[POLL] Cross-Plane vs Flat-Plane – Which Corvette V8 Sounds Best?

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Corvette Nation, we’ve officially reached a “cross”roads. After years of touting the rumble of our LS/LT V8s as the pinnacle of automotive soundtracks, the top dog in our kennel is suddenly barking a new tune. Most of the acoustic differences between the new 2023 Z06’s LT6 and Corvettes of old boil down to the layouts of their respective crankshafts. What’s the difference, and which one would walk away with the record deal in an automotive version of The Voice? Let’s get into this with a brief overview of cross vs. flat cranks and a pair of no-nonsense example videos before we head to the polls!

Cross-Plane Crankshafts

Since the Corvette became The Corvette by hitching its wagon to the Chevrolet small block in 1955, legendary and revolutionary V8s have come and gone; whether you’re talking about a 327 “Fuelie,” a DOHC LT5, or a Supercharged LS9, they all have something in common in their cross-plane crankshafts.

Cross-Plane Crankshafts


CPCs feature four journals arranged at 90 intervals that result in the 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 firing order behind the Corvette’s famed throaty burble. In production form, this distinctive “American Thunder” peaked after the advent and eventual perfection of fully customizable dual-mode exhaust throughout the C6 and C7 years. The cross-plane crank, full-open “Track Mode” pipe combination unlocked levels of volume and auditory indulgence that were once the exclusive domain of the aftermarket.

Flat Plane Crankshafts

The FPC arranges its two pairs of journals at 180 intervals. Firing order isn’t as important with FPCs; rather, their unique sound comes from the fact that they always alternate between cylinder banks. A flat crank V8 also doesn’t need the same bulky counterweights as its cross-plane equivalent; therefore, it is free to spin faster and rev higher – characteristics that contribute to its high-pitched exotic wail. The FPC and its siren song have been Ferrari staples since the firm started minting bent 8s for Christie Brinkley’s 308, but the lineage’s singing voice has taken a very public hit in the past decade with the inclusion of turbochargers. American automakers have recently taken an interest in the high-revving benefits of flat-plane crank design. 2023 marks the first time GM has employed an FPC in one of its V8s. Naturally, America’s Sports Car and its C8.R racing counterpart provided the perfect FPC proving ground to great effect. Since the General applied the truest of Detroit sciences – no replacement for displacement – to their FPC V8, it was also able to exceed power targets without having to resort to forced induction, surprising the world with a burlier Stateside return of Ferrari’s greatest hits album! Since the FPC Z06 was released to the media, you’d be hard-pressed to make it one paragraph into a review without a reference to how great its engine – and engine note – truly is.

Flat Plane Crankshafts


But Which Sounds Better?

It’s almost time to make a choice between two of our heroes, but this is such a tough call that we think a fresh listen is in order. First, we will throw it over to Aaron Wagler, who separated himself during our deep dive of YouTube C7 Z06 exhaust clips by keeping things short and sweet while also showcasing the wide vocal range of his gorgeous Laguna Blue 2015 Z06!


Wow! It’s easy to forget exactly how ferocious the Big Nasty can be; that sound is enough to turn even your wimpiest Crosstrek-driving neighbor into a grunting Tim “The Toolman” Taylor for a brief second! Now we’ll hear a rebuttal from the new kid on the block, courtesy of a Performance on Wheels channel that approached C8Z revs with a similar “get straight to business” mentality as Mr. Wagler. Take it away, Gemini Project!


[Picks up jaw off of floor] Well, good luck, folks! To say that this is going to be a difficult choice is to be mocked with retorts like “Yeah, and water’s wet!” Those clips pretty much say it all, so let’s go ahead and open those floodgates. Which sound do you prefer, the classic V8 rumble of the C7 Z06 or the exotic howl of the C8 Z06?

Cross-Plane vs Flat-Plane - Which Corvette V8 Sounds Best?

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Related:
[VIDEO] That’s One Way to Quiet Your C8 Corvette Stingray on a Cold Start
[VIDEO] First Start and Revs for Emelia’s Twin Turbo Corvette Z06
[VIDEO] C8 Z06 Indy 500 Pace Car Start Up and Stingray Z51 Hot Lap at the Monticello Motor Club

 



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22 COMMENTS

  1. The C8 Z06 must not have been a cold start. I’ve heard one and it is amazing. I have a 2023 C8 Stingray, while it sounds really good on a cold start, the Z06 is better.

  2. I love the c7 Z06 better but the sound of Ford GT350 with the flat plane crank sounds better. I know this is sacrilegious on this page but that is a nicer sound.

  3. The flat plane sounds like a Yamaha or Suzuki crotch rocket. It’s why I chose my last Corvette to be my 70th. Anniversary Z51 I just took delivery of last week.

  4. If you have ever gone to an IMSA race the flat plane cars sound like the rest. However there was no missing the roar of a LMP2 C5, C6, or C7. Hearing the DPI Cadillacs coming is awesome.

  5. 2011 Z06 Carbon/Z07 exhaust sounds better than either of the two choices. Special GM exhaust that year.

  6. Best sounds come from a 60 deg v12. Followed by a flat plane v8 unless you are deaf with almost complete hearing loss

  7. Joe K. You’re right, sorry about that! I’ll tell the boss, but I’m not sure this one has enough steam left in it to warrant a weekend edit.

  8. I agree with Doug…Any Corvette sounds good…lol

    I do prefer the throaty, deeper, growl of the CPC. It is more visceral. Even in the higher rev ranges. There is just something about it that you feel in your gut. It excites you in a way that you are going to tame a beast.

    The FPC appeals to the thinker/artisan in me. It is melodious and grabs your soul in a different way. A more refined way. The difference is like getting onto a racehorse and riding compared to holding on to the bull and imposing your will to stay on.

    Both have their adrenaline pumping experiences. And one can appreciate and desire both. And I do.

    To me, the attempt to control the beast appeals to me more than to steer the power of the racehorse. (but not by much…..LOL)

  9. Well said, Pete! I feel the exact same way!
    The picture discussed above has been updated. Thank you all for participating!

  10. C8 Z06 sounds like an exotic and is why I am buying one. I like the C7 but the C8 is superior in handling due to mid-engine and the FPC torque doesnt break the tires loose as easily coming out of a corner. If I would get a C7 Z06 or ZR1 I would cam it, add 2650 & supporting mods so it will lope like a real V8 should sound. But thats just my opinion, and opinions are like armpits, everyone has them and they all stink.

  11. I believe the 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 cross plane firing order quoted in the article was from the original small block V8. It’s been revised somewhat since the introduction of the LS engine in 1997.

  12. C8 Z06 note is a lot sharper, not as throaty or low pitched. Of course I have a ‘15 Z06 with a Corsa X-pipe that eliminates the secondary cats, so I biased. But, man mine pops and crackles, when it’s rev-ed.

  13. Traditional throaty hot rod sound or the high pitched European thoroughbred racer sound? I’ll take a Lexus LFA…the best sounding engine.

  14. The C7 ‘recording’ all the way…. However I did finally get to see a C8 Z06 on the highway and the guy was getting on it (saw a police car fly by no doubt chasing after him a few moments later LOL) and I’ll say in person, the C8 Z06 sounds completely different than any video I’ve seen and it was impressive. I’ve never seen a youtube video where the C8 Z06 that sounds good at all, some science thing about microphones and the pitch/tone of the exhaust not getting recorded right or something, you can’t capture it’s sound properly. It sounds amazing in person.

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