Hi,

1st post here, so a big hello to you all from the UK.

I really want a 2001 Z06 hatchback coupe, but sadly they only make the ZO6 as a hardtop coupe, which I'm not so keen on the looks of.

So, I'm considering a modding a C5 hatch, instead of getting the better Z06....

I know a C5 hatchback is 50 bhp down on the Z06, but I could make 70 odd hp with a good heads and cam combo, couldn't I?

They upgraded the suspension for the Z06 too didn't they. Is it noticeably better handling over the stock C5?

I need telling the Z06 is miles better than a modded C5, which would cost loads, and given time the looks of the Z06 will grow on me.

I just like the look of the hatchback soooo much better, it's got that F body type style I've come to know and love over the years owning my WS6.

Thanks for the advise

 

No a C6 with an LS2 is 400hp, an 08 + with the LS3 is430+ hp.

Stock yes, the C5Z06 is significantly quicker off the line and faster around a roadcourse with better handling.

There are plenty of already modified C5's and C5Z06's in the for sale section; going this route will save you a lot of money over buying stock and then moddifying it.

 

Get the ZO6, i was going to get a hatch but i got lucky and found a ZO6 in my price range so i got it instead and now i really prefer the hardtop coupe, i wanted a targa but i can live without it and since you are in the UK you would only be able to take it out twice a year anyway so no big deal There is more than just those few differences you listed, the ZO6 is lighter with thinner glass etc... and it has a different gearbox with shorter gear ratios and the list goes on... so its not worth it to try to make a regular C5 into a ZO6 because youll end up spending more and still have less if that makes sense.


I think he meant C5, and maybe you missed the part about him being in the UK as in ENGLAND so the classifieds on here wont do him much good.

 

Sure did.

To the OP: If you wan't a hatch to match a Z, you could replace the suspension with Z06 specs, or just get coilovers, a 3.90 rearend, and bolt-ons (headers, Cold air intake, ported TB) will get you real close in performance.

 

If you like the hatch.. get one. LS1's are easily made as powerful as LS6's. Also, a very easy suspension upgrade is doable for little money which will put your C5 on par with a C5Z.

I have a C5Z just because I like that body style.. However, I would have no qualms with getting a hatch-style body and modding it, if that's what I wanted.

 

Z06 LUST

I am in the UK also and I have had both a coupe with Z51 and now own a Z06. I feel the Z06 handles so much better then a coupe in standard form but as others have said it would not be to difficult to get the same set up. As for power I had my coupe tuned by a company in Milton Keynes which increased the power to 400 hp and 415 ft/lb of torque.

The Z06 is still quicker but that is down to the gear ratio's more then anything, what ever you decide you would not be disappointed.

 

So a C5 hatch with just cam and headers is VERY nearly as fast as the Z06?

And coilovers will make a C5 handle just as well as a Z?

I'm just concerned the little differences they made to the Z are enough to make it a much superior car, especially in handling aspects to even a modded C5.

The Z had the 2nd gen of active handling too, did that make much of a difference?

If I get a Z, it'll probably be a 2001, so headers and huge cam would be on the 'to do' list anyway.

Mod a C5 hatch or 2001 Z06??

Thanks for the advise

 

Getting a 3.90 or 4.10 rearend will eliminate that advantage



A coilover kit with sways will make the hatch handle just as well or even better depending on what you get and how you set it up.

The differences arent that great. Get what you really want. One advantage the hatch has is better aerodynamics.

 

I wouldn't buy the '01 Z unless the ring work was completed on it. The '02 and higher Z's had more HP out of the box and less mechanical issues in this department, so why purchase that headache.

As for the OP question. I have had two coupes ('00 and '01) and now I have an '03 Z and to me there is no comparison. My '00 I upgraded all of the suspension (Hotchkis SBs, ZO6 springs, Bilsteing shocks), full exhaust (LTs, HF cats, BORLA stingers), machined LS6 heads and a nice CAM with a full intake, built tranny and it had a performance DIFF also (A4) and the stock Z I recently purchased feels better in the handling, performance and all around driving department. I personally love the FRC look, however I like the lines of the coupe too.

It's a tough decision, but modding a '02 or newer Z seems to be a better idea than modding a car that will require alot more work.

Wish you all the best.

Micah

 

Curious if you had the alignment specs on your coupes set within Z06 specs? This will make a big difference on how the car feels and handles.

 

To me the only reason to own a c5Z is its unique style. If you prefer a hatch , look for a c6 ls3 with z51. that is a better platform to start from than a c5 hatch. Good luck and have fun.

 

I'd love a C6, but they're just too expensive for me.

I guess the Z is pretty sexy, and like you say would be better to mod a Z than a C5, I think I'm decided on the Z06.

Thanks for the advise
Paul

 

Hi and Welcome to the Forum!

I would definitely get the Z06. The look will grow on you!! I promise! I have a 2001 and don't have any of the problems that some others have had with with their 2001 model. I would just get the lowest Mile one you could afford or find. Make sure you have a qualified person inspect the Car for you before the purchase it. Or maybe get the GM service records for the Car if Possible.

TEST DRIVE the car Semi-Hard. Get those RPM up! After your test drive, go to the rear and look for tiny Black spots of oil on the rear end, near the exhaust pipes. This could clue you in if the Car has a burning Oil or Ring blow by problem. Good Luck, Were all here if you need help!

A quick Pic for you of My Z06 next to my 4K miles WS-6.

 

4K miles! Damn, you must drive your ws6 less than I drive mine! Cool pic BTW, and thanks for the advise and welcome.

 

No, didn't get the specs. I haven't had that car in such a long time and then I get the Z, that has a lot to do with it, but out of the box, the '02-'04 Zs are such a better platform to start with and that was something I was trying to get across.

 

IMPO, the Z06 is the only way to go. BUT, if you're a fan of the hatch look instead of the notch, most of the Z06 stuff can be put on the Coupe. There's a lot of aftermarket stuff that would do just as well if not better though. One of the things I prefer about the Z06 is the cluster. The Z06 has a black-light lit cluster and a checkered background. That does a lot for me.

The Z06 is definitely lighter than the coupe even with the thicker sways and stiffer suspension. The power difference between the LS1 and LS6 can be made up with a good set of long tube headers, cold air intake, and tune. The Z06 has an MN12 transmission and the coupe has a MN6. The difference is about the same as going up to 3.90 gears in the coupe. So changing the gears in the diff would give you the launching power that the Z06 has.

Honestly, it's just easier to buy a Z06 if you can let the looks grow on you. Personally I think the Z06 looks far better because I love the notch look. I had a 2002 Trans Am WS6 also as well as a 97 Firebird Formula. Honestly the Z06 glass is nicer from a driver's point of view... It's way easier to see out.

 

I obviously don't drive the WS6 much at all. I do start it every other week and let it warm up to temp. When I do drive it's only short distances. I bought it brand new in early 2002, and just didn't want to put many miles on it. I also had a 500HP Fox body Mustang at the same time, So that satisfied my need for speed at the time. (Sold that for the Z) The WS6 is the only car I have ever bought brand New, so it really got the baby treatment. I do have 27K on the Z06 though. Bought it in 2006 with 15K Now, I just perfer driving the Z.

 

HAHA... Yeah, I really missed my WS6 until I got the Z06. What's a WS6 again?! LOL!

 

Sold this >

To buy this>

 

Please don't use the term 'hatchback', God that should have been caught and corrected by the moderator. Coupe , convertible and hardtop or FRC body styles. I know you're a foreigner an all and its America's responsibility to police the world .


My first question to this threads originator is ; What do you want from this Corvette you intend to purchase ? To some the Corvette is all things. To others the Corvette is a road car, or straight acceleration, ect. . The C5 Z06 was designed to be the factory race car that could also be your daily driver. Reliable, good MPG, stylish and fast.

If you read the CF Forum threads of those complaining and or asking for help, you'll find the majority are those who have modified their cars, whether coupe, 'vert or hardtop.

http://www.eugeneleafty.com/Corvette...ugh%20shifting


This is some information you should be aware of whether or not you're considering a 2001 coupe , 'vert or Z06. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-z...-question.html




Also something to ponder if considering the 405 LS6 (2002-2003) is the batch of valve spring failures . But Dave426 has computed that only 2-3% of LS6 engines in those model years were or could be affected. ( Dave's calculations are derived from asking close to half the corvette repair shops in Texas).

Here is a link to CF forum on '01 vs '02-'03 M/Yshttp://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-z...02-04-z06.html


2001 Corvette specifications linkhttp://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2001/specs.htm

Someone say WS6;