SinnerZ06

Here's a question for you. Can a C5 be built / modified to out-perform a C7 on the track? Not just quarter mile, but the road course as well? What about model-for-model? C5 FRC vs C7 FRC, C5 Z06 vs C7 Z06, etc.

I just saw a thread talking about Jack Olsen's videos in which he compares his built '73 911 to the new GT3 around the Willow Springs track:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...che-video.html

He did a damn good job building up that car to compete with the most modern of Porsche's. Got me thinking - what would need to be done in the following categories (or outside these categories) to a C5 to bring it to modern performance levels?

1. Engine / Transmission
2. Brakes / Tires
3. Suspension
4. Aerodynamic modifications

Uhhtaken

I would say with any amount of money you could take and upgrade a car enough to put perform another.

alxltd1

Yes, but the question becomes at what point is it more economically feasible to just buy the C7 than spend the money to make the C5 equal or better performance wise?

Mattie Num Nums

Yep! I have been on the track with several. My investment is no where near a C7's base price.

chaase

With enough money, anything is possible.

racebum

lap times? that would be easy, the c5 is at no disadvantage, in fact it's lighter and has better aero

a 73 porsche is in a different world compared to a gt3, that would be like trying to make a 73 vette compete with a c7. much much harder than a c5 v c7 which is more of a 996 vs new gt3 comparison

the c5 z06 with minor upgrades would have you there.

martysauto

I agree with racebum. I don't think it would take a whole lot cash and mods for a c5z to run similar lap times as a c7 - in the hands of a skilled driver. One of the things all the magazine writers talk about is how much easier it is to drive a c7 very fast. That part probably can't be duplicated.

Mattie Num Nums

The C5 can be difficult especially with power adders. It tends to want to start flying above 120MPH and it has quite a bite under braking. Coils helped the diving into corners a lot for me and the front bumper I have helped the V1 rotating. Also, to be fast with the C5 you have to learn how to drive with the TCS off. With some practice, bolts ons, coils, sways, and some good tires, you will be able to hang with a C7 at 1/4th of the price.

troyguitar

No problem when it comes to pure performance or lap times, the only things that are hard to duplicate are the electronics.

The C5 isn't going to have the same level of sophistication in its ABS, traction control, stability control, launch control, automatic transmission shift speed (or automatic rev matching in the manuals) - nor is it likely to have a suspension that can be switched from "track" to "touring" modes without spending a LOT of time and money on development.

Mattie Num Nums

I kind of don't want all those fancy gadgets driving for me though.

martysauto

Fancy gadgets you can turn them off just like in a c5 or c6. The good thing with the c7 is you can dial them back in stages or turn them off completely.

troyguitar

I don't value them either, that's why I am putting a bunch of money into my C5 instead - but I must admit that the heated competition seats and electronically adjustable suspension make the C7 a lot nicer to drive on the street than my C5 even if it's not any faster on the track.

Mattie Num Nums

I just want the cockpit and seats. The cockpit is superb!

Shirl

LOL... I was just talking about this the other day. I spent 1/3 of the cost of a C7 Z06 on my C5. This includes the cost of the car and installation of several bolt-ons including a supercharger to do 10's in the quarter mile. If that's not a bargain, I don't know what is! Makes absolutely no sense for me to even look into any C7 right now. The LS motors are proven to make incredible power.

chaase

The power difference isn't large enough between a C7 and a newer C5Z to warrant the added weight of a supercharger. You can make up all of that power and more with a H/C package and a full exhaust. Add better brake compound, better tires, front/rear sway bars and shocks and you will be in the vicinity of the C7 at the track. From there, it is just a matter of fine tuning everything.

If C7 performance is your goal, take it to a road course and see where you are. You can slowly start upgrading until you are there.

Mattie Num Nums

I still don't understand all this added weight talk. My car when I had it corner balanced with an A&A Supercharger and all the mods in my sig, ¼ tank of gas was 3250lbs with me in it. 635RWHP @ 3250lbs thats a pretty impressive power to weight.

Shirl

And at least a low 10 in the 1/4 ! Nice #'s!!

mark b

Its not the car its the driver, mod the driver and you will be as fast as most C7 drivers on track.. with minor mods you will be there.. But the C5 requires more of your attention than a C7..so driving a C5 will make you a better driver.. But if you want to mod a C5 to C7 interior specs, That's not worth it and probably close to impossible..

lionelhutz

C5 vs C7 wouldn't be hard but at 1/4 the price? You're not going to buy a C5 and then adding supercharger, brakes, coil-overs, headers, cam, wheels, Tigershark bumper, etc for $20k. Dream-on.

alxltd1

I would agree that 1/4 of the price of a C7 sounds low, and I think most fail to cost out their own time when doing the installs themselves. Labor cost is not free, even your own, when evaluating the cost comparison.