wmk32

Anyone have any comments good/bad/indifferent about a regular C5 as a track car? Anything i should look for when purchasing a good c5 hpde car, or certain things to definitely avoid?

The Z06 and FRC look like nice options, but the price points seem much higher than a base c5 without too much benefit.

Bimota Guy

The Z06 is 100 lb lighter, handles better (better springs, shocks, sways, and wider wheels), and has 50 more HP (2002-04.)

For any C5, a trans cooler, bigger radiator, and oil cooler would be good adds if you will drive it hard. Also, brake cooling ducts for the front. Safety gear (rollbar, race seat, harness, fire suit, etc.) are a good idea.

rfn026

The C5 is a great track car. If I didn't have so much tied up in my old C4 I would buy one in a heartbeat.

Don't worry about modifications until you've run a half dozen events. Then buy a set of really good DOT tires. Then you can begin the slide down the long slippery slope.

Spend your money on motels and food. Get as much seat time as you can. Avoid the modifications route for the first year. Remember most people quit track events after the first few. You may not enjoy going fast.

Richard Newton
Corvette C5 Performance Projects: 1997-2004

AU N EGL

The C5 is easy to work on, lots of parts and up grades available.

So many guys run C5s that if you have a problem or question, ask. Some will have an answer and are always willing to help

ddl6289

I've been told by someone in Speed GT World Challenge series that the rear window design of the C5 coupe has better aero than the FRC/Z06 design and that's why there is no FRC design for the C6. It's easier to clean up the air with a wing on the coupe versus a FRC/Z06.

6SPEEDZ

yes the C5 coupe has better aero than the FRC or Z06. That is why the C5R's were coupes. at most of are skill levels we don't need to be worry about ultimate aero of our cars more about the driver. the whole reason behind the FRC existing was an entry level corvette it did not sell as well as intended so they created the Z06 out of the FRC.

wmk32

Thanks for the info all. I'm currently doing DE's in a c6 but that is pretty much the only time i drive that car so figured moving to a c5 makes more financial sense.

I did expect to spend a few bucks on a new radiator with oil cooler and brake ducting. Does anyone know if a sparco evo 2 will fit in a c5? How about Pfadt seat mounts for the c6?

AU N EGL

YES, But has absolutly nothing to do with HPDEs or track day events

Going faster by 2/10s is the last thing you should worry about.

J.R.

C5 is a great track car for the money.

Lots of parts available.

Great info on setup on this forum.

and it is a Corvette.

GettReal

As mentioned before, tons of parts and knowledge around for the C5, makes it real easy to deal with when something happens to the car.. I even made my Vert a track car

sperkins

http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=22985

rustyguns

I dont know what track he drives but i need my ABS on the track!

bobmoore2

The only thing I would add to all the above posts is to get your C5 with the Z51 performance handling option. Z51 will give you a noticeable difference in handling on track versus the base suspension.

You want a manual transmission also, of course.

Bob

Massc5

PM sent

95jersey

If you are going to leave the car stock, go with the Z06...BIG difference. If you are going to mod the hell out of it, just go with a C5 and save the money for mods.

But if money is an issue in the first place, then you are most likely NOT going to mod the hell out of it, so SPEND the extra few grand and get a Z06, that way you don't have to spend the $10k in aftermarket parts trying to catch one...make sense? CHEAP IS EXPENSIVE in this scenario.

wmk32

That's a possibility - money isn't really an issue but i'd much rather spend the excess cash on event fees, hotels, consumables, etc. I suppose i need to do additional homework on the Z as I didn't think it offered much more other than horsepower above the regular C5

95jersey

HP is actually a small, but significant portion of what it adds. Try lighter weight which would be very difficult to replicate without ripping out the interior, also the Z has better gearing (different tranny). The Z also has front and rear brake ducts, wider tires/rims, stiffer sway bars and stiffer leaf springs just to start. You would have to buy all of this stuff with a standard C5. Again the HARDCORE track guys will care less as they plan on dumping $20k into the car anyway, but unless you plan on dumping an extra $10k into a C5, I would spend the extra few grand up front for the Z. Also, the LS6 responds to mods MUCH better down the road than the LS1.

hamdog

I went through the same exact decision process 1 year ago and decided to go with a clean '98, 1 owner Coupe with 36k miles for $17K. You can't find a Z06 in similar condition anywhere near that price.

Tracking - I think it's an awesome car for both autocrossing and tracking (Summit, VIR etc). It's very balanced and well behaved. With that said, the suspension needs work. It's way too soft at the limits. I intend on going with coilovers and stiffer sway bars to start. You have other less expensive options.

Weight -You can easily shave off a considerable amount of weight with some mods and removal of unnecessary parts. I've been able to shave off about 120 pounds of weight (150 pounds without top) by replacing seats, exhaust, battery and removal of windshield washer tank, airbags etc. Here are some more ways:
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/archiv...p/t-32107.html

Structural rigidity - If you are serious about racing, one of the first things you'll need is a cage which will help stiffen the car.

Conclusion: Buy a C5 Couple and spend the difference in some worthy mods and you'll have yourself an awesome track car with capabilities way beyond the Z06.

Good luck with the search!

sdef

my tech told me not to try and make my 50th coupe into a track car, but to buy an older zo6. He was right, and he turned me onto a firesale 2002 with 6000 miles in chase me yellow. The z06 is a much better track car, the coupe is a better touring car.

undertaker

i have a 99 coupe that I threw Z06 suspension on, took out some weight, and threw a 427 into.

Seems every bit as capable as my Z06 was.....in due time its getting coilover and big brakes.....I simply found the cheapest stick car around with a straight frame......its an 8 out of 10 body wise.....actually better than I wanted but I really don't get upset when its dirty as hell...

we refer to it as the track ratt.

so nice having a track only car.......it sounds beautiful with straight pipes