larryfs

Sold my C4 some time ago. Now I'm looking to get back into it. Not to set any track records, just to go out and have fun... few weekends a year.

Looking for something all stock. and dependable.
It's either a 2004 Z06, or a early C6 Z06 to keep prices down.

What are your opinions ??
I'm not even familiar with the C6

mgarfias

C5Z, they seem to be more reliable. Toss coolers at it and maybe a big radiator and go.

ErnieN85

ipuig

Bill Dearborn

Larry, I have to agree with the above but there are still issues with the C5 such as the EBCM failing and leaving you with no ABS. The C6Z is a sweet ride and on a track like Watkins Glen is really fast but you do have to worry about the engine.

Bill

ScaryFast

I say base C6, 2006-2008. 2005's had some goofy issues, and the new cars with the LS3 are not the best choice for tracking. The C6Z gets you nothing except things that are easily done to a C6, such as suspension and power. You can upgrade the suspension and add a cam to an LS2 and have C6Z power for less than half of the initial cost difference between the cars...

The Z06 dry sump is nothing to write home about, so that's not much of a selling feature to me.

The C5Z is and will be a fantastic option for years to come, but they're commanding a high price these days, I'd rather have an LS2 car...oh wait, I do

Or, I'll sell you my C4 PTA car with the LS6 in it, I know you miss the C4. Admit it

varkwso

C5z.

sperkins

Why 2004 ZO6 only? Even base model C5's are dependable.

RX-Ben

EBCM is an easy fix, hardly a reason not to get the car.

The C6Z is faster and will eat more expensive parts at a faster rate.

Hard to justify the cost of a C6Z if you are really only going to appreciate the differences a few times a year (i.e. on the track).

crease-guard

I own one of each and for the track mine is a C5Z and if I had it to do all over again, it would still be the C5Z. Even though I don't track the C6Z, from having dealt with upkeep and what not on both of these, the C5 just seems more suited for the track unless you are a top level driver. I'm not and the C6Z would be too much and seems like it would take more to keep it in tip top shape. The LS6 in my C5Z takes a pounding and just keeps right on going.

Jay

larryfs

I never thought of tracking or even owning a regular C5 or C6. For some reason the Z06 automatically comes to mind.

I might even consider something else besides a corvette. Especially after belonging to the BWM club for years.

I drove a Mercedes S class the other day, and I was very impressed by how the car feels and drives. Especially when you push the button for sport suspension.

AU N EGL

C5 easy to drive, easy to work on yourself and overall not that expensive to maintain.

2 GTOs

I have both as well and agree with all of the above. I started with the C6z then decided on a C5z. It is not just the maintence, but also repairs. A fender for the C6z is like $1,400 vs $400 and a create motor is like 16k vs 6k. If you do anything more serious, fixing that aluminum frame is not easy. Not that you are planning to damage the car, but it does happen.

The C5z has a much more "raw" race feeling. Unless you have a very experienced driver, the C5zs and C6zs seem pretty comparable at HPDEs other than maybe the last 25% of a long straight. I think it takes an experienced person to really make use of that extra power.

I'd consider the C5z route, then when the C7 comes out, there will probably be a few guys looking to dump their C6z quickly and you can look at one then if you really want to go that route.

Just my opinion if I were doing this again.

varkwso

C5 for track and I will get a C6Z as a daily driver.

Z06trackman

Most of this has been said, but I wiil add to it. Since you want to keep costs down keep in mind that weight and HP are the enemy of low variable costs. The C6Z is heavier and way more powerfull - plan on shorter brake and tire life. Also, the C6Z runs more expensive tires to begin with. Of course the C6Z is going to have ~2X the capital cost.

I think this decision comes down to one thing: do you want the fastest car on the track or do you want to maximize your fun per dollar. Once you answer this question your decision will be obvious.

Supercharged111

Don't overthink that question, because then you'll end up buying a supercharged Miata for even cheaper with cheaper consumables (tires, brakes).

JeremyGSU

Perhaps because of the valve spring issues? I only wanted an '04 Z so I didn't have to mess with ith despite it being an easy fix.

sperkins

The valve train is the same from '02-'04 for the C5Z.

doveboat

True, but the 02's and early 03's seem to have used a bad batch of valve springs which has caused a higher that acceptable failure rate.

I have an 02 Z, and have updated my Valve Springs to avoid any potential issues.

There is a thread in the C5Z section that has captured the data by build date.

Ed

sperkins

Good grief. If anyone is basing the purchase of a track car on the type of valve springs it has needs to find a new hobby. That's just ridiculous.

Mine has PAC 1218's so make me an offer.