1st Z06 Completed: 9:26 AM Today!

39040 Views 105 Replies 34 Participants Last post by CHeckk6, Nov 14, 2014

elegant

Discussion Starter · Nov 10, 2014 (Edited)

2

BGAP Z06 Update:1st Z06 Completed.

Or, "luck beats the heck out of brains anytime," for just happened to be in the right place at the right time as per below...

The line was not moving at 6:12 AM start of shift this morning, after Friday's frame-shop robot wiring failure, but did start at 8:46 AM. Z06's continued to move toward the finish line, with VIN 001, Rick Hendrick's black Z06 being the first one (no surprise) and it came off the line at 9:26 AM. Happened to luckily be at that exact spot as part of my public tour. Jeff LaMarche and other top BGAP Plant staff were there for photographs, etc.

The production rate continues to be just under 7 Z06's per hour. Saw a rainbow of colors, in fact can not think of a color of Z06 that I did not see.

In response to earlier-asked questions, splitter and skirts are not attached prior to the dealership PDI, so can not determine the specific appearance of the Stage 1 splitter. As noted earlier, EVERY Z06 spoiler is carbon flash metallic, regardless of whether it is a Stage 1, 2 or Z07 and regardless of whether one selects CFZ or CFZ.

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Z06 Owned

· #81 · Nov 13, 2014

John...favor to ask...can you monitor your build online and see how quickly it moves out of "queued for production" after your car actually gets built? Would be interesting to know...

Redc7

· #82 · Nov 13, 2014

Of course the other, maybe minor, advantage of not having the wickerbill attached is maybe better gas mileage. Less drag pulling on the car like the tailgate of a pickup truck.

davem

· #83 · Nov 13, 2014

RedC7 said "If you can see a door open can you verify the door sills just say Corvette on them? I believe that is what I could see from the pictures."

I had thought that you could only get the "Corvette" sills for the Z06? At least that is what my dealer had said. It's a Z06 and thus not a Stingray?

Z06 Owned

· #84 · Nov 13, 2014

Redc7 said:
Of course the other, maybe minor, advantage of not having the wickerbill attached is maybe better gas mileage. Less drag pulling on the car like the tailgate of a pickup truck.

When Tadge said level 2 aero is the 1st time Chevy has achieved "true aerodynamic downforce" on a production car, my 1st thought was fuel economy.

Call me a heretic, but I probably will never be going fast enough around turns to benefit from it. I've read that sort of thing is irrelevant below 130 MPH. And, that downforce could cost 1-2 mpg on the highway.

Heck, I lost 1-2 mpg on my diesel truck going from standard mirrors to factory tow mirrors.

tmcternan

· #85 · Nov 13, 2014 (Edited)

This is all great news regarding the rear spoiler and front splitter. Whether we totally appreciate the factory splitters and spoilers as they are, the beauty in all this is, GM has designed great adjustability into it whereby we as customers/buyers have the ability to change it to whatever we want. As far as the exposed bolts on the rear spoiler and ascetics go, based on the pictures I've seen, yes there maybe room for improvement over factory setup, perhaps the use of black "Button Head" bolts that can be found at any well stocked Ace Hardware can replace the originals. Just like the old phrase, "If you build it, they will come," likewise, "If you can imagine it, it can be created or built." So, if the bolts really bother you and you'd like to clean it up, then investigate everything (Options) available and take care of it.....

John also mentioned one of our Supporting Vendors of the forum is designing an alternative to the spoiler situation. I have the strong feeling, based on the popularity of the C7, there's going to be an infinite number of additional options made available to us through forum vendors and SEMA members, so we all need to be patient and wait to see what's made available and weigh our options. We're going to discover we're going to end up with allot of options down the road.

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Fasttoys1

· #86 · Nov 13, 2014

elegant said:
The base mounting spoiler for the Z06 is very very attractive, looking a lot like to Z-51, though wider as we have discussed.

As Jag and I discussed when just inches away from the rear of the deck spoiler, one could easily grind down the "washer head" of the "receiving bolt holes". Then with the little body filler and some carbon flash metallic paint you have a gorgeous Z06 spoiler (without any of the vertical plane wickerbill attachments).

At this point there's a 50% chance that I will be doing exactly that, placing it with the wickerbills aside.

There's also a 50% chance that I will have the wickerbills mounted during the PDI, live with them for a month or two, decide if I can "get used to them" and/or whether they get put aside for the remainder of my ownership.

There is also a 50% chance (I know that doesn't add up), that I will remove every Z06 factory spoiler component, and get a gorgeous aftermarket spoiler and put it on the curb car. I know that there is at least one, high quality aftermarket company, a vendor on this forum, that hs already created renderings of his Z06 spoiler and I excitedly look forward to that!!!

Yea I am in the same boat. I have a great team in my area that does high end builds for SEMA. I know they can resolve any issues I have if its worth the effort.

Z06

· #87 · Nov 13, 2014

3

I like the factory Z06 spoiler's vertical mounting holes as-is... so no complaints or alternative plans from me in regards to this feature.
Heck, due to the versatility I may even eventually upgrade from a Stage-1 to a Stage-3 via parts counter pieces.... love the aggressive way it looks at any angle!

Some shots I took at the Miami Int'l Auto Show with the SG Z06 on display...

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Corvette stingray Auto show

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Auto show Sports car

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Alloy wheel Automotive design

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davem

· #88 · Nov 13, 2014

Z06 Hopeful said:
When Tadge said level 2 aero is the 1st time Chevy has achieved "true aerodynamic downforce" on a production car, my 1st thought was fuel economy.

Call me a heretic, but I probably will never be going fast enough around turns to benefit from it. I've read that sort of thing is irrelevant below 130 MPH. And, that downforce could cost 1-2 mpg on the highway.

Heck, I lost 1-2 mpg on my diesel truck going from standard mirrors to factory tow mirrors.

That brings up an interesting question:

When testing for fuel efficiency standards on the Z06, which "stage" model was sent for testing? My guess would be stage 1.

I know it wouldn't happen, but wouldn't it be funny (or not for some), if the Stage 1 didn't have a gas guzzler tax, but the Stage 2 and/or 3 did?

Fuel efficiency testing is done based on the engine type only, right?

ALF01

· #89 · Nov 13, 2014

davem said:
That brings up an interesting question:

When testing for fuel efficiency standards on the Z06, which "stage" model was sent for testing? My guess would be stage 1.

I know it wouldn't happen, but wouldn't it be funny (or not for some), if the Stage 1 didn't have a gas guzzler tax, but the Stage 2 and/or 3 did?

Fuel efficiency testing is done based on the engine type only, right?

I wondered this myself, davem - what aero package would be used for MPG/GGT testing?

jagamajajaran

· #90 · Nov 14, 2014

I had an INCREDIBLE day inside the plant! A brief synopsis for now...

John Elegant and I met our guide at approximately 9:30 a.m. We first saw John's Z06 coming down from the upper level at 10:08 a.m. Most of the day was spent following it through the line until we left shortly before the line shut down for the day. I learned a LOT today and will share more of it when I have time to chronicle the entire experience.

For those wondering when their specific car might be on the line, I found out that they are still working mostly 10 hour shifts, with some 8 hour shifts being thrown in on some Fridays, etc. One known week with some 8 hour shifts will be Thanksgiving week. Furthermore, the line was running about 7 behind their goal of 179 cars per shift. This appears to be the trend this week and is possibly due to the fact that the Z06 is now on the line.

I'll post more at a later time. Possibly tonight, or maybe in a day or two from now. Tomorrow's shift begins at 6:12 a.m., which translates to a very early bed time for me tonight.

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elegant

Discussion Starter · #91 · Nov 14, 2014 (Edited)

WRP SPD started its buyers Tour at 10:08 AM. During the rest of the day, had major progress, including, most importantly, got its chassis and its body married today. In fact, Jag (licensed to perform weddings), broke into an impromptu marriage service at the time. Fun!

All body panels now on, except for the front fascia and hood. No wheels/tires yet. While the engine is in, lots to do to complete it (e.g. alternator, air intake system, fluid fill, and the like). Then lots of vehicle checks, inspections, adjustments during the estimated 4 1/2 hours remaining until it rolls off the line.

Exciting day and another one ahead. Saw several forum member's Z06's who's VIN's were in the 235 to 270 range. None are done yet, though all are stunning! Some forum member's Z06's, in the range of 150-200, were completed today. Early in the week, I was expecting Z's up to 300 to be completed, but due to slightly lower daily production, revising that now to approximately to VIN 285.

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Rick C C7 Z06

· #92 · Nov 14, 2014

AWESOME John!!!
Funny....I just checked w/Chevy Chat. Still 3300 no TPW. NCM says my cars build starts in ONE WEEK!
Go figure.

Rick

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elegant

Discussion Starter · #93 · Nov 14, 2014 (Edited)

A couple of upcoming cautions in terms of Z06 production later this month and early December.

First, already the Plant will be totally closed for two production days during Thanksgiving week, and the remaining three days, they will be running eight hours per day instead of 10. Second, for those who are calculating as to their Buyers Tour, please all be aware that December 3rd and 4th are "no public" days, meaning no visitors -- not even those who have a Buyers Tour nor Museum Delivery will be allowed into the plant, only GM employees. Please consider this before you buy your airline tickets, for if your car/Buyers Tour starts in Tuesday, December 2nd, your car will keep going down the line to completion on the 3rd/4th, days while you will be shut out of the Plant and not be able to watch that happen.

ALF01

· #94 · Nov 14, 2014

elegant said:
A couple of upcoming cautions in terms of Z06 production later this month and early December.

First, already the Plant will be totally closed for two production days during Thanksgiving week, and the remaining three days, they will be running eight hours per day instead of 10. Second, for those who are calculating as to their Buyers Tour, please all be aware that December 3rd and 4th are "no public" days, meaning no visitors -- not even those who have a Buyers Tour nor Museum Delivery will be allowed into the plant, only GM employees. Please consider this before you buy your airline tickets, for if your car/Buyers Tour starts in Tuesday, December 2nd, your car will keep going down the line to completion on the 3rd/4th, days while you will be shut out of the Plant and not be able to watch that happen.

John - I'm in exactly that situation. Have been told (preliminarily) by Shane that my tour would start at 3pm on Monday 12/01, finishing about the same time on Tuesday....if it slips, it will be done "in the shadows" on Wednesday. Given how your start time shifted repeatedly, I am currently planning on going but will make a "final" decision the day before Thanksgiving - hopefully the NCM will be understanding. Fortunately, I drive there (12 hours each way) so no airline tickets in the equation.

A buyer on another forum posted the email he got from Shane saying his car started on Tuesday, finish Wednesday; and did he want to go for just Tuesday or get a refund.....

Enjoy your day tomorrow! Please post any end of line pics taken by your guide!

ALF01

· #95 · Nov 14, 2014

Rick C C7 Z06 said:
AWESOME John!!!
Funny....I just checked w/Chevy Chat. Still 3300 no TPW. NCM says my cars build starts in ONE WEEK!
Go figure.

Rick

Rick - NCM info much more accurate than chat....

Rick C C7 Z06

· #96 · Nov 14, 2014

ALF01 said:
Rick - NCM info much more accurate than chat....

Just for the fun of it I think I'll continue to check w/Chevy Chat and see when they catch up.

Fasttoys1

· #97 · Nov 14, 2014

elegant said:
A couple of upcoming cautions in terms of Z06 production later this month and early December.

First, already the Plant will be totally closed for two production days during Thanksgiving week, and the remaining three days, they will be running eight hours per day instead of 10. Second, for those who are calculating as to their Buyers Tour, please all be aware that December 3rd and 4th are "no public" days, meaning no visitors -- not even those who have a Buyers Tour nor Museum Delivery will be allowed into the plant, only GM employees. Please consider this before you buy your airline tickets, for if your car/Buyers Tour starts in Tuesday, December 2nd, your car will keep going down the line to completion on the 3rd/4th, days while you will be shut out of the Plant and not be able to watch that happen.

John is the plant open M through Friday? 5 days a week or 4? when on a 10 hour shifts? You said they are making about 7 Z06's per hour

Denstoy968

· #98 · Nov 14, 2014

Wow great information and would love to do the factory tour - very cool stuff and thanks for posting this amazing experience!! Interesting that there hasn't been more sightings of the Spectra Wheels on the Z - I'm still dying to see this wheel on a SG car as that's my build. In fact, the set up with SG with that wheel has me stressed to the point I'm actually considering switching to AW with black wheels as I know 100% I like that look. The only actual car I've seen with the Spectra Grey wheels was on the LB Vert at SEMA so looking forward to seeing these on other colors as they eventually get posted.

jagamajajaran

· #99 · Nov 14, 2014

Fasttoys1 said:
John is the plant open M through Friday? 5 days a week or 4? when on a 10 hour shifts? You said they are making about 7 Z06's per hour

Here are the answers you are looking for. And yes, they are building about 7 Z06s per hour. Working mostly 10 hour shifts for now. During the week of Thanksgiving they may have some 8 hour days instead. https://www.bowlinggreenassemblyplant.com/

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mjw930

· #100 · Nov 14, 2014

Fasttoys1 said:
John is the plant open M through Friday? 5 days a week or 4? when on a 10 hour shifts? You said they are making about 7 Z06's per hour

Aside from holiday weeks they work 5 days so the workforce is getting a lot of mandatory overtime (good for their bank accounts). There were rumors early on last year they were working Saturdays too but I think that's past.

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