Chevy Performance may soon offer Corvette Z06 performance parts so that C7 Stingray and Z51 owners can upgrade their cars.

Officials unveiled “concept” packages at the SEMA Show, including cooling and brake upgrades, that could easily be swapped on other models to increase performance and even make the cars eligible for some road-racing events.

“When the Z06 gets developed above the Z51 with more horsepower, additional grip levels and extra track capability, it comes with a lot of components,” explains Mark Dickens, GM’s director of performance variants, performance parts and motorsports engineering. “We look at all those Deltas, all those things we changed from the Z51 or base Stingray to the Z06, and we go back to see which of those things we can integrate back into those cars for someone who wants to push their cars to the limit.”

The Corvette Z06 features numerous performance parts that could be integrated into the Z51 and Stingray models.

The concept phase means that GM is studying the viability of integrating the Z06 parts to the other models, determining what’s needed to properly interface the components and, of course, considering the costs. Savvy owners often purchase replacement parts and try to install them on their own, but the Chevy Performance parts or packages will be fully validated by not only an integration team but also the original Corvette engineers assigned to that particular function of the car.

“We take the mystery out of it so owners aren’t buying parts and taking a shot at it,” says Dickens.

A first in offering CCM brakes

One of the most exciting possibilities is Chevy Performance offering the unique Brembo carbon ceramic-matrix (CCM) brakes offered as an option on the Z06 as well as the huge iron brakes that are standard. The CCM front brakes measure 394 x 36 mm and 390 x 32 in the rear. These weigh 27 pounds less than the iron rotors. The front 6-piston mono-block aluminum caliper features vented pistons for brake-fluid cooling. Also, the pistons come in differentiated diameters of 28, 32 and 38 mm to help ensure even pressure for uniform wear. The rear sports a 4-piston caliper with 30 and 32 mm pistons.

“This is something we haven’t done before,” says Dickens, noting that the Corvette ZR1 and Camaro ZL1 had CCM brakes. “But we never offered them as a performance accessory.”

Complicating the integration are issues with anti-lock brakes, stability control and other vehicle dynamics. Also, they’re not cheap.

“Yes, these are not inexpensive brakes but we think the Corvette market segment may be willing to pay,” adds Dickens.

The Z06 also offers upgraded cooling with the addition of a 600-watt fan for the radiator (up 100 watts over the standard Corvette cooling fan) in addition to a wider trans cooler for the rear and an auxiliary cooler up front. Plus, the Z06 had rear quarter vents that increased airflow by 25 percent to the coolers. The rear trans cooler comes with a fan on the Z06, but that option might not be available on the potential upgrade package.

“Some pieces simply won’t bolt on,” says Dickens. “Like the rear cooler. Because of the Z06’s wide body, the larger trans cooler will fit but the fan won’t.”

The suspension is likely getting the most attention right now. It consists of stiffer springs, larger stabilizer bars, retuned race dampers and possibly different control-arm bushings.

“This is aimed at SCCA Touring classes,” says Dickens. “We want to take the Z51 passive system up to the next level of performance. Then we’ll approach SCCA to homologate this package.”

Lightening up the Corvette

Lightweight parts such as a carbon fiber torque tube and cooling upgrades such as the brake ducts and Z06 grille are also being studied.

Other Z06 components under study for sale to the Stingray and Z51 owners include the carbon fiber torque tube that reduces weight by 14.5 pounds, carbon fiber underbody braces, brake air ducts and the Z06 grille that increases cooling flow by 17 percent.

Officials will be monitoring reaction from SEMA attendees as part of their study. They’re also considering any potential downside to diminishing the appeal of the Z06 or facilitating unscrupulous car builders who try to clone popular vehicles.

“When showing the Z28 parts last year, that was a concern. Are people going to clone Z28s? But there are certain parts we don’t sell,” says Dickens. “But those aren’t performance parts. We make all the performance parts available so people can upgrade their cars.”