Z06 first ride/drive experiences?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Newcastle, UK
Z06 first ride/drive experiences?
Hi all, a new member here signing in from Newcastle,UK.
First of all I would like to pay my compliments to this site which is absolutely brilliant!!!
As many of you guys will know the Corvette, never mind the Z06 is one hell of a rare breed in the UK. Unfortunately the nearest dealer that is selling a C5 Z06 is 300 miles away in London. I've only ever seen one C5 in the flesh and that was from a distance as it roared down the motorway.
My question to everyone is, what were your first thoughts on riding/driving in your first C5 or more specifically your first C5 Z06? What made you buy the car and move over to the dark side?
Thanks
First of all I would like to pay my compliments to this site which is absolutely brilliant!!!
As many of you guys will know the Corvette, never mind the Z06 is one hell of a rare breed in the UK. Unfortunately the nearest dealer that is selling a C5 Z06 is 300 miles away in London. I've only ever seen one C5 in the flesh and that was from a distance as it roared down the motorway.
My question to everyone is, what were your first thoughts on riding/driving in your first C5 or more specifically your first C5 Z06? What made you buy the car and move over to the dark side?
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 17,541
Likes: 2
From: Manhattan, KS Missing SoCal since 2005
In 2001, I had a 2000 coupe. My wife loved the car, so I suggested she get one of her own. As it happened, the dealer from whom I bought my 2K had a late-production 2001 Z06 at a good discount, so we bought it, flew from San Diego to Memphis, TN, to pick up the car and drive it home. (~1800 miles).
My wife did the first leg of the trip, up to St Louis to see our daughter & family. About half way, I took the wheel. I was astonished at how different the Z06 felt, compared to my coupe: much "lighter on its feet," and much better throttle response.
I still miss that car, even though I didn't get to drive it much...
My wife did the first leg of the trip, up to St Louis to see our daughter & family. About half way, I took the wheel. I was astonished at how different the Z06 felt, compared to my coupe: much "lighter on its feet," and much better throttle response.
I still miss that car, even though I didn't get to drive it much...
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 614
Likes: 24
From: Manteca, CA
My 2003 Z06 is the first Corvette I have ever been in, whether driving, or as a passenger (actually I have not been a passenger in my own car yet). I must say that I was actually expecting a much harsher ride in the car and some quirkier characteristics than I experienced. I fell in love with the idea of owning it just looking at it, but driving it was a whole new euphoria!!
These car must be experienced to be believed, since too many seem to believe they are much worse than they are in reality.
I drive a very heavy sedan at work and I must say I prefer the ride quality of the much lighter Corvette than I do the big four doors, YMMV. BTW I am in my mid thirties, and my own body has plenty of miles on it (10 years in the Army, almost 7 years as a police officer in a big city)... I have more creaks and groans than my C5 Z06...
These car must be experienced to be believed, since too many seem to believe they are much worse than they are in reality.
I drive a very heavy sedan at work and I must say I prefer the ride quality of the much lighter Corvette than I do the big four doors, YMMV. BTW I am in my mid thirties, and my own body has plenty of miles on it (10 years in the Army, almost 7 years as a police officer in a big city)... I have more creaks and groans than my C5 Z06...
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I had several C5 coupes before I finally got a test drive in a 405 HP Z06. I have to admit that the difference in performance was very noticable both in the power and handling department. I was impressed and if I would have had the money to trade, I would have been very tempted.
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 37
From: Drain Oregon
2016 C6 of the Year Finalist
I had prevously owned a 68' 427/390hp back in the early 70's, beast of a ride. However, upon my first turn behind the wheel of the Z06 it was like night and day. good luck and get the Z06.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,947
Likes: 8
From: Redwood City CA
My former car was a modded 1993 RX7 TT. That car was quick, but very unreliable(multiple rebuilt engines). A lot of the guys on the rx7forum.com were doing LS1 engine swaps into the Rx7 body with great results. There is even a company, http://www.hinsonsupercars.com, that sells a bolt-on kit for the swap. My buddy had a 413rwhp H/C LS1 in his 2800 lb RX7.
I bought my C5 Z06 because I wanted the reliable,normally-aspirated low-end torque of the big V8 in car that ready for the track for <$35k. The C5 Z06 was my only option.
I bought the second car that I looked at.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Newcastle, UK
Thanks for the replies guys. The car I'm considering is a 2004 TR with mod red interior and 14k miles.
Mods completed in the last 2/3 months are, CAGS, B&M Shifter, Quad round Borla Stinger, Madvets Ultimate Induction Kit, Baer Eradispeed 2 piece Discs all round, 14" on the rear. Flush rear lights, Commemorative Stripes.
What the hell, I'll try and get a look of it tomorrow. I very much doubt I'll be able to walk away though after I've had a ride.
Mods completed in the last 2/3 months are, CAGS, B&M Shifter, Quad round Borla Stinger, Madvets Ultimate Induction Kit, Baer Eradispeed 2 piece Discs all round, 14" on the rear. Flush rear lights, Commemorative Stripes.
What the hell, I'll try and get a look of it tomorrow. I very much doubt I'll be able to walk away though after I've had a ride.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 614
Likes: 24
From: Manteca, CA
Thanks for the replies guys. The car I'm considering is a 2004 TR with mod red interior and 14k miles.
Mods completed in the last 2/3 months are, CAGS, B&M Shifter, Quad round Borla Stinger, Madvets Ultimate Induction Kit, Baer Eradispeed 2 piece Discs all round, 14" on the rear. Flush rear lights, Commemorative Stripes.
What the hell, I'll try and get a look of it tomorrow. I very much doubt I'll be able to walk away though after I've had a ride.
Mods completed in the last 2/3 months are, CAGS, B&M Shifter, Quad round Borla Stinger, Madvets Ultimate Induction Kit, Baer Eradispeed 2 piece Discs all round, 14" on the rear. Flush rear lights, Commemorative Stripes.
What the hell, I'll try and get a look of it tomorrow. I very much doubt I'll be able to walk away though after I've had a ride.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Newcastle, UK
Had my first look of a C5 Z06 this afternoon. 
My first thoughts were, wow!!!!! none of the photos on this site no matter how good they've been do these cars justice until you've actually seen one in the flesh, they're true monsters. As long as the vehicle check comes through ok I'll be the proud owner of the car that you can see above!!!! 
My first thoughts were, wow!!!!! none of the photos on this site no matter how good they've been do these cars justice until you've actually seen one in the flesh, they're true monsters. As long as the vehicle check comes through ok I'll be the proud owner of the car that you can see above!!!!