished for. I'm driving my hero and I love it more with every day. The engine is one of the best ever made, of that I am convinced. It's not just a car, it's a dream for young boys all around the world, at least that's what it is for me. Inspiring, exhilirating, beautiful and timeless. I would like to thank everyone on the team that put their heart and soul into the development of this car, you can feel it while driving, it's alive, it is more than the sum of it's parts. It's automotive history!

[cristianflores]

I had 2 LS7 drop valves, 1 at 65k miles and the other at 30k miles… two different engines, the first cracked the block and the second just the piston.
The reason there wasn’t many in the beginning was because most people garaged them and kept the mileage low or babied them. So once prices dropped and people started buying them and driving or tracking them more (after warranty’s are long expired) then it’s started raining valves and GM was no longer liable even though they knew there was an issue obviously.

[RAM_C]

I bought one of these to have a fun summer car 7 years ago.... and now I still have it in the collection stored away and will never sell it. One of the absolute best vehicles I've ever been in under 60k. It is funny how the guy flat out lied about the heads though, but with the lawsuit I guess they need to cover their tracks.

[canoedoc]

Recently acquired a 2008, single owner, base Corvette, with 15, 800 miles on the clock. It is without question the best, most exciting, and most satisfying, car I have ever owned; and I have owned more than my fair share.

[corvetteZr]

I’ve had 3 of these. The head issue is very very real.
1. Heads fixed twice, 06 25k-39k miles
2. 18k mile car, guides toast
3. Dropped a valve at 57k before I got it, has engine from 2nd car now.

[albonfilms]

This video got me feeling tight in the New Balances 🥵🥵🥵

[DraegerV]

I'm currently on my second C6Z. It is a special car that is truly in a class of its own when it comes to performance and simplicity.

[JDeez]

This is my all time favorite car, and my attainable dream car. I even love the garbage interior. My family always had gms in the 90s and 2000s as i grew up and it just feels like home.

[jacobscutzlas]

As a C6 Z06 owner and I love the car. I absolutly don't agree with the engineers take on the valve guides. Ive seen many, many examples of dropped valves including people with z28 camaros in the last production units of the LS7. Some people had no issues at all with over 100k miles and some had issues at 10k miles. Issue is if you did drop a valve the motor was complete junk.

[JakeTerch]

This generation definitely has the best gauge cluster of any Corvette. I think it ties the C5 in overall appearance as well.

[LegitStreetCars]

Great video guys! I've always wanted one of these Corvettes. Now I want one even more!

[CBlueDevil]

I bought my C6 Z51 in 2012. Car has been great and is literally faster than 99% of what is on the street, but watching videos like this makes me really wish I bought a slightly used C6 Z06

[sulimansyed]

The content you create is unbelievable.

[YELLOWZ]

I feel honored to have owned 2 C6z’s. The last of the lightweight big engine N/A cars and IMO the best transmission gearing in any car ever!

[joem]

As an owner of a C6 Z06. Going to enjoy this so much