Well, after 102000 really fun miles, I had to let her go. The list of things that she was about to need just didn't make any sense. So, I bought a new one. I guess I can call it fugly now without hearing anything from the masses. It's growing on me looks wise... everything else about it is incredible. It's much better than the 2006 that I looked over when they came out. AH well... you guys enjoy the C5 Z06s while they last.

Night time pictures are the pits, but I didn't close the deal until it was dark (this evening) so it'll have to do.

 

Looks good to me--enjoy! Can you enumerate for me all the things the C5Z would need? I always wonder what the car will be like at very high mileage. clutch?

 

congrats on the new ride
Wish I could be getting one.............come back to this section and tell us all about it when you have some seat time.

 

Yea...after 100k you're looking at a maintenance package that will at some point involve the rear end, the wheel bearings, the shocks, the clutch, and depending on how you drove it, an engine. Of course, this could be another 100k down the road depending on your luck. I was very meticulous about keeping the car in tip-top condition, but alas, that only prolongs the inevitable. And with no warranty to help out, that means big dollars, and likely one right after another (again depending on your luck). I just couldn't see sitting around with the car until 2012 to see what the C7 looked like while it depreciated until it wasn't even a viable trade-in. I got in this car right... so I have equity immediately. And of course a long warranty period. So I'll drive it a while and hopefully the few bad angles it has will grow on me - it has a lot of good angles. more good than bad. The things I don't like I can't see once I get in it anyway (I think someone pointed that out in one of the threads I was busy slamming it's looks). And it's a terrible amount of fun so perhaps I'll soon forget the things I don't like. It's still odd to see in the garage, perhaps I'll start parking it facing the other way so I walk out to the front of it.

EDIT: I'm also suffering from some SERIOUS flu... so if it doesn't eventually grow on me I'll sell it, blame the medication, and buy a Z16 garage queen.

 

Congrats on the new ride...send us some more pix...It's a Vette man, you'll find lots of things to like.....besides, you can start over with the mods

 

Man, I am so jealous!!! The C6 Z06's are starting to grow on me. Have fun with your new Z. Hope you're feeling better soon.

 

Very nice... been thinking about one too...

 

Do you think the Diff and wheel bearings would go on a stock car that was never on course at say 115k? As for the LS6--were you worried about the springs & valves or just a GM motor in general? I'd be surprised at the diff & wh bearings assuming not on-course--now clutch I have seen go a lot less than 100k on a Corvette.

Regardless, again, I know you'll enjoy it and wish you lots & lots of fun. That's definitely the right choice if you have the $. I think the Z06 will be better (looks & drive & power) than whatever the C7 turns out to be. C7 might be de-tuned for fuel economy or whatever. I love the looks of your car from every angle--dunno what ones you don't like. Short of a Ferrari F430 or a '99 Viper ACR I don't know what looks better.

As for a Z16--?? You couldn't really just wax that could you? Some like to drive.

 

Good luck with the new ride, its is an awsome vehicle. If my blown engine wasn't covered under extended warranty I'd be driving one now. Please keep posting in the C5 section as you have a lot of valuable information/ knowledge to share, and I for one enjoy reading your posts.

 

I think that general maintenance dictates the wheel bearing replacement - although I had a hum building from mine. The rear end on a vehicle with C5Z06 levels of torque is going to need to be replaced/rebuilt somewhere in the 100k miles. I've also heard the clutches go sooner than 100k, but I was good to my clutch - especially when you consider I NEVER drove the car without proper down-shifting which when compared to a lot of people who don't ever down shift when slowing would equate to twice the shifts. The engine was giving me concerns in general just knowing that everything inside was original vintage. You have to think about things like timing chains stretching over time. As a racer, I began to hear sounds that reminded me of being way out in front on the last lap of an endurance race and hoping you get to the finish. This is not to say I think it's going to go pop tomorrow - just my comfort level with the out of warranty vehicle made it less fun to stress the motor.

As for the C7, that had something to do with it as well. I have a friend who's an attorney working in the auto industry, and her indication was that we're about to get a bunch of dogs to drive. That's also why I didn't opt for the ZR1, because as you all know I actually drive my cars...and I couldn't see actually driving that one - it looks to be an investment piece, not a driver.

Thanks a lot. I actually will be staying over here for the most part. I think I have more in common with this crowd.

I'm going to head out and wash the thing (it was raining yesterday too) and get some daytime pictures to upload.

EDIT: Well, technically, I'm going to a spray barn and hose it off with soap...I don't really consider that washing, but it'll have to do until I feel better.

 

Mark,

You big traitor you!!!!!! Who was it that said they would never get the new Z because it was butt ugly! Who said the C5Z was the best there was????????? Don't make me go back and quote you directly!!!!!! Yeah now that you have driven one you see the difference which I said back in 06 when I drove Ranger's new Z. It might suffer in the looks deptartment, but everywhere else it's beast of a car. Enjoy man. Glad to see other Z owners who can afford them. Don

 

I'll take a c6 z over my 03 anyday.. You made the right move, Have fun

 

Yup...I said all that... ...and then, I had to make an automotive decision, and what else is there like this... pretty much nothing...

Here's a couple of shots I took just now when I got back from the wash bay... seen one, seen 'em all so I didn't go out and stage some photos... my garage needs painting... deal with it.

 

Well...you learn something everyday...thanks for the info./opinion! On my high miles (but low power--V6 and 305 V8) F-bodies, I've done things like the timing chain as a preventative but I never thought about the torque of a Z and what it does to the diff over time.

How soon until you hit a road course? Which one?

 

There you go!! This would be a smart move on your part.

 

Yeah good move. Good looking car. My garage is not painted either just covered with vette posters and flags. Enjoy the new Z! Don

 

good now you can go annoy the C6 guys.

 

Congrats on the new purchase
and as George said, dont go too far you have to much information too share.

 

 

Very nice ride, congrats I will definately be getting into a C6 Z06 in the next 24 months, cant really justify getting rid of my Z yet, its got GMPP till 2011 and its still a blast to drive.