Believe it or not there's even more than that in the C8 Z51. There are Hidden modes beyond Track and Launch modes. It's a little different to get to them but it COMPLETELY un-leashes a Super Beast mode. I did it only once on my Z51... This C8 package definitely get to 60 in under 3 seconds easily!!!
Thanks Carlos. As these are manufacturer press loaners, we only get limited time window with them, and our delivery day is usually thursday and our tracks days are usually Friday. So that leaves little time to make any adjustments. Plus, the manufacturers don't always like us messing with suspension settings. However, when a test car is nearing the end of its life in a manufacturer test fleet, they are more able to accommodate special requests. we've already put in a request to have the car back and be able to throw some alignment adjustments at it for testing. Hopefully it works out.
Looks good fellas! Love this car, Id love to see you guys do some mods and test em! I plan on doing Girodisc's, Pads, fluid and and a set of forged wheels w 200 TW tires. Should help this car a fair bit!
What is your point. Everyone knows the Z51 is faster on the track where 95% of owners never go. What would be the difference if you put the Z51 tires on the base car?
95% never track their Vette? Agree, most don't. I autocrossed and tracked my B Prepared C3 Corvette for decades and now my Z28. If I could afford a new C8 - damn right I get the Z51 option and track the car. Stock C8 is faster than my prepared C3 and it was very fast, edit; Good question on about Z51 tires on base car. Tire is most of it I bet.
@@beyond_the_infinite2098 My point was that for 95%, Z51 is of little value.It would be very interesting to see in your comparison what the difference would be with base C8 with Z51 tires.
Isn't this part of the "lore" with Corvettes. That after a few years, it's pretty easy to find low mileage/low stressed examples that have been mostly been sitting in some older gentleman's driveway? If that's the case, I do wonder why GM has made the C7 and C8s by most reports, legit good racing/track weapons.
The tires are literally going to be 95% of the difference, which is already a small difference to begin with. Just get a non z51, upgrade the tires and exhaust and you will have a better looking/sounding/ performing c8 and still have money left over from z51 savings
We also have a full track test of a base model on our channel you're welcome to check out. I agree with your assessment that tires are a lot of the difference, but the data shows we're also seeing significant gains from the more aggressive gear ratios. Still, we're a track-focused publication, and our readers are usually most interested in the bleeding-edge models, so we make sure to give those a thorough workout when they show up in the press fleet.
Great video JG! It would be amazing to try a C8 with some super 200’s and a track alignment. It’s shocking how capable these cars are out of the box. See you at the track!
We haven't had one at this track yet, but I think it would be a tight match. It would probably come down to corner exits and whether the GS was geared well enough for the track. Both cars have awesome handling but the C8 really comes off of corners nicely with very little drama.
I realize a lot of folks probably know this coming into the video, and it's something I could "google" but it would have been cool if you talked through the differences between the Z51 package and the base model in more specifics. That said, I still enjoyed the track data analysis!
Enjoyed the video. I live in Tampa and should be getting my Z51 C8 in a few months and hope to drive on track at the FIRM. I have done autocross, but never a track. That's the main reason I'm getting the Z51.
Yeah and consider this as well: While we like to test cars as thoroughly as conditions allow, we also don't want to have to write any awkward emails that would result in us never getting press loaners ever again. As such, my line and my approach for press cars at the FIRM is maybe 1% less aggressive than it would be in my own car. Just enough to prevent the unthinkable from happening, but hard enough to get a fair assessment. So a balls-out lap is probably a couple tenths faster, then throw in an alignment, and some 200tw tires, and you're knocking on the low 1:15s.
When I bought my 2017 stingray I had the choice two car sitting side-by-side one was a Z 51 and one wasn’t I chose the one without because I never planned track my car but my car that I did buy had mag ride on it which I would never buy again because I really didn’t notice it. Just like the Z06 most people will never use or be able to use the power of that car it’s just merely having the fastest car that turns everybody on.
Went to Ron Fellows in December. The instructors there insist on the track alignment. They made no bones about it. The car handles much better with the TA. They had a hard time really driving the car hard without it.
We have not yet tested either of those cars on our test track. You can see all the cars we have tested and their times here: grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/firm-lap-times/
Sir, what is the ideal Z51 track alignment setting exactly? assuming ps4s tires and can you still drive on the streets like this advantages and disadvantages?
Three seconds on an 80-second course is pretty substantial. if you look at the data you're about right on the difference just from grip. We figured 1.5-2 seconds from grip and the rest from gearing advantages.
We've discussed it in the video department and we're going to start adding an uninterrupted lap to all of our track test videos from now on. Thanks for the suggestions.
If you are NOT going to track your car the Z51 package is a waste of money. However, if you’re going to track your car then the Z51 package is a MUST have option. So ends todays lesson. Cheers!
Not to beat a dead horse but it's NOT a manual transmission, it's a fancy automatic. It doesn't have a clutch pedal that you control yourself or a lever that you move to whatever gear you want
No, you're wrong. It is NOT an automatic transmission. There is no torque converter. It is an AUTOMATED MANUAL with dual clutches. The computer pushes the "pedal" for you, but you certainly can decide when to shift.
Do you think the GM engineers just sit on their hands while developing the Z51 package. They have much more data then you could possibly ever have. You know BOP adds weight to slow down the C8R. You might want to get in better shape to get better times on the track. Take this stuff seriously.
Believe it or not there's even more than that in the C8 Z51. There are Hidden modes beyond Track and Launch modes. It's a little different to get to them but it COMPLETELY un-leashes a Super Beast mode. I did it only once on my Z51... This C8 package definitely get to 60 in under 3 seconds easily!!!
great video, we need more videos on the C8 corvette Z51 , factory best setup controls for track, and anything you think can help us thank you
Thanks Carlos. As these are manufacturer press loaners, we only get limited time window with them, and our delivery day is usually thursday and our tracks days are usually Friday. So that leaves little time to make any adjustments. Plus, the manufacturers don't always like us messing with suspension settings. However, when a test car is nearing the end of its life in a manufacturer test fleet, they are more able to accommodate special requests. we've already put in a request to have the car back and be able to throw some alignment adjustments at it for testing. Hopefully it works out.
Thank you for saying "this is a manual".....
Looks good fellas! Love this car, Id love to see you guys do some mods and test em! I plan on doing Girodisc's, Pads, fluid and and a set of forged wheels w 200 TW tires. Should help this car a fair bit!
Tires make up 2 seconds on any track . 1 car has summer tires 1 car has ride flats 😅😂
@@Rollochrome rigid sidewalls
I can’t wait till you get a new ZO6
You and us both :)
So....the Z-51 would be excellent for merging into expressway traffic.
What is your point. Everyone knows the Z51 is faster on the track where 95% of owners never go. What would be the difference if you put the Z51 tires on the base car?
95% never track their Vette? Agree, most don't. I autocrossed and tracked my B Prepared C3 Corvette for decades and now my Z28. If I could afford a new C8 - damn right I get the Z51 option and track the car. Stock C8 is faster than my prepared C3 and it was very fast, edit; Good question on about Z51 tires on base car. Tire is most of it I bet.
@@beyond_the_infinite2098 My point was that for 95%, Z51 is of little value.It would be very interesting to see in your comparison what the difference would be with base C8 with Z51 tires.
Isn't this part of the "lore" with Corvettes. That after a few years, it's pretty easy to find low mileage/low stressed examples that have been mostly been sitting in some older gentleman's driveway? If that's the case, I do wonder why GM has made the C7 and C8s by most reports, legit good racing/track weapons.
The tires are literally going to be 95% of the difference, which is already a small difference to begin with. Just get a non z51, upgrade the tires and exhaust and you will have a better looking/sounding/ performing c8 and still have money left over from z51 savings
We also have a full track test of a base model on our channel you're welcome to check out. I agree with your assessment that tires are a lot of the difference, but the data shows we're also seeing significant gains from the more aggressive gear ratios. Still, we're a track-focused publication, and our readers are usually most interested in the bleeding-edge models, so we make sure to give those a thorough workout when they show up in the press fleet.
Great video JG! It would be amazing to try a C8 with some super 200’s and a track alignment. It’s shocking how capable these cars are out of the box. See you at the track!
Can't wait for the Z06 follow up!
Great video, do you all have a C7 Grand Sport for comparison?
We haven't had one at this track yet, but I think it would be a tight match. It would probably come down to corner exits and whether the GS was geared well enough for the track. Both cars have awesome handling but the C8 really comes off of corners nicely with very little drama.
I realize a lot of folks probably know this coming into the video, and it's something I could "google" but it would have been cool if you talked through the differences between the Z51 package and the base model in more specifics. That said, I still enjoyed the track data analysis!
We're working on that video now :)
This video dropped today. Check it out at ua-cam.com/video/bd4i2N0O_z0/v-deo.html
Enjoyed the video. I live in Tampa and should be getting my Z51 C8 in a few months and hope to drive on track at the FIRM. I have done autocross, but never a track. That's the main reason I'm getting the Z51.
Wow 1:16??? That’s moving for that track!
Yeah and consider this as well: While we like to test cars as thoroughly as conditions allow, we also don't want to have to write any awkward emails that would result in us never getting press loaners ever again. As such, my line and my approach for press cars at the FIRM is maybe 1% less aggressive than it would be in my own car. Just enough to prevent the unthinkable from happening, but hard enough to get a fair assessment. So a balls-out lap is probably a couple tenths faster, then throw in an alignment, and some 200tw tires, and you're knocking on the low 1:15s.
When I bought my 2017 stingray I had the choice two car sitting side-by-side one was a Z 51 and one wasn’t I chose the one without because I never planned track my car but my car that I did buy had mag ride on it which I would never buy again because I really didn’t notice it. Just like the Z06 most people will never use or be able to use the power of that car it’s just merely having the fastest car that turns everybody on.
Enjoyed your video. I imagine the upgraded pads would be harder on the rotors? What brand brakes pads and brake fluid do you recommend?
The funny thing is everything u said the car needs (other than pads) is what Chevy recommends for track prep
Went to Ron Fellows in December. The instructors there insist on the track alignment. They made no bones about it. The car handles much better with the TA. They had a hard time really driving the car hard without it.
so ignoring the super high street price, C8 is good/great. Can we all now just ignore price #ferrarisforeveryone
Did you do any laps with PTM on?
You guys ever run a c7 Grand Sport or Z06 in this test site?
We have not yet tested either of those cars on our test track. You can see all the cars we have tested and their times here: grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/firm-lap-times/
Sir, what is the ideal Z51 track alignment setting exactly? assuming ps4s tires and can you still drive on the streets like this advantages and disadvantages?
Negative camber will wear your inner sidewall out fast on the street.
It's not a proper manual transmission. Stop with the word salad
JG, great video and review! Now I've gotta get to the track!
Honestly I was expecting a bigger gap between the two. The tires alone should make up 1.5 seconds.
Three seconds on an 80-second course is pretty substantial. if you look at the data you're about right on the difference just from grip. We figured 1.5-2 seconds from grip and the rest from gearing advantages.
@@Grassrootsmotorsports makes sense thanks
Would have liked to see one full lap, perhaps at the end
We've discussed it in the video department and we're going to start adding an uninterrupted lap to all of our track test videos from now on. Thanks for the suggestions.
If you are NOT going to track your car the Z51 package is a waste of money. However, if you’re going to track your car then the Z51 package is a MUST have option. So ends todays lesson. Cheers!
Not to beat a dead horse but it's NOT a manual transmission, it's a fancy automatic. It doesn't have a clutch pedal that you control yourself or a lever that you move to whatever gear you want
That may be but even in full auto is works extremely well. I've driven one at the autocross and it's extremely effective
@@rx8matt that’s not the point. It’s not a manual transmission and to call it one is just false.
Many go karts don't even have a transmission. They're still fun. I like shifting my rx8, but an auto would sure be nice in traffic
Yeah..you got em good lol. Have you never made a simple mistake? Jeez, they are trying their best.
No, you're wrong. It is NOT an automatic transmission. There is no torque converter. It is an AUTOMATED MANUAL with dual clutches. The computer pushes the "pedal" for you, but you certainly can decide when to shift.
Do you think the GM engineers just sit on their hands while developing the Z51 package. They have much more data then you could possibly ever have. You know BOP adds weight to slow down the C8R. You might want to get in better shape to get better times on the track. Take this stuff seriously.
Amazing!