Pete Ruff's Cars & Bikes

2007 C6 ZO6

The last C5 ZO6 was a 2004 model, very similar to my 2001.  In 2005 first C6 Corvettes were available, but there was no ZO6 until 2006. 

I planned to buy this car for about 18 months, that is, in early 2005 I decided I liked the new C6 Corvette enough that I knew I wanted a ZO6 version when it became available.  Still smarting somewhat by the General's decision to increase the C5 ZO6's power from 385 to 405 the year after I bought my '01 ZO6, I decided to wait until the second model year for this car.  I put my name on the list at the local Chevrolet dealer in April 2005 for a 2007.  On October 14, 2006 I gave the dealer a check for $1,000 and ordered this car from the factory to my specification, which included the body color, interior colors, and the options I chose which were:
-- LZ2 package which consists of features like memory package, heated seats, Bose sound system, auto-dimming mirrors, and similar foo-foo items - Actually the memory package and auto dimming mirrors are great.  The heated seats here in California, not such a good idea - we never use them.
-- GPS Navigation system
-- Competition Gray wheels (see the MSRP sticker below left)

I was kept informed of the status of my order by the dealer, so I knew when the order was picked up by the factory, when it was scheduled to be built, shipped, and it's arrivial at the dealer's.

Finally after months of waiting it arrived on Dec. 28, 2006, almost six years exactly from the day I bought the first ZO6.  The photos on the left were taken that day right after the car came off the transporter.

I drove the car gently for the first 500 miles per the break-in instructions.  Then I opened it up!  This car is SO much faster than the old ZO6, it's almost unbelievable.  You had better be sure there is nothing in front of you when you pull the trigger, because 505 horsepower moves this 3120 pound missle very quickly indeed.  Scary fast!
 

These shots show a ZO6 during final assembly at Bowling Green, KY
Now that I have driven the car for a few thousand miles, I can confidently say this sixth generation of Corvette is much better than the last.  This car is much faster and better performaing than the old one and yet is much smoother riding, quieter, and just more pleasant to be in.  The keyless entry and start is great, and the nav system is fun and useful to have. The General has done good -I like it!

Fun with numbers
This car cost me as much as the first 3 houses I bought!  Two houses in town, and one on two acres in Sonoma County.

The total cost of options alone, $5,630.00, was more than my new $3,700.65 '63 Ford Galaxie 500XL, more than my new $3,728.35 '65 Mustang, and more than my $5,451.95 '69 Corvette.  Of course incomes were much less back then too.  This comparison really shows how prices inflate over time.

Cool Viper vs. ZO6 Video

A locally produced 2007 ZO6 brochure

Some folks on the Corvette Forum have come up with a way to add a little volume to the stock exhaust when the flaps are open.  Check it out!
ZO6 Muffler Mod