LOL, that's what I do...with enough scotch and squinting the other day, my C5Z became a C7-Ferrari-Lambo hybrid. For the money I paid for her, I was feeling seriously stoked.

To the OP - f you'd like a one of a kind, special C5Z and money is no object, why not? If you prefer the C5Z look, why not? If you're planning on keeping the car for a long time, why not?

In the end, there is no replacement for displacement...the 7.0 is better than the 5.7 if it's power that you're after. You'll just have to assume that the market for a frankenstein C5Z (and resale value) will be smaller than for the C6Z.

 

Agreed

I'm already into my C5Z for what cheaper C6Zs are going for, and once I fix the trans and swap the clutch I could have bought the C6Z... and I still don't have a 427, 19x12 rears, 14" brakes, or the beefier differential. If I did just the brakes, widebooty/minitub, and wheels, I'd be deep into standard pricing on a 2006-2008 Z.

I actually wish I had bought a +/-$40k bolt-on C6Z06 instead and done heads only. I'd be at least 50rwhp up on my current setup and close to the same weight, with a car that I could resell for close to what I have into it

 

I'm kind-of the opposite...

I bought a nicely modded C5Z almost 3 years ago for $21k with 25k miles (has 35k now). Original owner already had the motor very nicely (and recently) built putting out 460 NA RWHP. Saved a bunch of money there.

Since then, I spent about $10k for phadt suspension, c6z big brakes, rims/tires, clutch, dark cherry lights, hid's, tunnel plate, shifter, corbeau seats, dynamat, window tint, etc. It's a whole new car.

Now I'm thinking about putting about $12-14k into major body mods, paint, interior upgrades, double din package, steering wheel and high end apsis or Caravaggio seats.

Put that all together, I'd basically be in it for $45k...which is the price of a pretty low mile, likely stock C6Z.

I think I'd rather have a highly modded, unique, stand out C5Z vs. a bone stock C6Z.

Would I rather have a highly modded C6Z? Of course... Just not willing to pay for it, since the C5Z is already so nice/fun.

I'll wait until I can get a smoking deal on a C6ZR1 or C7 someday.

PS: Or I'll build a new motor putting out a reliable 650+rwhp and keep the C5Z. Can't imagine needing/wanting much more than that, given what I do with the car.

 

I agree, but I'd rather have a mildly modded C6Z than a my moderately-modded C5Z

I watched a 30k-mile 2008 C6Z with redone heads, air intake, and headers (nearly 500rwhp) sell for a hair under $40k on here a week or two ago... for the money, I can't match that

 

Ok, cool...

...where I'm at for the $$, I'd rather have a highly modified, unique C5Z over a slightly more powerful but otherwise fairly stock C6Z.

Knowing me, I'd have to put in another $20-30k to be "happy" with the C6Z. Then it's a $60-70k car. That $15-25k delta is daughter college money or a whole other hobby (firearms, motorcycles, photography, travel, etc).

 

I hear you, that's just how this hobby goes

I'd likely be in the same boat

 

I have a C5Z with a complete C6 drivetrain swap... C6Z engine and ZR1 everything after that, and I mean everything including bell housing torque tube and such.

Pros of C5Z
1) pretty much the reason I would choose the C5Z over the C6Z with same everything: No chassis/interior flexing inside when you go over curbs. I can't stand it on the C6s or even regular C5s. It makes the car feel cheap inside. Even the ZR1.
The C5Z has a lot less road noise for some reason.

2) it is less costly to do and easier on the "pay plan". As it is cheaper to start out and mod as you go. a 2009 Z06 (which would be the equivalent) would still go over 55k locally and a) does not have a built motor and 2) is a lot more than what I have invested here including the car (~40k including cost of car). 55k+ interest is a lot of $.

3)C5Zs are little more unique and when using widebody fenders they really look meaner and more unique than any C6Z.

4)Interior ergonomics are better marginally.

Pros for the C6Z
1) Newer car/generation/less mileage
2) Better ABS/Active handling software/Better ECU
3) push start button and real keyless use
4) newer electronics/HUD and easier to adapt bluetooth and other goodies
5) Parts availability. You can get full CF everything with GM quality (Halltech stuff)
6) Better looking Headlights

In all honesty the C5Z is loosing it's essential parts availability, like ABS/SWPS and such that would make the car really obsolete in a couple of years.

 

this turned into a great thread for me, thanks everyone. I should have said I already have a 03Z and have owned since late 04 and do like the look better than the c6z which I do like alot. Thanks again for the great comments.

 

Just curious, but you could take a FRC and do the same thing and save a butt load, I admit I didn't go that route (big block) but I've surprised a few ZR-1's with a supercharged LS-1,
All I'm saying is if your going to heavily modify a car, and the body style is the same start with the cheapest available vehicle, it's very easy to modify any FRC or Coupe for that matter to match or exceed a Z granted it will never be a Z, but if your building your dream car it's really a wash.
Don't get me wrong I love a Z, but there's been a hell of a lot less FRC Corvettes made than Z's and if you plan to mod, why would you pay more for the name.

 

Last spring I bought an 07 Z for $33k. I had an 02 SS camaro I used for hpde events with a 415hp ls1. My thought was to have a nicer dd and a faster car at the track as well. I had about $15k into the camaro.

I took the vette to the track. I must admit I had stock tires on it, but it kept wanting to swap ends on me. Got lapped by most of my group. Some twice. I went and grabbed the SS which didn't have the race rubber on, just my street tires, and in the next session, lapped most of the guys that lapped me. Even with better tires on the Z, for ME, I couldn't drive (or wouldn't drive the vette as fast). Sam Strano confirmed he found the vette faster overall, but certainly the camaro easier to drive by far at its limits.

Sold the 07 Z for $34.5k. Built a 630hp 416 for the camaro. The camaro caught fire during a race, but salvaged the engine. Bought an 04 Z16 Z for $18,500 with 33k miles, dropped in the 416 and reused my old clutch and upgraded a couple of other items (fluids, pads, ect). I believe this 04 Z to be a bit faster around the track then was my built SS, that could beat stock C6 Z's. I kept the 416 and a few odds and ends out of the camaro and sold the rest for $9600. I'm currently into the 04 Z for about $25,000 with the engine swap, various new parts to make it work and clutch-shifter-tick master-new tunnel brace and heat shield, ARH headers, halltech cai, tune, ect.

It's an upgrade from the SS as a DD and I like most everything about it better then the 07 Z other than the funky flip up headlights. And for me so far...way more predictable at the track, and with the track pads I was able to reuse from the SS with a C5 kit, it brakes just fine., and having a sloped driveway, I don't get near the rubbing every time I exit with the 04 that I did with the 07. That was annoying!

If the camaro could put a car length on a 620hp acr I'm guessing this 04 can put a couple. I will say, the ratios in this 04 Z lend themselves well to a shorter track, but I'm guessing next fall at a longer track I'll miss the ratios that were in the camaro, even with its 3:55 gears.

 

You STOLE that Z16

 

Kind of what I've been mulling over in my mind. If I was to buy the LS7 crate motor, I would have the valve works replaced. Not worried about resale value because when I'm done with it, it won't be worth much anyway (that would be a LONG time)

 

Hell, he stole the C6Z imo...... Great thread, healthy debate. I say again. Love the C6Z.... But am more than happy w my C5Z...

 

 

Fixed... and I agree, but he got the 07Z for maybe $4-5k below market, while he got that Z16 for about $8k under

 

I've driven both and I can honestly say I prefer my C5Z, but the only thing stock on it really is the glass and roof and interior

 

Are you guys calling me a thief???? I guess I take that as a compliment...kinda. It helped to offset the burn down of the camaro I suppose?

After reading multiple threads concerning the various issues with the valve guides on the LS7 I feel better on getting it flipped in short order without having any repair bills though I only put 500 miles on it during the 6 weeks I owned it. And getting $4k for the LS6 out of the 04 helped with keeping my expenses down on the Z16.

All I have left to do on the Z16 is decide where to locate some hood vents and the style and possibly a rear spoiler for a little downforce. I think this car could well be my last hotrod, and handed down to my son and his son to fix that need for speed. He sold his Suburu so he could actually learn to drive a proper rwd car with some real nads, though he was about 400hp at the wheels with his Subie.

 

Love them both. Why did I get a C5Z? Bang for the buck with great looks. Got the slow 01Z for 18k in 2012 then started my build. Busted up a few C6Z's but there is no doubt they are super impressive and the wide body is nasty.. I will likely own one someday. I do have C6Z shocks on her now lol