C6 Z06 and ZR1 handling
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I remember when the C6 Z06 first came out and people were complaining that the chassis was unresponsive, yet when the ZR1 came out, people loved the way it handled. What is were the changes that GM made and can those changes go to a Z06?
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Ride control
The name of the ride control system is Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC). MSRC is provided by Delphi Automotive Systems from technology invented by the GM Research Laboratories. The system uses two modes of control: Tour and Sport.
The system offers standing start launch modifications. When launching the ZR1 from a standing start, the shocks are completely softened on launch and stiffened on rebound. The softened shocks on launch aid the ZR1 by allowing weight to transfer to the rear, aiding traction. The ride control standing launch modifications are designed to minimize bounce.
Suspension
The ZR1 features a double-wishbone suspension system and Magnetic Selective Ride Control—which adjusts shock-absorber damping in real time to either "Tour" or "Sport" mode.
The MSRC shocks are automatically adjusted based on driving conditions and vehicle dynamics (cornering, braking, etc) for optimal handling. The system is adjusted every millisecond to provide sharp handling during spirited driving, and a smooth ride while cruising.
The new high-end magnetic suspension system enables the ZR1 to deliver great handling and grip to achieve 1.10 g of average lateral acceleration.
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not so sure about that. It wouldn't just be an easy swap since it is all computer control and you need the magnetic system, power, everything that goes with it. I don't think the system would be very easy to get aftermarket.
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The difference in handling, or complaints regarding the z06, between the two cars (z06/zr1) when they respectively were released on the market was mainly due to tires. The Goodyear Supercar runflats released as OEM tires for the z06 are complete garbage even new when compared with ps2 or super sport michelins. Offering the Michelins from the factory in the last few years is the main reason the z06 is now running similar laps times next the zr1 on certain tracks. Yes the magnetic shocks make a little difference for all-out handling ability, but not nearly as much as the tires. I drove a 2011 z06 with the mag. ride control and it does make a BIG difference in ride comfort though, not like a new cts-v ride, but still michelins with the mag suspension will make a stock 06-10 z06 with goodyears feel like an ancient Roman chariot. (exaggerating to an extent)
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Yes the tires make a huge difference. The goodyears are good tires, they just get hard and lose grip before they have very many miles on them at all. Also as with any runflat, Goodyear or Michelin ps2 the sidewalks are very stiff.
The zr1's and z06's you see running the blisteringly fat times are not wearing runflats, they're wearing the sport cup tires, which are basically dot racing slicks (I think the wear rating is like 60 or 80 or something crazy). That makes a huge difference.
But also, don't discount the mag ride or the ptm. Having launch control on either car helps anyone get it from 0-60. And the magnetic ride option is amazing.
The zr1's and z06's you see running the blisteringly fat times are not wearing runflats, they're wearing the sport cup tires, which are basically dot racing slicks (I think the wear rating is like 60 or 80 or something crazy). That makes a huge difference.
But also, don't discount the mag ride or the ptm. Having launch control on either car helps anyone get it from 0-60. And the magnetic ride option is amazing.
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I think it was mainly the suspension...but the tires on the cars now (pilot sport cup ZP) are way way better than the tires that originally came on the cars. BTW - those can be had on both the ZR1 and the Z06.
The difference between the two cars was NOT just the tires.
The difference is most certainly the magnetic suspension (which has been available on the Z06 the last few years)
The difference between the two cars was NOT just the tires.
The difference is most certainly the magnetic suspension (which has been available on the Z06 the last few years)
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Z06 Z07 (Or Z06 carbon)= ZR1 suspension and tires. Any handling difference would be attributed to weight and placement of heavier components.
Already seen by a mag review that the Z06 with the handling package can be faster than a ZR1 around certain tracks.
Don't get me wrong, I want a ZR1, but the performance of a Z06 Z07 is astounding.
Already seen by a mag review that the Z06 with the handling package can be faster than a ZR1 around certain tracks.
Don't get me wrong, I want a ZR1, but the performance of a Z06 Z07 is astounding.
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I would get rid of the poopercar goodyears and get some better/stickier tires first. Then buy a set of pfadt or similar adjustable coilovers and call it a day. Last I had heard u cannot but the magnetic ride system on a c6z unless it was ordered from the factory like that.
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I would get rid of the poopercar goodyears and get some better/stickier tires first. Then buy a set of pfadt or similar adjustable coilovers and call it a day. Last I had heard u cannot but the magnetic ride system on a c6z unless it was ordered from the factory like that.
You are better off going aftermarket than trying to get that suspension...