Corvette Curb Weight
#1
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Why is the z06 vette lighter than the base C6 and ZR1 models? The Z06 has the biggest engine but still weighs in at almost 200 pounds lighter than a zr1.
3333lbs vs 3175lbs
3333lbs vs 3175lbs
#2
TECH Enthusiast
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The 7.0L LS7 uses the same aluminum engine as all other Corvettes, but with a larger bore and longer stroke to increase displacement. So the engine doesn't weigh any more than any other LSx engine.
The big weight savings come from the carbon fiber body panels and aluminum frame rails used on the Z06. The ZR-1 also uses these weight saving techniques, but weighs more due to the supercharger and it's supporting hardware. The base C6 and Grandsport use steel frame rails and composite panels and weigh in around 3200-3300lbs.
The big weight savings come from the carbon fiber body panels and aluminum frame rails used on the Z06. The ZR-1 also uses these weight saving techniques, but weighs more due to the supercharger and it's supporting hardware. The base C6 and Grandsport use steel frame rails and composite panels and weigh in around 3200-3300lbs.
Last edited by 99C5JA; 07-22-2011 at 02:07 PM.
#4
TECH Enthusiast
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I should note that the information I mentioned was specific to the C6 Z06. Since he was mentioning the bigger engine and C6 variants I didn't go into the C5 Z06 or any of the differences between C5 variants.
Trending Topics
#11
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (18)
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Amsterdam Ny, the good part
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 0
Received 65 Likes
on
52 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
dont forget larger rims and brakes tires and magnetic ride which help add weight , i think i read the biggest factors of the zr1 weight is the engine and the magnetic ride .
#12
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
This thread has some fail info in it.
LS7 weighs less than other LS motors because it uses a LOT of titanium parts. The weight savings isn't enough to make a huge difference though. And LS7 Corvettes come with a dry sump system which more than out-weighs the engine weight savings. However, the C6Z is the lightest of the C6s. It's about 80Lbs heavier than a C5Z but packs approx 90RWHP more. Power to weight ratio is better for the C6Z.
BTW, the physical size of the LS7 is approximately the same as the LS1/2/3/6. The displacement of an LS motor doesn't make it physically bigger or heavier. Just because it's 7 liters doesn't mean it's physically larger than a 4.8 LM7 (for example). Where one motor fits, the other will fit too.
The supercharger on the LS9 adds a significant amount of weight to the motor. It also makes it physically larger. The block, however, is the same physical size regardless of it being a 6.2L motor. It's the intake/blower/intercooler that is so much larger.
LS7 weighs less than other LS motors because it uses a LOT of titanium parts. The weight savings isn't enough to make a huge difference though. And LS7 Corvettes come with a dry sump system which more than out-weighs the engine weight savings. However, the C6Z is the lightest of the C6s. It's about 80Lbs heavier than a C5Z but packs approx 90RWHP more. Power to weight ratio is better for the C6Z.
BTW, the physical size of the LS7 is approximately the same as the LS1/2/3/6. The displacement of an LS motor doesn't make it physically bigger or heavier. Just because it's 7 liters doesn't mean it's physically larger than a 4.8 LM7 (for example). Where one motor fits, the other will fit too.
The supercharger on the LS9 adds a significant amount of weight to the motor. It also makes it physically larger. The block, however, is the same physical size regardless of it being a 6.2L motor. It's the intake/blower/intercooler that is so much larger.
#13
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
BTW, my 02 Z06 with HRE wheels (at stock sizes) weighed 3070 with 1/2 tank of gas. It's not a fluke.
#18
TECH Addict
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: HOU - yeah, you know the rest.
Posts: 2,959
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
No, the single biggest factor is the supercharger. The engines themselves are very similar in weight. The magnetic ride shocks don't weigh in at 25lbs a piece and the ZR1 wheels, tires and ceramic rotors are pretty light.
#19
LS1Tech Sponsor
iTrader: (16)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
As almost every other car in the world over the last several decades has become heavier, the Corvette has gotten lighter! I can remember when car magazines in the '70's, '80's and '90's use to complain that the Corvette was too heavy, as other cars in it's class were lighter. Now it is the other way around, but it seems the weight issue isn't ever mentioned anymore. Bob
__________________
ATI ProCharger and Moser Sales 260 672-2076
PM's disabled, please e-mail me
E-mail: brutespeed@gmail.comob@brutespeed.com
https://brutespeed.com/ Link to website
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic168855_1.gif)
ATI ProCharger and Moser Sales 260 672-2076
PM's disabled, please e-mail me
E-mail: brutespeed@gmail.comob@brutespeed.com
https://brutespeed.com/ Link to website
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic168855_1.gif)
#20
TECH Enthusiast
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
As almost every other car in the world over the last several decades has become heavier, the Corvette has gotten lighter! I can remember when car magazines in the '70's, '80's and '90's use to complain that the Corvette was too heavy, as other cars in it's class were lighter. Now it is the other way around, but it seems the weight issue isn't ever mentioned anymore. Bob