Some people on the forum don't seem to like the hard ride and the loud exhaust, but since I've never driven one (heck, I've only SEEN one) I don't know what it is like. I can't imagine it being louder or rougher than my 84. Are the naysayers just comparing it to the regular C5s?

 

~


[Modified by BLISS, 3:57 AM 4/7/2002]

 

After coming from a 01 Coupe (MN6, Z51) to a 02 Z06 I make the following observations:

- Z06 engine is louder inside
- Z06 has less tire noise (EMT to Supercars)
- You "hear" the pebbles slamming into your wheel wells in the Z06
- Ride wise I find them about the same. I think because the EMTs are harder...
- In stop and go traffic the Z is better that the MN6 Coupe because I can leave the Z in second gear and just release the clutch to move... had to be 1st in the MN6.


As for C4s... I don't remember my father's 84, 85, 90, or 94 being much worse other than they were a little tighter inside. (which I prefer)

- JeffMc

 

It is a bit louder, but pleasantly so! I really liked the sound of the exhaust note!! The ride is about the same from my 98 with the Z51, but then again, I'm a racer and like a stiffer ride. It's much more solid than my 89 with the Z51 and doesn't rattle.

It is a sports car designed for 1 primary thing - the track! The fact that you can use it as a grocery getter is just icing on the cake. It's an incredible car!!! Compared to a "normal" C5 with non-performance suspension, it is a bit rougher, but if you want a Cadillac (sp?) ride, go get a Cadillac. I'll take my Z06 over my 98 Z51 any day...except for one small detail - I can't take the targa top off. I really liked that about the 98.

Get one! I highly recommend it!


[Modified by wtknght1, 7:34 AM 4/7/2002]

 

It's only uncivilized when you press down hard with your right foot! :D

 

The Z06 is the perfect compromise between a track car and daily driver.

Most track cars are pretty harsh. My wife won't even ride in my 2800 lb. LX with no back seat, lightweight racing seats, 600 lb/in frt springs, crank windows, no A/C, no cruise, and many other lightweight, loud, and gofast mods.

She loves the Z06 and so do I.

I am amazed that they made this car so fast AND so civilized. :yesnod:

 

It is the best blend of performance and comfort available.It does ride harsh over broken pavement but is quite comfortable on any decent road.The power band is very flexible down low but pulls very hard when the revs come up.A partition will dramatically reduce road noise and should be installed at the factory.

 

It pulls 1G, 67mph through the slalom, and can be parked over the curb!! Before I lowered mine I thought the ride was amazing, and after lowering it's only a little worse, a partition is a must on a long drive.

 

Ender, some people should have been around when the Muscle Car era was in full bloom.........
The Z is a baby in a cradle compared to the 60's era monsters............and it's even faster..........just not as Brutish............ :eek:

 

Compared to an '85 Z51 4+3, IMO, it's like driving a sports sedan, not a racing car. And the '84 Z51 was worse still.

It's quieter and far less harsh. As far as I'm concerned, the ride is pretty soft, and the seats absorb a lot of the vibration. It's not at all brutal like the first C4's, partially thanks to an 8" longer wheelbase. Body roll is about the same as the early Z51's. Driveline noise is about the same.

However, road feel through the steering and suspension is reduced, and the car feels insulated from the road. Some like it; some don't.

More engine sound, of course.

The only negative for me is the slow 16.1 to 1 steering compared to the 13 to 1 in my Z51.

Just my opinion.

 

What is a partition? Do you mean that the older plain hardtops had a bulkhead between the seats and the trunk? and that the new ZO6s don't? can you buy a Z06 partition?

 

Partitions are available in several styles for prices that range from $40 for a piece of unfinished foam from ecklers to a deluxe completely finished partion that costs just under $400 from some of the other vendors.I used the ecklers partially finished foam model for $99 and covered the bare side with carpet for less than $10 including glue.It simply pushes into place and really diminishes road noise to the passengers.

 

The 84 is far harsher. The way I remember mine was as "a bunch of parts flying in formation". The Z06 is very tight. When you drive one, go over a familiar stretch of bumpy road. You'll see what I mean.

 

If you are performance oriented rather the luxury oriented, you will love the Z06. It is better in every way then my track modified 95 Z28 and is more comfortable then my Viper GTS. The Z06 is a fantasitc blend of performance and drive-ability.

Jim

 

Perfect balance. I wouldn't change it for the world. :cheers:

 

I got a chance to drive a Forum Member's Z06 last week (thanks Wes), and the word 'uncivilized' doesn't apply to this car! In addition to being brutally fast, it's IMO, as comfortable and driveable as any C5. Ride quality was great, and the exhaust note was very moderate during normal driving. But under WOT it sounds awesome, just awesome. My hat's off to Chevy for building such a well balanced car :flag:

This is coming from former Viper GTS owner who also happens to have owned a few Mustangs (setup for handling/open track). I'm about ready to be in the market again for a '97-'99 Viper GTS, but the Z06 has definitely got my attention. For approx. $50K out the door (correct me if I'm wrong) I can buy a new Z06 that runs low 12s in the high 'teens, pulls a g on the skidpad, has excellent brakes...a few mods and I'm at 370rwhp. Hmm.....

I'm now trying to figure out the Viper GTS vs. Z06 debate so I can make a decision soon, but I'll save that for another thread.

In any case, I would consider the Z06 to be an affordable, civilized supercar.

Regards,


[Modified by Viper Stang, 9:58 AM 4/8/2002]

 

Viper Stang, I would need to know what you wanted the car for before I could say which to get. I chose the Z06 for reasons important to me and hope to be in a Viper also one day soon. If I could only have one it would be the Z. Its a great ALL around car. Either way they are the best two cars out there in my opinion. You can't go wrong either way.

 

1. Find a dealership with a Z06 in stock
2. Drive it
3. Watch out for buggers ;)

:seeya :seeya :seeya

 

It rides better than my 85 Z51 4+3 with 30,000 miles did. It is far from "uncivilized".

 

OK....here goes:

Regardless of my choice, the car won't be a daily driver, I've already got that covered. If in fact I could only have 1 car (we currently own 3) then the decision would be easy, the Z06 makes a better daily driver than a Viper GTS.
Even though I did the Nor Cal commute in my Viper w/ no problems, there's more to it than that. Parking a Viper becomes an issue as well, as it's *slightly* more noticeable than a 'Vette. Less importantly is the fact that the Viper is a gas hog compared to a C5 Vette. Then there's the mileage thing, as it seems like even moderate mileage (I'm talking 20-30K miles) severely depreciates a Viper, I don't think that's the case with the Vette. So daily driver, IMO Z06 wins hands down (given my budget/comittment level).

The car I buy will be used just like my Mustangs were, street/cruising, occasional open track events, and 2-4 drag strip sessions per year. Both the Z06 and Viper fit these requirements *very* well.

One of the bigger factors weighing in my decision is of course a $50K used low mileage '98 Viper vs. $50K NEW Z06. Which is a better value (not investment, b/c neither car will appreciate for quite some time), which has less risk/exposure to costly problems (new car warranty vs. Chrysler extended warranty). If I had not driven Wes' pretty Electron blue '02 Z06, my decision would be much, much easier since my ownership experience with my '96 Viper was extremely positive, it was a great car. :confused:

Regards,



[Modified by Viper Stang, 11:58 AM 4/8/2002]