Bought a 2011 GS back in June. It's has all the things I love about the ZO6 (wide body, suspension, brakes) and a steel frame vs aluminum, plus the Targa top w/o the insurance premium. ZO6 would have cost me 135% more than the GS, 436hp is MORE than enough to get from A to B, plus what I paid for my 2011 (30K miles), newest ZO6 would have been a first year 2006, maybe 07. Nice video, Thanks

I own a 2012 GS centennial and I am in love with this car , it’s all I can handle and gives me goose bumps when I nail it

2008 Z06 I bought new in 2009 just over 60,000 miles.I agree with everything that was said. I’ve taken mine on several trips camping and all I love it.

I own a 2012 centennial edition grand sport and the car is everything I could ask for and very impressed with the handling and power , it’s a six speed auto but you can play wth the paddles , it’s the best of both worlds , truly a keeper for me👍

Really nice job comparing the two corvette models! I wanted to let you know that I just bought my '07 C6 Zo6 in October 2020 and like a lot of folks, while I am impressed with the performance and styling of the car, I was concerned about the dropped valve issue you mentioned in your video. After doing a lot of internet based research I was prepared to spend the $5K to have the heads replaced and went to a reputable local speed shop to talk over the project. The speed shop owner, who had a garage full of corvette's being repaired, told me that it was a waste of money to have the heads serviced. It was his opinion that the various forums have blown this whole issue out of proportion and that I would be better served at this point (with 22K miles on the motor) to spend my money on other upgrades. He's been in the business for over 20 years and has never seen a stock motor with this problem. It's only one opinion, and I know I am taking some risk here, but I decided to take his advice for now and to forego the head service.

I first had a 08 z06 Wanted a removable top so I sold it and bought a 12 grand sport Now i have a 07 C6Z06 Honest opinion 3d gear is flat compared to C6Z06 and i had to stare at speedometer to see when that lousy 150 is coming on the zo6 l am at 148 at the end of 4th and pulling and it hammers hard in first 3 gears And i felt the frame of grand sport flexed on my steep driveway vs rigid solid frame of z06 Total turnoff A solid feel(zo6) vs a loose feel(gs) With cracking sound That is why i ended up with zo6 at the end I will take my chances after heads are redone

I love my 07 Z06, I daily drive this car over 90 miles a day to work and back and oil consumption over other cars I've owned is noticeable but not terrible(add a quart or two between changes) but I drive in a spirited manner. I also drag race the car at a 1/4 mile track once or twice a month and the reliability is just phenomenal. I have over 90k miles and she just rips run after run...absolutely love my Z06!! Looking to go C7 Z06 at some point. Great review btw!!

I own a 2013 GS, convertible so no tracking. Just what i wanted without that troublesome LS7. Went from a base 07 manual to the automatic paddle shift, having a ball driving it. Thought i would regret not getting the manual transmission but im happy with the automatic.

Informative video. I have been trying to decide between the GS and Z06 and also A6 and M6 for a while now. Your video is helpful.

Have owned a black 2005 Jaguar XKR coupe for 10 years, and just added a Crystal Red 2008 Corvette coupe. The XKR is a sophisticated and stunningly beautiful brunette with an English accent, a strapless black cocktail dress, pearl necklace, and high heels, while the Vette is an athletic, barefooted, strawberry blonde from the US heartland, wearing cut-off jeans, a wet T-shirt, and legs that go all the way up. I am in love with them both.

Sold my Grand Sport I bought new in 2010 in November with 6500 miles Was an amazing car and I'm going to miss it but had to make room for my C8.

I have a 2011 gs and I've had it for lil over a year I love it

EXCELLENT REVIEW!!! Back in 2012 I had to make a decision between a C6 GS and Z06. I went with a brand new 2012 Inferno Orange 3LT Manual GS!! Bottom line.. I had to have the removable roof!! In terms of HP, I figured I could supercharge my GS later which I did. I sent it to Ligenfelter.. long story short.. the car is now making about 590 whp! I just hit 19K miles in Nov 2020. I absolutely love my GS!! Thanks for the info!

I own a c6 z07 h/c/i and I love it still need to get headers but actually made 582 whp which is good without headers.....great video!

Love my 2010 Grand Sport. It's boosted to 650 wrhp. I leave valve dropping ZO6s. Love my top comes off too. Next is a bigger intercooler, cam and tune. 800 rwhp baby. You can keep that thin wall 427.

Never been in a GS but I love how they retain the targa. 08 hci c6z owner here.

I have a 2012 Grand Sport with stage 3 cams, I love it.

I’ve had an ‘08 Z06 & now have a 2012 GS 6 spd convertible… I loved the Z06 but the valve problem was eating at my brain.. this is the 3rd GS I’ve had and I feel confident that she will last. I do love the ability to take the top down and enjoy the air… C6 RULES!

Great video, I’m hooked on the GS and every video I watch confirms that’s the right model for me. Thank you!

Great information as I’m looking to get a C6 Grand sport next month. Had a base Vette a few years ago and went Maserati and sorry I did

Great video , love all the smaller details that were mentioned. I have been on that crossroad for a couple of months I decided what to get, if it wasn’t for the head issue I’d go zo6 , then again, I just as you mentioned, I don’t wanna drop 45-50k on a zo6 ( todays prices ) and lose a 15k motor over a valva issue . A 6 speed GS seems to be the winner after watching this video , and for 10k I can drop some boost for some reliable power ( 600 wheels seems to be a sweet spot of power/reliability) now for my question, will the tr6060 handle 600 ? Or will it need an upgrade ?

One other thing to add to the GS. The GS coupe with manual transmission has a dry sump, hand-built (at Wixom plant) LS3 engine vs the production LS3 in the GS convertible, GS AT or the base models. The crank on the Wixom-built engines are nodular iron instead of cast and the hypereutectic pistons are on forged rods. The Wixom LS3s need NOTHING on the bottom end to hit 500 whp. Just a cam, header, CAI and exhaust package will put your MZ6 GS from about 390whp to 420-450. Add a very modest 5-6psi boost and you're past 500, flex-fuel adds about 20+ more. Heads and more boost can put you well over 700. The steel frame on the GS, while about 110 pounds heavier, is also stiffer. For a non-track car, that 110# is a non-issue. Add in the fact that you can remove the roof of the GS, and it's a no-brainer for me. I had the opportunity at a 2008 Z06 at the same time as my GS. Had about 10K more miles and was similarly priced and I got the GS because of the removable top. The GS can also (option) come with the same F55 magneto rheological shocks as the Z06/7 and the NPP exhaust. The GS NPP exhaust is the same 2.5" internal bypass pipe the Z06 has, but gets rid of the perforations in the pipe that robbed HP. If the Z06 used the same 3" pipe in the mufflers its exhaust has and the solid bypass pipe, the Z06 would have been even more of a beast. Figure another 10hp. My 2011 GS 3LT has both the F55 and NPP on it. Pretty much every option short of the POS 4LT with its bubbling faux-suede dash cover and steering wheel. Next up ... heads/cam/headers/exhaust. Staying NA and will have just under $40K in it and getting Z06-beating performance. Find a bone-stock Z06 out there for under $40K ... go ahead ... that's a RARE find.

Might be worth noting the GS manual trans coupe has a hand built engine just like the Z06 and ZR1. No difference in horsepower but a factory hand built LS3 engine is definitely a plus in my book.

Mag-ride control in Grad Sport adds a nice track setting. 2012 GS CE, does nice at Motorsports park Bowling Green with cup wheels/tires. Thanks for video. Nice

LS7 engines with any of the quality aftermarket heads will not have valve drop problems

I have a c6 z06.. dropped a valve at 90K blew the motor. I swapped a fully built ls3 making 570 wheel and don’t regret it one bit. Ls3 reliability and weight lighter than a standard z06 … perfect car

Let's break it down very simply the Z06 has a stronger engine and is a legendary car because of that engine where as the GS is just simply another Corvette. Both beautiful cars but the Z06 is it's own class, and this is coming from a 2017 Roush mustang owner!!!

I have owned both a C6Z HCI it was 600 whp fun car stupid loud the drone was exhausting on road trips. I ended up getting into a 2012 C6 GS crystal red 4lt car automatic transmission with basic mods ARH headers catless x pipe Haltech intake and tuned makes 400whp plenty for a daily driver and drone actually sounds fantastic.

Great comparison and I think it is all about what you are using it for. I looked closely at both and having a friend that DID drop a valve on his Z06 and spent $15k+ on a new engine went with the GS. BUT that wasn’t my only reason. Yeah all that power is great in the ZO6- BUT if like me you aren’t looking for a track car but a vehicle that has a perfect balance of Grand Tourer, Sports Car, AND Muscle car wrapped up into what can ALSO be a daily driver that you take on 500 mile road trips just as easily as you can run to the store for milk and eggs- there is NO comparison and the Grand Sport wins ALL day long. (*Especially compared to other cars like the 911, 350Z, Supra, etc. ALSO Huge bonus when you live someplace like Arizona where you can take off the Targa top or switch to the clear top -if you are lucky enough to have both-9 months of the year. OBVIOUSLY- if you are looking for something to devour other vehicles on the track and willing to deal with the trade-offs it brings on the street (louder, harsher ride, fixed roof, etc.) the ZO6 all day long. I ended up with the GS because I wanted a bullet proof dependable ‘fun car’ that I could service at any Chevy dealer no matter how rural or urban. AND as much as that LS7 is a beautiful hand built work of art- there is a reason that EVERYBODY swaps LS3’s into whatever they build from old C-10s to 90’s era RX7’s! Rock solid dependable (if not gratuitous) power! EITHER WAY- GS vs ZO6- You can’t go wrong, especially when compared to the price and dependability of anything out of Europe and much of what comes out of Japan!

I have a 2012 grand sport automatic had it for 3 years now i love it my First vett 😃

Just bought a 2011 z06. Love it. Rides a little rougher than I thought but I’ll get past it.

the points made in your video are exactly why I also chose a C6 Grand Sport over the Z06. There's nothing like taking the roof off of a GS and cruise on a pretty day. I do track it occasionally, and it does great, but if I were a hard-core track guy, I would have gone with the Z06. Can't go wrong with either one. Some of the best Corvettes ever made, IMHO.

I'll take the Grand sport with the LS3! Gap the rings and add a supercharger or twin turbos and run 800 plus horsepower all day long.

I don't own one but I had an 02 electron blue that I put some mods in,on top of engine mods I used brake ducts from a Z06,larger chrome wheels from a C6 & silver heritage stripes w/ drilled rotors & bigger red calipers.Some day I'd like a C7 GS convertible..

I don't know why I keep seeing these C6 Grand Sport vs. Z06 comparisons. The only thing different about a Grand Sport from a Base C6 Corvette is that it has a wide body style similar to the Z06 and ZR1. It is a naturally aspirated LS3 with 436 horsepower whereas the Z06 is a 550 horsepower track car. I've owned two C6 Z06 Corvettes and one C6 Grand Sport. Love the GS but let's be honest...it's all show and in no way should be compared to a Z06.

Also, GS manual transmission , the engine is hand build like the LS7 and has forged steel crankshaft. Also 1rst to 3rd gears are shorter ratio than the regular Corvette manual transmission.

My boy supercharged his c6 z06 4 years ago...no problems....he has a heavy foot too

Very informative for someone new to C6 Corvette's. Thank you for sharing the knowledge 🙏🏻

Love my 2011 GS Convertible 6 speed manual transmission.

Have a 2011 Gs Just bought it ,So far been great

I owned Z06 and C6 Ls2 auto They are both enjoyable to drive. I can say both are good but you have to know what do you want from that car ? if you are looking for power go with the Z06 and save your money also the Z06 it's a master piece & it's holder her value but if you are looking for fun car no races go with the base model it's still nice and it's enjoyable car to drive .

I’ve been in the market for a Z but the issues with the heads hold me back, i was looking into a 2011 GS 6spd black and im into it .

Are we saying ruff or roof? Nonetheless great video very informative! C6zr1 is my obtainable dream car but the c6 platform period is definitely the nicest and most timeless looking

I own a C6 Z06 and a C7 Z06 , I’m always a little worried about the C6 Z06 valve issue. Can’t wait to see the C8 Z06 to come out 🇺🇸 good video

If I had to do it all over, I would get a c6Z. It took approximately 8K just to get my 2010 Grand Sport to stock C6Z power.

Do you regret buying a GS, and wish you wouldve gotten a Z? Im set to buy a Z this week but all the “what ifs” keep running through my head. Its killing me lol

Good ole GLD. Miss my home track

Mike, I’m 24... for years I’ve wanted a widebody C6. Simply it is my dream car. I don’t know where I fell in love but I truly love inferno orange and night race blue. I’m very jealous of your specific car and if you ever want to sell it please keep me in mind. I love your videos on the inferno orange grand sport!!!!!!!

Amazing job keeping in point from topic to topic without ever taking your eyes off the road. Also convinced me that a GS is what I want and Z06 is not. Thanks

It's the guides, not the seat. and a combination of the sodium filled (yes it's essentially hollow), exhaust valve.

10:30 ZR1 1st gear tops out at 67 mph :) it's intoxicating to drive

Wait a minute? The Z06 has longer gearing? I thought they had the shortest gears of any Corvette model. I am all ears to hear what people have to say. Personally I'd get a Grand Sport as well. (:

I have a 2010 GS that’s cammed, procharged and a whole lot more and it makes 765whp and it’s friggin fast! P.S …I made the 1000th like😎

Just picked up a 2011 Grand sport with 37k miles, I frigging love it! I just want to add the touch screen infotainment system and the HUD. I dident go for a 3lt because i am too broke 🤣

Just bought a 2013 GS convertible love it do want a better exhaust sound plan on changing that

Don’t think 600 whp is possible with just the heads and cams. Lingenfelter LS7 package can get you maybe 560 hp with all the mods they provide now.

If the valves have problems then what does changing the piston head do?

How bout a C6 427 Convertible 60th Anniversary edition!!!

Very informative, cheers, from NZ.

I just got a one owner 2012 grand sport with 11k miles on it. 2 tone interior LT2. 6 spd. I can't wait to do mods any ideas on what I should do first. I actually got the same color inferno orange. I have been looking at these for years it is a second vehicle and will be garage kept until temperatures hit 70 again here on the East coast. Great video btw.

There is a 427 edition which came convertible.

the z06 anyday over the grandsport. It’s dumb to think the gs is a better car than a z06. You don’t have to justify why you bought the gs.

I love my gs c6 but in a way wish i would have went ahead got the z06 but herd they have head problem's 🤷

Very informative I like both vehicles for obviously different reasons. The Z06 for the 427 505 Hp, but the Grand Sport gives you almost all of the performance that you can enjoy daily without the harsh ride and available auto trans.

Its simple.. if you want to boost it than GS is your answer. C6z will make a nasty N/A setup.

Thanks for making this video, very informative!

Great information. Thanks for sharing brother.

Good video, I hope the prices come back down so is working people can afford a gs with low miles for around 30k.

I got a 13' GS because it has the Z06 looks and brakes but top comes out and was a lot cheaper . As far as the LS7 .....? I think the LS3 is a better engine and as far as power, Procharger makes an easy fix and still cheaper than a Z06. Also will merk a stock Z06. 🤣 But main thing is the top comes out, just a better driving experience.

What are your thoughts between a c5 z06 and c6 grand sport as far as track-ability, reliability, fun factor, etc?

Great job….but why must you drive the entire time?

Same old shit with a zo6 motor ! Even the ls6 had the valve dropping problem . I hope you know that’s a big issue and it’s not like simply like breaking a tire rod

You made one error, the 2013 60th anniversary edition convertible Grand Sport also has a 427 , LS 7

Thanks for the informative video . Question , besides the badge what are the other giveaways that you are driving a GS rather than a Z06 ? ( ONLY By looking at it )

Unfortunately I really want that LS7 and I'm willing to spend the money to make it reliable. It's already a bargain collector's car and I only see the price going up from here on.

Nice comparison. Thanks for the info.

Good video ,,, Anyone have any numbers on the GrandSport in reference to 0 to 60 and also quarter-mile times ? Thanks 👍

Great video!

The GS is a wide body base model.

$5000 with new exhaust valves and guides etc with labor, ls7 problem fixed. The only plus of GS for me is the targa top.

I have an Edelbrock Supercharger on my 2011 GS putting out 600 hp it’s a besst!

Great comparison of two great cars. I voted Z06

You should get a z06

The Z06 has short gears, or at least shorter gears. This is how it works: the higher the number the shorter the gear, and the lower the number the longer the gears. So, 5.56 Gears would be extremely short. 2.70 gears would be extremely long.

Guess I am wrong with our c5 Z06

C6Z all day

Grand Sport FTW

I would respect your opinion more if you were ACTUALLY driving a Corvette!!

2012 GS 👍

LS-7 motors are not small block engines. There seems to be much confusion between the terms small block & big block since the adoption of metric engine sizing. Historically GM V-8 motors, anything under 402 cu in is a small block with exception of the 396 cu in Chevy motor. The main visual difference between small and big blocks is the design of the cylinder heads. Valve placement is the difference. The way to tell is the arrangement of the valves. On Small block V-8 motors the two center cylinders, the exhaust valves sit side by side. So you’ll see the two center exhaust manifold or header tubes are right next to each other. On Big block motors the valves are evenly spaced. The two center cylinder valves are staggered normally so they don’t exit the head next to each other. That’s the distinction between Chevy small and big block motors. And generally big blocks run from 396 cu in on up. With the exception of the 400 & 402 ci which was a bored out 350 small block and the 409 which was a truck motor with very unique cylinder head shape. Lastly, the term “short block” refers to a motor that’s built minus; intake, exhaust, alternator and accy pumps. It’s a starting point to replace an engine.

Super

Don't forget the Z06 heat soaks more than the G/S!!

Anybody who owns or knows a lot about corvettes the zo6 is totally in a different bracket than the grand sport in speed ….

💪🏼👍🏻👍🏻💪🏼good info

2013 Chevy Corvette 427 is a convertible zo6 prove me wrong

Save and get grandsport, cam it and supercharger it...

THE "GRAND SPORT" CORVETTE WAS NAMED AFTER DICK GULDSTRAND, WHO RACED ONE OF THE ORIGINAL 5 GRAND SPORTS.

Why are you comparing them. They are too different. Z06 is practically a super car.

MY 2012 C6 GRANDSPORT COUPE IS A MUST KEEP FKR ME.

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