Chevrolet Introduces Z06 Parts For Enhanced Corvette Stingray Performance

Installs & Reviews PAS Staff

Chevrolet unveiled their new lineup of Z06 parts that are now available for the tamer Corvette Stingray this week at SEMA, most of which are offered as direct replacements for the Stingray’s original parts.

The Level 3 Aero Package offers a larger end plates to the front splitter, as well as an adjustable, transparent wicker bill on the rear spoiler. Then there's the T1 suspension package, which includes more aggressive shocks, stiffer stabilizer bars and new lower control arms with stiffer bushings. It was developed for racing and the aggressive shocks were utilized to maintain eligibility within the rules of most club racing sanctioning bodies.

The 600-watt radiator cooling fan increases the fan speed over the Stingray’s 500-Watt system for greater airflow and enhanced cooling capability. This is coupled by the secondary radiator kit. This option adds cooling capability to manual transmission Corvettes (base Stingray, Z51 and Z06). The engine coolant temperatures are lowered 25 degrees F along with lowering engine oil temperatures 15 degrees F.

The Z06 front grille was designed to provide maximum airflow to the radiator, intercooler and brake cooling ducts, resulting in a 17-percent increase in front-end airflow. You could also, however, opt for the Z06 quarter panel vents, increasing airflow to the transmission oil cooler and differential cooler. This provides an approximate 25-percent improvement over the airflow of the Z51 at speed. Of course, there's also a rear transmission oil cooler for those looking for even more cooling power and airflow. The Corvette Z06’s internal prop shaft includes rubber couplers designed for higher temperatures and a larger heat shield.

The Z06 carbon fiber torque tube saves almost 15.5 pounds (7 Kg) compared to the Stingray’s steel-intensive torque tube. The kit also includes higher-temperature rubber couplers in the prop shaft. For the complete carbon fiber experience, Chevrolet also offers underbody braces that are 17 percent lighter than the aluminum braces on the Corvette Stingray — also offering an improvement in overall torsional stiffness.

Finally we get to braking power. For those equipped with the Z51 package, the Z06 Brake Kit feature the Z06’s standard, two-piece and slotted iron rotors – measuring 14.6-in. x 1.3-in (370mm x 34mm) for the front rotors and 14.4-in. x 1-in. (365mm x 26mm) for the rear. The front kit uses aluminum monoblock six-piston calipers, while the rear kit features four-piston fixed calipers.

The front calipers also feature vented pistons for improved pad and brake fluid cooling. Additionally, they also offer differentiated piston diameters of 30mm, 34mm and 38mm (leading to trailing), for more even pad pressure for improved pad wear. These brakes will not fit under base Stingray or Z51 wheels, so they require a minimum of 4mm wheel clearance between the outboard face of the caliper and the inner wheel spokes.

The Z06/Z51 Front Brake Cooling Kit includes brake ducts and deflectors that channel air from the front grille through the wheel wells to cool the front brakes and expel heat. On a standard Corvette Stingray, it increases airflow by 16 percent, enhancing stopping performance by reducing temperature and the chance for brake fade.

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