When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I'm at somewhat of a toss up. I love the C6 Z06 for all it is (C6 rear is my favorite) but the C5 front is my favorite and most seem to prefer the cabin of the C5.
If you had the option of buying a C6 Z06 for 40k vs spending the same amount on your C5 what would you do? I ask because I love the C5 with fender flares, tigershark front etc. Could easily add the modern gadgets and overhaul the motor and probably still be under the price of a C6 Z06. I'd imagine resale value would be pennies.
Haven't seen a thread quite like this. Curious to opinions. Maybe some have pondered similar things with a track beast, though I can't tell if an equally modded C6 would out handle a C5 suspension wise.
I love my '04 Z, but it can't hold a candle to a C6Z. With the right amount of money, straight line performance is easy enough to accomplish. But to mod a C5 to C6Z track standards, now that could get VERY expensive. Personally I can see myself owning a late model C6Z in three or four years. I still like the looks of C5's a pinch more, but the next gens have grown on me. C7's... not so much.
When you add mods to any Corvette, you invest a lot of money and the resale value goes down. Now consider many mods are mail ordered and installed by amateurs with limited knowledge and experience. Buy the C6Z and forget the modified C5 for better reliability and resale value
C5 all the way. Don't get me wrong, the C6Z are awesome but you said stock C6Z. I don't like stock and one can make a C5 look absolutely amazing with the proper mods
I'd probably give up my 04Z for a C6Z to be honest. As another poster said I think they have the nicest back end, front is a toss, maybe slightly to the C6Z also. Interior of my C5Z is fine apart from the heater and radio looking a bit dated, the remainder of the dash is fine.
I'd have to do some further review before I would commit as I absolutely am lovin my C5Z TBH. I don't have the cash, but guessing I'll eventually make that move.
I favor a C5. As far as stock and resale I never worry about that.
I fully modify what ever corvette I have. The C6 ZO6 has a good
platform for modifications. Although it's been bored to the max,
and the block is weaker I feel you can't put as much hp into it,as opposed to other LS motors.
From: Ideals are peaceful...History is violent...St.Charles, MO.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'12 thru'22
I absolutely adored the C6Z when it came out, and still have great admiration for it to this day. I decided years ago that my C5 was a capable platform and I could modify it intensively, mechanically and cosmetically that I wouldn't feel the urge to move on to a C6Z....My original choice was the correct one. Getting around to putting a 427 in my C5 would go against my logic if I purchased a C6Z as well as the engine would be the sole reason I would purchase it. I'll stick with my modded C5 and not have to worry about starting over from scratch with a newer model.
LS7 is a BEAST. I dropped one in my '11 GS and essentially created a targa top C6Z. But, I have always had a modified LS. As amazing as the LS7 is, I wanted lope and sound. The LS7, in stock trim, sounds like a sewing machine. It doesn't snarl until 4500+ rpm! but it does scream when you cross 6000. My LS6 is modded to the max for an N/A motor and makes 490 to the wheels - same as my LS7 did, minus the 427's torque. It makes all kinds of nasty sounds and every time behind the wheel feels like I'm in a true race car. I love my C5Z.
You said stock C6Z, so I'd pick my C5Z. Add a cam to that LS7 and you have 540 at the wheels. At that point, my vote changes.
Ah whatever. Ill probably just end up with two corvettes because I won't know what to do lol.
Just was wondering if there were handling benefits over one platform than the other. I.E. People buy specific BMWs older or not just for the raw benefits of the design. Remember someone saying GM thought the C5 was their best Vette yet. It appears most feel a C6 would handle better
If I could go back, I would have left my C5Z stock and traded it in on a C6Z and modded the hell out of it.... the 427 doesn't need much to get close o the 600hp range... I have driven a friends and love em..... that being said, I am waaayyyy too deep into my C5Z... I would never sell her!! She is perfect to me and has hurt plenty of C6Z owners feelings...
Like you OP, if I had my choice, i'd own both!
If I could go back, I would have left my C5Z stock and traded it in on a C6Z and modded the hell out of it.... the 427 doesn't need much to get close o the 600hp range... I have driven a friends and love em..... that being said, I am waaayyyy too deep into my C5Z... I would never sell her!! She is perfect to me and has hurt plenty of C6Z owners feelings...
Like you OP, if I had my choice, i'd own both!
If I could go back, I would have left my C5Z stock and traded it in on a C6Z and modded the hell out of it.... the 427 doesn't need much to get close o the 600hp range... I have driven a friends and love em..... that being said, I am waaayyyy too deep into my C5Z... I would never sell her!! She is perfect to me and has hurt plenty of C6Z owners feelings...
Like you OP, if I had my choice, i'd own both!
Your car is beautiful! Is that a tigershark front? God I wish they weren't $800+ paint.
I have the C5 coupe because I prefer the hatch so that's my vs the C6Z. I've thought about turning the C5 to a track car when I change but I may just keep it as the daily as I'm sure it would be outperformed on the track. Now that I own one I begin liking the C5Z more and more but it was my choice at the time and I forewent the C5Z for styling preferences.
I'm trying to justify modding my C5 beyond headers wheels and suspension upgrades. Like that tigershark front and fender flares (probably 3grand or more once you include paint and even more if you repaint the whole car )
Forget what I said about upgrading to a C6 Z in 5 years. After the cam install, I realized that a need a different size tourque converter to enjoy driving her. After all of this, I may as well just do the wide body with the vette nuts hood and keep her..........
When you add mods to any Corvette, you invest a lot of money and the resale value goes down. Now consider many mods are mail ordered and installed by amateurs with limited knowledge and experience. Buy the C6Z and forget the modified C5 for better reliability and resale value
Haha c6z more reliable than modded c5z. I still seriously wonder, do you think that ls6 valve springs should be left alone because that's what GM put in originally?