NoOne

I've decided to get back into a Corvette, 2 Corvette's actually since now we are getting into our 4th year in business and things are going fantastic.

I went back and forth between a Z06 and a Convertible. We run track days during the summer and I really thought of going with a Z06 as a starting point but that would take away from regular driving getting it ready for the track.

So I decided on a C6 convertible and a super high mileage C5 FRC/Z06 that I'll turn into a track car and leave the 'vert for summer.

I keep going back and forth between the extra $$$ for the 08's vs the 07. Is the interior really that much better? It is just material changes, correct?

The LS2/LS3 difference is there but if I was going to do some mild work to the car not sure what the end true difference would be.

All I'm really looking for is a manual and heated seats. NAV and that I could care less about and would probably do my own radio anyways.

Mileage doesn't scare me much either but like to keep it around 50-60 so in 2-3 years I won't have more than 85-90 on it when I goto sell.

My budget is sort of set, so its either an 06/07 and more stuff to buy for it, or an 08/09 and keep it more stock this year. What I know for sure is a BBK for either or.

Looking to buy within the next month. We take off for a cruise in a few weeks and want to pick it up right after coming back so I get a full summer out of it here in Michigan.

I do not think there are too many major mechanical issues. I have a full garage and do my own work but they seem pretty solid overall regardless of the year.

Any tips on what to look for/avoid?

ROD BROWN

Hi, I had a2006 coupe with the z51 pkg and 6 speed stick. I was rear ended and the insurance paid me off so I purchased an 09 with the same features. If you can jump into a LS3,I think you will be happier

40 more horse power,The shifting on the LS3 is much smoother,the engine had quite a few up grades,and the LS3 heads are (supposed) to breathe better, and a few other goodies.As for the interior,I couldn't see any real difference in the seats or upholstery. Good hunting! Rod

SSTEVEGS

Here are two identically optioned 'Verts. The red one is an LS2 the blue is an '08 with the LS3. The LS2 got a much better start (maybe tires and bilstein shocks) but the end result is pretty impressive.
I consistently ran .5 faster in the 1/4.

Vette_DD

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1563694469-post5.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1572068640-post2.html

timd38

I would buy the newest one I could afford. They get a little better every year. The only one I would avoid is an 05.

I have a 2006, but I don't buy used cars, so I got it new in 2006.

Looking forward to my 2015!

jon6.0

If you can get an LS3 car, I would do it.

Here's my 2011 as I progressed through simple bolt ons.

437rwhp and 427rwtq. Dyno conditions were perfect. The correction factor was 1.00, lol. My tuner is NicD in Phoenix.

Mods:
Pfadt 1 3/4 headers w/ offroad x pipe
Factory Z06 axle back
Cordes Performance ported intake manifold
Callaway cold air intake





Headers untuned was 425/421. The lower graph was last year with only a Callaway CAI, 405/399.

bud miller

maybe look for an 09 csc...lightweight, m6,npp,z51, and HUD, check out the stickey at top of gen discussion...

god luck on your find......

EVL JAKE

LS3's are faster stock, you can't argue that. The LS2 isn't bad either but it does take some work to get it up to an LS3. My buddy ran 12.0 with a bone stock LS3 on a drag radial. I ran a 12.4 with a tune on my LS2 with the same drag radial. Granted his weather better, I would say you're looking at a 3/10 difference in the quarter.

huggerorange73

If you can afford it...go with the LS3.

Better building block to begin with....LS2 can fly as well, just takes a little more $$$ to do it.

LS3 can use stock heads and intake with a good cam and make serious power.

LS2 requires heads and an intake to hit the same power levels.

All about your budget and future plans.

NoOne

08 it is then.

Now the hard part, finding a vert in white without a black interior. I prefer the dark interiors but not with the top down cooking yourself.

Thanks for the replies.