Katech answers the question: Can you improve the Z06?

Click the image above for a high-res pic.
Katech Performance, builders of the C6R Corvettes, took on the task of bringing the C6 Z06 up to the next level. That level includes a 600 HP motor, along with a thorough reworking of almost every component that makes up GM's blue-collar supercar.
To begin with, the "Street Attack" LS7 gets dismantled and then stuffed with forged 11:1 pistons and titanium con-rods. While the engine was cracked open, Katech replaced the valve springs, camshaft and retainers, along with porting the cylinder heads. All those modifications boost output an additional 100 HP, a figure that will supposedly be reached by the rumored Blue Devil 'Vette –- except this Z06 doesn't have to rely on forced induction.
All those additional ponies couldn't be found by just working over the block, so Katech replaced the stock exhaust manifold with a set of Kooks ceramic-coated headers and installed a CORSA stainless steel exhaust.
Power is sent to a higher performance clutch and an upgraded RPM Stage IV T56 tranny with cryo-treated greasy bits. As for stopping, the company opted to stick with the stock brakes and pads, only changing the brake fluid and installing Stoptech stainless steel braided brake lines.
Inside, a hand-stitched Caravaggio flat bottom unit replaces the stock steering wheel, while the shifter boot and parking brake sheath get replaced with the finest dead cow. A custom shift knob, along with a numbered plaque also increases the exclusivity ante.
Katech insists that the Street Attack is still capable of making the daily commute, albeit a bit louder and considerably faster than its stock counterpart.
The company's full press release is posted below.
PRESS RELEASE
MAKING THE BEST CORVETTE EVEN BETTER
Katech Performance Allies with Endurance Racing Legend Dick Barbour to
Produce Corvette C6 Z06 Package
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Katech Performance has made the Corvette C6 Z06 even better with more power and enhanced induction, cooling and exhaust. The C6 Z06 vehicle package (KAT-A4691) promises 600+ horsepower and fine finishing touches for enthusiasts who desire a truly unique Corvette.
To develop the package, Katech Performance consulted with endurance racing legend Dick Barbour of Dick Barbour Racing. Barbour's accomplishments include multiple 24 Hours of Le Mans and 12 Hours of Sebring class victories as well as three Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) championships.
"Katech's own rich motorsports history includes more than 50 driver's and manufacturer's championships," said Caleb Newman, vice president, director aftermarket operations, Katech Performance. "The C6 Z06 package draws from our collective expertise. We've crafted a vehicle worthy of the most astute Corvette aficionados."
The C6 Z06 package features a Katech Performance "Street Attack" LS7 engine with Katech forged 11:1 pistons, solid bushed titanium connecting rods, upgraded camshaft, high-lift beehive valvesprings, ultra-light titanium retainers and ported cylinder heads. Other modifications include a Katech adjustable billet aluminum belt tensioner, coil relocation brackets and paint-matched valve covers.
"Our Street Attack LS7 produces 600 horsepower for the C6 Z06," said Newman. "That's an increase of nearly 100 horsepower over stock. What we've created is one of the industry's most powerful yet durable and civilized engines. It's a thrill on the highway yet reserved on city streets. Our C6 Z06 is a true 600 horsepower daily driver."
Newman went on to explain that each Street Attack LS7 is hand built by the same technicians that produce championship winning engines for all Katech race programs. Each is meticulously calibrated and dyno-tested before leaving the facility.
Further C6 Z06 engine and exhaust enhancements include a Ron Davis custom aluminum radiator with integrated oil cooler, Goodridge oil cooler lines, high flow air filter, KoolMat race tunnel heat shield, Kooks ceramic-coated headers and a CORSA® 100-percent stainless steel performance exhaust system.
Katech Performance has enhanced the C6 Z06 transmission with a high-performance clutch and an RPM Transmission Stage IV T56 upgrade featuring 300M output shafts, bronze fork pads and cryo-treated, micropolished internals. Stoptech stainless steel braided brake lines and AP Racing Super 600 brake fluid have been added to ensure the C6 Z06 stops as quickly as it starts.
Inside, a Caravaggio hand-stitched steering wheel with a flat bottom, emergency brake boot and shift knob and boot make known the vehicle's elegant demeanor. Here the driver also will find a serialized Katech Performance manufacturer's plaque.
Katech Performance can transform a customer's C6 Z06 upon delivery to its Clinton Township, Mich., headquarters or can coordinate the vehicle's purchase directly through a dealership. For more information or to request a catalog, call 866-KATECH1 or visit Katech Performance online at www.katechengines.com.
Katech Performance, the aftermarket performance division of Katech Inc., engineers and manufactures race-proven crate engines and components for LS1/LS6 and LS2/LS7 engines including solid belt tensioners, coil relocation brackets, cylinder heads, dampers, pistons, push rods, throttle bodies and valve covers, among other high-performance products for the street and track.
Katech Inc. was founded on the need to provide responsive service and skills to factory race efforts in all forms of racing, including the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), NASCAR®, SCCA SPEED World Challenge, American Speed Association (ASA) and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Today, Katech is an industrial leader in advanced racing and high-performance engine development, manufacturing, testing and assembly, and offers support services for the professional racer including boring, honing, fabrication, welding and prototype parts development.












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gregg W. 1:44PM (4/13/2007)
...it could a few more louvers in the hood. No such thing as too many louvers. Maybe some flames down the doors.
Reply
matt 1:51PM (4/13/2007)
Gregg.... you are forgetting SIDEPIPES!
Reply
Joe 1:57PM (4/13/2007)
I have a fever... prescription... more louvers...
Reply
Todd 2:29PM (4/13/2007)
Corvette drivers make better louvers...
Reply
Waltzon 2:35PM (4/13/2007)
Todd-- be serious! Corvette drivers don't make better louvers. There is way more room in the passenger's seat.
Reply
Tim 2:43PM (4/13/2007)
Surprising that you guys failed to note that Katech builds the C6R Corvettes.
That hood is a copy of the C6R hood.
Reply
drew 2:48PM (4/13/2007)
vette's are very nice cars for the price but im just really sick of them. But i guess as long as they keep making 'em Old men Will keep buying 'em.
Reply
Damon Lavrinc 2:52PM (4/13/2007)
Tim - Thought we did. It's been corrected. Thanks.
Reply
Geoff 3:24PM (4/13/2007)
You guys also forgot to mention that it comes with a mullet fluffer and the ability to jump straight in and drive, even with your bowling wrist brace still on. ;)
Reply
Chris Taylor 3:35PM (4/13/2007)
go to the corsa exhaust website if you haven't been there. you can listen to some GREAT exhaust notes. a very fun way to waste 20 mins.
Reply
spdracerut 3:40PM (4/13/2007)
Just have to be careful with the front air splitter on driveways :)
Reply
Gregg W. 3:47PM (4/13/2007)
...I love the comments, but now I'm forced to rent Corvette Summer with Mark Hamill and Annie Potts...thanks.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077372/
Reply
Katech 4:01PM (4/13/2007)
That is the World Challenge hood, not the C6.R hood. Very different.
Reply
RDL 4:03PM (4/13/2007)
At an entry level price of $70K+, no "blue-collar" worker *I* know could afford this car...
Reply
HotRodzNKustoms 4:07PM (4/13/2007)
I like it, but will it pass CA smog?
Reply
Duck 4:14PM (4/13/2007)
#9. You guys also forgot to mention that it comes with a mullet fluffer.
LOL. There's my laugh for the day, thanks.
Reply
Mr. Oak 4:42PM (4/13/2007)
The corvette is the one true badass car most of us will ever be able to afford. The Z06 still this side of 100K can stare down just about any super car. It deserves more respect that the comments of some of the clowns who post here.
If this exact car came out of europe, some of you fools would be standing there drooling while you pulled your meat.
Reply
Toy Yoda 5:21PM (4/13/2007)
Mr. Oak. You're wrong.
If they put in about $10,000 dollars worth of interior upgrades, replaced the flags with a German provincial flag, gave the car a German name like "Schneller", then sold it for 5x it's current value, every German fanboy would be having a hard-on.
Reply