*warning* somewhat long

Back story: grew up around cars with my brother and dad. Dad grew into a collector as my brother and i were still obsessed with speed. He ended up with a Z16 (22k miles) and a CETA (19k miles). He passed 9 years ago and my brother and I sold our H/C/I Fbody's to adopt his cars (I ended up with the Z).

Over the past 9 years I've gone back and forth about keeping it and passing it onto my future kids/grandkids or selling it and going with a more updated platform (c6/7).

In that time the setup as changed a lot but currently sits as a 402 A&A v3 si with supporting stronger trans/diff. Also now as 29k miles

The 402 is a little big for the head unit so I've been thinking of upgrading to a YSI but with that comes more traction, cooling and belt slip issues. Between that and me getting older and interested in building something 'cool' and not just all about HP I've been thinking of ditching the blower and going to a max effort bigger cubed NA build. Going back to the roots of the Z06, autocross and drag friendly, basically a more all around car.

Side note, I'm not a big fan of the color/stripe setup. The C5 is so smooth on its own the stripes look out of place to me. I know the stripes is what sets it apart as a lemans edition but I'm curious to see how the blue would look without them.

All that being said should I keep the car because it means a lot to me or keep those memories in my head and move onto a C6/7 (more potential, better interior etc.)

Upgrade to the YSI or go NA

ditch the stripes and upset many purists because it fits my taste better.

I've been at a stall with car for a couple years and would appreciate any fresh ideas from other enthusiast to get the ball rolling again.

a picture because well pics make all threads better

 

You should sell the C5Z, and upgrade to a C6/7Z. If you are getting tired of the issues a street car with that kind of HP, why put even more money into less comfortable platform? Good luck with your decision, I'm thinking of getting rid of my beast, and I only have 640RW.

 

You changed it, sell it. It's not "his" anymore. You changed the memory. It's now yours.

If it was still original, keep it.

 

I had a Z16 a few years back. I wasn't crazy about the stripes either. There just so happens to be one for sale on Ebay right now, sans the stripes so you can see what it looks like. As far a collectable values go, is the Z16 "The One"? Who really know at this time. GM did build 2025 Z16's which represents a fairly large percentage of 2004 cars. They only built some where around 600 Millennium Yellow cars. So is that going to be the rare car? What it boils down to is do what YOU want to do. The C5 is an aging platform with dwindling OE and aftermarket support. When I sold my Z16 w/only 12,000 miles I never looked back. I wanted a torch red C5Z and that's what I bought. I'm am now getting the "bug" for something "newer" so I'm considering a C6Z. Just remember if you go this route that you will want to factor in a head swap for peace of mind. I look at this as my "first mod" LOL
Enjoy the ride what ever you do!

Cheers,
MAD Matt

 

History shows us that the Z16 will most likely hold its value better than most C5's, but as said they made 2025 of them. And since it is a special one year only, many of the cars have been pampered garage queens with the expectation that they will become gold in the future. I drive mine, not as a daily, but love taking it on day trips on the weekend. I am just about to turn 70K, but enjoy every mile I have put on it. The value of your car, speaking of the car as collectible, has been diluted by the mods. If you have all stock parts will help. As said before, it is not your Dad's car anymore, you have made it your own. If you are tired of it, sell it and move on. If you keep it thinking it will be worth a fortune, you will be disappointed.

 

I don't like the stripe either. Removal is the first thing I'd do to the car. Love the color though.

My next build is going to be a high compression, rpm screamer (7500-8000 redline).

 

Interesting post OP. I have a Z16 with 7500 miles on it currently. My son is 22 and if I keep it he will get it.

IMHO one poster mentioned you changed it and it is not "his". I think he is right...plus the car is highly modified.

The value is what was his and also an unmodified version IMHO.

You could return it as he had it keep it but it would be much less powerful.

Perhaps sell it and move on.

 

Overall view. You need to find your balance in life. You want to sell a dream car (much coveted now and in the future) to many because in your mind it requires an entire rethink, massive expense, and effort.

You're treating the car as a disposable razor.

I was where you were once. I have an '01z and the engine was a labor of love (and hate). It's my avatar. I later had an '09z. I've had your thoughts and I'm now in the middle of a fairly decent mechanical rebuild that started simply. My late 20's were spent in this car and the memories are faded but mostly there. It's not the same car I made many of those memories with at the time (mostly stock then) but in the end the '09z is sold/gone and this car is the keeper.

I sold this '01z over 6 years ago and the guy drove it just 500 miles and I've been blessed to get it back. -you most likely won't have the same chances with yours.

I had an '02 Firehawk with a stage4 Incon Twin Turbo kit that got away. Memories of my early 20s. I hope to someday find it.

For now, I'll spend time and cash on my '01z and when driving, enjoy it knowing the grass is very green right here in this pasture.

Good luck with your decision either way.