Note: Both transmissions deliver strong performance, but the automatic is slightly quicker in straight-line speed due to optimized shifting.
What were the cooling issues with the C7 Z06?
Early C7 Z06 models, particularly 2015 and 2016, were known to suffer from engine overheating and heat soak during extended high-performance driving — especially on road courses or hot days. This was largely due to insufficient radiator and intercooler capacity paired with the heat generated by the LT4’s supercharger.
Symptoms included:
The issue was widely discussed in forums, track day communities, and even by professional reviewers. GM made cooling improvements in the 2017+ model years, including:
1. Supercharger Rattle and Failure
2. Manual Transmission Problems
3. Carbon Ceramic Brake Concerns (Z07 Package)
4. Interior Wear and Build Quality
5. Wheel Cracking
C7 Corvette Z06 Specs
Model: |
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 coupe and convertible |
Body styles / driveline: |
2-door hatchback coupe with removable roof panel or 2-door convertible; rear-wheel drive |
Construction: |
composite and carbon-fiber body panels, hydroformed aluminum frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components |
Manufacturing location: |
Bowling Green, Ky. |
LT4 6.2L supercharged V-8
Type: |
Seven-speed manual with |
Paddle-shift eight-speed, electronically |
Gear ratios (:1) |
|
|
First: |
2.29 |
4.56 |
Second: |
1.61 |
2.97 |
Third: |
1.21 |
2.08 |
Fourth: |
1.00 |
1.69 |
Fifth: |
0.82 |
1.27 |
Sixth: |
0.68 |
1.00 |
Seventh: |
0.45 |
0.85 |
Eighth: |
-- |
0.65 |
Reverse: |
2.70 |
3.82 |
Final drive ratio: |
3.42 |
2.41 |
Front: |
short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite spring, monotube shock absorber |
Rear: |
short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite spring, monotube shock absorber |
Active handling: |
Magnetic Selective Ride Control |
Traction control: |
StabiliTrak electronic stability control |
Steering type: |
variable-ratio rack-and-pinion with electric power assist |
Steering gear ratio: |
12.0 to 16.4 |
Turns lock to lock |
2.53 |
Turning circle, curb to curb |
37.7 / 11.5 |
Back to top |
For older C7 Z06 Corvettes you can have your car ride like the 2019 version. Just drive the vehicle to your dealer and have the calibration updated to the applicable calibration listed below.
Part Number/Model/Year/Trim/Level Suspension
RPO
84353680 (Without Track Mode Change)
84353681 (With Track Mode Change) 2015 Z06 with Z07 FE7
84353682 (Without Track Mode Change)
84353683 (With Track Mode Change) 2016 Z06 with Z07 FE7
84375893 2015 Z06 without Z07 FE6
84375892 2016 Z06 without Z07 FE6
84375894 2017 Z06 without Z07 FE6
Type: |
front and rear power-assisted discs with two-piece steel rotors; fixed six-piston aluminum front calipers and fixed four-piston aluminum rear calipers; carbon ceramic matrix rotors with Z07 pkg. |
Rotor diameter (in / mm): |
front – Z06 : 14.6 / 371 |
Rotor thickness (in / mm): |
front – Z06 : 1.3 / 33 |
Wheel size: |
Front: 19-inch x 10-inch |
Tires: |
Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat (Z06) |
Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm): |
106.7 / 2710 |
Overall length (in / mm): |
177.9 / 4518 |
Overall width (in / mm): |
77.4 / 1965 |
Overall height (in / mm): |
48.6 / 1235 (coupe) |
Track (in / mm): |
63.5 / 1613 (front) |
Curb weight (lb / kg): |
3524 / 1598 (coupe) |
Weight distribution |
50 / 50 |
Interior
Seating capacity |
2 |
Headroom (in / mm): |
38 / 962 |
Leg room (in / mm): |
43 / 1092 |
Shoulder room (in / mm): |
55 / 1397 |
Hip room (in / mm): |
54 / 1371 |
The 2015 and early 2016 Z06 models had known cooling issues under high-performance driving due to undersized radiators and heat exchangers. GM made significant improvements starting with the 2017 model year.
Yes, GM offered an extended warranty for certain 2015–2018 Z06 models, covering cooling system components for up to 7 years or 72,000 miles. This was in response to owner complaints and a class-action lawsuit.
Yes, starting in 2016, the C7 Z06 came with Apple CarPlay, but only with a wired USB connection. Wireless Apple CarPlay was not available until the C8 generation (2021+).
The 2015 Z06 was the first model year and had known cooling issues and supercharger noise. By 2019, the Z06 was refined with improved cooling, fewer complaints, and higher reliability. No major engine or transmission changes occurred, but build quality and track performance improved.
The Z07 Performance Package includes Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, aerodynamic enhancements, and FE7 suspension tuning. It's designed for maximum track performance.
Established in 2008 by Chris Trautman, Corvette Web Central quickly grew into one of the top leading Corvette enthusiast websites globally.
"This website is a passion of mine just as much as being a Corvette owner," says Chris. He was frustrated trying to find information on the internet about Corvettes which was was not biased or influenced somehow.
He has owned three Corvettes over the last twenty years and does not plan to stop owning one anytime soon.
Note: Some links on this page are part of our affiliate program and provide a small portion of proceeds to fund the administrative costs and to fund more product reviews. We are not paid to perform the reviews or are we given any products for free.