Base C5 or Z06?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
Base C5 or Z06?
So I am looking at buying my first Corvette(coming from the 3S Turbo world- Stealths and 3000gt's). I have a few questions, is there any real pitfall to buying a 98 or one of the older models such as tht over one of the newere models. Am I realy losing out on much by going with a C5 rather than a Z06 if I plan to modify anyways? It is pretty much set in my mind that this is the route I will go in March, upon turning 25 for insurance purposes(anyone that age that cant ell me what they ay in premiums :P).
Sorry for all the ignorant questions, just trying to come up to speed and get things rolling. Im looking forward to joining the Vette community!!!
Sorry for all the ignorant questions, just trying to come up to speed and get things rolling. Im looking forward to joining the Vette community!!!
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
I'm sure a lot of the guys here will speak up, but I would go with a Z06. Why not just get the best available? If not, you're going to be modding your vette to the Z06 caliber as many here do. (Brakes, rims, intake, Ti exhaust etc.)
Just my thoughts........
Just my thoughts........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
EVERYONE is going to say 'buy the z', you've got to narrow down the question, if you are going to go cam/heads then the z doesn't make sense unless you want to say 'i have a z'
FRC's can be easily upgraded w/ suspension/cam/heads to walk away from a stock z06 and still have a few $1000 left over
it all comes down to how much $$ you want to spend and how fast you want to go
FRC's can be easily upgraded w/ suspension/cam/heads to walk away from a stock z06 and still have a few $1000 left over
it all comes down to how much $$ you want to spend and how fast you want to go
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 404
Likes: 2
From: VB Va
I bought the C5 because I was going to upgrade everything, if I wasnt though, the Z06 is the way to go.....I wasnt going to pay the price difference for a Z06, I think I came out ahead with the price of the coupe and the $7k+ that I have put into the engine and exhaust. And I have more HP and its faster.
My 2 cents.
My 2 cents.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 896
Likes: 1
From: Overland Park KS
Originally Posted by GeorgieMporgie
I like the coupe's better than the Z. Like cruising with the top off. JMO 
Look at your long-term goals for the car and then make a choice. Knowing what I know today, I would still have chosen the coupe.
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,770
Likes: 0
From: Sahuarita AZ
Since you're going to buy used, you may be able to find a used Z06 for just a few thousand more than the "regular" C5. If you can find one for less than $4k more, then that would probably be your best choice if you're looking for sheer power. You can still mod it however you like.
That said, I have a convertible and wouldn't trade it for a Z06 straight up.
That said, I have a convertible and wouldn't trade it for a Z06 straight up.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area (Norcal) California
Originally Posted by RBChallenger
is there any real pitfall to buying a 98 or one of the older models such as tht over one of the newere models. Am I realy losing out on much by going with a C5 rather than a Z06 if I plan to modify anyways?
The downside to buying a 98 is the different ECU and knock sensor setup. If you plan on modifying the car definitely get a 99+model. Personally I care about chassis stiffness so i would get a hartdop over a coupe, even if it's not a Z06. Also 2001+ models have better rod bolts so you can spin the motor higher safely. All 2001+ models come with the LS6 clutch and LS6 manifold.
Basically stick with 01 or newer. It's worth it.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 245
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by Mark33
Some warranty companies will not cover your Z06, as well.
Post this same question in the zo6 forum and you will get another set of answers... I personally hate the hatchback and went with a zo6 to get the fixed roof... I love the look and I love my trunk. Not too mention how good the z looks with the z rims and brake ducts. Oh, and mine's covered under warranty for years...
Guess it all depends on what look you are going for... that's why they make different versions. Too me, it's not about power or mods... it's about what look you want.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 0
From: Johnston, Iowa
Originally Posted by RBChallenger
I have a few questions, is there any real pitfall to buying a 98 or one of the older models such as tht over one of the newere models.
Nothing wrong with the earlier models. In fact, the 97-98 have a better fuel system that lends it better to suppot nitrous or sc applications...
Few if any would argue against a Z06 if you could get one properly priced and maintained. (If you want a removable top, that nixes the Z06.) I have added the LS6 intake, Z06 wheels and exhaust to my 99.
Make sure you run a carfax and see what condition current owner keeps the car.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Originally Posted by RBChallenger
So I am looking at buying my first Corvette(coming from the 3S Turbo world- Stealths and 3000gt's). I have a few questions, is there any real pitfall to buying a 98 or one of the older models such as tht over one of the newere models. Am I realy losing out on much by going with a C5 rather than a Z06 if I plan to modify anyways? It is pretty much set in my mind that this is the route I will go in March, upon turning 25 for insurance purposes(anyone that age that cant ell me what they ay in premiums :P).
Sorry for all the ignorant questions, just trying to come up to speed and get things rolling. Im looking forward to joining the Vette community!!!
Sorry for all the ignorant questions, just trying to come up to speed and get things rolling. Im looking forward to joining the Vette community!!!
THe biggest deciding factor for me was this....
Be able to ride with the top off
Or
55 more HP
I went with the coupe.
oh, BTW, if you do get a Z06, get a 2002 or newer, they are rated at 405HP, where as the first year the Z came out in 2001 it was rated at 385HP.
If you go non-Z06, get an 01 or newer if you can, lots of changes in 01, lot's of stuff that was only optional pre 01 became standard, like HUD.
good luck
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
The biggest decision point for me was the removable roof vs the solid top of a Z06. I just love cruising around with the fresh air and sun shining. Also, I can barely keep the tires sticking with the 400HP in the C6 coupe.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 0
From: Crofton MD
Originally Posted by zo6fun
Since when? Modify a C5 and no one will cover you with a warranty. Several of the "used" z's in our local club have had no problems with a warranty.
Post this same question in the zo6 forum and you will get another set of answers... I personally hate the hatchback and went with a zo6 to get the fixed roof... I love the look and I love my trunk. Not too mention how good the z looks with the z rims and brake ducts. Oh, and mine's covered under warranty for years...
Guess it all depends on what look you are going for... that's why they make different versions. Too me, it's not about power or mods... it's about what look you want.
Post this same question in the zo6 forum and you will get another set of answers... I personally hate the hatchback and went with a zo6 to get the fixed roof... I love the look and I love my trunk. Not too mention how good the z looks with the z rims and brake ducts. Oh, and mine's covered under warranty for years...
Guess it all depends on what look you are going for... that's why they make different versions. Too me, it's not about power or mods... it's about what look you want.
So congrats on your Z06 which I have no problem with and your wonderful warranty that I in no way suggested was impossible to get. It still doesn't discredit that as my post states, "Some warranty companies will not cover your z06."
People like you ruin threads by turning them into pissing matches. I never said anything attacking the z.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
Not sure where all the conVERTible folks are but you might want to ride or drive in a vert before you buy a coupe or Z. If you are going to mod and race the vert might not be a good idea because you'll need a roll cage pretty quickly into your mod progression. If racing is not a serious consideration, the top down cruise is well worth some serious thought. Many vert owners would never go back to coupes.
just my $.02.
Good Luck!
just my $.02.
Good Luck!
