Dark Horse SC vs Corvette Z06: The better buy?

[GT350Willow]

I'm a Ford guy and voted "other" because versatility for me is key. So a 2022 low mileage CFTP GT500 would be my choice.
Owned a Z06 and will probably never go back to one. Too low to the ground, too one dimensional, too cramped.

However, you're looking for the best track car and only driving it on the street to and from the track. That probably means the Z06 is for you.

No matter how much weight they cut from the DH SC, you're gonna hate the small gas tank on the track. You'll be filling it up way more than you expect. Same goes for GT500 CFTP.

Did you get the front lift for your Z06? When I went to check one out, it rode pretty high for a track car, in my opinion. Yeah, gas is kinda something you have to forgo in a conversation like this, even in the context of today's gas prices.

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[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?

Quick update about the allocations, the build tool did not open up today, just Ford's actual build allocations. That was my misunderstanding with the dealer. But so far, I have basically 2 guaranteed allocations for the Dark Horse SC with a third unconfirmed one.

 

[GT350Willow]

The main cause is the PTM modes (I finally remembered the name, Performance Traction Mode) are built around the stock tires. You are correct, they are sticky. The guys I chatted with all ran slicks, whether it be the Michilin or the Hoosier, and they ran the softer versions of those tires. I don't remember which compound though, just remember them saying they were the soft slicks and didn't like too much heat.

There really isn't a repair other than to run with all the nannies off. And they said the PTM modes were faster than running with everything off.

Full disclosure, I was running faster lap times at CotA than two of the four of them in my 350. I didn't drive their cars, or get to ride along (Thanks to the failure modes), so I didn't get to feel what that limit was. It could be a case of bad driver too. One failure was in a slower car, one in a faster.

Do you have any relatively close track events? If I were you, I'd try to visit, and then see if you could catch a ride along. I wish I had more concrete data for you, but maybe just a ride along is what would help you decide. Especially if you can catch a ride in a GT500. I can't imagine the DHSC is too much different.

To run a faster lap time than those Z06's, were you also running slicks? The closest track to me is Willow Springs, but their website has been broken for months now, and I have no idea about their track events except for the monthly emails I get about open test days. On top of that, I'm not sure if it's the track policy or the event organizer's, but every time I have gone there, they require you to get a wristband from the organizer, and sometimes the passenger needs one too.

 

[9secondko]

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?

The Z06 will likely stomp the DHSC on the track and hang or better in a straight line. Heck, even the base C8 was beating the 202 GT500 in a straight line much of the time.

 

[TonyNJ]

Yeah, gas is kinda something you have to forgo in a conversation like this, even in the context of today's gas prices.

I'm not referring to mileage or consumption, I'm referring to the undersized gas tank for the amount it uses. It's a common complaint that these cars don't hold enough fuel when running them at the limit. If you're primarily going to track it, it's going to be an issue. You asked for info about experience and what to take into account. The small gas tank is definitely one.

 

[WItoTX]

To run a faster lap time than those Z06's, were you also running slicks? The closest track to me is Willow Springs, but their website has been broken for months now, and I have no idea about their track events except for the monthly emails I get about open test days. On top of that, I'm not sure if it's the track policy or the event organizer's, but every time I have gone there, they require you to get a wristband from the organizer, and sometimes the passenger needs one too.

Go to the individual club websites. Chin, NASA, SCCA etc.

Idk, if I'm spending nearly as much on a car as I did my first house, a $25 wristband is pretty inconsequential. Even if everyone says no, you can watch every corner, talk to drivers, get the details first hand.

 

[mikedahammer]

Bang for your buck its hard to beat the z06. However I would just go with a regular c8 non z06. You can get two for the price of one and save the rest of the money for track time and most people can't drive that car to its full potential -- check out the c8 driver below.

I met the guy below at road atlanta after he blew the doors off my zle. I ran a 1:35 at RA and he ran a 1:28.9! Watching his videos and seeing it live on track changed my mind on the c8. For the price of the c8 now, to me it is a no brainer track choice if you don't care about not having a manual gearbox. It may not be as cool as the other options but it saves a ton of money (even if that is not your goal). You can also add styling to it make it less like a grandpa car. Also you will have reduced track insurance costs, less fuel consumption, and more importanly, because it is not as cool as the other cars you will most likely stress less about it. Also most people would like to drive a slower car fast than a faster car slow and a c8 is no slouch.

My buddy has a c8, a c8 z06, and a c8 zr1. His lap times are not much better in the z06 versus the c8 on most tracks. He is ridiculous fast on the straits but doesn't push the z06 like he does the c8 and the extra speed doesn't gain him much of an advantage based on the way he drives. It will be interesting to see what the zr1 does for him this year. With that said he still runs respectable lap times everywhere we go on the east coast and his times are not much different than what I run in my ZLE.

https://www.youtube.com/@Slinkii606

 

[thunderstrike]

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?

I would get a Mustang Dark Horse, 6MT preferably. My 2023 C8 drives more like a senior's car than my Mustang 6MT with Bilsteins. I went to Ron Fellows Corvette Driving School and it really showed C8 is a track car. Running thru the track was straining my body from G forces and race-car like suspension. What I don't like about C8 is potential for transmission issues and costly, frequent maintenance schedules. My 2019 Mustang GT maintenance is easy, inexpensive and easy DIY. C8 will shine at track driving but street driving feels like a quiet and comfortable Buick. Good luck. Just get what you want.

 

[docmogas]

How about a GT4 RS?

I think that is an amazing car but I think this might be harder to come by and would cost a bit more. I could be wrong though

 

[GT350Willow]

Another update for the SC. One dealer has confirmed that they will be putting a 30k markup on it, regardless of trim, and if this is standard among other dealers, then the Z06 will be the only reasonable option. Do you guys have any other good options in the 140-160k range, new or used?

 

[GT350Willow]

At this price point I don't care about practicality in the slightest.

I picked "other" and the car I would pick would be an AMG GT R. A beautiful car when compared to either option you listed and simply a beast. 2020 or 2021. Suspension is stiff as a board, but who cares.

The corvette is the obvious pure performance choice.

I looked online there seem to be a few options, so I will give it a look. Do you have any options to keep an eye out for when looking for one of those?

 

[Shane361]

Another update for the SC. One dealer has confirmed that they will be putting a 30k markup on it, regardless of trim, and if this is standard among other dealers, then the Z06 will be the only reasonable option. Do you guys have any other good options in the 140-160k range, new or used?

You would see me in a Porsche at that price tag and before a new Vette as well.

 

[docmogas]

Another update for the SC. One dealer has confirmed that they will be putting a 30k markup on it, regardless of trim, and if this is standard among other dealers, then the Z06 will be the only reasonable option. Do you guys have any other good options in the 140-160k range, new or used?

I'm assuming that's going to be the minimum markup for the dark horse SC across almost all dealers in Southern California at least. But hopefully you find one that's willing to do it for MSRP if that's what you really want. I know my son works at a Ford dealership in Southern California and they have markups on anything they consider premium I.e raptor, raptor R, and their normal dark horse even though it's been sitting there for months. I think it's silly but apparently most of the dealerships talk to each other and try not to undercut anybody's markups by too much.

 

[MAGS1]

Another update for the SC. One dealer has confirmed that they will be putting a 30k markup on it, regardless of trim, and if this is standard among other dealers, then the Z06 will be the only reasonable option. Do you guys have any other good options in the 140-160k range, new or used?

GT500 CFTP can be had for less than that range

 

[Shane361]

GT500 CFTP can be had for less than that range

Hell a 20-22 Shelby with a Whipple is cheaper and get you around 1000hp and still be less than 100k.

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