I'm not new to performance but I am new to Corvette's. I currently drive a 400hp 2003 Evo, fully built block, ported/polished head, dual valve springs, .5 over-sized valves, 272 cams, the list goes on. Redline is 11-11.5k RPM. My best time was 11.7 @ 117 MPH. It's a blast to drive but I've always loved Corvette's.

Now that the intro is over, I have some questions.

If I have no intention of keeping my car anywhere near stock, would I be better off saving some money and get a base C5 vise the Z?

Would the LS1 or LS6 be better for boring or stroking? I understand the blocks are very similar. So I would imagine it wouldn't matter, which would make me lean more towards the base C5 again.

Above question also applies if I plan on going F/I. LS1 vs LS6, bore vs stoke...I am utterly lost. The Evo is stupid simple to mod, they're pretty much dummy proof.

I plan on DDing my car. 1/4 runs here and there but mostly just street use. I'd also like to be in the 600-700 WHP range.

Any and all help will be taken into consideration.

 

Believe it or not, The LS motor is easy to mod also, Do a lot of reading on here and in the Tech and FI section.
As far as LS1 or LS6 you can get crazy HP with both, As far as body goes it really depends on what you like, Some like the Coupe style with the removable top, Some the Vert and some like the Fixed Roof style of the Z06. It really comes down to your preference.
You have come to the right place to find your answers.
Good luck and Welcome.
Mr.Bill

One thing I forgot to add is when looking for a C5 I would look for a 2001-2004, They have most of the upgrades done.

 

Where to start...

If you're not intending to keep it stock the difference between the base and the Z are purely your own tastes. The Z gets a lot of handling hardware and weight reduction that the base car didn't get. The coupe is cheaper, has a better look (in my opinion), removeable top, and will bolt up all of the Z's hardware (plus a ton of goodies from the C6Z06 if you want).

The LS1 and LS6 short blocks are pretty much identical, so the bore/stroke issues would be about the same for both. If you're changing the bore or stroke and want to go F/I at 600-700WHP, you might be wise to get a built shortblock with the displacement you want...visit Katech (see forum sponsor link on the left toward the bottom).

Given what you're trying to do, you might try to hunt down a coupe with a blown (read: broken, not supercharded) motor that you can snag really cheap and do a motor swap on.

I don't know what your build budget is, but to do a C5 with that much power and have it still be a reliable and enjoyable car is going to cost BIG $. Plan on a built motor (forged bottom end, complete revised top end, oiling system upgrades, etc.), F/I setup (probably need meth injection), new (or built) transmission and rear-end. In addition, you'll quickly find with that much power you'll want BIG wheels and tires (and either fenders or a mini-tub) and upgraded suspension and brakes to handle the new power. By the time you're done you're at least $20k into the project and maybe closer to $30k if you do everything right and have a good shop doing a lot of the work.

Lastly, 600-700WHP in a C5 doesn't make for a good DD - it will make a MONSTER drag car though. First, it will be in the shop, torn apart, or on blocks while you're constantly tweaking stuff. Second, the ride quality will suffer because you won't get there without making it really loud and adding quite a bit of vibration.

Most guys that are running DD C5s that want more power will go with a basic centrifugal supercharger setup (A&A makes the most popular one) with a few bolt-ons and call it good. That's good for 500-550RWHP without breathing hard or compromising the overall reliability of the car - though it can be hard on the stock drivetrain if you're pushing it hard frequently.

 

That's good to know. In the Evo world, it's not uncommon to DD a 9 sec Evo. I wouldn't mind revising my 600-700 WHP goal in order for me to enjoy it more. 550-600 sounds reasonable. I guess I'll start looking for a 2002 C5/C5Z. Thanks for all the great info everyone.

 

Pardon me...WTF is a EVO? I'm not very good on cars and only really keep up with Vettes, Vipers, and Porches- I mean Porsches.

I saw this Porch....

 

I agree with "Rob04C5LM". Good luck with your purchase and modding....

 

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq8A-OSbqaA

 

An Evo is an over grown shopping cart.

You decide.

 

When I was a youngin' anybody that showed up at the drive-in with a modded 4 door would have been laughed out of the city. Even if it was extremely fast, which the EVO is.

 

It's obviously a generational thing. Parents drove sedans (four doors).

OBD

 

Here's my DD with plenty of HP & Torque, 2003 coupe. L8R ZFLASH