Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C6 (6th Generation) - What To Check Before You Buy (2024)

All Z06 models come standard with remote keyless entry with push-start ignition, electrically adjustable door mirrors, dual-zone air conditioning with a pollen filter, a head-up display with track mode instrumentation, and Z06-specific bucket seats upholstered in perforated leather. The driver's seat is electrically adjustable while the passenger's seat is two-way manually adjustable. An AM/FM stereo with a CD player and seven speakers is standard but this can be upgraded to the 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment with navigation and the Bose Premium seven-speaker sound system. Additional options include an electrochromatic interior and driver's side mirror, a cargo net, an electrically adjustable steering column, and a memory package that saves presets for the driver's seat, mirrors, sound system, climate control, and steering position. The Z06 sits on a set of 10-spoke 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloy wheels.

The 1LZ, 2LZ, and 3LZ specification groups were incorporated in 2008. The 1LZ is fairly basic as it only features two airbags (reverted to four by the following year), a manually adjustable driver's seat, and a head-up display. 2LZ adds the side airbags, memory package, luggage shade, heated seats, an electrically adjustable multifunction steering wheel, and XM radio for the audio system. 3LZ includes a custom leather-wrapped interior package. 2008 also introduced a chrome finish for the alloy wheels. Later models have more modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity, a Bose nine-speaker audio system, and lumbar and wing adjustments for the sports seats. All Z06 models feature the LS7 7.0-liter V8 with a power output of 505 hp. The six-speed manual is the only transmission available if you exclude the small number of 2006 and 2007 models that were able to get access to the six-speed automatic transmission via special order.

6th-gen Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and 427 Convertible models that have covered high miles may suffer from alternator failure. This is not due to wear and tear, but rather a high level of heat that the part is subjected to. With this in mind, you will likely notice a decrease in performance from your alternator before it becomes inoperative. Detecting this problem is fairly simple, as the most common fault will be an inability to start the car, even if your battery is still relatively fresh. A replacement alternator is costly, but the installation cost should not be too steep.

Mileage: Alternator issues are likely to surface after 100,000 miles of driving in hot weather conditions.

Cost: A new alternator for the Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 is likely to cost $872. Labor costs are not likely to be more than $300.

How to spot: A battery that fails to charge while driving could point to a failing alternator. This will be the case if your car is not starting even though your battery is less than five years old and has not been standing for an extended period.

C6 Corvette Z06 models built after 2007 may be prone to leaking fuel tanks, resulting in the P0442 error code, but you may notice this across all model years. It is understood that the tank can suffer from cracks, but the sending units and pumps may also be prone to premature failure. A service bulletin was issued by General Motors for this flaw, but there was no recall. You would smell gasoline if your tank is damaged. If this is the case, you will need to remove it so that it can be repaired. Some owners have also reported that the fuel level sensor tends to erode on higher mileage cars. In this case, you'll notice an inaccurate fuel reading and will need to replace the part together with the fuel pump module.

Mileage: After 132,000 miles, issues with the fueling system may start to appear.

Cost: An all-new fuel tank may cost in the region of $2,200. Replacing the fuel pump is likely to set you back $196. A new fuel sensor and pump module should cost $1,200.

How to spot: You'll notice strong fuel smells and an increase in gas consumption if cracks in your fueling system have developed. An incorrect fuel level reading is likely to be due to a failed fuel level sensor.

The most noteworthy LS7 C6 Corvette engine problem is failing valve guides. The consensus is that this isn't exactly a common problem for the unit, but it is an issue that keeps a lot of owners awake at night because it involves a costly and labor-intensive repair process. The appeal of this 7.0-liter V8 powertrain is that Chevrolet gave it an impressive rev limit of 7,100 rpm, but what owners who frequented this range noticed was a rapid wearing of the valve guides which resulted in an audible rattle. Over an extended period, this results in oil seeping into the combustion chamber which can wreak havoc on the spark plugs and catalytic converter. If left unchecked for too long, engine failure can occur. According to GM, this issue was due to an incorrect cylinder head it acquired from one of its suppliers and is only likely to be prevalent in 2008-2011 Z06 models. Replacement heads were made available to owners, but it is still an area that you'll need to inspect before purchasing.

Rod bearings are another issue that plagued the LS7. This isn't necessarily a design flaw, but rather because of an aluminum-steel compound that was needed to adhere to European regulations. This material wears out faster than the previous steel and bronze compound. This is a fairly easy issue to spot as you'll notice metal shavings in your oil when the rod bearings start to wear. It's also more likely to occur on Z06 models that frequent the track. Rod bearing replacement is a costly procedure as it requires you to open up the engine.

Harmonic balancers are also an area of concern for the LS7. This part absorbs any shocks that the crankshaft may be subjected to so if it wears out, it will throw your powertrain's timing off. In serious cases, it can even rattle the engine's components apart. If the balancer separates and vibrations travel down the crankshaft, it may result in damage to the oil pump, block, or the crankshaft itself. The only way to resolve this problem is by fitting a new aftermarket balancer that is more reliable than the one supplied by Chevrolet.

Mileage: Valve guide wear, rod bearing failure, and worn harmonic balancers are likely to present themselves after 100,000 miles. These are most likely to occur on cars that frequent the track.

Cost: Expect to pay in the region of $2,700 for parts and labor to have the valve guides of the cylinder head repaired. New rod bearings, with fitment could cost anywhere between $2,000 to $3,000 depending on how extensive the damage to the internals is. Replacing the crankshaft harmonic balancer on the LS7 is likely to cost just north of $205, including parts and labor.

How to spot: Worn valve guides will emit an audible rattle. In extreme cases, oil will seep into the combustion chamber. If the rod bearing starts to fail, you will see metal flakes in your oil. Eroded harmonic balancers will translate to harsh powertrain vibrations.