BASE model no-mod owner impressions..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 768
From: jefferson texas
I have a 2001 base A4 coupe with the 2.73 economy axle also. I am completely satisfied with the car as it is. I believe I can break any speed limit in my home state. LOL
At my age and place in life I do not want to race or care about whose car is faster. I just like to drive my Corvettes. I do like the modded cars but for me it is just not a priority .
It seems to me that mods are what keep the vendors here on the forum happy and anyone who wants them I say go for it.
At my age and place in life I do not want to race or care about whose car is faster. I just like to drive my Corvettes. I do like the modded cars but for me it is just not a priority .
It seems to me that mods are what keep the vendors here on the forum happy and anyone who wants them I say go for it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 768
From: jefferson texas
I am very happy with my stock 98 vert, M6. I think the 3.42 rear axle was the only option.
The fly by wire gas pedal isn't very linear. The first half of pedal movement doesn't take my breath away, but if I step on it, it really moves. It feels like it hits its stride at above 3000 RPM. When it hits the meaty part of the torque curve it feels like it accelerates even harder.
I too see all the talk of mods. I imagine it would be fun, but the practical side tells me: why?? It is lots of fun, has more power than can be used on a public road, is still faster than 95% of the cars on the road, is reliable, and can be serviced by any GM dealer.
The fly by wire gas pedal isn't very linear. The first half of pedal movement doesn't take my breath away, but if I step on it, it really moves. It feels like it hits its stride at above 3000 RPM. When it hits the meaty part of the torque curve it feels like it accelerates even harder.
I too see all the talk of mods. I imagine it would be fun, but the practical side tells me: why?? It is lots of fun, has more power than can be used on a public road, is still faster than 95% of the cars on the road, is reliable, and can be serviced by any GM dealer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 768
From: jefferson texas
I am very happy with my 04 Z with only intake/headers/exhaust/dyno. It is very fast for what it is. But as with everything in life, nothing means anything without a point of reference. Compared to a 78 Chevette, my car might as well be a top fuel dragster.
But another rule of thumb is this. There is always someone better/faster/stronger/ than you. So why sweat it? Just enjoy what you have. You are the lucky one for being satisfied, the rest of us have a sickness.......
Shakey
But another rule of thumb is this. There is always someone better/faster/stronger/ than you. So why sweat it? Just enjoy what you have. You are the lucky one for being satisfied, the rest of us have a sickness.......
Shakey
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 768
From: jefferson texas
Did the intercooled procharger back when. It was great and a lot of fun, more of a straight line deal. These days, just a nice cruise with just a bit of spirited driving makes my day.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 259
Likes: 40
From: Summerville, SC
I've owned my first M6 2001 for about a month now--because of the weather I've only put about 250 miles on her. In terms of speed, I'm really content. I had Nissan Zs, a Porsche, and a Toyota Supra and nothing touches my C5 for being fun. I looked for a loaded stock car and found one. At my age I'll leave the high powered cars to the youngsters and just put along at 28 MPG smiling all the while. The only thing that I find annoying is the road noise present at 70+. God knows everyone on this forum loves those Goodyear RF Eagles.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
I own a 99 c5 A4 with 2.73 factory gears i just bought it about 2 months ago and before i bought it i was planning on headers, intake, tune, etc but after i bought the car and drove it i was really surprised how much power it has i can break the tires loose pretty easily. i know down the road i want more power but im happy for now 
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1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
I've owned my first M6 2001 for about a month now--because of the weather I've only put about 250 miles on her. In terms of speed, I'm really content. I had Nissan Zs, a Porsche, and a Toyota Supra and nothing touches my C5 for being fun. I looked for a loaded stock car and found one. At my age I'll leave the high powered cars to the youngsters and just put along at 28 MPG smiling all the while. The only thing that I find annoying is the road noise present at 70+. God knows everyone on this forum loves those Goodyear RF Eagles.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 556
From: Tallahassee fl
I have a 98 Pace Car (has the factory performance axle). The only mod is exhaust because let's face the fact that the factory exhaust sounds like a caddy. It can melt the rear tires off and I have no issues on the performance side.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,928
Likes: 93
From: Boulder City NV
.
say what ?? I'll guarantee I can can scare the hell out of you with my stocker, I have plenty of passenger witnesses to prove it.
My opinion FWIW is mechanical Mods are not for everyone. To me they are a slippery slope, one thing requiring another, plus stuff that was not engineered into the car can raise a multitude of peripheral issues. For those with deep pockets I say have at it. I truly enjoy your adventures trying to add more HP than the General designed, another 2 seconds faster at the strip is meaningless to me driving in the everyday world...BTW I don't consider accessories "Mods"
say what ?? I'll guarantee I can can scare the hell out of you with my stocker, I have plenty of passenger witnesses to prove it.
My opinion FWIW is mechanical Mods are not for everyone. To me they are a slippery slope, one thing requiring another, plus stuff that was not engineered into the car can raise a multitude of peripheral issues. For those with deep pockets I say have at it. I truly enjoy your adventures trying to add more HP than the General designed, another 2 seconds faster at the strip is meaningless to me driving in the everyday world...BTW I don't consider accessories "Mods"
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
.
say what ?? I'll guarantee I can can scare the hell out of you with my stocker, I have plenty of passenger witnesses to prove it.
My opinion FWIW is mechanical Mods are not for everyone. To me they are a slippery slope, one thing requiring another, plus stuff that was not engineered into the car can raise a multitude of peripheral issues. For those with deep pockets I say have at it. I truly enjoy your adventures trying to add more HP than the General designed, another 2 seconds faster at the strip is meaningless to me driving in the everyday world...BTW I don't consider accessories "Mods"
say what ?? I'll guarantee I can can scare the hell out of you with my stocker, I have plenty of passenger witnesses to prove it.
My opinion FWIW is mechanical Mods are not for everyone. To me they are a slippery slope, one thing requiring another, plus stuff that was not engineered into the car can raise a multitude of peripheral issues. For those with deep pockets I say have at it. I truly enjoy your adventures trying to add more HP than the General designed, another 2 seconds faster at the strip is meaningless to me driving in the everyday world...BTW I don't consider accessories "Mods"
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 949
Likes: 34
From: La Junta Colorado
Im glad your happy. I bought my C5 with one intention... adding a supercharger.
I drove it for a couple weeks waiting for it to come in. I was bored.
I wish I liked the car stock. Having a 600 rwhp car ruins you.
I drove a new SS Camaro and thought it was slow, I mean really slow.
I could afford a new C7 base but I will hate it. Ever time I see the car I will wish it was a Z06.
I cannot afford a Z06. There is a big difference in 50k and 110k.
Everything is slow after driving my Super Charged C5.
I have been thinking about buying a C6 Z06 but they are to slow... damn super charger....
I drove it for a couple weeks waiting for it to come in. I was bored.
I wish I liked the car stock. Having a 600 rwhp car ruins you.
I drove a new SS Camaro and thought it was slow, I mean really slow.
I could afford a new C7 base but I will hate it. Ever time I see the car I will wish it was a Z06.
I cannot afford a Z06. There is a big difference in 50k and 110k.
Everything is slow after driving my Super Charged C5.
I have been thinking about buying a C6 Z06 but they are to slow... damn super charger....
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
... obviously my comment was just the way I feel about it, if someone is happy with their car being stock more power to them but I'm just not wired like that... I like working on the car as well and the journey is part of the fun for me so it's not all about the driving aspect
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 348
From: My interests are mobile
there is nothing wrong with a stock base model with an economy axle... Saying that its a butt kicker would be a stretch. Not everyone is looking for a super high performance car, the " Car " by it self is fun to drive, whether its rolling from a stop sign or catching a glimpse of it in a store front window.
I mean, relatively speaking versus the internet, no, it's no "butt-kicker", but relative to the majority of what America is driving, it is a "butt-kicker". It's still a Corvette, it's still a performance car, and it still can handle, brake and do a lot of things with more capability than your average driver.
I think the internet has kind of poisoned the car enthusiast pool in some way, because builders chase the internet, not the general experience you have in the street.
I think this guys perspective is pretty dead on actually. Even econ gearing and all that, he is still driving a Corvette. For most people/buyers, that's enough. It's about the overall experience, not the 1/4 mile.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 6,029
Likes: 85
From: Palm Coast, FL
I was thinking the same thing... obviously my comment was just the way I feel about it, if someone is happy with their car being stock more power to them but I'm just not wired like that... I like working on the car as well and the journey is part of the fun for me so it's not all about the driving aspect
... obviously my comment was just the way I feel about it, if someone is happy with their car being stock more power to them but I'm just not wired like that... I like working on the car as well and the journey is part of the fun for me so it's not all about the driving aspect The talk of being able to break tires loose at will makes me chuckle when all I try to do is get traction I assume some folks have NO IDEA just how fast some cars are on the streets today.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
If I'm going to race someone or whatever the last thing I want to do is spin the tires ???? The rage on Facebook now is all the Mustang wiping out doing burnouts ??? My rear tires are 500 dollars plus, I sure don't want to use them up with a car that everyone knows can turn the tires. And big woop so you can smoke the tires ??????????
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Im glad your happy. I bought my C5 with one intention... adding a supercharger.
I drove it for a couple weeks waiting for it to come in. I was bored.
I wish I liked the car stock. Having a 600 rwhp car ruins you.
I drove a new SS Camaro and thought it was slow, I mean really slow.
I could afford a new C7 base but I will hate it. Ever time I see the car I will wish it was a Z06.
I cannot afford a Z06. There is a big difference in 50k and 110k.
Everything is slow after driving my Super Charged C5.
I have been thinking about buying a C6 Z06 but they are to slow... damn super charger....
I drove it for a couple weeks waiting for it to come in. I was bored.
I wish I liked the car stock. Having a 600 rwhp car ruins you.
I drove a new SS Camaro and thought it was slow, I mean really slow.
I could afford a new C7 base but I will hate it. Ever time I see the car I will wish it was a Z06.
I cannot afford a Z06. There is a big difference in 50k and 110k.
Everything is slow after driving my Super Charged C5.
I have been thinking about buying a C6 Z06 but they are to slow... damn super charger....
That being said, I'm sure your car is lightning fast, so enjoy it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 949
Likes: 34
From: La Junta Colorado
A modestly modded C6 Z will make quick work of you, even with the supercharger. Depending on your other mods, of course. They're a force to be reckoned with. Heads and cam cars can put down in the neighborhood of 600rwp. That being said, I'm sure your car is lightning fast, so enjoy it.
That being said, I'm sure your car is lightning fast, so enjoy it. My point was just that I don't like stock cars anymore. They all feel slow.
honestly I wish I did... I would love to go by a stock C7 and just drive it.