phloozy

I have been autoxing for 3 years now and am thinking of moving to a corvette next season to race in AS. I was set on a C5 Z06 but as I started looking at the recent results for this year it seems most of the top guys are running C6Zs. Are people finding the C6s much better with the current classing or is it pretty similar? I know I am not the fastest but I do take autox seriously and dont want to be kicking myself for not saving up a bit more and wishing I had a C6Z.

I was able to find a few threads but many are dated and with class rules changing frequently I was hoping to hear thoughts from experienced drivers on going from a c5z to a c6z. Thanks a lot and hope to join you guys soon!

froggy47

Depends on the course.

c5z = better gears
c6z = better (bigger) tires/brakes

phloozy

Thats interesting to know. As a pseudo beginner gearing is really important to me. I currently run an 05 STI and I am constantly shifting 2nd-3rd or just banging the limiter in 2nd and I hate it. Gearing is one of the reasons I wanted to switch cars. What's wrong with the gearing in the c6z that makes the c5z better?

dhowdy

C6Z goes to 90 in second... some would claim that's a bit too tall for autocross :p

phloozy

Was just reading the C6Z does 61 in first though, do people leave it in 1st or just low in 2nd? I can see how this can be a bit of an issue lol.

dhowdy

Run in 2nd.

I don't think you're giving anything up by buying the C5Z. Nominally lighter and a bit narrower. Not sure that I've ever seen one campaigned seriously, but on paper the C6GS is the better autocross buy than the C6Z because it has normal gearing and thus better thrust even with less power.

boony1968

Yes, they're really pretty much a wash depending on the coarse. If cost is a concern, go with the C5Z. Strano can help you get it setup to a nationally competitive level. You'll have about $10,000 less into it than just the purchase price of a C6Z. You'll also save on tires and brakes over time without having to worry about the heads.

dhowdy

Here, Vivek put this together comparing the different cars' thrust.

69autoXr

The C6Z (and GS for that matter) in AS will be able to improve it's gearing a bit by using 18" rear wheels and the 335-18 Rival S, almost an inch smaller in diameter than say an A7 345-35/19 for SSR (no +/- wheel allowance in SSR).

phloozy

Looking at a few c5z tomorrow. Are there any better packages or does it not matter?

froggy47

There are really not any "levels" for c5z (unless you count the 2004 commemorative I have which has a light weight CF hood). Go for low miles = better & less owners = better.

Good luck!

dhowdy

Not 2001. Then condition and mileage.

phloozy

Thanks for the help guys, just put a deposit on a mint 2003 C5 Z06 with 15k miles. I can't wait until the first event. Will be giving Strano a call soon, also nice being local to him

Acid666

Not sure if it's relevant, but I went in AS a couple of months ago with my 02 C5Z and ran a 54s on our course. A 2010 Grand Sport ran consistent 48s.
Not sure if the 2010 shares much with the C6Z, but I was amazed at the dude's times. I believe some of my mods were illegal in AS, and I'll be jumping into CAM-S next time I race.

talon95

Except that I have both that are bone stock and used my DL1 to get real #'s and this is what I got.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8...TRURkI2Yk9BUWs

truth.b

From a tires/brakes/suspension standpoint they are identical. The only difference is the GS has less power and is slightly heavier. Also recently I learned my magnetic ride equipped manual 2013 GS coupe has a FE5 sway in the rear. I'm in the process of confirming if this is the ZR1's rear bar and why my car has it.

mountainbiker2

I've driven both and this makes more sense. I would buy a C6Z06 in a minute, if I could afford one. I really like my C5Z06, but it's lagging a little in comparison. Just a little.

sccaGT1racer

You should recheck your statement. A c5z and a c6 gs do not have the same tires/brakes/suspension.

froggy47

I 'think" he meant c6z vs c6gs, but it is a little unclear.

talon95

Yea I did that test after I got the C6Z and noticed how much grunt it had down low in 2nd. The test was with both cars warmed up and within an hour or so of each other. So conditions were as close as I could get.

The only other variable is my C5Z has a lot more use and abuse on it. I haven't had it on a dyno, but I have no reason to believe it's down on power.