Looking into a Corvette... manual of course.
Not sure I should look for used or not C7

Debating what to get:
ZR1, not worth it.

debating
1. Z06 base + Performance Data Recorder
2. GrandSport base + Performance Data Recorder


debate1:
There is an 18k$ difference between both and to my understanding, the only diff is the engine.
Is it worth it, given that in both cases, I'll probably end up going for more power... the GS for sure, the Z06, just a matter of time.

debate2:
Also debating getting the z07 package (carbon brakes)... or just go after market high end steel brakes with better stopping power.
Comes with the magnetic ride suspension... or should i just go w valved or adjustable Penske race coil-overs?

Things for sure:
Getting cage
Getting real bucket seats
Getting full aero package (LG seems to have a good one)
upgrade transmission to PPG-t56-H or PPG-t56-sequential (thinking more sequential)

What would you guys do ?
Thanks,

I’d buy a well sorted and proven C5 or C6 race car. You’d save a ton of money and have a safer, more durable car.

i'd consider finding used c7... or c7 race car

If you're looking to spend new or nearly new C7 money, why not get the zr1? Or, get a used z06 and make sure to whatever cooling system fixes need done. I'm not rich so I could never comprehend spending crazy money on fixing/replacing carbon brakes. Check the prices for parts for those.
Since I'm poor I can only comprehend a C6 built. But a C7 GS would be my AX and HDPE choice. I think at whatever HP it makes would be more than enough until I wanted a FULL race car. Which is all about lightness not raw HP.

I'm along the lines of Mac, even thinking of dropping 50k on a base c7 seems crazy but I'm cheap. So it might as well be a new ZR1 which would be my dream car for it's outrageous performance and looks. My obtainable dream car would be a well prepared c5z, it's the lightest starting out and enough power, but again I'm cheap so I'll keep rocking the 4th gen.

I'd pass on the carbon brakes. They are supposed to be pretty spectacular, but they are also silly expensive to replace and they seem to need replaced after some levels of track use. I believe they are a "lifetime" product on a street car, but track use will eat up consumables and $10k brake jobs aren't fun. I'd buy standard brakes and expect to put Stoptech/Brembo/etc on it and consider it fixed. The stock multi pad, multi piston calipers that were first seen on the C6 Z06 are complete crap for hard use. I don't know if GM built proper left and right rotors for the C7, I'm assuming they didn't, but I'm not sure about that. Either way, toss those in the trash before you hit the track (just sell them to some kid with a 4th gen and 18" wheels).

Carbon in track aren't ideal either after lg input.
So thinking more gs with aero and big brakes, penske coil overs and cage... Séquentiel tranny with clutch and eventually redo engine... At least 1000hp.
Price would still be under zr1 with more power and better package imho.

My winter beater had 400hp and not enough.
Camaro has over 1k hp... Would like some more

the only other alternative seems to either be:
Porsche GT3 (too under powered)

or get into major fab projects... such as a
1. Caterham 7 w/ the Hayabusa power train (sequential w 260hp) (<1000lbs vehicle)
2. Ultima Evolution. $$$
3. SuperLite SLC w/ TT LSX engine

If going that route, not even sure if I would fit in a Caterham 7

The Vette GS fully moded, just seems to be the cheapest and easiest project.
I tend to like newer, vs older.
Thinking on getting ~1500+hp and remove some weigth... so the car should be fun and HyperCar performance/handling.
I really want to focus on the aero + handling, though.