RWD_tech

Hey guys,

I've always wanted a C6 Z06 ever since I was a tech at the Chevy dealer back in 07 and got to drive them after working on them. A year ago I decided to buy a new 2013 Mustang GT due to a supplier discount through my previous employer. I love the car, but it needs to be faster, and now I'm contemplating putting a blower and supporting mods on it, or just spending a little more and trading in for a Z06. I was at a dealer this weekend, and they said they could get me $26-27k for my Mustang, which is on par with the Blue Book value. I'm willing to get a Z06 with higher miles if its in the mid $30's. I've seen a few on autotrader in that price range with anywhere from 20k mi to 70k mi. Realistically, what should I expect (condition and miles) for a Z06 in that range?

I also had a couple other questions. What year did they change transmissions? I've heard the T56 kinda sucks, but is it THAT bad? The 07 I test drove this weekend had some pretty long throws, but that's nothing a shifter couldn't fix. How much power are people making with the stock clutch and trans?

Also, the seats in the 07 where horribly stiff and gave me bad back pain after 15 minutes of driving (I am 6'1 and 180 lbs). Are they all that bad, or was it just that car?

Mark2009

You might have a hard time finding one for $35K at a dealer. Rather than try too hard to sell your current ride I might just up my target a couple $K. Plus some states allow sales tax incentive on a trade versus an outright buy; could be $1200-1500 savings right there.

All the seats suck equally, but first I've heard of back pain.

About the only issue you'll see with higher miles will be cosmetic -- more seat and interior wear, more rock chips on the nose and the fenders (from the tires). Other than the valve guides the engines seem to wear very well even getting up near the 100K mile mark (reports of crosshatch still in the cylinder bores in excess of 50K miles). Some do have issues with water pumps, alternators, occasional A/C clutch (bearing) as the miles stack up, some don't.

Clutch seems to hold up well unless it is abused (drag racers).

I believe the trans was upgraded in 2008, but I don't think it is much of an issue either way. If you want to get every little upgrade over the years you'll be looking at a 2010 or newer and that's going to be far outside your budget. I'd focus on getting a car that's been treated well rather than one particular model year upgrade.

Good luck

FLC6

06's are going to high 20's to low 30's wholesale at auction. $35,000 should be no problem.

clogan

Had my '06 (45,000 miles, heads fixed) listed at $39,995 for three months...only one looker, and he could not get financing (so he said). I gave up tryingto sell; decided to keep it.

It's really a buyers market, no question.

RWD_tech

Yeah, I astonished at how much the Z06's have depreciated! I feel bad for owners, but its good for buyers! Hopefully most of you on here plan to never sell anyway

And I don't think I'm going to bother with financing this time if I can sell the Mustang in the high 20's or get a trade around that number. I've saved up enough to cover the difference.

As far as the rock chips, I know a good body shop in my area and I can get the front bumper resprayed if necessary. Who knows, maybe I'll find one with a clear bra on it. Do a lot of you guys put clear bras on yours? Seems to be more and more popular these days.

I live in Indiana, I don't think there is any sales tax incentive like that. That 7% sales tax will kill me though!! haha

Dirty Howie

Interested to see what you get and for how much


DH

markzeronine

It's doable. Low mile 06 thru 08s seem to be right around the 40 mark so I'd say 30k (If you're lucky) to 60k(should not be too hard) miles will get you there.

I've owned a base 08 with the newer t6060 (stock) and it felt good.

I bought my 06 z06 with the t56 (it doesn't suck by any means stock) but it already had a mgw shifter. It feels better at least to my preference..

ConfusedGarage

Good luck in your search, you'll find something soon I'm sure.

Don't be afraid of the T56. I have an 06 that has been 546 rwhp since day one, rps twin carbon, etc. I have 100+ drag passes in the 10's, hours and hours of track time, and lots of highway action. Original trans using redline D4 fluid plus a 2009+oem shifter, its like a warm knife through butter approaching 30,000 miles.

Mark2009

Better check with your local DMV... it appears that Indiana only taxes you on the difference paid when a trade-in is involved. Info may or may not be current:

chrisfromalbany

Find a Ford dealer stuck Z06 going into winter. Get good trade in numbers on Mustang. Get price Z06 down because we are going into winter. I say this because I did this last year.

08fastgsxr

I got lucky and found a good deal and the car is in great shape. I got mine for 34.... It just takes time and don't settle for anything less then what will make u happy

RWD_tech

I had no idea about this!! Thanks for finding this!!

Unreal

I would just put a blower on the mustang and be happy.

RWD_tech

even when a Z06 could be obtained for about $2k more than putting a blower on my Mustang? I still don't think I'll be in the 11's with a blower on my car as I currently run high 12's on street tires.

Unreal

Strange. My 2012 5.0 went 12.2@115 with $600 in mods, and now goes mid 11s n/a with just a bit more. If you can't go deep 10s with a blower you have an issue. I have a c6z and a 2012 GT, and I like the GT WAY WAY WAY more than the c6z. Especially if you are into straight line racing. If you want to auto-x/road course, then get a c5z and go crazy doing it.

Brandon619

Unreal, you meant C6 Z06? I do believe that a C6 Z06 is a far better platform than the C5 Z06 been there done than. Or was this an alternative to the higher priced C6Z? I owned a C5Z for close to 7 years and I loved that car but when I switched to a C6 Z51 Coupe it was hands down a more refined car, better seats, overall interior, motor and in my opinion just looks better.

Unreal

Nope, I'm talking c6z. I have a 2006 c6z and a 2012 GT. I would take the GT all day over the vette unless I wanted an autox/road course car. Mustang is just a better overall package for a daily driver, straight line, practical, overall car IMO.

VetteVinnie

Hehe. I ran a 10.9 on street tires.

Get a Z06. The most fun you'll have with your clothes on in a car. Just keep a change of underwear handy. Tires on those Mustangs are too skinny, IMO.

brendan.9

There getting there that's for sure i've got a whippled 03 cobra (632rwhp) and thinking of selling it to my buddy and getting a z06 in the spring. I want to go and drive one and see how i like ir i had a 02 vette before that I loved so should be big step from the c5 and the cobra. Problem is don't want to be in a slower car so want a H.C.I with LT exhaust on it maybe shot of nutritious just to be sure.

rprice

This is my 07 with the clear bra. You can't even see it and its on the front and rear quarter panels also. BTW I am not selling but if I were this 07 with 37K would not leave my hands for less than $40K