LannyL81

Where could I find out the differences in the mechanicals between a 2004 Z06 and a 2004 'Vert with a manual trans?

Are the transmissions the same?
I know there are differences between the LS6 and LS1, just have not found an actual list.
Are brakes the same?
I assume spring rates and sway bar diameters are different.

Thanks

Vetteman Jack

This might help you a bit:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...004/specs.html

PhysicsDude55

The transmissions are not the same, The Z06 has different gear ratios, the equivalent of having a 3.90 rear axle ratio vs. a normal C5 axle ratio of 3.42.

LannyL81

Thank You....yes this was exactly what I was wanting to start with.

Understand the transmissions have different gear ratios, but they appear to be the same design/same manufacturer...is this correct?

Any good sites that details the LS1 vrs LS6 engine?

PhysicsDude55

Yes they're interchangeable, the only major difference is the gear ratios. Its unconfirmed if they have stronger internal parts like bronze shift forks, etc. Many people say they do, but many transmission builders say that they usually don't find anything different when they open them up. I tend to believe the internals are identical in most cases.

The differential on a Z06 has slightly stronger gears, so it should be able to withstand more power, but I don't think its much stronger than a normal diff, and most of the cases I've seen of people ruining differentials from too much power is the case cracking, not the gears breaking. Again, its interchangeable with other C5 differentials, but the gears are Shot Peened which makes them stronger.

I believe the only significant differences on the LS6 vs. an LS1 is the intake is better, the cam is a little more aggressive, and the heads flow a little better.

Z06 has a different exhaust made out of titanium which weighs less, is a little less restrictive, and a little louder.

Its also worth noting that 01-04 C5s have many improvements over 97-00 C5's.

The basic rundown of the differences between an 04 vert and 04 Z06:

The vert obviously is a convertible while the Z06 doesn't have any sort of removable roof. The coupe has removable roof panel, so its kind of a compromise between the 2.

The Z06 weighs roughly 120 lbs less than the vert, and has stiffer suspension and sway bars, so it will handle better.

The Z06 has 20-30 more horsepower, and different gear ratios, so in a straight line it will be noticeably faster.

The Z06 has less sound deadening, no tire pressure monitors, no fog lights, and different seats. I believe the Z06 has less power options on its seats, but is a slightly more padding on the bolsters, while the vert seats have more air bladders on the lumbar and bolsters for more adjustment.

I know I'm forgetting some things, but that's all the important stuff, IMO.

When I was shopping for my convertible, I had a hard time finding a 6 speed convertible, it seems that most of them made were automatics. And the manual convertibles that I did find seemed to be a little more expensive, about the same price as a comparable Z06. I'm sure happy with my purchase though, if your car is more of a toy and less of a daily driver, I really love driving with the top down, but the Z06 is certainly a higher performance car, its more of a street legal track car.

LannyL81

Physicsdud55 - thanks for the information....good stuff to know.

I too am finding it difficult to locate a manual 'vert. The use of which will be for cursing around, never to a track of any kind. And regarding prices...agree...finding the same. I may just wait until winter months and see if I can get better price on a 'vert then.

Thanks once again for the info.

PhysicsDude55

Even though I live in a large corvette market - Dallas, TX, I could only find 1 or 2 manual convertibles for sale at any given moment. I ended up driving 400 miles to Louisiana to pick up my '03 manual convertible, and I could not be happier. I think it definitely pays off to wait for what you want instead of settling.

I ended up putting a new engine + turbo in my vert to push about 700hp, and its a blast. Z06s come faster from the factory, but you can make any corvette fast with a little bit of money and work... just my 2 cents.