Just starting my channel and just want to say I really like your channel and your delivery. The content and information is spot on without any extra unnecessary info. Very well done.
Thanks Velocity 313, much appreciated! Congrats on starting your channel! My best advice would be to be yourself, keep to a schedule, and let your enthusiasm for your content and cars shine through! Have a nice day and good luck! -Fred
as always, great vlog. thanks! I would be interested in your drive next year(i live 1 1/2 hours north of Nashua). And hopefully it will be in my C8Z06.
Hi Vinnie! Nice to hear from you. I was on the fence about offering/saying I would setup a subscriber drive, but I honestly love the idea. If you don't mind, can you send me an email(fredsfullthrottle@gmail.com)? I won't share it with anyone. If I do setup a drive (and I'm leaning towards yes), I will coordinate it via email/chat, outside of RU-vid. Your name is first on the list. I don't think I'd make it huge, likely limited to 8-10 cars or something, but I think that would be really fun! You've given me a lot to think about! Thanks Vinnie! -Fred
Fred, Firstly, be thankful that you have this choice to keep the C7 or buy the the Z06. Many people will never be able to afford either. Quite candidly, if in your position, I am not sure that I would spend that extra $$$ to get a car that yes is superior to the C7 performance wise, but how often will that actually have meaning? Quite candidly, on the street you really never get close to fully driving the C7 let alone a C8 Z06. If you did then that would be reckless. On the track that is very different. I loved running Road Atlanta knowing I was one of the fastest cars there, which is my motivation for buying the Z06. How important is that to you? I priced out my Z06 and it is $176K. Keep in mind that my C5R-427 cost was ~$110K in 2001. In 2022 dollars that is $184K, so I am saving a few dollars! LOL As a side-bar, I cannot understand why so many potential Z06 buyers I see on the forums, and in RU-vid comments are hyper-focused on the track results. Yet the Z06 they are planning to buy does not have the Z07 option, nor CF wheels, nor Cup 2 R tires, nor CCB brakes, they will never run track events. What good are bragging rights when you are not driving that car. Stepping down from my soap-box. LOL Sully
Hi Sully, Always a pleasure to hear from you. You're spot on, spot on with your observations. Those points are exactly why in my head I'm having such a dilemma. I don't do much track (currently at least), this year was the most in a year I've done in a calendar year, 2 autocrosses. I did more long drives up in the mountains and just out to enjoy driving. Did I have fun in the C7? You bet! Would I have fun in the C8Z? Of course. But would the C8Z bring fun that I can't have in the C7, or transform the experience so much that it's worth the price of admission. Probably not, or at least not for me in how I use it. I'm trying to look in at myself and understand whatever internal drive and reasoning that's making me want the car, and objectively piece that apart to figure out if I want it for "me" reasons, or for "other" reasons. I want to make sure I'm not getting the car for some subconscious "look what I have" or "having the newest toy", and instead only because I think I'll have the most fun with it. Your example of using it heavily for track to me is the perfect use case. You know you will leverage lots of the features and performance improvements/tech, and appreciate the car for what it offers. I *want* to get to where I can do trackdays like that, but time wise and financially I'm not yet at the point where car trackdays are in my wheelhouse. On top of that, a very valid point is that I could still do them in the C7, and have a blast, and the car is still more capable than I'll ever be (at least I think so). It's a really interesting problem and so far I think the root of my desire is the "what if" rather than anything else. I want to know what the car is like. I want to know how much fun it is, and how it stacks up. Somehow through the topsy turvy, long, drawn out product unveiling and eventual production, GM managed to hook me, get me thinking about the car, get me invested in it. The best answer I have right now is I want to know what it's like. This is obviously an ongoing thought process, and I agree one million percent that I'm incredibly fortunate to be in the position I'm in. That's not lost on me ever. But I can't shake the what if feeling. So I'm going to keep having this dialog with myself and try to figure out what I should do when my time comes. Thanks for the provocative and thoughtful points, it helps me frame my own thoughts better. Have a great weekend Sully, great to hear from you! -Fred
@@FredsFullThrottle The good news is, you will have plenty of time to figure it out! I am now 228 at MacMulkin and pretty I will be getting a 2024 model.
My wife and I are extremely frugal. We actually don’t buy new cars, have paid our house off and just save and invest money. We like to travel so that’s our biggest expense really. We drive extremely modest cars(Aka boring!). My wife and I have talked about this a lot and are committing to buying the Z06 after extremely careful consideration, mainly with cash. We are financially in a great position so that helps quite a bit. It is still a tough decision, one of which I will also have plenty of time to mull over! Hope that helps! Thanks for great content!
That's actually a great idea! I definitely will offer it to some of my friends first (when the time is approaching), I know several are interested. Love the idea of being able to swap and drive it again later on. :) -Fred
Fred-Always enjoy the intelligent content. I recommend that you get the folks at Macmillan, GM or perhaps a subscriber who is higher up on the list to give you a generous test drive. That would likely help with your decision. You say that your C7 checks all the boxes for what you’re looking for in a car and you might be right. On the other hand, the genius of Steve Jobs was to get people to fall in love with products they never knew they needed. I was ready to go with the Stingray, which exceeds the capacity of my modest driving skills. Then I saw something about this Zo6 thing and something called an “exhaust note.” Why on earth would anyone care about what a car sounded like let alone pay more money for it I wondered. Then I heard that beautiful sound. Changed my point of view.
When the hype dies down, people will realize the C8 Stingray is 90% the experience as Z06 and actually looks better with a less boxy front end. Plus, Stingray has proven reliable engine. Z06 was built for maximum track experience, not for balance of road trips and performance like your C7GS or C8 Stingray. Your C7 looks amazing. Keep it.
Not me bro! I have a couple Z06's now and would LOVE to add a 3rd C8Z but it's not worth the coin IMHO. $138K before taxes!!! HolyPhuk that's a lot of money for a car from Chevrolet.
You know what's not fun for me? A $2500 car payment and the knowledge that they had to pipe in fake sound to make it tolerable. One of the main reasons I like V8's is the sound. Some of my cars don't even have a radio and I don't need one.
Agreed on the car payment. The number that I won't cross is $400/month (for any car I buy), meaning I need to have a bigger downpayment. Having heard the Z06 in person a couple times, I have to imagine that the piped in audio is hard to distinguish on its own. The car is LOUD even at idle. From the Savagegeese presentation they said it was only at a couple frequencies/RPM's (rather than across the RPM range). I understand if it bothers some folks, but it doesn't bother me in the least. Have a nice day Carspeed! -Fred
Thanks for the great ZO6 content. I have a Hellcat Challenger that I love and might not be able to part with. My ZO6 will be a 2024 model according to my dealer even though I'm #6 on the list I won't get it until late 2023 or possibly 2024. I couldn't wait for the ZO6 so I ordered a TRX back in May that will be delivered any day now. Idk if I can do it but I'd like to keep them all. Funds and parking are becoming an issue.
Those hardcore Corvette enthusiasts who can afford it and put in an order long ago will most likely hang in there. Those who are in a tight spot considering the cost and the current state of the economy and taking into account the 50/50 potential for a upcoming recession, may have to back out particularly if they now have a Corvette that they are attached to...especially if a manual transmission. Those who are not dyed in the wool Corvette enthusiasts and just on the bandwagon with the monumental hype for this car and they are way down on the deposit list, may also back out. The economy, plus time can bring a change of interest as other choices show up. Some may move to the E-Ray for the look of the Z06 at a lower cost. Some may think the wait would be so long for a Z06, why not wait for a Zora or the next celebrated model. And some may hope for a cooling down of hype and dealer markup down the road. For a Z06, by the time my turn comes up, they will be likely much higher base price, change in options and colors and I will have a good idea of what the Zora will look like (need to get on that list in case...currently on a ZR1 list). Maybe Ford will be talking about the Ford GT replacement....in EV form....lol. I may well end up with an E-Ray for the look as I would not be tracking the Z06 and I am on a list for that. I would certainly be disappointed in not having the LT6 engine. Drama with E-Ray or upcoming models is yet to be seen. What further damage might be done to my stockmarket holdings is also yet to be seen.
I don't know about you Fred but to me the new z06 not having the third pedal would be a big compromise. And unless you have some big track plans to make use of that extra power, it might not be a worthy upgrade if you'll just end up using it 99% on the streets only. But that's just me. I do know you really really want it, so i would say do what your heart says man.
Hey Shrijan! Awesome to hear from you on here! You're completely on point with that observation, and that's my biggest personal challenge at the moment (at least in my head). I still gotta figure out how to make the money work if I want to keep the C7, and then the storage for the car, but one battle at a time. :) Had a blast on The Maine Drive with you man! Did you see your name on the sign in this video? :) -Fred
@@FredsFullThrottle Completely forgot to mention but I really appreciate that you gave me and all our buddies shout out on that whiteboard. Made my day honestly haha. You're awesome Fred, I hope events work out and you can keep both c7 GS and new z06. Can't wait to see it on your channel.
You’ve got a good point. The C8Z will not be 70k better than a C7 GS. Nor will it be 140k better than a well set up Miata. We’re talking about 10-20 years of well funded vacations worth of money. It’s a material thing designed to cause happiness though, so you know it’s never going to have the best fun/dollar ratio anyway. The very best things in life really are free, or at least pretty cheap. Just because it’s not the most fun/dollar doesn’t mean it’s a bad buy though. When you go to sell it, you’ll get a lot of money out of it. I decided to keep both. If I had to give up my C7 Stingray to get the C8Z, I’d just keep the Stingray. I’ve just become too attached to it, it’s my favorite car I have ever owned and the C8Z will have to do quite a lot to unseat it.
Hi Records Rebuilds! Nice to hear from you again. This is a FANTASTIC take, and honestly where my head is at. I agree with you on that cost for fun equation, and that many of the best things in life don't cost much (or sometimes anything). That said I also agree that the Z06 is going to be a hoot, no matter how you slice it, and I'm increasingly just thinking I need to figure out how to keep both, because the C7 is so good (especially that it's a manual). Congrats on being able to keep both. I am not quite there financially, but I'm saving like a madman and think I can find a way to swing it. I dream of building my garage, having a lift, with the C7 up top, and the C8 down below. A man can daydream right? Have a great day, and thanks for the insight/info! -Fred
@@FredsFullThrottle For those enthusiasts fortunate enough to be able to own these cars, I think your late 30’s is always a struggle between the car you want and the garage it deserves :) One other thing I have been thinking about. The C7 is a fantastic road trip car. It’s like having a small pickup bed directly attached to the cabin with lots of accessible space and it’s very comfortable. I have not driven a C8, but I don’t see any way it can be as good of a road trip car as the C7. So, I’ll get the C8 for the track and keep the C7 for the road trips, and each car will have a role. Keeps the miles off the more valuable car too :)
@@RecordsRebuilds Couldn't have said it better myself on that first part. That's a great point about the C7, it's SUCH a practical sports car. Not that that's the reason I got it, but it's super versatile and comfy for long drives. That 10 hour Maine Drive I did, I could have done several more hours no problem. I agree, I don't see the C8Z being as pleasant, and I wonder how the drone of the engine will be over time. But I agree, why not both? Now I just need to figure out how to get that garage!
At the moment I have three Corvettes a C5 C6 ZO6 and a C8 I do have room to store them so that doesn't cost me anything per year per vehicle the other problem I have is that every year I have to get things cleaned and up and running and maintained things go wrong when you don't have time to drive a car and realistically you can only drive one at a time my choice I'm selling all three and getting the c806 it'll probably be my last one so why not go out with a bang
Great video as usual. While the Z06 has the potential to be a fantastic Vette, the price is way beyond what I would consider (even though I could afford it). I am on a list for an E-Ray, but if its price follows in the same expensive track as the Z06, I do not see me selling my 2019 GS to have one. I agree with you that the C7 GS is an amazing Vette and the E-Ray would have to stand up and sing loud and clear to get rid of the GS. Good luck on your Z06 issue. 🙂
Awww Yeah.... It's Fredday Again...ha ha ha! Fred, That's a pretty great problem to have my friend! That drive sounds like a really great experience and something I wouldn't mind considering if ever invited 😉. I don't remember what number you are on McMulkins list, but if production doesn't start ramping up soon, you may have more time than you thought! Personally, I'm a mid/rear engine car guy anyway, so it's a no-brainer for me! After, getting to know you better, I know you'll find a way to, build a garage and keep the C7 too! Garage can maybe be pushed back a little if money is really tight, if you can rely on family or friends for some spare garage space. Or maybe your job has a parking garage space? Anyway, you'll find a way to have your C7 and C8 Z06 too! Enjoy your weekend, -Shane
I would love to join you on that trip next year, that looks amazing!! In in Northeastern MA and always wondering where to find some really good driving roads. Love the content man!
Hi Meue, Shoot me an email at fredsfullthrottle@gmail.com, and I will add you to a list of people who have expressed interest. Separately from me setting up a big drive, I can definitely give you a few google map routes of great rides in the area that I do. I appreciate the kind words! It is looking more likely that I will be setting up a drive for subscribers in New England (or anyone who wants to make the travel) next year! -Fred
Hey, Fred! Another great video, and one that hits very close to home for me. I have a 2019 GS, and it's likely that I'll sell it once my allocation at MM comes up (right now, #399). I've spec'd my C8Z at $130,515, and although I could probably stretch to keep both cars, I'd hate to keep that much money tied up in a car when I have other more important financial obligations and plans to balance. A huge dilemma for me is that the GS is a manual, and if I end up passing the GS for another owner to enjoy, in my heart I know that I will need to add another manual in the stable. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise, since I can maybe move away from manual Vettes for a little bit an add a real value car that satisfies the manual itch and is a lot of fun. Any chance you could arrange a driving tour in the CT or western MA area? I'm in NY and would love to join you guys on a trip that's a little closer to me!
Hi Lorenzo, Fantastic to hear from you! Of all the people I've talked to and heard from in this Z06 journey, I feel your own situation/circumstances are some of the closest to my own, and I'm really interested in your take on it. You hit the nail on the head, there are lots of other ways to use the money, and I personally don't want to have too much tied up in cars, and take away from other important priorities. Your point about your GS being a manual is exactly my biggest concern/worry. I love everything about it, and just don't know if I can part with such a great involving car. That said, a thought that's near top of mind all the time is that I could buy an older used Boxster in a manual. Get the convertible, and have a truly remarkable transmission that's super involving to play with. I've driven a few Boxsters (including my mom's 986 back in the day) and the manual in them is just amazing. I like the idea of branching out to a few brands, and it might be a great way to have a car with the manual, and still own/appreciate the Z. The other thought in my head is figure out how to manage having both cars for 1 year. Drive them back to back often, and feature by feature compare them, with the goal of picking which one I'd rather keep at the end, and selling the other. Heck, it might make for an interesting RU-vid video series. All thoughts I'm mulling, an fortunately have a bit of time to decide. One plus is that a few very generous people have offered to let me try driving theirs next year, so I can have a more informed decision for buying my own, but also so I can share my own review/take on it. I'm definitely going to take someone up on it, and am appreciative to be in the position I'm in where I might have that opportunity. Lastly, I'll keep a drive out west in mind. A few years ago I drove as far west as Worcester, then south through Thompson, CT, straight down to Mystic, CT, then back east along the coast, through Newport, RI, and then back North to home. It was a long day, but a lot of fun. One other idea is that Lime Rock Park is in the North West corner of CT, and I've done the Car Control Clinics there 2-3 times. It's not a trackday, so no helmets/insurance needed, but each time I've learned a lot and had fun. Not sure if something like that might interest you too. Are there any good driving roads out by you? I'm not opposed to finding some cool route and trying a new area! Let me know (feel free to email if that's easier for correspondence too, sometimes I have trouble finding all the comments/threads in YT). Have a great day man, and great to hear from you! -Fred
Hi Fred, I'm probably a bit too driven by my passion for "cool cars" so I'll be hanging on to my '19 Camaro SS 1LE and will hopefully get a Z06 late next year. It also helps knowing that the Z06 will likely retain a significant amount of its value if I need to dump it. As far as storage, my wife won't give up her spot in the 2-car garage, so I'll probably have to put the Camaro outside under a cover. Fortunately I've got enough room on my property.
Hi Jesse, I appreciate the perspective, and I feel like my C7 is part of that "cool car" club, and am increasingly not sure I'd be able to part with it. I have plans for building a garage on the property (and the space to do it), but the quote is roughly $50k for a small 2 stall, and I'm sure the price has gone up since then. That said, my dad is a Corvette fan, and I might be able to convince him to loan me some garage space in exchange for him getting to drive the car whenever he wants and take care of it for a year or so after I get the Z, so I can save up and build that garage. Congrats on the SS 1LE btw, I looked pretty hard at those before I got the GS, it's such a great balance of power, simplicity/reliability, tremendous mechanical grip, reasonable fuel economy, comfort, and of course sound. I have a special place in my heart for those whenever I see them (which isn't often, they're not common). Love to hear that you love yours! Have a great day, thanks for reaching out, and I appreciate you sharing your approach! -Fred
@@FredsFullThrottle Thanks for the response, Fred I’d say you exactly nailed it on the 1LE attributes. Better balanced and bang for the buck than anything costing multiples of what they cost. It makes it hard for me to swap it for anything else. It’s got the manual and classic LS soundtrack so I’ve got to keep it. I think that for the same reason you should hang on to your GS. Keep it and get the Z06 if you can. Have a manual when you want it. I’d like to do that cool drive with you but it’s a bit far from me (near Pittsburgh) but maybe I’ll give it a try next year. Tons of great twisties around here as well. I’m not too far from where they put the new Z06 through its paces in Hocking Hills state park, Ohio, so I’d like to check out that loop as well.
Hi Rocco, that's a good point, though I heard those are also on constraint so even if you could order right now, they aren't an available option. Maybe when they become available they will be added. - Fred
@@roccotoulon4031 Ahh thanks for the update, good to know! I have heard they're tweaking the site a bit, probably fixing some errors, so they may not have been there when you looked before. Anyway, have a nice day, and nice to hear from you! -Fred
