When you’re a company like Katech, pushing the boundaries of modern technology is an absolute must. And what better way to do that than with one of your very own employee’s C7 Z06? You may recognize the Katech name from their long stint with Corvette racing as they helped return the program to prominence in the early 2000s. And while they no longer work with the Corvette team, they haven’t slowed down at all and this beast is the perfect example of just that.

Judging by the exhaust note at the first of the video would be enough to tell you that this isn’t your average Corvette, but that would be a massive understatement. The guys over at Winding Road met up with Jason Harding, the owner of the aforementioned Corvette and director of aftermarket operations at Katech, to take this beauty for a spin and discuss just what exactly makes this particular Corvette so special.

The Highlights

In case you don’t want to watch the 21+ minute video we’ll sum up some of the car’s highlights for you. The car in question is actually a product development and marketing vehicle for Katech. Obviously this means it has been stuffed with all sorts of aftermarket components which allow the Katech C7Z to out perform its unmodified brethren. Needless to say, to improve upon the Z06 at all is an accomplishment in and of itself.

The first thing you’ll likely notice is just how beastly this thing sounds. Exhaust note comes courtesy of a Corsa exhaust and American Racing 2-inch primary headers. The engine has been worked over with a Katech Stage 4 engine package which includes a Halltech Stinger RZ carbon fiber intake, Katech 103mm throttle body, Katech ported supercharger and snout, CNC ported heads, Lingenfelter GT35 camshaft, supercharger pulley, and the supporting fuel, cooling, and ignition modifications.

All said and done, this LT4 is belting out an impressive 850 horsepower and 840 lb-ft of torque. All of this is accomplished on E85 and the car has been fit with a flex fuel system that allows it to run pump gas as well—though we’re not quite sure why you would do that.

In Suspense

But the real crowning achievement here is the DSC Sport suspension controller. You’re probably aware that the Z06 comes with Magnetic Selective Ride Control stock, but this Katech Corvette takes the suspension one step further. The DSC controller actually allows Katech to tune the suspension characteristics to perform exactly how they want them—just like you would use software to tune your engine. The module is even WiFi enabled meaning you could technically tune the car’s suspension from your phone if you want.

With this setup, they can actually allow the car to adjust for better launches, keep the nose from diving under heavy braking, and even discern the difference between a quick hit from say a pothole or actually diving into a corner. In the drivetrain department, the car is still sporting the stock TR6060 but a lightweight flywheel has been fitted that shaves a massive 24 pounds off the stock setup allowing for lightning quick throttle blips.

Cool Down

Obviously the stock Z06 cooling system could use some help so the heat exchanger has been replaced with a unit from TIKT. Katech has also fit the car with two separate cooling systems that circulate via two individual pumps. This, combined with custom ducting throughout the car, bypass all of the C7Z’s notorious overheating issues.

As a testament to the Z06’s braking system, the stock Z07 package binders have been retained, though the car has been fit with Carbotech XP10 front pads.

Rolling Stock

The car sits on Katech KT1 19X10 inch wheels up front and 20X12s at the rear shod in 285/30R19 and 335/25R20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires respectively. Katech titanium lug nuts help reduce unsprung weight and help reduce rolling inertia in the process.

The car has also been treated to a myriad of body and aero modifications which include TIKT carbon fiber front splitter, Katech carbon fiber stage 3 splitter end plates, carbon fiber side skirts, a Katech carbon fiber spoiler, and rear diffuser.

The Long And The Short

Basically, this C7Z is a racecar that can, and is, used on almost a daily basis. Gone are the days when you have to choose between the two. This just may be one of the best all around Corvettes that we’ve ever seen and we expect nothing less from the guys over at Katech. But that’s enough from us, so sit back, turn the speakers up and listen to this thing rip!