C5 vs C5Z
03-26-2019, 06:46 PM
#1
C5 vs C5Z
Hello,
I am starting to do some research on which corvette I am eventually going to buy. I have a few questions and appreciate any information shared.
Are there any differences between the c5 and the c5z, other than the cam, head, and transmission. Obviously they have different roofline as well. My concern is that the Z may not be worth the extra money because with the exception of the transmission the parts I plan to upgrade are the same parts that make the ls6 different that the ls1. I feel like the ls1 and ls6 have very similar if not the same end potential.
What are realistic performance numbers of a N/A c5 that has pretty good street manners?
I am starting to do some research on which corvette I am eventually going to buy. I have a few questions and appreciate any information shared.
Are there any differences between the c5 and the c5z, other than the cam, head, and transmission. Obviously they have different roofline as well. My concern is that the Z may not be worth the extra money because with the exception of the transmission the parts I plan to upgrade are the same parts that make the ls6 different that the ls1. I feel like the ls1 and ls6 have very similar if not the same end potential.
What are realistic performance numbers of a N/A c5 that has pretty good street manners?
03-26-2019, 06:48 PM
#2
Drifting
Block castings are different. The z has lighter glass stiffer chassis. Has the upgraded sways and springs. Oil cooler. Etc.
If you're going to build it and want something the roof comes off of the coupe makes sense. If you dont care about the roof I'd go z06
If you're going to build it and want something the roof comes off of the coupe makes sense. If you dont care about the roof I'd go z06
03-26-2019, 06:51 PM
#3
What's your use case? That's what really matters.
The C5Z is a better track car from the factory. If you plan to upgrade everything that made the C5Z better regardless, then it's not going to make a ton of difference.
The C5 is a nicer cruiser, since the roof comes off. (Well, apart from the FRC.) Doesn't mean it can't be upgraded with C5Z parts, or better.
You can get 400+ whp (depending on the dyno, 425, even 450) while retaining good manners on an NA build. It actually takes a lot to get these cars to suck to drive on the street, engine-wise. The easiest way to make them terrible is to install a very light clutch for a street car (I mean very light). Otherwise, lightened clutch assembly and flywheel, super nice heads, a big ol' cam, supporting valvetrain stuff, intake, exhaust, etc -- it'll still be a reasonably nice street car unless you are really, really eking out the last little bits of horsepower you can, N/A.
The C5Z is a better track car from the factory. If you plan to upgrade everything that made the C5Z better regardless, then it's not going to make a ton of difference.
The C5 is a nicer cruiser, since the roof comes off. (Well, apart from the FRC.) Doesn't mean it can't be upgraded with C5Z parts, or better.
You can get 400+ whp (depending on the dyno, 425, even 450) while retaining good manners on an NA build. It actually takes a lot to get these cars to suck to drive on the street, engine-wise. The easiest way to make them terrible is to install a very light clutch for a street car (I mean very light). Otherwise, lightened clutch assembly and flywheel, super nice heads, a big ol' cam, supporting valvetrain stuff, intake, exhaust, etc -- it'll still be a reasonably nice street car unless you are really, really eking out the last little bits of horsepower you can, N/A.
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silverbird (03-27-2019)
03-26-2019, 06:58 PM
#5
1/4 mile/AutoX
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JohnnyZee (03-30-2019)
03-26-2019, 07:38 PM
#9
I am planning on taking the car to the track and the strip as often as I can, but as you all know it will see more street us than track use. Saying that I want to to perform well, where ever id take it.
03-26-2019, 08:09 PM
#10
How's the weather where you live? How important is a roof that comes off to you?
How much do you plan to modify the car? Are you gonna keep the stock C5Z goodies, if you got one, or would it mostly get upgraded anyways?
How much do you plan to modify the car? Are you gonna keep the stock C5Z goodies, if you got one, or would it mostly get upgraded anyways?
03-26-2019, 08:21 PM
#12
Team Owner
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You can read about the C5 Z06 in the following 2 links. The first link is from when the 2001 Z06 was introduced and the second shows the changes for the 2002 model year Z06. The 2003-2004 Z06's were the basically the same as the 2002 except for the shocks in the '04:
2001 Z06 info: http://www.z06vette.com/01.php
2002 thru 2004 Z06 info: http://www.z06vette.com/02.php
More info:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/z06/
http://www.c5registry.com/2k2z06/page4.htm
2001 Z06 info: http://www.z06vette.com/01.php
2002 thru 2004 Z06 info: http://www.z06vette.com/02.php
More info:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/z06/
http://www.c5registry.com/2k2z06/page4.htm
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ArmchairArchitect (03-27-2019)
03-26-2019, 08:25 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
you will spend a pee pot full of money upgrading a non Z car, just to catch up to it, and not be any further ahead, only deeper in the cash hole. My opinion the Z has most of everything, and can still spend the same amount of upgrade cash and be waaaaaaaaay further ahead. JMO.. that is why i bought a Z. and hit 492 to the ground.
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ArmchairArchitect (03-27-2019)
03-26-2019, 09:30 PM
#14
Le Mans Master
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From my experience.
I wanted a Z06 back in 2001 so I bought a 1999 coupe and started modding it to a Z06. I did everything I could to bring it as close to Z06 spec but the rigidity of the chassis was not there. In 2003 I bought a 2003 Z06 and problem solved! Lesson learned.
I wanted a Z06 back in 2001 so I bought a 1999 coupe and started modding it to a Z06. I did everything I could to bring it as close to Z06 spec but the rigidity of the chassis was not there. In 2003 I bought a 2003 Z06 and problem solved! Lesson learned.
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ArmchairArchitect (03-27-2019)
03-26-2019, 09:59 PM
#16
Melting Slicks
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If you're spending a lot of time at the track get the Z06 although some think the roof is fugly and has more drag than the coupe. Most of the above responses are from Z owner and "may" be a bit biased.
03-26-2019, 10:16 PM
#17
An important Z only part that is useful on track is the "competitive mode" traction control.
Without buying traction control parts from a same gen (2002-2004) Z and swapping to coupe, coupes will never have CM
the LS6 has higher rpm dependability and has better cylinder to cylinder breathing
Z's are a lot: smaller steering wheel, wider/lighter wheels, brake ducts, LS6 and all its parts, different gauge cluster, competitive mode, rear spring and sway bars, Ti exhaust, OE brake compound, powder coated calipers, thinner glass, power seat DS only, non tinting outside mirror, spare inflator kit, shorter gearing
list is long. Z is the better car, for performance. The base is the better car for comfort and 6th gear cruising.
Without buying traction control parts from a same gen (2002-2004) Z and swapping to coupe, coupes will never have CM
the LS6 has higher rpm dependability and has better cylinder to cylinder breathing
Z's are a lot: smaller steering wheel, wider/lighter wheels, brake ducts, LS6 and all its parts, different gauge cluster, competitive mode, rear spring and sway bars, Ti exhaust, OE brake compound, powder coated calipers, thinner glass, power seat DS only, non tinting outside mirror, spare inflator kit, shorter gearing
list is long. Z is the better car, for performance. The base is the better car for comfort and 6th gear cruising.
Last edited by arthursc2; 03-26-2019 at 10:17 PM.
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ArmchairArchitect (03-27-2019)
03-26-2019, 11:06 PM
#19
Melting Slicks
An important Z only part that is useful on track is the "competitive mode" traction control.
Without buying traction control parts from a same gen (2002-2004) Z and swapping to coupe, coupes will never have CM
the LS6 has higher rpm dependability and has better cylinder to cylinder breathing
Z's are a lot: smaller steering wheel, wider/lighter wheels, brake ducts, LS6 and all its parts, different gauge cluster, competitive mode, rear spring and sway bars, Ti exhaust, OE brake compound, powder coated calipers, thinner glass, power seat DS only, non tinting outside mirror, spare inflator kit, shorter gearing
list is long. Z is the better car, for performance. The base is the better car for comfort and 6th gear cruising.
Without buying traction control parts from a same gen (2002-2004) Z and swapping to coupe, coupes will never have CM
the LS6 has higher rpm dependability and has better cylinder to cylinder breathing
Z's are a lot: smaller steering wheel, wider/lighter wheels, brake ducts, LS6 and all its parts, different gauge cluster, competitive mode, rear spring and sway bars, Ti exhaust, OE brake compound, powder coated calipers, thinner glass, power seat DS only, non tinting outside mirror, spare inflator kit, shorter gearing
list is long. Z is the better car, for performance. The base is the better car for comfort and 6th gear cruising.
03-26-2019, 11:12 PM
#20
Team Owner
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All C5's are built on the same hydroformed chasis.