Dark Horse SC vs Corvette Z06: The better buy?

[GT350Willow]

I’m at a crossroads between the new Dark Horse SC and the new Corvette Z06 when it comes to getting a new track car. I currently have a GT350 that I track, and I’m looking to get a new track car that I could live with, not a trailer princess. I already have allocations for the SC in California from a few dealers so the only issue left is seeing which one is the better buy. I have been looking at reviews of the Z06 for a while, but I want help from you guys on this decision cause the SC is brand new, and the stats haven’t been revealed at the as of this post, but this week the dealers’ build tool opens, and I’m going to spec out an SC. For people who have driven cars like the GT500 CFTP and C8 Gen Corvette, especially the Z06, what are they like on track, street ability, and livability? Some concerns I have are the braking system (especially the brake-by-wire system), consumables, and value. Both cars have starting MSRP’s over 100k, with the SC’s track pack at 140k. The Z06 with equivalent packages and options is 164k, but on average, you can get over 10k off MSRP for those on dealership lots, and a full custom build would be MSRP, according to my local dealer. What are your experiences with similar cars? For cars like the GT500 CFTP and Z06 are there any quirks or features about these cars on track or in everyday life that aren’t widely known or you have to experience to know? Anything else I should take into account that I haven’t mentioned? Which one would you get and why?

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[loucas-2021]

I'd go with the Z06. I get the appeal of the SC, but the vette is going to be the better track car, IMO. Mid engine, dual clutch, dry sump, and to me they look great.

 

[Shane361]

I'm not a Corvette guy although I would love a C6 ZR1 but at this point in time the Z06 is the ticket IMO. The Shelby GT500 is a valid contender due to the price point.

 

[MAGS1]

C8’s have had transmission issues, mostly the early models but they pop up in the new ones as well. Jump on some of the corvette forums and take a look, and look specifically for Z06 issues. Enough people have had those cars for a bit now, so any issues that have popped up should be on those forums. Have not driven a Z06, but the steering in the Z51 is pretty numb and honestly it was fairly boring to drive around town in. Performance on track is good, it just doesn’t make all the fun noises that other cars do. The Z06 exhaust note is Ferrari-wannabe IMO, I don’t care for it personally. Not sure if any of that matters to you or not.

The DH SC will be using the same drivetrain as the GT500 (maybe some physical updates, likely some tuning updates), it’s pretty reliable. It’ll be heavier than the Z06 but they do well on track by all accounts (I’ve only driven the 500 on street). Fun to drive around off the track, even though you can’t use much of that power on street. Prepare to buy a lot of gas though, they drink fuel like it’s going out of style. I know some people have ragged on the looks of the DH SC, I think it looks pretty good. Front bumper area looks a lot different than the 500, maybe not quite as aggressive looking but if it’s functional who cares. Especially on track.

DH SC would get my vote, but I’m not a big C8 fan in general. I prefer the C6 or C7 if going for a Vette.

 

[NuclearDiode]

How is this even a question? The Z06 by far.

 

[VictorH]

I have driven GT350 and Z51 C8 on track and C8 Z-06 on the street. It all boils down to what your goals and use are as obviously every choice is a compromise.
Do you want pure track performance only? C8 Z-06 no contest
Do you want some modicum of practicality? Mustang has much more storage space and for me is easier around town, parking, and general "every day" utility.
There is not car that "does everything" and everyone has different priorities. You have two good choices, but at the end of the day it's going to be the best balance of cost, utility, practicality and performance that determines your choice. No one here knows what's most important to you.

 

[Paris MkVI]

JMHO.

Neither for me. I am not a track guy, and these two re-define overkill for the street. All I need is a Mustang GT with a manual gearbox and a top that folds down.

Like I said, that's just me. If you are a track person, by all means, pick your sled!

JMHO.

 

[WItoTX]

C8’s have had transmission issues, mostly the early models but they pop up in the new ones as well. Jump on some of the corvette forums and take a look, and look specifically for Z06 issues. Enough people have had those cars for a bit now, so any issues that have popped up should be on those forums. Have not driven a Z06, but the steering in the Z51 is pretty numb and honestly it was fairly boring to drive around town in. Performance on track is good, it just doesn’t make all the fun noises that other cars do. The Z06 exhaust note is Ferrari-wannabe IMO, I don’t care for it personally. Not sure if any of that matters to you or not.

The DH SC will be using the same drivetrain as the GT500 (maybe some physical updates, likely some tuning updates), it’s pretty reliable. It’ll be heavier than the Z06 but they do well on track by all accounts (I’ve only driven the 500 on street). Fun to drive around off the track, even though you can’t use much of that power on street. Prepare to buy a lot of gas though, they drink fuel like it’s going out of style. I know some people have ragged on the looks of the DH SC, I think it looks pretty good. Front bumper area looks a lot different than the 500, maybe not quite as aggressive looking but if it’s functional who cares. Especially on track.

DH SC would get my vote, but I’m not a big C8 fan in general. I prefer the C6 or C7 if going for a Vette.

Agree with all this. The stuff I'd add, the Z06 guys I've met at the track (All Z07 pkg) had mechanical/electrical issues which cut their weekend short. The other thing on the C8, the PDR or ECU or whatever it's called on a C8, is tuned to the stock tire size and grip limits, so the car doesn't like stickier tires. That said, stock tires are pretty sticky on that car, and the power management issues don't always arise with a slick. But it's not uncommon.

If it were my money, Z06 Z07 pkg. But it is a really close race. And to be really honest, if it were my money, whatever I did to be able to afford a $140-$160k car, I'd do it again, and get a GT3RS.

I know this probably doesn't help, but it really comes down to what you want the car for. Neither car is exclusive IMO, the DHSC is going to be slower on track, but on the road, I think it would be more docile and probably the better buy. Each has a unique exhaust note (The DHSC though shares that sound with any Mustang). And parts/consumables for each are going to be insanely expensive.

 

[GT350Willow]

I have driven GT350 and Z51 C8 on track and C8 Z-06 on the street. It all boils down to what your goals and use are as obviously every choice is a compromise.
Do you want pure track performance only? C8 Z-06 no contest
Do you want some modicum of practicality? Mustang has much more storage space and for me is easier around town, parking, and general "every day" utility.
There is not car that "does everything" and everyone has different priorities. You have two good choices, but at the end of the day it's going to be the best balance of cost, utility, practicality and performance that determines your choice. No one here knows what's most important to you.

My biggest want from any of these cars is the best on track performance. From what I heard from C8 owners, the new ZR1 included, the Z07 package has the rougher suspension when it comes to street driving, and I don't have a trailer, so I have to drive it to the track with the closest one being Willow Springs, over an hour away. I've sat in a Z06 before, but never driven it, and I feel that the cabin feels a bit cramped. From your experience, is that an accurate feeling in a C8 when on track?

 

[detamble13]

For your intended purpose I'd go Z06. And it looks like a proper manual should be available at some point in the future as Tremec has developed a manual transaxle that matches the TR-9080 packaging envelope https://tremec-blog.com/new-tremec-6-speed-manual-transaxle-redefines-custom-performance/

 

[GT350Willow]

Agree with all this. The stuff I'd add, the Z06 guys I've met at the track (All Z07 pkg) had mechanical/electrical issues which cut their weekend short. The other thing on the C8, the PDR or ECU or whatever it's called on a C8, is tuned to the stock tire size and grip limits, so the car doesn't like stickier tires. That said, stock tires are pretty sticky on that car, and the power management issues don't always arise with a slick. But it's not uncommon.

If it were my money, Z06 Z07 pkg. But it is a really close race. And to be really honest, if it were my money, whatever I did to be able to afford a $140-$160k car, I'd do it again, and get a GT3RS.

I know this probably doesn't help, but it really comes down to what you want the car for. Neither car is exclusive IMO, the DHSC is going to be slower on track, but on the road, I think it would be more docile and probably the better buy. Each has a unique exhaust note (The DHSC though shares that sound with any Mustang). And parts/consumables for each are going to be insanely expensive.

From your knowledge, do you know what caused those failures? Did they need to be towed away? If you know, how much did they spend on repairs? When you say "sticker tires," do you mean like race slicks, since you can get OE Cup 2Rs with the Z07 package? Is there a sticker street legal tire? I have also been looking at comparable tires for my GT350 to those, like the Hoosier Track Attack Pros. I originally looked at getting a 991.1 or .2 gt3 rs, but now the lowest priced one good example is almost 190k, which at that point I might as well get a ZR1.

 

[GT350Willow]

For your intended purpose I'd go Z06. And it looks like a proper manual should be available at some point in the future as Tremec has developed a manual transaxle that matches the TR-9080 packaging envelope https://tremec-blog.com/new-tremec-6-speed-manual-transaxle-redefines-custom-performance/

If that's true, that would be incredible, but I think if it's put on a C8 Corvette at all, it's going to be for the new Grand Sport.

 

[GT350Willow]

C8’s have had transmission issues, mostly the early models but they pop up in the new ones as well. Jump on some of the corvette forums and take a look, and look specifically for Z06 issues. Enough people have had those cars for a bit now, so any issues that have popped up should be on those forums. Have not driven a Z06, but the steering in the Z51 is pretty numb and honestly it was fairly boring to drive around town in. Performance on track is good, it just doesn’t make all the fun noises that other cars do. The Z06 exhaust note is Ferrari-wannabe IMO, I don’t care for it personally. Not sure if any of that matters to you or not.

The DH SC will be using the same drivetrain as the GT500 (maybe some physical updates, likely some tuning updates), it’s pretty reliable. It’ll be heavier than the Z06 but they do well on track by all accounts (I’ve only driven the 500 on street). Fun to drive around off the track, even though you can’t use much of that power on street. Prepare to buy a lot of gas though, they drink fuel like it’s going out of style. I know some people have ragged on the looks of the DH SC, I think it looks pretty good. Front bumper area looks a lot different than the 500, maybe not quite as aggressive looking but if it’s functional who cares. Especially on track.

DH SC would get my vote, but I’m not a big C8 fan in general. I prefer the C6 or C7 if going for a Vette.

Do you know if the Z06 shares the same steering components as the Z51, but just tuned differently? Exhaust wise, there is always aftermarket if I want to make it better, so it's not an concern to me. Yeah I saw a GT500 CFTP on track a few times and on the straights it kills and in the corners it does better than you expect from a 4100+ lbs car, but if the SC is lighter somehow and if Ford manages to cut the weight to be sub 4000 that while have more areo and power it would be intresting to see how it would corner cause the Z06 is in the mid 3700 range.

 

[-RAC-]

How about a GT4 RS?

 

[MAGS1]

Do you know if the Z06 shares the same steering components as the Z51, but just tuned differently? Exhaust wise, there is always aftermarket if I want to make it better, so it's not an concern to me. Yeah I saw a GT500 CFTP on track a few times and on the straights it kills and in the corners it does better than you expect from a 4100+ lbs car, but if the SC is lighter somehow and if Ford manages to cut the weight to be sub 4000 that while have more areo and power it would be intresting to see how it would corner cause the Z06 is in the mid 3700 range.

I don’t know if it’s the same steering components as the Z51. I have heard from a few places that the steering feel is better in the Z06 but I haven’t driven one so I can’t really compare the two.

Regarding your question to another poster about the cabin, it’s a bit tight in the C8. For me, I fit better in a C7 than a C8, the C7 feels a little roomier.

I’d also consider a GT500 CFTP if you’re considering the DH SC. While it is a heavy car, it doesn’t feel its size (at least to me). I think the lighter CF wheels help with that. I too will be curious what the final DH SC weight comes in at. I think it will be hard for them to get it under 4,000 lbs, but stranger things have happened I suppose.

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