So I've been kicking around the idea of a head / cam package vs supercharger, have read tons of posts on both, but it looks like either way I'd spend no less than 6 or 7 grand. Maybe a more cost effective upgrade would be to sell the car and buy a C6 Z06 ? Any thoughts?

 

I'll give you my personal opinion...

If you're using this as a daily driver, a SC is the simple way to power, but as you stated you're looking at 6 - 8K. For HC it may be cheaper depending on how deep down the rabbit hole you want to go. With an SC you would still need to do supporting mods, but they can be kept minimal and you would still squeeze out 5 or 600hp.

For myself, I decided to go with a "simple" HC upgrade that put me around 400 RWH. I didn't necessarily need or want more since I do HPDE events and this is enough to keep me content. My friend does HPDE events as well and he went the SC route, and is now regretting it. His car runs hotter even with the upgraded rad and thermostat, and the amount of meth he goes through is insane, but expected! That being said he is still tweaking everything as he has only had it for a month or so.

So to get back to your question, I think a HC is fine unless you really are going to get into the block which will really drain your pockets, in that case I would say just go for a SC.

Hope this helps

 

sell the car and buy a C6 Z06

 

You should take a Z06 for a ride, that might be your deciding factor. It was mine. After seeing and subsequently driving base model and a Z06 the decision was made.
Lighter, more power, better tranny gearing, etc.

 

The Z06 is a lot different car to drive compared to a standard C5. I have a Z06 and a 2000 convertible and the 2 cars are just totally different.

If I wanted more power in the 2000 convertible I think I would want a supercharger with twin intercoolers. This is what I have on my 1991 coupe. The boost was kept low enough so no changes were required internally (same crank, pushrods, pistons, clutch, etc). The power jumped from about 250 stock to 375 with the S/C. The only effect on driveability is if I get on the gas pedal a little too hard, as there is no traction control on a 1991. Otherwise, it is like driving an unmodified car, only with extra power.
The only Corvette I drove with a cam in it had poor driveability on the street. To take off from a start it was necessary to increase the RPMs quite a bit and be delicate with the clutch. Once you got it going it was fine, with great performance.
When choosing a head/cam package you must decide whether you want low end performance or top end, as a cam will generally give you one or the other. Also, the different components must be carefully selected so they work well with each other.
The supercharger on my 1991 is always there with extra torque and power over the entire RPM range. In fact, according to the dyno charts, the 1991 makes more power and torque below 4500 RPM than my slightly modified Z06.

 

I've thought about this as well but after dumping a ton into my 92 then selling it for peanuts I've decided that I would just sell the C5 and add the money I would mod it with and just buy a C6.

 

I'd be afraid of a C6Z, unless it had aftermarket heads...

 

What's with all the C4 anecdotes?


I'm with Stalion, and love that "down the rabbit hole" reference. I got all premiun parts when I was finished with my H/C/Fast, and ended up with 483/432 SAE, but I did all the mech work myself, which made it much more affordable. Then I SC'd it... great system, but I really don't need, and don't use that much power. I was happier with the car before SC'ing it.

 

I'd go head/cam - I like having it look stock...

 

The cheapest way to make some big HP gains is a SC kit. A&A Corvette is a Forum sponsor and you can get their kit for just $5,500. That'll give you an additional 175 RWHP.

http://www.aacorvette.com/supercharg...products_id=81

 

Thanks for all the input, as it's not a daily driver, I think about something radical and really impractical, then I come back to reality, I'm not looking for crazy hp numbers, just want a little more (I know, that starts that trip down the proverbial rabbit hole) but when I look at costs of a decent HC package, plus labor, I get tempted to look at a newer car (C6 z06 or even a base C7) maybe I'll take the advice of those who have gone down the road and drive some of the other choices and make a more informed decision.
Thanks again

 

But is your friend faster than you?

 

Lmao....yes...yes he is

Hes a good driver and is running hawk race pads where I'm still running on shitty ceramics, BUT, he has to pull into the pits more often to top off the meth tank when running full boost....then I pass him lol

 

Z06 was built for road warriors ..... you should be afraid indeed