C6
2005–2013Exposed headlights, serious power
It refined the C5 formula with exposed headlights, a better interior and much more power. The 7.0L LS7 Z06 and the supercharged LS9 ZR1 put the Corvette on par with exotic cars.
Choose your year
Each year page shows the exact configurations, specs, issues and owners.
Models & trims
Coupe or convertible. LS2 (2005–07), LS3 (2008–13).
Wide body and Z06-style brakes with the LS3.
Aluminum frame, 7.0L LS7, dry sump.
Supercharged LS9, carbon-ceramic brakes.
Engines
Sample data Published figures as commonly cited. Verify against factory documentation.
Highlights
- LS2, then LS3 small-blocks
- Z06 with the 7.0L LS7
- ZR1 with the supercharged LS9
- Grand Sport: wide body with LS3
Special editions & packages
- Z51 Performance Package2005–2013
Performance suspension, larger brakes, extra cooling.
- Magnetic Selective Ride Control2005–2013
Adaptive magnetorheological dampers.
- 427 Convertible Collector Edition2013
Convertible with the 7.0L LS7.
- 60th Anniversary Package2013
Arctic White with Blue Diamond interior.
Common C6 problems
The 7.0L LS7 in the 2006–2013 C6 Z06 is known among owners for valve guide wear, mainly on the exhaust side, which in some cases has led to a dropped valve and serious engine damage. The 2013 427 Convertible also uses the LS7. How common it is and what causes it are still debated, so many owners have the heads checked and decide from there.
The 2013 427 Convertible also uses the LS7.
On C5 and C6 Corvettes, the oil pressure sender commonly fails, causing the gauge to read zero, max or jump around. The engine is often fine, but you can't assume that. Always confirm with a mechanical gauge before driving.
Some C6 manual owners report the clutch pedal staying on or near the floor after high-RPM shifts, usually during spirited driving or on track. It's commonly linked to the clutch hydraulic system, with heat and aged fluid often blamed.
C4, C5 and C6 Corvettes rely on electric cooling fans. When a relay, fan motor, sensor, fuse or wiring fails, the car may overheat in traffic or with the A/C on but run fine on the highway.
The harmonic balancer (crank pulley) on C5 and C6 LS engines can develop a visible wobble. It happens when the rubber ring between the hub and outer ring breaks down, or when the balancer has moved on the crank snout, often after a previous repair or pulley swap. A wobbling balancer can throw the belt and, if it has moved, can point to a deeper crank problem.
C5, C6 and C7 Corvettes use sealed hub bearing assemblies. They wear over time, especially with wide tires, track use or impacts. A failing hub causes a hum or growl that changes with speed and cornering.
C6 doors open with electronic push-button releases instead of mechanical handles. When the battery is low or dead, the doors may not open from outside or inside with the normal buttons. Manual releases exist inside the car, and the owner's manual explains how to get in and how to reach the battery. Many owners only learn this when they're locked out.
From the C4 onward, Corvettes have many electronic modules that draw small amounts of power with the car off. Add aging batteries, aftermarket accessories, or a module that doesn't go to sleep, and the battery can go flat in days or weeks. Storage without a maintainer is the most common cause.