, you guys answered my questions in about 15 minutes after posting this
FRC differences, and likes/dislikes
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
Likes: 26
From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,479
Likes: 417
From: Devil's Island CA
Well most of the differences have been covered. It's all in what you like. Personally I like the FRC look. When I was getting ready to sell my Cobra I couldnt decide which car to replace it with and was looking at a few different cars (M3's, Vipers, F-Body's etc) and then started to look at Vette's even though we already had a Z06. Once I seen the Red FRC for sale on this board I was like ok, thats the car I want 
Lol I couldnt be happier.
Lol I couldnt be happier.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 597
Likes: 9
From: near Newburypot MA
also somewhere I read the notch back is more aerodynamic at high speeds - Is this true for the vette ?
Truth be the 69 Charger 500 special edition was non Fast Back designed for Nascar for better handling.
Agree ?
Truth be the 69 Charger 500 special edition was non Fast Back designed for Nascar for better handling.
Agree ?
C5 General
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 0
From: Boosted in Manhattan & Round Rock TX. President of the Non Club Club of Kansas and Round Rock , Not the flat part.
Paul G.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 706
Likes: 0
From: San Carlos, CA
I love FRC's. I wanted one when I purchased my C5, but found such a great deal on a coupe that I couldn't pass it up.
I really don't care if my roof comes off. The windows go down and thats good enough for me.
I really don't care if my roof comes off. The windows go down and thats good enough for me.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,333
Likes: 6
From: Louisville Kentucky
Don't feel bad. Before I came to this forum, I didn't know there was a such thing as a C5 Corvette that was not a convertible. I use to say to myself, "Who in the world would buy a Corvette that was not a convertible?"
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
Likes: 105
From: Pensacola FL
Nope. The turbulence behind the steeply-sloped FRC roof causes drag and a reduced top speed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 55
From: Kempner TX
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I will take the lighter car over the more aerodynamic car because lets face it... who gets their car to top speed more than once a month if even that? Ive had my car at 160 very easily with another 230 lb passanger and all the luggage the boot would hold. Now... meet me at the quarter or even a redlight and we will see who has the better advantage!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,107
Likes: 26
From: 4th on the list of top 100 in USA Ga.
FRC was produced in '99 and '00, before the Z06. It was designed as an enthusiasts car and was only available w/ the Z-51 suspension package and as a 6-speed manual.
The car didn't sell very well so GM decided to take it up a notch with more power, a different suspension package, a new more agressive gear box, and some styling cues like rear brake cooling ducts and screns and badges... this was the Z06.
So in 2001 the FRC became the Z06, the Z06 is and FRC (Fixed Roof Coupe). If you had a Mustang you'd call it a notchback... the short back glass makes for a cooler look and less weight.
The car didn't sell very well so GM decided to take it up a notch with more power, a different suspension package, a new more agressive gear box, and some styling cues like rear brake cooling ducts and screns and badges... this was the Z06.
So in 2001 the FRC became the Z06, the Z06 is and FRC (Fixed Roof Coupe). If you had a Mustang you'd call it a notchback... the short back glass makes for a cooler look and less weight.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
FWIW top speed on a C5Z06 is gear limited not drag limited. People have raised the rpm limit and gone 180 w/o issue.
But, yes the coupe has slighlty better aero for top speed, but it never comes into play unless you're doing standing mile runs.
But, yes the coupe has slighlty better aero for top speed, but it never comes into play unless you're doing standing mile runs.
