You're missing the point. That dewitts wasnt included in your $4-5k price for a blower.

Unless you're in a really hot climate you don't necesssrily need a radiator on a stock Z06.

 

I disagree. Also why we are putting one in my buddys na c5z this spring lol

 

Blah. Stock. I cant think of anything more boring. Z06, lambo, hellcat. Doesnt matter... stock is just so uninteresting

 

Of course you do because it supports your argument.

Does your buddy need a radiator? Is he overheating on track?

Unless he's in a hot climate or running really sticky rubber the stock radiators are decent on these cars.

The point is that you don't require one on a stock car but you will require one with many more supporting mods on a blown car.

 

Sure but a stock C5Z is still more car than most people can handle at 10/10's on a track. Trust me, a C5Z is hardly boring when being pushed near its limit on a track.

 

There is no way I would call this a decent rad. And it's getting hot just sitting in traffic lol. And his fans work and it's been blown out.


I cant think of a car other than a 90s honda civic with a smaller rad lol. I guess its wide. But good lord this thing is so underbuilt and just barely adequate.

 

Of course there are better rads aftermarket but the stock cooling system is fine for all but the fastest guys or really hot climates.

If he's getting hot in traffic maybe there is something else wrong with his car.

 

True statement! There is a reason You will see quite a few of them at open track days.

 

That's what happens when their goal is to be as light as possible.
Anyhow, I agree with beoff, any corvette is going to be a blast to drive.

 

Most generous dyno ever. Congrats, in any case.

 

did you, uh, read the thread?

 

end thread

 

Coupes with the Z51 option also come with a power steering cooler.

The Z06 frame is marginally stiffer due to the hardtop design, which allows it to come with the brace from the convertible frame.
But I question how noticeable it is, outside of 9/10ths timed events. The GM promotional advertising when the Z06 came out described the improvement as a 10% improvement in stiffness and 15% improvement in torsional rigidity over the base coupe.

Also the suspension is tweaked a little, but IMO the majority of the real world performance improvement a Z06 offers over a base coupe is in the driveline. LS6 vs LS1 and revised transmission gear ratios. Although they both come with the same 3.42 differential.

I bought a coupe because I wanted a targa top, additional color options, and I just like the lines better. But I do wish I had an LS6.

 

Not at all. Some prefer the coupe lines, and I find the hatchback much more useful than the trunk.

 

I think one thing the OP should think about is his goals, and is he paying someone to get to those goals or his he turning his own wrenches. If performance characteristics are his primary focus, and he is paying some schlep to do the work for him, a Z06 is a smarter starting point. If he is going to actually do the work himself, then the starting point is negligible and is should go back to what features appeal most to him.

I am a driving instructor for law enforcement agencies and put my Z06 on a pursuit driving cone course and was faster in it than another instructor's C7. We both drove our own cars and then swapped, with the same results. A C5 Z06 was bred and born for turning fast and pushing up on apex's. Having said that, when comparing comfort, styling, and appearance when getting out of a C7 and back into a C5 a person probably need anti-depressants and a 5th of bourbon for the drive home.

The OP needs to figure out what he wants, what he is willing to spend, and find a car that best fits his needs and abilities. I thoroughly enjoy all the red ***'ed comments back and forth about which is better - neither is better overall, they just have different functions. It's like watching elementary school kids argue over who's dad's car is faster!

 

What's a schlep? Is that another word for a mechanic? Are all mechanics schleps?

 

Jesus H, the emotions are high in here sometimes. Let me break it down barney style for ya.

Schlep = dull person. This is not a synonym for mechanic, However, some mechanics are in fact schleps. All professions suffer from the presence of schleps. If a shade tree level mechanic is charging over $100/h in labor, there my friend you have your schlep.

 

a lot of Z haters here, I have a 02 Z and would never consider a base motor car, just to much of a difference, a modded coupe is still not a Z

 

I don't see anyone hating on Z06s. It's just some owners see a removable roof as an essential part of their Corvette experience. It's been a feature since the C2. Going with the hardtop Z06, you're putting performance as your first priority. Or else you like power and the style over the coupe. Or an FRC owner may have preferred the hardtop style but didn't worry about the extra hp.
I don't think there is an "incorrect" choice when comparing C5 verts vs coupes vs FRC or Z06. It's entirely subjective.

 

As said, no one is hating on the Z06. However, there are more than a few members that say a Z06 is the only way to go, and in my opinion, greatly exaggerate the differences between the Z06 and base coupe/vert.