by Derek Shiekhi as republished from Corvette Forum
The C7 Corvette Z06 is a hot car – Sometimes it’s a little too hot (you all know what I’m talking about)
Dateline November 2015: It’s a four-wheel testament to the importance of sufficient cooling. However, even if you have a Stingray, you want your temps – especially at the track – nice and low. With Chevy’s new array of parts for 2014+ Stingrays, including those with the Z51 package, you can get them that way.
In addition to hardware designed for more confident braking, better handling, such as the more aggressively tuned, track-focused T1 suspension package, and weight savings, such as the carbon fiber Z06 torque tube, Chevrolet is offering parts that increase the airflow to the Corvette’s hotspots. For instance, there are Z06-esque rear quarter panel vents that allow 25 percent more air to hit the differential and transmission oil coolers than the Z51 does. That latter component can also be upgraded. According to Chevy, “The larger Z06 rear transmission oil cooler fits in the same location as the base Stingray and Z51 cooler and adds extra cooling capacity. It works best when paired with the Z06 Quarter Panel Vents to maximize airflow through the cooler.”
Chevy is also providing some under-hood cooling solutions, including a Z06-grade 600-watt radiator fan designed to replace the corresponding unit in the Stingray and a secondary radiator kit for Stingrays, Z51s, and Z06s with manual transmissions (sorry Z06 A8 owners). The bowtie crew claims this setup lowers coolant temperatures by 25 degrees F and decreases engine oil temperatures by 15 degrees F.
To see all of the parts Chevy is making available (and to read some important fine print), go over the full press release below. Be sure to check out the forum thread at the bottom of this post for some even finer print from your fellow members, too. It seems Chevy has some ‘splainin’ to do.
PRESS RELEASE
NEW Z06 PARTS ENHANCE CORVETTE STINGRAY PERFORMANCE
Broad range of chassis, suspension and aero components enhance capability
2015-11-02
PAHRUMP, Nev. – Chevrolet today and drivers from the Ron Fellows Corvette high-performance driving school at the Spring Mountain track demonstrated Stingray models enhanced with components from a new lineup of Z06-based performance parts.
They’re designed for 2014+ Stingray models, including Z51-equipped cars.
“We’ve selected specific components from the Corvette Z06 and engineered them to fit the award-winning Stingray,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “These Z06 parts enhance the handling, braking, cooling and downforce performance of the Stingray.”
Ron Fellows, champion Corvette Racing driver, collaborated with Chevrolet Performance engineers on the all-new portfolio. Many will be used in cars in the new Michelin Corvette Challenge racing series, which was developed with Fellows and will run a 15-race schedule starting in February 2016.
“Here at Spring Mountain, we drive the Corvette Stingray and Z06 at their limits nearly every day, so we’re in a unique position to recognize the parts that are most effective,” said Ron Fellows. “The effect of the new, Z06-based parts on the Stingray’s track capability is dramatic. They take the Stingray’s already great stopping and cornering capabilities to yet another exciting level of stability and precision.”
Most of the Z06 parts are offered as direct replacements for the Stingray’s original parts.
“No one has spent more time developing Corvette performance parts than Chevrolet and this new range of components is the result of countless hours of testing that aftermarket companies can’t match,” said Mark Dickens, director, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports. “You can mix and match the parts to build your own ultimate Stingray track car – all with factory-engineered components customers can trust will fit and perform as expected.”
The new performance parts portfolio includes:
Corvette Z06 Level 3 Aero Package
This kit is an upgrade for Level 2-equipped Corvette Z06 models and adds elements from the Z07 Performance Package, including larger end plates to the front splitter, as well as an adjustable, transparent wickerbill on the rear spoiler.
Corvette Z06 600-Watt Radiator Fan
Developed to meet the Z06’s cooling requirements, this powerful, 600-watt radiator cooling fan increases the fan speed over the Stingray’s 500-Watt system for greater airflow and enhanced cooling capability. It is a direct replacement for the standard Corvette Stingray cooling fan.
Corvette Secondary Radiator Kit
This kit 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 addition of the Z06 grille further enhances the cooling performance of this kit.
Corvette Z06 Grille Kit
The Z06 front grille was designed to provide maximum airflow to the radiator, intercooler and brake cooling ducts for the 650-hp supercar, resulting in a 17-percent increase in front-end airflow, compared to the grille of the Corvette Stingray Z51. It’s a direct replacement for the Stingray grille insert. Additionally, the inlet ramps to the brake cooling ducts were optimized to balance the airflow demands of brake cooling and engine cooling.
Corvette Z06 Quarter Panel Vents
They offer larger openings than the Corvette Stingray, for increased airflow to the transmission oil cooler and differential cooler – an approximately 25-percent improvement over the airflow of the Z51 at speed, to help maintain cooling performance.
Corvette Z06 Rear Transmission Oil Cooler
The larger Z06 rear transmission oil cooler fits in the same location as the base Stingray and Z51 cooler and adds extra cooling capacity. It works best when paired with the Z06 Quarter Panel Vents to maximize airflow through the cooler.
Corvette Z06 Carbon Fiber Torque Tube and Prop Shaft Kit
The lightweight Z06 Carbon Fiber Torque Tube assembly 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. Applications vary by transmission and model year. The torque tube is also available separately.
Corvette Stingray Heat Shield
This larger heat shield helps protect the prop shaft from higher temperatures. It is only required for 2014 Corvette Stingray models. It is included on 2015+ models.
Corvette Z06 Prop Shaft Assembly with High-Temp Couplers
The Corvette Z06’s internal prop shaft includes rubber couplers designed for higher temperatures and a larger heat shield. These couplers are included with the Corvette Z06 Carbon Fiber Torque Tube and Prop Shaft Kit.
Corvette Z06 Carbon Fiber Underbody Braces*
These carbon fiber underbody braces are 17 percent lighter than the aluminum braces on the Corvette Stingray, while also offering an improvement in overall torsional stiffness. They are a direct replacement for the standard braces.
Corvette Z06 Brake Kits (Iron Rotors) for Stingray with Z51*
Designed for Stingray models equipped with the Z51 package, they 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. 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. They require a minimum of 4mm wheel clearance between the outboard face of the caliper and the inner wheel spokes.
Corvette Stingray Z51 Brake Kit
Designed as an upgrade for the standard Stingray, this Z51 brake complete kit – front and rear – features slotted rotors measuring 13.6 inches (345mm) in front and 13.3 inches (338mm) in the rear. This increases the overall diameter in relation to the standard 12.6-in. (321mm) front rotors. Coupled with the new Z06/Z51 Brake Cooling Kit, this system will match the braking performance of the factory Z51 brake system.
Corvette Z06/Z51 Front Brake Cooling Kit
This 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. For optimal performance, it should be used with the Z51 Brake Package and the Z06 Grille Kit.
Corvette Stingray T1 Suspension*
This suspension package was developed to improve the on-track handling capabilities of the Corvette Stingray, including Z51-equipped models. It 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 to compete within the rules of most club racing sanctioning bodies. It is currently homologated in SCCA’s Touring 1 class.
Corvette Stingray Track Day concept
Chevrolet is showcasing the new parts portfolio on the Z51-based Stingray Track Day concept vehicle, which is on display this week at the SEMA Show, in Las Vegas.
In addition to the new performance parts, the Gloss Black concept includes a unique air extractor hood with red accents on hood vent grille, mirrors and rear spoiler. Additional visual distinction comes from Carbon Flash vents and rocker extensions, along with a carbon fiber roof panel, front fascia extension and door inserts. It also features edge-lit LED turn signals.
Inside, the black cabin is outfitted with the Competition Sport seats that are optional on the Stingray, along with suede inserts on the shifter and steering wheel. A rear crossbar was added for mounting a five-point harness, while the available Performance Data Recorder captures the car’s performance.
Performance is driven by the standard LT1 6.2L V-8, rated at 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque with the available exhaust system, and backed by a seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match.
For more information go to: http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/autoshows/2015/sema.html
Join the social conversation at #CHEVYSEMA.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
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*The installation and operation of these components or replacement engines in new vehicles is intended for off-road operation only. See dealer for coverage information.
