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*****, I did a version of your scenario. I had an '02 Z06 which I loved, tho I was really tired of the black color. I thought I needed a 4 seater, and traded the Z for a beautiful 2012 SRT8 with 3k miles. It was a great car, but after about 1 1/2 years, and realizing I didn't need the 4 seats, I felt the need to get back into a vette. I drove a few, including 2 c4's, a no felt like 'home'. I sold the Challenger and found my current c5. I don't miss the Challenger.
For me, my parameters would require a v8 that sounds good. A car I could drive as often or as far as I can drive either of my C5's and is as comfortable. I would likely look for a 94 or newer zr1 or perhaps a special car like a Callaway. I'd consider a Mustang, but most others that would interest me are way over the budget limit.
Actually the LT5 cost would be higher than $3500 (I think thats just the polish work) if you factor head gaskets/etc.
I think my head gaskets and a new set of GM head bolts alone were close to $400 and factor in the rest it was much more than my $350 polish supplies (free labor) cost. I've spent a LOT on parts for my car keeping it fresh, I'm sure that guy did the same over the years.
I have owned Corvettes steadily since 1978, so for me personally it would be another Corvette, maybe a '70-'72 C3 Convertible, '04 C5 Z16, '06-'09 C6 Z06 or a '14 C7 Stingray 1LT if I had to keep it under $40K.
For something completely different, brand new, and in the $30k-$39K range, it would be a 2017 base Challenger Scat Pack 392 Hemi 6 speed. With current rebates and discounts, should be around $34K.
Last edited by Mike98SilVert; 04-13-2017 at 09:34 PM.
The only way I would sell my Corvette would be to fund the purchase of a C6.
When I was 3 my dad bought a new 64 vette. My entire adult life I wanted a 65 convertible driver quality car. When I had 4K to spend on a toy, a driver quality 65 was 5k, when I had 8K they were 10K, now they are about 40K and I haven’t had disposable income since obama took office.
last winter I got canned from my job and got a crapload of vacation pay, pooled with what toy money I had and bought a well-loved C5 convertible.
I have never enjoyed driving a car as much as I do this one. I have had convertibles and other toys my entire life, but I truly enjoy this car.
Last edited by irfangnosis; 04-08-2017 at 10:03 PM.
Not sure why yours would cost more to produce when you consider each head has over 600 measurements to check during production. As far as not being sure what I was getting at... I asked you if we were talking about the Lotus designed LT5... that wasn't clear enough for you?
Originally Posted by ~Josh
Not sure what you're getting at. The fact is a Lotus designed Chevy makes no difference. What matter is time taken to polish = labor cost.
Doesn't matter if its a Ferrari, Chevy ZR-1, or Hyundai.
I dare say if you priced out the level of my LS6 work compared to his "Lotus" LT5 mine would be far more expensive. Heads/block/everything.
Only stating that the name matters not in regards to polished metal, only the time spent and final quality.
Well after driving the wife's C6 it will be a 2012 Inferno Orange grand Sport or may pony up a bit more than that and get a C7 in Daytona Sunrise, that is the plan but just not feeling like getting rid of the Nassau Blue '98 just yet.
BMW M Series. Extremely well built cars. They are on the expensive side when it comes to maintenance though.
BMW have weird problems that normal cars don't have. I was looking at a old m3 until I started to do my research and found out that the subframe will rip apart if you drive aggressively among a plethora of other nonsense engineering shortcomings. I know the c5 is not perfect either but at least the car will not literally rip apart if enjoyed.
No matter what you do you will most likely find your way back to a zo6. I bought my c5 because I wanted a v8 and it was cheaper than doing what I really wanted (last swap in a 240sx) and I still find myself wanting another 240 after I sold mine to fund the next project.
It's always what you don't see coming that gets you. Of all the factors that I considered coming down the road (financial issues, health issues, gas shortages, even the Corvette itself being discontinued), I never really considered that there would be no roads to drive on - especially with these insane local property taxes!
Most of these streets are just like driving down railroad tracks - I have to laugh at forum threads that talk about what kind of tires and suspension mods to upgrade to (forget "lowering") - what is the point when you are down to dirt and gravel! I actually could not get out of my driveway a couple weeks ago due to a sinkhole in the alley until the city came out and patched it!
It does not appear to affect new vehicle sales, but looks like everyone now buys pickup trucks and SUVs - maybe because some of them have no choice now. You would have to be a masochist to buy a sports car today.
I hear you..............and surprised to hear those comments from someone in Texas! I'm in the "snow belt", where the seasonal cycles beat the crap out of our roads, and I think, yeah, if I ever sell my current Corvette, it won't be replaced by another one. Besides, my monthly SS check wouldn't support another one, not at today's prices.
I have no idea other than another built car, you are gonna miss that torque.
good luck
I've suggested this before but I really think a CTS V done right would be awesome. It has built-in flares and with the right wheels lowered with the right stance I think it would really stand out.
Plus I think it would satisfy your urge for power. I have seen a built one at the shop I get my work done at that it has a pro charger swap out and cam with some other stuff done and it sounded absolutely mean.
You just don't see them every day, we have many more Z06s here than CTS V.
Last edited by Forcedvert; 04-09-2017 at 02:08 PM.
l have been lucky to own many fast cars over the years , but the only one i truly miss was my 1972.5 de tomaso pantera. put a set of true nascar heads and a wild custom cut chet hebert cam in it. nothing ran with back in the day , and that included my 500 hp 1966 427. car shook the earth at idle , and caused traffic jams............. a non sleeper if ever there was one!
I previously owned a 71 challenger, so prior to buying my C7, I looked.
At the time, IIRC, the build your own on Chryslers web site put the bottom line of the Challenger almost equal to the price of a comparably equipped C7.
Given the number of challengers on the road, part of the decision tree would be do you want to blend in or stand out?
04-08-2017, 09:11 PM
other than another built car, you are gonna miss that torque.
