Looking for advice/opinions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 170
Likes: 9
From: Seattle
Looking for advice/opinions
Before I say anything, I know everyone has their own taste and opinions about cars. So there won't be any right or wrong answers. That's ok. I am just interested in hearing what other people think.
I have a 2004 C5 coupe. It currently has intake, headers and exhaust. I was talking to the shop where I have work done the other day and they were saying that the next thing to do performance wise would probably be a supercharger. Then they recommended probably a new stall converter and a tune. For parts and installation they said that it would probably run around 10k or so for all of it (rough ballpark estimate).
So here's my dilemma. Should I spend my money on modding out this c5 and driving it for as long (and fast) as possible? Should I enjoy my Vette the way that it is with headers and exhaust and save that money for a couple of years and then buy a second Corvette to add to my C5 (like a C3), or should I save that money for a couple of years and take that plus trading in the C5 for a newer Corvette, like a C7?
Again, I know everyone has a different opinion and no one can say how I spend my money. But I am curious to hear what other people think and hearing other opinions.
I have a 2004 C5 coupe. It currently has intake, headers and exhaust. I was talking to the shop where I have work done the other day and they were saying that the next thing to do performance wise would probably be a supercharger. Then they recommended probably a new stall converter and a tune. For parts and installation they said that it would probably run around 10k or so for all of it (rough ballpark estimate).
So here's my dilemma. Should I spend my money on modding out this c5 and driving it for as long (and fast) as possible? Should I enjoy my Vette the way that it is with headers and exhaust and save that money for a couple of years and then buy a second Corvette to add to my C5 (like a C3), or should I save that money for a couple of years and take that plus trading in the C5 for a newer Corvette, like a C7?
Again, I know everyone has a different opinion and no one can say how I spend my money. But I am curious to hear what other people think and hearing other opinions.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 612
Likes: 74
From: Ontario
My Vette is supercharged and I have had two other cars with superchargers. I am an older guy, LOVE my Vette and love the performance I have; 550 rear wheel horsepower. I drive mostly highways and push pretty hard cornering. I also like the snap of my head when I accelerate from 70MPH. I have owned the car for 1 summer. I have a boost gage and know I only used boost twice!
So why all of this background? Well the answer to your question lies in what you want to do with the car. If you want neck snapping acceleration buy the supercharger now! It is unbelievable!
If you want a daily driver that is a bit of a step up from a standard Vette save your $$$$ and be happy with what you have.
So why all of this background? Well the answer to your question lies in what you want to do with the car. If you want neck snapping acceleration buy the supercharger now! It is unbelievable!
If you want a daily driver that is a bit of a step up from a standard Vette save your $$$$ and be happy with what you have.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
Likes: 770
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
My Vette is supercharged and I have had two other cars with superchargers. I am an older guy, LOVE my Vette and love the performance I have; 550 rear wheel horsepower. I drive mostly highways and push pretty hard cornering. I also like the snap of my head when I accelerate from 70MPH. I have owned the car for 1 summer. I have a boost gage and know I only used boost twice!
So why all of this background? Well the answer to your question lies in what you want to do with the car. If you want neck snapping acceleration buy the supercharger now! It is unbelievable!
If you want a daily driver that is a bit of a step up from a standard Vette save your $$$$ and be happy with what you have.
So why all of this background? Well the answer to your question lies in what you want to do with the car. If you want neck snapping acceleration buy the supercharger now! It is unbelievable!
If you want a daily driver that is a bit of a step up from a standard Vette save your $$$$ and be happy with what you have.
Why do you need more power than you already have?
What will it do for you?
That's some big bucks but if you want that "necksnapping" thang, then go for it.
And while another older Vette would be cool.....it would also carry it's own bit of expenses beyond what you initially spend on the mod for the C5.
Would a cam be beneficial?? Less money.....
And....how patient will you really be to save for a C7?
Only you can answer that. For me, the C7 is becoming more appealing but I'm still not at that "gotta have one" stage.
10K is just an awful lot of dough to put into a car you are now questioning about.
But if you really still love the car and the rest of it is in good shape and you REALLY want more ponies...and you can afford it....stick with the C5.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 332
From: USA
Are you unconcerned about basically losing most of the mod money you put into the C5? Would the money spent make you happy enough with the car for at least another 5 years?
If the answer is yes to both then I'd say supercharge it.
If not, drive as is and be ready to put the money towards something else.
If the answer is yes to both then I'd say supercharge it.
If not, drive as is and be ready to put the money towards something else.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 473
From: Rockland County NY
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12, '14
If it were me I'd forget the supercharger, remove weight and improve suspension, braking, and cooling and start hitting the track w/it
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
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From: Wisconsin
If you have an extra 10K laying around and think a supercharger will give you the most enjoyment for that 10K, go for it. I can think of a lot better things I would do with it, but I'm not you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
....So here's my dilemma. Should I spend my money on modding out this c5 and driving it for as long (and fast) as possible? Should I enjoy my Vette the way that it is with headers and exhaust and save that money for a couple of years and then buy a second Corvette to add to my C5 (like a C3), or should I save that money for a couple of years and take that plus trading in the C5 for a newer Corvette, like a C7?.....
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 429
From: Houston TX
If you're already thinking of getting rid of it, I wouldn't spend money on modding it. You'll likely still not be satisfied and you'll never get the $10k back that you spent on mods. Take the money and buy what you really want 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
Give it a chance
I don't know how long you have owned you car or if you have given yourself a chance to know what you have. I'm past the age of 60 now and have owned my car for 17 years and it is everything that I need. Yes I have done some upgrades but not to the extent that you are looking to do. So the final decision is yours to make to how you want to spend that kind of money.
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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If it were me, I would save the money towards a C6 Z06, GS or a new C7.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
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From: P-town Baby! Virginia
You are gonna have to figure out what moves you! Do you enjoy your vette a lot and see keeping it for several years? Do you like to go fast? Do you like a on your face? If the answer is yes....then sure.....f/I is great! If you are kinda on the fence and not sure....then maybe not. Find somebody local and take a ride in an S/C or TT vette....and you will probably have your answer.
on your face? If the answer is yes....then sure.....f/I is great! If you are kinda on the fence and not sure....then maybe not. Find somebody local and take a ride in an S/C or TT vette....and you will probably have your answer.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 170
Likes: 9
From: Seattle
Thanks everyone for your input. I figured there would be different opinions and I appreciate hearing what you think!
It's a tough choice. I have the money to add a supercharger but that doesn't change that it is still a whole lot to cough up. I'm not sure what I will decide to do yet. A modded C5 would be a lot of fun. I really like newer Corvettes (something like a GS C6 or a C7?) and I have always loved the way that C3's look. I guess the good thing is that, out of those options, there really isn't a bad choice!
It's a tough choice. I have the money to add a supercharger but that doesn't change that it is still a whole lot to cough up. I'm not sure what I will decide to do yet. A modded C5 would be a lot of fun. I really like newer Corvettes (something like a GS C6 or a C7?) and I have always loved the way that C3's look. I guess the good thing is that, out of those options, there really isn't a bad choice!
