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I recently drove a C6 (2005) with a manual transmission. The car has 36,000 miles on it. When I pulled onto the freeway, I punched it and I was amazed with the power. (I don't drive that many Corvettes). I'm curious if a C5 has power that compares with the C6, since it's short 50 horsepower. I'm considering a 2003, but if it's not as peppy as the C6, I may have to change my wish list. Thanks for any replies.
The LS2 is pretty stout just as the LS1. However if you get a C5Z06 (02 or newer)you will be at the same power level as the Base C6. If you add Headers and a Tune to a base C5, you will be very close to a C6. In the grand scheme of things, 50 HP(at the flywheel) is not that big a difference... gearing , driver ability and torque have a bigger impact IMO. I've also driven a C6 as well.
Pick up your C5 and throw on an intake and LTs. You'll make as much at the tires for a better cost. Then throw in a GX3 cam and have over 400 at the tires all N/A. That'll put many C6s in your dust and threaten the C6Z.
Go C5 Z06, I have a 02, and get the mentioned above items and you will be more pleased with your C5 then I think you were with the base C6, just my opinion.
Oh yeah and I am having a polished Maggie and other accessories installed now too Not that I need it, just want it.