Coupe vs. Z06
Pro
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 590
Likes: 23
From: Orangevale Ca.
yes ma'am(?, i'm assuming by the forum name):
not trying to hijack the thread here, SBU18, but my studying and research tells me that mine is a z06 with the $13-17K "conversion" done to it:
eighth character in the vin is an "S"; "243" stamping on the head(s); RPO codes fe4 (z06 suspension), ls6 (obvious), m12 (z06 specific 6-speed), p12/xfw/yfu (z06 painted wheel and tire size packages, which it has), among other signs. also, the carfax report shows one owner.
rogers corvettes in fla., who have done the conversion (not sure on mine), said that it's actually a pretty straightforward thing, since the z0's (at least the c5's) are structurally capable of being 'verts due to the "vert" bracing in the frame and that the frc's really don't play a huge part, if any, in the structural integrity of the cars.
so, yeah, i think it was a pretty good find and a fair deal.
ultimately, i would opt for a z0 and mod/customize to my "vision".
post up the final decision and also pix.
good luck,
rich
not trying to hijack the thread here, SBU18, but my studying and research tells me that mine is a z06 with the $13-17K "conversion" done to it:
eighth character in the vin is an "S"; "243" stamping on the head(s); RPO codes fe4 (z06 suspension), ls6 (obvious), m12 (z06 specific 6-speed), p12/xfw/yfu (z06 painted wheel and tire size packages, which it has), among other signs. also, the carfax report shows one owner.
rogers corvettes in fla., who have done the conversion (not sure on mine), said that it's actually a pretty straightforward thing, since the z0's (at least the c5's) are structurally capable of being 'verts due to the "vert" bracing in the frame and that the frc's really don't play a huge part, if any, in the structural integrity of the cars.
so, yeah, i think it was a pretty good find and a fair deal.
ultimately, i would opt for a z0 and mod/customize to my "vision".
post up the final decision and also pix.
good luck,
rich
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Rochester NY
Ok heres a little more info to fuel the debate. I am 24 and have a company car that I can drive as I please so the vette would just be for fun when the weather is nice (which is not often in Rochester, NY) haha. Anyways convertable is def out and 6 speed manual is definatly in...again love the power and looks of the Z (and not to mention you dont see to many of them) but love the idea of "open air driving" as you guys put it
I am looking for a 2000-2004 with under 45k miles and around $25...please let me know any more thoughts
thanks guys this is the best site i have ever found!!!
I am looking for a 2000-2004 with under 45k miles and around $25...please let me know any more thoughts
thanks guys this is the best site i have ever found!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 6
From: Arroyo Grande CA
yes ma'am(?, i'm assuming by the forum name):
not trying to hijack the thread here, SBU18, but my studying and research tells me that mine is a z06 with the $13-17K "conversion" done to it:
eighth character in the vin is an "S"; "243" stamping on the head(s); RPO codes fe4 (z06 suspension), ls6 (obvious), m12 (z06 specific 6-speed), p12/xfw/yfu (z06 painted wheel and tire size packages, which it has), among other signs. also, the carfax report shows one owner.
rogers corvettes in fla., who have done the conversion (not sure on mine), said that it's actually a pretty straightforward thing, since the z0's (at least the c5's) are structurally capable of being 'verts due to the "vert" bracing in the frame and that the frc's really don't play a huge part, if any, in the structural integrity of the cars.
so, yeah, i think it was a pretty good find and a fair deal.
ultimately, i would opt for a z0 and mod/customize to my "vision".
post up the final decision and also pix.
good luck,
rich
not trying to hijack the thread here, SBU18, but my studying and research tells me that mine is a z06 with the $13-17K "conversion" done to it:
eighth character in the vin is an "S"; "243" stamping on the head(s); RPO codes fe4 (z06 suspension), ls6 (obvious), m12 (z06 specific 6-speed), p12/xfw/yfu (z06 painted wheel and tire size packages, which it has), among other signs. also, the carfax report shows one owner.
rogers corvettes in fla., who have done the conversion (not sure on mine), said that it's actually a pretty straightforward thing, since the z0's (at least the c5's) are structurally capable of being 'verts due to the "vert" bracing in the frame and that the frc's really don't play a huge part, if any, in the structural integrity of the cars.
so, yeah, i think it was a pretty good find and a fair deal.
ultimately, i would opt for a z0 and mod/customize to my "vision".
post up the final decision and also pix.
good luck,
rich
"Rocket scientists out there
will be interested to know the convertible’s first torsional
frequency is 20hz. Coupes with the roof out are at 20.5hz and, with
the roof on, jump to 22hz. The Z06 is a stout, 24hz."
http://www.idavette.net/hibz06/page2.htm
Last edited by 2KFRC5; Aug 18, 2007 at 01:54 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 28
From: San Dimas Ca.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
FRC is about 12% stiffer............
According to http://www.idavette.net/hib/99hdtp.htm the FRC is about 12% stiffer in torsion and bending over the coupe with the top on. Refering to the FRC , it has the stiffest under body structure of all the C5s. It has both the coupe top bow and the extra crossbar behind the seats , as used in the 'verts .
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 33
From: Folsom Ca
I m not sure if the coupe has more storage room..my Z has a good amount of space there is nothing between the trunk and the cockpit area.If it does have more room is it that much more? Im not sure since Ive never really sat in a coupe or examined one closely.
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,448
Likes: 4
From: Sarasota Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
I had the same decision to make when I bought mine. I went with the coupe and performance mods and am very glad I did. Reasons:
- The glass roof is simply required!
- The cargo space makes the coupe really excellent for long trips and as an "only car" daily driver. Z06 has very little cargo space, and none for large items.
- Z06 feels claustrophobic to me.
- Coupe has better visibility.
- Coupe has better aerodynamics. (Note that the C5Rs are coupes).
- Coupe looks a ton better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: Deerfield VA
St. Jude Donor '07
I was in the same dilemma as you, I went COUPE, for the open air reasons.
My wife and I take a cruise every weekend with that Targa off, it's awesome. the top can be removed and stowed in a minute.
Benefits of coupe: open air, HUGE luggage/storage area (makes a great pickup truck), suspension easily, and inexpensively upgradeable to Z06 level, Horsepower can be matched with simple bolt-ons: LS-6 heads, intake, cam, exhaust. (2001 and newer models have LS-6 block and intake
stock)
Remember, you can always build a coupe up to Z06 standards, you can't saw the roof off a Z06 to make a coupe!
My wife and I take a cruise every weekend with that Targa off, it's awesome. the top can be removed and stowed in a minute.
Benefits of coupe: open air, HUGE luggage/storage area (makes a great pickup truck), suspension easily, and inexpensively upgradeable to Z06 level, Horsepower can be matched with simple bolt-ons: LS-6 heads, intake, cam, exhaust. (2001 and newer models have LS-6 block and intake
stock)
Remember, you can always build a coupe up to Z06 standards, you can't saw the roof off a Z06 to make a coupe!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,055
Likes: 0
From: Jax Florida
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,055
Likes: 0
From: Jax Florida
It's no longer a Z06, IMO. THE trademark of a real Z06 is the fixed roof. I don't care what your VIN shows. Everywhere you go, people will think you just glued Z06 emblems on a vert. There was recently a 'conversion' at one of the big local Vette shows and the owner was having a hard time explaining to everyone that it was a Z06. Most blew it off as BS. 
Last edited by Ryan L; Aug 18, 2007 at 11:09 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
I decided against the z06 for the following reasons.
1. I didn't like the frc look (I liked the exotic look of the slanted glass)
2. I don't like brake ducts
3. I HATE having a visible antenna on a car of this caliber it makes the car look fugly (This alone would have been a major deciding factor)
4. I like the removable roof option
5. I've heard insurance rates are significantly higher for the z06
6. I got an excellent deal on my 98 and a z06 would have been at least $10k more
I didn't think the above would make up for 40 or 60 more hp.
To be perfectly honest I would rather make the jump to a 96/97 GTS in a few years than to go from c5 to c5 z06. (Now the c6 z06 is absolute fire and a different story all together and something for all of us to be proud of).
1. I didn't like the frc look (I liked the exotic look of the slanted glass)
2. I don't like brake ducts
3. I HATE having a visible antenna on a car of this caliber it makes the car look fugly (This alone would have been a major deciding factor)
4. I like the removable roof option
5. I've heard insurance rates are significantly higher for the z06
6. I got an excellent deal on my 98 and a z06 would have been at least $10k more
I didn't think the above would make up for 40 or 60 more hp.
To be perfectly honest I would rather make the jump to a 96/97 GTS in a few years than to go from c5 to c5 z06. (Now the c6 z06 is absolute fire and a different story all together and something for all of us to be proud of).
Last edited by 6pac; Aug 18, 2007 at 11:47 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 0
From: Burbs Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06
Its going to come down to what you value more. The targa top or the performance increase?
You can ALWAYS make the coupe perform like the Z or better than the Z. You can't make the Z a Targa top.
Figure about $2.5k to make your car close to a Z with the following mods assuming you get a manual:
Air intake, full exhaust (with headers), tune, Z06 sways and shocks.
Thos mods should get you close to the 50hp you need. Maybe more like 35-40hp...close seat fo the pants feel anyway....
You can ALWAYS make the coupe perform like the Z or better than the Z. You can't make the Z a Targa top.
Figure about $2.5k to make your car close to a Z with the following mods assuming you get a manual:
Air intake, full exhaust (with headers), tune, Z06 sways and shocks.
Thos mods should get you close to the 50hp you need. Maybe more like 35-40hp...close seat fo the pants feel anyway....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 799
Likes: 16
From: Kansas City area
It's a personal choice. I wanted open-air driving and a manual transmission. That ruled out the Z06. The car is plenty fast without 50 extra horsepower, but you can always modify if the extra HP is important to you. Personally, I prefer the lines of the coupe over the Z06 and convertibles.
If your sports car taste doesn't require a removable roof or convertible, then the Z06 is the way to go.
Good luck and enjoy!!
Jeff
If your sports car taste doesn't require a removable roof or convertible, then the Z06 is the way to go.
Good luck and enjoy!!
Jeff
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
From: ARLINGTON TEXAS
Nothing beats the FRC body! I love the small cockpit. You don't see one around every corner. The market is not flooded with them. The resale is more. Thats why I got the one I have. Unique in its own way.
All CORVETTES are Cooooooooooool!!!!
All CORVETTES are Cooooooooooool!!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
You like girls? Ask em... No one mentioned, that when your Targa top is off, girls feel like they're sitting in an Exotic car. Not to mention, your 350 hp (basic), is still plenty for fun. Now if you mod it a little, you'll beat the Z in every way.
Suspension - Bilstiens + Hotchkis = Beats Z suspension.
Mild Cam + Headers + Tune = Beats Z in power.
And you still have a CHICK Magnet....
Your decision.................
P.S: Girls think Targa top is the Expensive (Top) Model in Corvettes.
That's how Corvettes are supposed to be.. 
Suspension - Bilstiens + Hotchkis = Beats Z suspension.
Mild Cam + Headers + Tune = Beats Z in power.
And you still have a CHICK Magnet....
Your decision.................
P.S: Girls think Targa top is the Expensive (Top) Model in Corvettes.
That's how Corvettes are supposed to be..