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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 11:34 AM
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I have a few basic questions. I'm looking to pick up a C5 soon and i'm not sure which model to get. I'm the kind of guy that does a lot of power upgrades so most likely a supercharger would be in the cars future.

Is the Z06 worth the extra money if i'm going the supercharger route?
Are all of the NON-Z06 models the same power wise?
Does the NON-Z06 have any weakness like a different trans? axles?

Basically, what would i be missing out on if i don't get a Z06? - my main goals are to make power down the road.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 12:17 PM
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If you're putting a supercharger on the car, in my opinion the differences between standard vette and Z06 would almost be moot.

Different trans and rear end ratios, different weight, different wheel widths...the list goes on and on.

Buy the body style you like and fix it up til you love it.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by flynbyu2
If you're putting a supercharger on the car, in my opinion the differences between standard vette and Z06 would almost be moot.

Different trans and rear end ratios, different weight, different wheel widths...the list goes on and on.

Buy the body style you like and fix it up til you love it.
The few features you just mentioned are enough already for me to not go with a base model. Particullary the trans, diff, weight.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by halltim
I have a few basic questions. I'm looking to pick up a C5 soon and i'm not sure which model to get. I'm the kind of guy that does a lot of power upgrades so most likely a supercharger would be in the cars future.

Is the Z06 worth the extra money if i'm going the supercharger route?
Are all of the NON-Z06 models the same power wise?
Does the NON-Z06 have any weakness like a different trans? axles?

Basically, what would i be missing out on if i don't get a Z06? - my main goals are to make power down the road.
i was kind of the same way when i went to buy my first one. honestly the biggest thing for me.. as simple as it may be.. removeable top

i am not a soft top guy, and i almost bought the Z.. but i figured i wanted to be able to take the top of on those "cruising" days during the summer... i know it doesnt completely related to your power question.. but just my .02

Good luck with your purchase!!!!

matt
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by MCVetteLs1
i was kind of the same way when i went to buy my first one. honestly the biggest thing for me.. as simple as it may be.. removeable top

i am not a soft top guy, and i almost bought the Z.. but i figured i wanted to be able to take the top of on those "cruising" days during the summer... i know it doesnt completely related to your power question.. but just my .02

Good luck with your purchase!!!!

matt
I agree with you - and i think i might have jumped the gun w/ my previous post... correct me if i'm wrong but...

the Z06 is..
38 lbs lighter (this is not a big deal to me)
brakes aren't as good (i don't care)
gears are better (you can change the gear for $300?)
Wheels are wider (i most likely would change wheels anyways)
More power (only real difference is in the heads - when i want to make it, fast this won't be a big issue)

are all those statements correct?
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 1 SLOC5
I personally went with a C5 non Z06 and modified it with a ECS Novi Paxton Supercharger and a ton of other supporting modifications. If you're going to mod it, buy which one you like the appearance of better.



Originally Posted by halltim
I agree with you - and i think i might have jumped the gun w/ my previous post... correct me if i'm wrong but...

the Z06 is..
38 lbs lighter (this is not a big deal to me)
brakes aren't as good (i don't care)
gears are better (you can change the gear for $300?)
Wheels are wider (i most likely would change wheels anyways)
More power (only real difference is in the heads - when i want to make it, fast this won't be a big issue)

are all those statements correct?
well i cant say im the smartest guy but yes i do beleive those are all correct... but as you already stated..
weight- ya the coupe weighs a bit more, but the fact of being able to take the top off outweighed that descision for me
brakes- i just bought new GM drilled/slotted and new hawk brakes.. 350$ for everything at a vette shop near me
gears- yes you can change them.
wheels- most people change the wheels anyways, as i did so thats not a huge issue..
Power- if your going to be doing power upgrades anyways i dont beleive there is THAT huge of a difference between blocks.

after talking to a few people at buyavette and reading a few things online. you can make just as much HP from a coupe as you could a Z if your doing modifications, so i think just go for the styling you like best and go from there..
again im no expert, just my .02!
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 03:59 PM
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Buy a Corvette 'black book' in it you'll find all the differences in models and years. Do your research, The Z06 comes only with a 6 speed manual shift, the same tranny as the 6 speed manual in other Vettes.
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 04:12 PM
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I've got some files that might help you out, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist. If you'd like a copy, just PM me your e-mail address.

Your best bet is to do your research and then drive an example of each body style. That way you'll have a fairly good idea which one strikes you as the one you want.
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