Corvette Z06 Performance Packages - Inside The HPE Toybox

Stage II Stinger Package
The HPE Stage II Stinger package retails for $5,495 and consists of the following:
* American Racing 1 7/8-inch stainless steel headers
* American Racing X-Pipe with 3-inch metal-matrix catalytic converters
* HPE C6ZS2 Cam Package
* Callaway "Honker" Cold Air Kit
* Motorad 160-degree thermostat
* Custom throttle-body-porting service
* Custom dyno tuning
* Labor, system installation

Both the Stinger Stage II and Stage III packages are designed to increase airflow through the ravenous LS7 motor. (The only difference between the two is the choice of camshaft.) The stock LS7 heads are excellent performers, but simply applying an off-the-shelf LS cam can create poor performance due to these heads' unique intake and exhaust characteristics.

HPE's C6ZS2 cam package is for the enthusiast who wants a mild lope at idle and excellent drivability. The cam itself is a Comp custom grind that features 230/242 duration (at 0.050), a 114 LSA, and 0.607/0.620 lift when used with 1.8 rockers. Included in the cam package are Comp 921 dual valve springs, retainers, Super 7 locks, locators, seals, and a new crankshaft-balancer bolt.

HPE relies on American Racing Headers to supply the package's exhaust components. The included ARH long-tube headers feature 1 7/8-inch primaries, 3-inch collectors, and extra-long, tuned-length pipes. ARH also supplies the 3-inch mid-pipe, which uses an aluminized center section, a built-in X-crossover, and two high-flow, metal-matrix cats. (An off-road version with O2 sensor extensions is also available.) Additional airflow is provided by a Callaway Honker cold-air kit and the aforementioned HPE throttle-body porting.

According to Anders, gains of 50-70 rear-wheel hp are common with the Stage II package. It should be noted that the test results shown here were obtained using one of HPE's early prototype cars. Subsequent changes to the camshaft and exhaust components have reportedly resulted in even greater power increases.

Owner: Sanjay Mehta
Car: '06 Z06
Color: Machine Silver Metallic
Current Mileage: 5,000

The Z06's tires were not warmed prior to its first pass, resulting in a mediocre 60-foot time. For the car's second run, owner Sanjay Mehta performed a proper, pre-run burnout, at which point the Z spat out its right-axle CV-coupler housing, effectively ending the day. A better representation of the car's performance came earlier in the year, when Mehta posted an 11.30 at 130 mph in similar conditions at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas.