C5 advice, help, info please
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: East Petersburg PA
C5 advice, help, info please
Hi all. I've been a member of the forum for several years and have spent most of my time in the C2 section (I own a 67 coupe). I've recently run into some extra cash and am very seriously considering the purchase of a C5 or C6 but need some help (never driven anything newer than a 78). I like the style of the FRC and understand it was made until 2000 and reintroduced when the Z06 was unveiled. I was leaning towards an automatic transmision, but have been unable to find out if the 2002-2004 Z06 came with an A4 trans. Here is what I'd like input on....
1. Can I buy a Z06 (02-04) with auto?
2. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on C5 vrs C6?
3. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on Z06 vrs FRC?
4. Any advice in general? (other then going out and test driving all variations).
5. Anything special to look for with years 97-01, 02-04?
ANY input is appreciated, thanks, Keith
edited to fix spelling and confusing years
1. Can I buy a Z06 (02-04) with auto?
2. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on C5 vrs C6?
3. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on Z06 vrs FRC?
4. Any advice in general? (other then going out and test driving all variations).
5. Anything special to look for with years 97-01, 02-04?
ANY input is appreciated, thanks, Keith
edited to fix spelling and confusing years
Last edited by vwtdi; Sep 5, 2008 at 10:31 AM. Reason: edited to fix spelling and confusing years
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From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
Hi all. I've been a member of the forum for several years and have spent most of my time in the C2 section (I own a 67 coupe). I've recently run into some extra cash and am very seriously considering the purchase of a C5 or C6 but need some help (nver driven anything newer than a 78). I like the style of the FRC and understand it was made until 2000 and reintroduced when the Z06 was unveiled. I was leaning towards an automatic transmision, but have been unable to find out if the 2002-2004 Z06 came with an A4 trans. Here is what I'd like input on....
1. Can I buy a Z06 (02-04) with auto?NO
2. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on C5 vrs C6?If you can afford it get the C6
3. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on Z06 vrs FRC?FRCs made in 99 and 2000 only ZO6s 2002-2004
4. Any advice in general? (other then going out and test driving all variations).Drive them all then buy the latest model lowest mileage Vette you can find within your budget/Be patient there are tons of C5s out there for sale
5. Anything special to look for with years 98-02, 02-04?
ANY input is appreciated, thanks, Keith
1. Can I buy a Z06 (02-04) with auto?NO
2. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on C5 vrs C6?If you can afford it get the C6
3. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on Z06 vrs FRC?FRCs made in 99 and 2000 only ZO6s 2002-2004
4. Any advice in general? (other then going out and test driving all variations).Drive them all then buy the latest model lowest mileage Vette you can find within your budget/Be patient there are tons of C5s out there for sale
5. Anything special to look for with years 98-02, 02-04?
ANY input is appreciated, thanks, Keith
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
The FRC and the Z06 are entirely different animals.
the Z06 has higher horsepower, stiffer suspension.
The FRC was the entry model C5and feels so compared to the Z06
Z06 is NOT available in A4
I have both a C5 and C6... The ride of a C6 is more "refined" meaning it feels more like a "family car", but it has more power and equal fuel economy.
It comes down to
1. affordability
2.styling preference
3.the C5 Vert has much mor storage/luggage space thant the C6
If you are looking at C5's, in 2001 there were a number of substantial upgrades
HP, cam, intake, MAF, Active handling, from '01 thru '04 there are no significant changes to the platform.
\
the Z06 has higher horsepower, stiffer suspension.
The FRC was the entry model C5and feels so compared to the Z06
Z06 is NOT available in A4
I have both a C5 and C6... The ride of a C6 is more "refined" meaning it feels more like a "family car", but it has more power and equal fuel economy.
It comes down to
1. affordability
2.styling preference
3.the C5 Vert has much mor storage/luggage space thant the C6
If you are looking at C5's, in 2001 there were a number of substantial upgrades
HP, cam, intake, MAF, Active handling, from '01 thru '04 there are no significant changes to the platform.
\
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1. Can I buy a Z06 (02-04) with auto?
The Fixed Roof coupe was introduced in 1999 originally intended to be the low cost alternative model of the C5 - but was decided close to the introduction for it to be the highest performance version. That being said - the FRC's only came with the six speed manual and the performance suspension (Z51), as well as limited color choice and options choices. This car became the Z06 in 2001 when the LS6 was introduced with 385 vs 345 horsepower of the LS1 in the coupe and convertible. The Z06 continued with only the six speed available and limited colors, not to mention that it was obviously the highest performance version of the C5. In 2002, the LS6 was up to 405HP.
2. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on C5 vrs C6?
I don't want to start that discussion - but I will say that the C6 is not the landmark update that the C5 was over the C4. The C6 is more of a refinement of the C5 architecture rather than a totally new car. The C6 has more modern electronic features and much better headlights.
3. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on Z06 vrs FRC?
As mentioned in the answer to question #1 - the Z06 is a higher performance model than the FRC, and newer.
4. Any advice in general? (other then going out and test driving all variations).
I agree with Vegas Vette - buy the newest lowest mileage car you can afford - but you will be astounded the first time you drive a C5 and realize that it too - like your 67, is a Corvette in every sense of the word!
5. Anything special to look for with years 97-01, 02-04?
As previously mentioned - the C5 went through an upgrade that was noticeable starting with the 2002 models (more horsepower and more standard features). 2003 brought the 50th Anniversary models in the coupe and convertible which was essentially paint, trim and badging - along with the introduction of the F55 Magnetic Ride suspension. 2004 was the final model year run of the C5 - it was celebrated by introducing the Commemorative Edition of all three body styles. The 2004 Z06 Z16 Commemorative had a carbon fiber hood which was the first use of carbon fiber in a production Corvette. Again the Commemorative package was paint, trim and badging.
1997 was the first model year - and only the coupe was offered, with about 9700 copies produced. 1998 was the introduction of the convertible, and 1999 was the introduction of the FRC. For the first time in Corvette history, there were three distinct body styles offered.
Good luck in your search!
The Fixed Roof coupe was introduced in 1999 originally intended to be the low cost alternative model of the C5 - but was decided close to the introduction for it to be the highest performance version. That being said - the FRC's only came with the six speed manual and the performance suspension (Z51), as well as limited color choice and options choices. This car became the Z06 in 2001 when the LS6 was introduced with 385 vs 345 horsepower of the LS1 in the coupe and convertible. The Z06 continued with only the six speed available and limited colors, not to mention that it was obviously the highest performance version of the C5. In 2002, the LS6 was up to 405HP.
2. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on C5 vrs C6?
I don't want to start that discussion - but I will say that the C6 is not the landmark update that the C5 was over the C4. The C6 is more of a refinement of the C5 architecture rather than a totally new car. The C6 has more modern electronic features and much better headlights.
3. Anyone want to give their 2 cents on Z06 vrs FRC?
As mentioned in the answer to question #1 - the Z06 is a higher performance model than the FRC, and newer.
4. Any advice in general? (other then going out and test driving all variations).
I agree with Vegas Vette - buy the newest lowest mileage car you can afford - but you will be astounded the first time you drive a C5 and realize that it too - like your 67, is a Corvette in every sense of the word!
5. Anything special to look for with years 97-01, 02-04?
As previously mentioned - the C5 went through an upgrade that was noticeable starting with the 2002 models (more horsepower and more standard features). 2003 brought the 50th Anniversary models in the coupe and convertible which was essentially paint, trim and badging - along with the introduction of the F55 Magnetic Ride suspension. 2004 was the final model year run of the C5 - it was celebrated by introducing the Commemorative Edition of all three body styles. The 2004 Z06 Z16 Commemorative had a carbon fiber hood which was the first use of carbon fiber in a production Corvette. Again the Commemorative package was paint, trim and badging.
1997 was the first model year - and only the coupe was offered, with about 9700 copies produced. 1998 was the introduction of the convertible, and 1999 was the introduction of the FRC. For the first time in Corvette history, there were three distinct body styles offered.
Good luck in your search!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 293
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From: Maryville IL
I agree with blacksedan87 except for point #5. The biggest upgrades to the non-Z06 C5 were in 2001. The Z06 got a different cam in 2002 which upped it's power, but the rest of the changes for 2001 remained the same.
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Both the FRC and Z06 only came with a 6-speed manual tranny. As far as the C5 vs C6 question, it's best if you just go and test drive a few examples of each and see which one you like. They are both damn fine cars so you really won't go wrong either way.
I've got some Word files that may help you out. If you would like a copy, just PM me your e-mail address.
I've got some Word files that may help you out. If you would like a copy, just PM me your e-mail address.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
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If you're looking for an automatic, then I'd get a '06 and up C6 auto. I believe that's when the C6 got a 6 speed automatic. My friend's '07 has 6 speed auto with sport mode and paddle shifters. I'd take his car any day over my '00 4 speed automatic.
His car is faster AND better on gas than mine. Plus, I really love the idea of sport mode. You can either shift it yourself or let the computer shift for you. Sport mode firms up the shift points too, while Drive shifts smoothly. It's the best of both worlds.
It seems to me that the '05 models shipped with 4 speed autos. Someone on the C6 board would definitely know. I hope that helps.
His car is faster AND better on gas than mine. Plus, I really love the idea of sport mode. You can either shift it yourself or let the computer shift for you. Sport mode firms up the shift points too, while Drive shifts smoothly. It's the best of both worlds.
It seems to me that the '05 models shipped with 4 speed autos. Someone on the C6 board would definitely know. I hope that helps.
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