I drive a 2000 camaro right now, but started looking at vettes recently and plan on getting one withing the next year hopefully, but I'm debating which one to get and what I should look for in the ones I like.

Manual transmission is a must. Definitely don't want conv. and not a big fan of FRC either. No more than 45-50k mi.

Right now I'm looking at 2000-2001 coupes and 2001 Z06's since they are in my price range. I plan on spending about 22-24K.

I know that Z06 has 30-35 more hp and weighs 100lbs less than a regular coupe, but with the same milage and condition coupe will be 3-4k less and I could put on full exhaust and already be at the same power levels if not higher. Do you guys agree with me on this?

Now, how about braking and handling between the 01 z06 and 01 coupe?

I also keep seeing something about problems with oil consumption on 01 z06s. Anyone could get into more details with this? Not the kind of problem you want to have when you get a car.

Now between the 00 and 01 coupe, any big differences besides the LS6 manifold that will give a few extra ponnies?

I think that's all I can think of right now, but might come up with a few more questions.

Feel free to add anything that I need to know before getting my vette and please help me decide on which car I should get.

thanks

OP

 

First, welcome to the forum. . I recommend that you give this thread a read:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...7&forum_id=103

Next, the Z06 that you are looking at ('00 and '01) is at 385 vs. 350 for a coupe of the same period. The Z06 exhaust is all ready less restrictive than that of the coupe so don't plan on more than say 5-7 rwhp and you didn't mention anything about changing out the intake.

Handling of the Z should be a little better as they have upgraded shocks and sway bars. Braking should be no different as the Z has the same brakes, just red.

It is not just Z06's. The late '00 and early '01 model year had some problems with oil, it affects coupes, verts and Z's. I'd read the section in the thread above labeled Oil Woes.

You should be able to find similarly equipped '00 and '01 coupes.

Bring 'em on, the folks here will get you set up with all you need to know, and some you don't.

Give the sticky thread a read, ask whatever you can think of, and read as much as you can around here. This is a great resource and the best on the net for Corvette enthusiasts. Good luck in your search.

You should consider

2000 model info

2001 model info

Paul

 

I came from a 93 Coupe to an 01 Z06. I test drove a 00 coupe before test driving the 01 Z that I bought. Both were 6 speeds, as I wanted a 6 speed as well. The difference between the 00 and the 01 Z were night and day. As stated above, the braking is the same. Differences that the Z has over the coupe:
Different transmission: Gearing is different. 1st through 3rd is equivelant to a Coupe with a 3.90 rear end! That means quicker acceleration, without killing fuel economy. My Z is my daily driver and average over 20 mpg. My commute is 25 miles each way, split about 50/50 city/highway.
Rear End is Stronger: The Z rear gears are shot-peened for extra strength.
Suspension: Z has larger sway bars. Shocks on the 01 Z's can be upgraded to 04 or 05 shocks for an improvement (so I have heard, I have not done this yet)
Chassis stiffness: Since the Z is a hard top, you don't have much body flex.

As for oil consumption, some 01 Z's have issues with oil consumption. Mine is one that doesn't. If the Z does have this issue, GM does have a re-ring tech service bulletin for this. If you get an extended GMPP warranty, this would be a warranty issue.
If you are planning on "building" a coupe into a Z, buy the Z. There were a couple of other members here that came up to a C5 from the C4 when I did the same. One bought a Coupe, the other bought an FRC. Both had their C5 Coupe/FRC for a year and then traded them in on Z's. Biggest benefit of a coupe is you can remove the top. I had the top off my 93 all of 4 times in 5 years. I also had a bunch of leaks on my 93, even with new weatherstripping. Given that, I was tired of getting wet when driving in the rain, so going with a hard top for me, didn't bother me at all. Check out the Z06 FAQ sticky thread in the C5 Z06 section.
Good luck with your hunt! That is half the fun. Try to test drive both and see which you like better.

 

Talon, good advice...

 

Thanks for good advices guys I will definitely take a look at those links and will probably go and test drive a few vettes and will come back with more questions

thanks again