mooney201

I have been looking and checking out both the 1994-1996 C4 and the 2002 Z06.

Being older, the comfort might be in favor of the C5, but the game clincher might be with the C4 because of the easy access to the engine compartment with the front out of the way.
It would seem that it would be much more difficult to work in the engine compartment of the 1997-2010 Corvettes.

What are your opinions on this?

BTW Nitrous is going up. I just got back from having my 10 lb. bottle filled. Used to be $60 now it is $77

Jon Hekking

If you want a cushy, very fast Taurus like ride, get the C5. If you want a platform that is easily modified and rides like a sports car, get the C4. Personally, I would opt for a ZR1.

In either case, just sit back and watch the fireworks

RollaMo-LT4

Since your posting in the C4 section, I predict the results to be pretty strongly biased toward the C4.

My opinion, I would take the 2002 Z06

RollaMo-LT4

mooney201

I think the C4 is much better looking, but I am into performance.

Dudeurgettnavette

C5 is easier to work on

pologreen1

Thank You Sir

mooney201

I don't understand why? With the whole front tilted forward, everything should be easier to get to..???

pologreen1

C4 and peel out

dizwiz24

Not at all. When you have to replace components, you will find yourself removing (and later re-installing) perfectly good components to get to what your after. An example is the optispark - you must remove the waterpump to get to it.

The frame cross-member directly in front of the harmonic balancer also is a PITA to work around. You need tight fingers to get in there and remove the balancer if you have to. This also causes problems if you decide to supercharge the car. Usually supercharger kits bolt a S/C 8 rib drive pulley to the front of the harmonic balancer as a dedicated blower drive. Well, with C4's you cant do that so the supercharger company kits are require you to put a longer 6 rib serpentine belt on and drive it off the same belt driving the rest of your serpentine accessories. Dont think so. There are some fixes around this (blowerworks).

I dont know about them on the C5, but sparkplugs and wires are a PITA to change on an LTx C4 - even more so if you have the stock iron exhaust manifolds. They are easier to get to, though, if you have long tube headers on your C4.

The power steering rack is also difficult to access, pity to whoever has to change that.

Also dont forget the C4 does not have active handling. C5 ECM is better at handling boost situations (if you ever decide on forced induction). You can put in a standalone ECM, buts its $$$

C5 is a stiffer, yet slightly lighter chassis. I havent driven one, but in theory it would feel 'tighter' in turns - like you could take the turn tighter.

All this said, the C4 -once mastered and properly tricked out is a fun, capable sportscar!!!

Knowing what I know, if I was you, my decision would boil down to:

1. Am I good at working (and mod'ing) on cars?
2. How good of a deal can I get on the Z06?

Frizlefrak

Sooooo....Colts or Saints?

jlbruggeman

Drive them both, see which one you like better. As far as working on them, you shouldn't have to very often, it shouldn't be much of an issue-enjoy whatever you decide on.

JD'S WHITE 93

The LSX is a much better platform for mods. The aftermarket supports them like wild. I would buy the Z06 over a late C4 if buying today. Personally I would rather have an early C6 than a late C4 or a C5 Z.

mooney201

Thanks for all the responses. I guess you guys talked me into the 2002 Z06. The Vette I purchase will be modified, because it will be a fun car, and not a daily driver. 2002 Z06's are going for around $21K around here. That is within our budget, but a C6 is not.
Thanks again.

Jon Hekking

We must be losing our powers of persuasion...

Sweet 90

Nah, we just scare the living sh$t out of them

Jim

PLRX

Blue 92

Rule of thumb:
C4 = easy to get to engine, harder to get in and out of car
C5 = easy to get in and out of car, harder to get to engine

Jon Hekking

No one expects the C4 inquisition

RedLS1GTO

It's really not even worth it anymore.

In fact, I'm not even going to take the time to do the search and link to the 3,454,566,321 threads that have been created in the past of C4 vs. C5.