Chevrolet Corvette C6 (2005–2013)

Year by year

Engines: LS2, LS3, LS7 and LS9

Base cars used the 6.0 liter LS2 (400 hp, 400 lb-ft) from 2005 to 2007 and the 6.2 liter LS3 (430 hp, 424 lb-ft) from 2008 to 2013. The NPP dual-mode exhaust raised the LS3 to 436 hp. The Z06 used the 7.0 liter LS7 (505 hp, 470 lb-ft). The ZR1 used the supercharged LS9 (638 hp, 604 lb-ft). Source: corvetteactioncenter.com, en.wikipedia.org.

C6 Corvette at a glance (2005-2013)

The C6 ran from 2005 to 2013 with 215,223 built. It brought exposed headlights back for the first time since 1962. Body styles were a removable-roof coupe and a convertible, plus the fixed-roof Z06 and ZR1. Source: en.wikipedia.org, corvetteforum.com.

Transmissions: T56 and TR6060 manuals, 4L65-E and 6L80 automatics

The manual was a Tremec T56 through 2007 and a Tremec TR6060 from 2008. The automatic was a 4-speed 4L65-E in 2005 only, then a 6-speed 6L80 with paddle shifters from 2006. The Z06 was manual only. Like the C5, the C6 uses a rear transaxle linked to the engine by a torque tube. Source: en.wikipedia.org, corvetteactioncenter.com, corvetteforum.com, corvsport.com.

Trims: base, Z51, Grand Sport, Z06, ZR1

Base cars came with standard suspension, optional magnetic ride (F55), or the Z51 package through 2009. The Grand Sport (2010-2013) took over from the Z51 with the wide Z06-style body, Z06-size brakes and an LS3. The Z06 (2006-2013) has an aluminum frame, a fixed roof and the LS7. The ZR1 (2009-2013) is the supercharged flagship. Source: en.wikipedia.org, corvetteactioncenter.com, corvetteforum.com.

Curb weights

Most C6s weigh about 3,150 to 3,300 lb (1,430 to 1,500 kg). The aluminum-frame Z06 is the lightest at about 3,130 lb. The Grand Sport coupe is about 3,311 lb and the ZR1 about 3,350 lb. Source: en.wikipedia.org, corvsport.com, corvetteactioncenter.com, corvetteforum.com.

Recalls

Recall 04V525: rear brake lines too close to the left exhaust

On some early 2005 cars, one or both rear brake lines can touch or be heated by the left exhaust manifold and pipe. The brake fluid could boil. Dealers check the manifold clip and reposition the lines. Years: 2005. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recall 05V455: power steering hose can fracture

Some 2005-2006 cars got a power steering hose that was not to spec. At full lock under braking, it can fracture and leak fluid. Dealers check for two suspect date codes and replace the hose. Years: 2005-2006. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recall 10V172: tilt and telescope column can cut a signal

On 2005-2006 cars with the tilt and telescoping column (RPO N37) built March 2004 to January 2006, repeated column movement can interrupt a signal inside the column. The car then shows Service Active Handling System. Dealers repair it free. Years: 2005-2006. Source: api.nhtsa.gov, vettesofatlanta.com.

Recall 14V251: low beam headlights can fail

The underhood fuse box housing can expand and bend the low beam relay control wire until it breaks. The low beams then go out. Dealers add a jumper wire. It covers 2005-2007 cars built March 29, 2004 through June 22, 2007. Years: 2005-2007. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recall 06V181 and 09V491: roof panel adhesive can separate

The adhesive between the roof panel and its frame can let go. Early signs are a snapping noise over bumps, wind noise or poor roof fit. GM first added adhesive foam to painted roofs (2005-2006), then replaced roof panels with a new design on 2005-2007 removable roofs and 2006-2007 Z06s. Years: 2005-2007. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recall 11V491: rear hatch hinges on 2011-2012 coupes

Coupes built Jan 24, 2011 through Sep 1, 2011 may have rear hatch hinges that do not meet federal load requirements. Dealers replace both hinges. Years: 2011-2012. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Check a specific car with our VIN decoder or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What the full Chevrolet Corvette C6 report covers

• Start here: Verdict: score dashboard and best and worst years; Generation DNA: year-by-year changes and what the VIN tells you
• Buying: Failure atlas: known issues ranked by cost and likelihood, each with a walk away, negotiate or ignore verdict; Rust map; Printable pre-purchase inspection, about 45 minutes
• Owning: First 90 days: what to fix first; Real-world maintenance schedule; DIY job cards
• Modding: Mod-readiness scorecard; Build paths with budgets; Swaps, interchange and wheel and tire fitment
• Tracking: What breaks on track; Safety and tech inspection; Prep by level and setup baseline

Everything in a MettaCar report