[Z06] Convertible vs. Z06
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Convertible vs. Z06
Beginning to look for a C5 Corvette. The wife would be happier w/ a convertible but will be OK w/ a coupe. The car would be used primarily to cruise around town w/ some weekend trips but I would also autocross & drag race.
What are the main differences between a C5 & Z06? I know that a convertible will not handle as well as a coupe, but how much would it cost to mod a C5 with the Z06 options (I would do the work myself). Would it close the gap?
What are the main differences between a C5 & Z06? I know that a convertible will not handle as well as a coupe, but how much would it cost to mod a C5 with the Z06 options (I would do the work myself). Would it close the gap?
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
See post #4 & 5 from the FAQ sticky at the top of this section for differences from a c5 to c5z.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tions-faq.html
If you really want a car to auto x and drag, then it makes a lot more sense to just start with a z car. Not much more than a base model or convertible these days and the z is waaay ahead of them stock in all aspects of performance.
.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tions-faq.html
If you really want a car to auto x and drag, then it makes a lot more sense to just start with a z car. Not much more than a base model or convertible these days and the z is waaay ahead of them stock in all aspects of performance.
.
Last edited by MY03C5Z; Apr 9, 2017 at 10:30 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 304
See post #4 & 5 from the FAQ sticky at the top of this section for differences from a c5 to c5z.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tions-faq.html
If you really want a car to auto x and drag, then it makes a lot more sense to just start with a z car. Not much more than a base model or convertible these days and the z is waaay ahead of them stock in all aspects of performance.
.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tions-faq.html
If you really want a car to auto x and drag, then it makes a lot more sense to just start with a z car. Not much more than a base model or convertible these days and the z is waaay ahead of them stock in all aspects of performance.
.
Totally!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
When I was looking for a new Vette I faced the same dilemma as you. Conv or Z06. I had a AT coupe C5 before, so I wanted something different. My wife didn't care but she did convince me that I liked extra hp. I got an '03 Z06, which I still have now. I have never regretted it for a moment. It's everything I wanted.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
As far as cruising experience, you're looking at polar opposites. Convertible gives you full open air whereas the Z06 has a fixed roof aka FRC. A coupe / Targa would give you a compromise by allowing you to remove the top panel.
Performance wise, the vert and coupe/targa will be similar. The Z out of the box is a better package but the other two can get similar results with some suspension and engine mods.
I would test drive one of each with your wife and see which makes you smile most. One other thing to note, the Z06 has less insulation to reduce weight. This makes for more road noise when driving
I drove a Targa and Z06. For me the Z06 was the car for me.
Performance wise, the vert and coupe/targa will be similar. The Z out of the box is a better package but the other two can get similar results with some suspension and engine mods.
I would test drive one of each with your wife and see which makes you smile most. One other thing to note, the Z06 has less insulation to reduce weight. This makes for more road noise when driving
I drove a Targa and Z06. For me the Z06 was the car for me.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
Beginning to look for a C5 Corvette. The wife would be happier w/ a convertible but will be OK w/ a coupe. The car would be used primarily to cruise around town w/ some weekend trips but I would also autocross & drag race.
What are the main differences between a C5 & Z06? I know that a convertible will not handle as well as a coupe, but how much would it cost to mod a C5 with the Z06 options (I would do the work myself). Would it close the gap?
What are the main differences between a C5 & Z06? I know that a convertible will not handle as well as a coupe, but how much would it cost to mod a C5 with the Z06 options (I would do the work myself). Would it close the gap?
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
For clarification, the first year of the C5 Z06 (2001) had 385hp. 2002-2004 had the 405hp.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 62
From: Columbia SC
I have had both. Currently driving a 04 Z06. This replaced my 00 6 speed vert. Loved them both. Just out for a Sunday drive with the wife the vert was great. Saturday morning speed runs the Z is the best. In a perfect world would have both in the garage. After having both I do at times miss the vert, but I love the Z. 
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 525
Likes: 21
If you are looking for performance....The Z is the only choice....If you are going to want to spend 95% of the time just cruising with the top down...well, you can't do that with a Z....If you purchase a Coup and try to make it perform like a Z you will have a ton of $$ in it you will never get back out. I do miss removing the top on the coupe...
(no, I don't like verts)
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 203
Likes: 31
From: Baltimore MD
I faced the same choice when I decided to buy a C5. Bought an 02 Convertible with Z51 and manual. After the 3 year warranty ran out, I converted the engine into an exact LS6 clone except for the red engine covers. Z51 suspension is close to Z06 specs. I have different gearing in transmission, and the diff is not shot peened, else identical drivetrain. Convertible is 100 lbs heavier. I have done trade-off driving with Z06 cars, put a 100 lb passenger in the Z06 and there is very very little difference on the street.
I have put 140 K miles on that car. The engine at red line and the top down on a summer evening is absolutely priceless for me.
The main activity I gave up are HDPE events on a track. But the countless driving hours with the top down more than made up for a few hours on the track (for me).
Total cost for the conversion including Ti exhaust, Z06 cats, all engine changes, and mail order tune was $1800 with me doing the labor. You need to start with an 02 to 04 since the LS1 short blocks in those years were identical to an LS6.
I have put 140 K miles on that car. The engine at red line and the top down on a summer evening is absolutely priceless for me.
The main activity I gave up are HDPE events on a track. But the countless driving hours with the top down more than made up for a few hours on the track (for me).
Total cost for the conversion including Ti exhaust, Z06 cats, all engine changes, and mail order tune was $1800 with me doing the labor. You need to start with an 02 to 04 since the LS1 short blocks in those years were identical to an LS6.
Last edited by fmvette9; Apr 11, 2017 at 02:05 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
I faced the same choice when I decided to buy a C5. Bought an 02 Convertible with Z51 and manual. After the 3 year warranty ran out, I converted the engine into an exact LS6 clone except for the red engine covers. Z51 suspension is close to Z06 specs. I have different gearing in transmission, and the diff is not shot peeled, else identical drivetrain. Convertible is 100 lbs heavier. I have done trade-off driving with Z06 cars, put a 100 lb passenger in the Z06 and there is very very little difference on the street.
I have put 140 K miles on that car. The engine at red line and the top down on a summer evening is absolutely priceless for me.
The main activity I gave up are HDPE events on a track. But the countless driving hours with the top down more than made up for a few hours on the track (for me).
Total cost for the conversion including Ti exhaust, Z06 cats, all engine changes, and mail order tune was $1800 with me doing the labor. You need to start with an 02 to 04 since the LS1 short blocks in those years were identical to an LS6.
I have put 140 K miles on that car. The engine at red line and the top down on a summer evening is absolutely priceless for me.
The main activity I gave up are HDPE events on a track. But the countless driving hours with the top down more than made up for a few hours on the track (for me).
Total cost for the conversion including Ti exhaust, Z06 cats, all engine changes, and mail order tune was $1800 with me doing the labor. You need to start with an 02 to 04 since the LS1 short blocks in those years were identical to an LS6.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 304
I faced the same choice when I decided to buy a C5. Bought an 02 Convertible with Z51 and manual. After the 3 year warranty ran out, I converted the engine into an exact LS6 clone except for the red engine covers. Z51 suspension is close to Z06 specs. I have different gearing in transmission, and the diff is not shot peeled, else identical drivetrain. Convertible is 100 lbs heavier. I have done trade-off driving with Z06 cars, put a 100 lb passenger in the Z06 and there is very very little difference on the street.
I have put 140 K miles on that car. The engine at red line and the top down on a summer evening is absolutely priceless for me.
The main activity I gave up are HDPE events on a track. But the countless driving hours with the top down more than made up for a few hours on the track (for me).
Total cost for the conversion including Ti exhaust, Z06 cats, all engine changes, and mail order tune was $1800 with me doing the labor. You need to start with an 02 to 04 since the LS1 short blocks in those years were identical to an LS6.
I have put 140 K miles on that car. The engine at red line and the top down on a summer evening is absolutely priceless for me.
The main activity I gave up are HDPE events on a track. But the countless driving hours with the top down more than made up for a few hours on the track (for me).
Total cost for the conversion including Ti exhaust, Z06 cats, all engine changes, and mail order tune was $1800 with me doing the labor. You need to start with an 02 to 04 since the LS1 short blocks in those years were identical to an LS6.
After all that, I hope you resisted the urge to put Z06 badges on it.
Oh, and sorry, it's still a convertible.........
Shakey
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 203
Likes: 31
From: Baltimore MD
The engine is an LS6 clone. The car is not a ZO6 clone, so do not have Z06 wheels.
And yes it is a convertible!!!
It interesting to note that the C6 and C7 models offered convertibles with the higher spec engines.
Last edited by fmvette9; Apr 11, 2017 at 01:57 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Lots of people like verts, demand dictated GM do what the people want. The C5 was a performance oddity, why it was created, etc. The C6 and C7 followed that success story and built on it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,981
Likes: 37
From: Piedmont, SC Currently Own: 99 Nassau blue FRC. Previously Owned: 84,95,98 Indy Pace,01 Z06
Having had both the vert and z06, I feel the z06 is a better car for me. I do miss the vert occasionally, but every time I drive the z06, I know I made the right decision. I would have both if I could. Drive them both and you should be able to make a good decision.
