Let me start by saying I am not trying to start a flame war at all.

I currently own a '07 Charger SRT8 with Pedders Track II suspension, Pedders Xa coil-overs, Quaife LSD, and bolt-ons giving me 434 hp to the wheels. It is a big and fast car. Comfortable and practical. But once again it is big, and even though the Track II suspension should have the car pulling around 1.05 Gs on street tires, it can't get around the fact it is over 2 tons.

I really love the SRT8, but sometimes I miss having a light car that could rip it up on an autocross coarse and make simple trips to the store.

So I have test driven an '06 Z06 and liked it a lot (despite the test car having "issues".) But I have decided I don't want to spend *that* much. I must say that the C6 Z06 is definitely a beast though!!! I test drove an '07 Mustang GT500 today as I figured it might be a car that offers the handling and power I want, and with a lot more practicality than a Vette. While they will give me over $30K trade in on my Charger, the GT500 would still cost me close to $9K after tax and licensing (and the price difference), and that just doesn't seem worth it to me. The power is what I would call "meaty" on the GT500. Much more low end than my SRT8, but I think my SRT8 is pretty close on the top end. Not to mention, my car probably handles much better.

So that brings me to the C5 Z06. I prefer the C5 styling, and I've always loved the C5 Z06....especially in yellow. I just love the looks. But I haven't driven one. I've driven C3, C4 and C6 Vettes, but no C5. I haven't been able to find one to try yet. I am curious to see what you guys think about going to a C5 Z06 from my car. I know the Z06 will be more nimble, but I assume lack the overall grip when stock. Acceleration-wise I would expect the Z06 to be about on par with my car, but probably a bit quicker 0-60. I can hit 0-60 in about 4.2 in my car, but that is super hard to hit as it is really hard to launch well. I could hit consistent 4.7's though. I am definitely no drag racer though. I am more interested in autocrossing.

The big advantage of the C5 Z06 is that they are inexpensive. I could probably sell my SRT8 and buy a Z06 and maybe have some cash left over. With the extra cash I might be forced to buy a hoopty to carry my dog around or to make trips to Costco. I just don't see my 95 lb Labrador fitting in a Vette.

If a were looking for a PERFECT '02-'04 Z06 with low miles, what would I expect to pay? Is $25K a very reasonable number? I haven't bothered to call my insurance agent yet, but I assume a Vette is far more expensive than the $80/month I am paying now for full coverage.

Is there anything else I should be worrying about when looking at a Z06? And common problem areas to look at?

Once again, this this is not intended to start a flame war (this seems to be a pretty mature forum so maybe not an issue), I have just been unable to find a C5 Z06 to test drive so far. If you are in the Bay Area and you want to show me your's, let me know.

 

$25K would be on the high end in this market. Insurance should not be more than you are currently paying, perhaps even less, call your agent and ask. You really need to test drive one, they have amazing feel and feedback if you like a responsive car.

 

So if I want a perfect car with under 30K miles what should I be expecting to pay? And will if feel remotely similar to the C6 Z I drove? I understand that there is a big power difference, but otherwise do they feel similar? Or is it a night and day difference?

And would the Z06 make a decent daily driver? I would only put maybe 4K miles on it a year. So while I say it is a daily driver, it won't get driven daily at all...it would just be my main transportation.

And I like the sounds of the responsiveness. That is really what I am looking for. Something like my old E30 M3, but with twice the power sounds awesome.

 

I would like to meet the dealer that will give you 30k for your car bro. I got 30k for a 2011 Camaro 2SS trade in. You might be able to swing an even swap...MAYBE on a C5Z. If a C6Z didnt do it for you and it had "issues" I doubt a C5Z will either. Any case, research, and ultimatley go find one to drive.

 

The issues with the C6 Z06 were mechanical. The shifter kept popping out of first gear, and odd whine (I do not believe transmission related) when at low RPMs and adding some light gas, etc. The guys on the Z06 forums all told me to "run as fast as I could" from that car.

As to the value of my current it isn't really important to the thread but I can explain it a little. My car is clean, and I mean really clean. Cleaner than a new car. It is in show car shape. Not a single rock chip. Brand new pads and rotors, brand new tires, etc. I have every bit of paperwork since new, and document every purchase for the car other than gasoline. Not to mention it looks stock, but has many potentially popular upgrades (around $10K in mods). And yes, I know I will get pennies on the dollar for mods on a car when trading it in. On top of that, Kelly Blue Book gives my car a value of $30,380.

http://www.kbb.com/dodge/charger/200...tion=excellent

Also consider that the SRT8 is a more expensive car to begin with than the Camaro you sold (I think). The SRT8 with options is around $45K. On top of that, demand for Charger SRT8s right now is EXTREMELY high. One guy in my car club was offered $27K for his SRT8 with 70K miles sight unseen by his local dealer. They said if the car was clean they would give him more. From what I hear the Charger SRT8 was featured in the new Fast and Furious movie, so maybe that has something to do with. Also there really isn't any competition to the LX SRT8 other than a Pontiac G8. And lets face it, the SRT8 is *much* more popular to the G8. Though I hope Chevy brings back the G8 in the next generation!

When I was at the Chevy dealer to look at the C6 Z06, I actually was approached by a family who asked me to sell them my car if I decided to get a Vette. They weren't turned off at all when I told them I would want possibly more than a brand new Charger R/T. So even random people come up and want to buy it. Who knows if they would really buy it, but they were interested.

So I am not sure why you think I would only be able to trade straight up for a Z06. If a Z06 is a $25K car on the high end, then clearly I should be able to save $5K or so by moving to one. Or am I missing something here? Or are you thinking tax and license will cost me $5K? I figured it would be more like 10% of the value of the car, or is that too low?

 

Here is what I think...

Sounds like the C6Z you drove had issues that may have occurred from being "driven" well. The stick popping out of gear is more likely a transmission issue and it was going to need to be replaced.

I LOVE the C5Z over all of the other models, purely for the FRC look over then fact that I know the C6Z is a overall better car; power, handling, refined interior and suspension. I will say this, the C5Z is just a more raw car that feels more like a race car over the C6Z and it is cheaper to maintain.

I like the SRT packages that DODGE puts out, but I would have to say that stock for stock the C5Z pulls your car and beats it in every category with the exception of the room it offers. But, I am not trying to get into a pissing match about that, the car is still a good looking car.

the C5 had it's fair share of issues, Column Lock, leaking differentials and a few other little things that people complain about. I have had three C5s, two COUPEs and my current 2003 C5Z.

I bought my 2003 C5Z a year and a half ago with 36,777 miles on the clock for $22,500 here in Hawaii. It was dirty but ran super well. There are guys getting some amazing deals out there on these cars. I also believe these cars are the BEST bang for the buck these days. The LS motors are proven and you can get to your HP numbers on your SRT8 with a pretty limited amount of money. I am running a CAM only car with LTs, CAI, complete upgrade in the suspension (COILOVERS and poly bushings) and including the tune I spent under $5K. I am somewhere around 415rwhp and the car corners like it is on rails. To keep costs down I did the work myself.

I wish you luck. I think once you get into the C5Z you will NOT regret it and another huge plus to these cars this...it isn't just a car, it is an AMERICAN ICON. Save the way

 

Hi there,

As you know I am a HUGE Mopar and vette fan!
My first love are the old school classic American Muscle Cars and I LOVE old school Mopars, and the 2008-10 Viper (ACR especially is my favorite modern American Sports car) and the new Challengers.

I having been daily driving my new to my 2008 SRT8 Challenger since I bought it 7 months ago and I LOVE THE CAR (but its a 2 door Chally not a 4 door Charger). I never understood how they could make the Charger a 4 door, that's just wrong, so not a big fan of it (sorry, don't take offense to that).

Now, give me a badd azz 68 to 70 Charger, and simply tuff to beat that!

I have owned 2 different C5 Zs, and they are awesome machines!!

Since you can daily drive your cars year round without any snow or salt (you lucky son of Beetch) get a CLEAN, well maintained C5 Z, and based upon your post I think this is an easy decision!

The C5 Z has to be the BIGGEST bang for the buck modern high performance car in the market, given the fact you can pick up one with less than 40K miles on it in great shape, between $21K and $25K, depending how hard you look and how patient you are, and with its power to weight ratio it will spank about 95% of the cars out there (in stock form). Now, since your into modding, if you REALLY do your homework, you can get a KICK AZZ heads/cam bolt on C5 Z, making 450+rwhp, and then you will REALLY FLY!!
Just be careful on modded cars to REALLY do your due diligence regarding documenation of all parts used, tuner, and who did the dyno tune, and also would do a leakdown and compression test also if you buy a modded one. You can get a kick azz modded one also for around$25K, b/c modded cars don't bring much more money that a stock Z, the stock Z being MUCH easier to sell also (b/c most vette guys are scared of moddified Zs).

Make sure its an 02 or 03 Z, and GO FOR IT, don't look back, you will be a HAPPY camper! BEST of luck to you and let us know what you do!

 

 

This is really an apples/oranges comparison. The C5Z is (still) a world-class sports-car and the Charger is a fast touring car. If you don't need the rear-seats the Z will win every category except comfort. It is quicker/faster, handles/brakes better and will even get better MPG. You say you are interested in autocross, so that makes this choice even more of a no-brainer. The C5Z is 3100lbs, can hit 380+rwhp with just bolt-ons and is geared to get out of corners quickly. Just add some stickies and go racing...

I owned a 1970 Challenger R/T clone with a stroked Wedge, so no bias here...just don't see this as a difficult choice.

 

you should definitly get the c5z is super fun and for the 30k you could get for your charger you could get a pretty well built c5z. check for the c5s for sale forum there are plenty on there to choose from. you could also get a low miles stock car for low 20's sometimes high teens depending on how hard you look. when i bought mine last summer i just missed out on an 03 z06 on ebay with 30k miles that sold for 19200. i ended up getting mine with 13k miles for 24500. as far as insurance goes i wouldn't worry about that. i pay 62 a month for full coverage on my 02 z06 and im only 24.

 

While I'm a C5Z driver, not sure if that's what you want for sure.

The C5Z is a hair shirt sports car. It is definately stiff, but it is also responsive and feels like a rapier in your hand compared to the meataxe that you are driving now. It handles well and is a hoot on an autocross course. Still it isn't for everyone, you should drive one and see what you think.

A C6Z still costs a bundle, so I can see why you don't want to go there.

A C5 coupe with a Z51 suspension and a six speed is a fun car on an autocross course. Moreover, the class it runs in autocross is one class lower (A stock in SCCA) where it is actually more competitive than a C5Z is in super stock. With the hatchback you can fit your dog in the back, no problem. It is almost as fast as your current car in a straight line. I'd drive one and see what you think, it's even less expensive than the Z.

A C6 (non Z06) coupe also runs superstock and is uncompetitive there, but it is as fast in a straight line as a C5Z and if you are running autocross for the fun of it wouldn't be a bad choice and the dog has plenty of room in the back too.

You need to drive them all and then decide.

 

I love the SRT8 Chargers, especially in red. I think it totally hides it's 4-door heritage, but still will give you the convenience of 4 doors, and a roomy interior. I think if you don't need this extra room, then there's no better value/performer in the world, than a 01-04 ZO6. You can get alot in the trunk, and it's not unusual to get better than 27 MPG on the highway.I'm all about modding, which is not everybody's cup o' mud, and I don't put very many miles on mine.(18k) I've owned it over 8 years, and I hope I never sell it. You won't regret owning one, if it fits your lifestyle. Be patient, and make sure you spend time, and drive a prospective purchase, making sure it's the kind of car you want. There's nothing better/faster/cheaper/easy to work on, etc..... It's my 4th car, so it sees very little road, but even heavily modded, I'm not afraid to jump in and head for the other side of the country. GL with your decision.

 

I know a lot of old school Mopar guys feel that way. I am on the opposite side of the argument as I see the Challenger as the disappointment. The Challenger is just a Charger with 4" out of the wheelbase. The Challenger has softer suspension than the Charger, and in general doesn't provide superior performance at all. To me, the Challenger should be 500 lbs lighter and be more competitive with the competition. Even the new 392 (looks awesome in Green With Envy!) is flat out uncompetitive. A Base Mustang GT is nearly as quick as the 392, and the Boss or GT500 will humiliate it performance-wise. And the Boss is still less expensive than a 392. The Challenger does look great and I love the new interior in them though. I just wish the Challenger offered a big performance jump over the big heavy Charger 4-door!

But it comes down to money. Dodge didn't have the money to develop a new chassis for the Challenger, so they went with the modified LX. The same could be said about a 2-door Charger. It just doesn't make sense in today's world. And right now the Charger SRT8 doesn't really have any competition in it's class with the G8 gone.

But back to the topic...

Why should I avoid a '04? I was thinking about looking at an '04 Z16.

 

I agree that I need to try a C5 Z06. I honestly doubt I would be happy with a lower end model, but perhaps it is worth testing out. I come from a road racing background and typically prefer track handling even on the street.

 

There is nothing wrong with the 2004 Z06. It has better suspension than the previous years to boot. He was referring to try to avoid an 01 due to a smaller less aggressive cam and v-train.

 

That is what I figured, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

 

That is exactly right, the way you were talking I thought you were only looking at 02 and 03 Zs b/c there are the best bang for the $.

The 04Z are essentially the same car, but for the 04 Z16 you reference, which does have better shocks and is arguably a collectible (to many vette purists).

The Z16 would be a SWEET Z for you very unique, and much rarer than your Average C5 Z. Yes, don't get an 01 Z b/c lower horsepower, etc, unless you want a modified one (that is putting down the smack).

I also agree with you 100% that I wish Dodge would have built a special platform for the Challenger SRT8, and that it was 500 lbs lighter, I have said that 100 times to people. That being said it is pretty impressive in speed for a Sherman Tank that weights 4060 lbs empy, and respond really nice to bolt ons and a Diablo Predator tune, with my running 12.7s to 12.9s with those mild mods, 12.7s being 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 premuim territory!

If the Chally SRT8s and the new 392s were 500 lbs lighter, they would be the fastest of the modern musclse cars, and I do wish the bodies were smaller, but I am not complaining, for a daily driver I am very happy with mine,its is extremely comfortabe, darn hot looking, and it gets a TON of attention wherever it goes!

 

If you are into modding, another option would be a 2000 FRC. Swap the heads to ported 243's ($1500), slap an ls6 manifold on($300), get some *good* 1 7/8 headers ($1100 if catless, $1400 catted), toss a good streetable cam in ($800), ls7 clutch($500) and you have yourself a car that gets 30 mpg highway, and will make 400-420 rwhp depending on cam size. Even with an FRC, you don't have to TOUCH the suspension because they come with the Z51 package which is very competitive once you replace the runflats. The average driver wont notice a handling difference between a regular c5 FRC and a z06.

Yet another option is the 2001 z06 which are a lot cheaper than the 2002+, only difference being the cam and no HUD. However, this year has been known to drink oil (not sure what the %'s are on that).

FYI, I have a 99 frc making 371 rwhp on the STOCK cam (only 199 dur/479 lift, pathetic) with ported heads/headers/ls6 intake and I can tell you right now I *LOVE* it so much more than my old 460 rwhp GTO (comparable handling/weight to your charger. My FRC *feels* faster than my old GTO. Is it faster? I dunno, haven't been to the track yet. But I ran 13.1 at 111 stock with only 300 rwhp. 70 horse gain should net 7 mph which is 118 which is what my gto was trapping. You will not be disappointed picking up a c5z or an FRC. This body style is so light that you don't need much power to go very fast in the 1/4.

 

I am just going to jump in this realy fast like a troll, I enjoy picking on the mopars with my Vette. take it for what it is worth

 

Man 01 C5Z owners get no love. I bought an 01 C5Z last year with 113K for $14.9K to use as a dedicated track car. Since then I've put about 4500 track miles on it and have had no issues. The C5Z is the best bang for the buck if you're looking for a autox or road course car. You can strip them down and make them very light. Mine with about 2 gallons of gas without me in it weighs 2880 lbs. The 20 hp difference between the 01 and 02-04 is essentially negligible.