[Z06] Looking at 2003 Z's
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 13
From: Seattle area, WA (On the Eastside)
Looking at 2003 Z's
Hello again everyone, I'm back.
I sold my '65 C2 a few years ago in early 2014 and am feeling the need for a muscle car again. My brother has had the C4, C5, and C6 which he currently owns. He told me that the C5 has more leg room for we taller dudes, since it's about 5" longer than the C6 and on. Plus they are more manageable pricewise these days.
I found a 2003 Z that has some body damage due to stripping of an old wrap, and has been modified by a young guy who did all the work himself, hence no records of anything.
His mods are for racing, and he has had it tuned for such. When I drove it, it was awesome, but I couldn't get over the gas smell. He said it's normal, due to cold start and FOT with the intake he installed and the special tuning.
This is what he's done to it:
Aggressive alignment for the track (has thicker sway bars)
Synthetic oil in the Diff, trans, and engine
Wilwood 4 piston front calipers with Wilwood BP40 pads on front and Hawk HP+ pads on rear
Longtube headers, catless/resonated x pipe and shorty 6" mufflers (tailpipes?)
Blacwing intake
Tuned for catless exhaust, raised rev limiter, and 1-4shift light delete
Continental Extreme Sport Contacts with 75% tread on factory Z06 wheels
Sparko R100 driver seat (has original but torn)
Steering lock bypass other than GM's
New power steering pump with C6 stainless pulley
Everything else is stock OEM.
He's asking 19K for it but I'm sure he'll go down to 17K but I think for the condition, it's still somewhat pricey. KBB has it in Good condition at 81,000 miles for between 14-16K $. Would 15K be fair to offer? I wouldn't want to insult him, but it'll cost to buy the cats and repair anything that may be wrong that we don't know about yet. That gas smell is bad, and no receipts for any work concerns me. what do y'all think?
I sold my '65 C2 a few years ago in early 2014 and am feeling the need for a muscle car again. My brother has had the C4, C5, and C6 which he currently owns. He told me that the C5 has more leg room for we taller dudes, since it's about 5" longer than the C6 and on. Plus they are more manageable pricewise these days.
I found a 2003 Z that has some body damage due to stripping of an old wrap, and has been modified by a young guy who did all the work himself, hence no records of anything.
His mods are for racing, and he has had it tuned for such. When I drove it, it was awesome, but I couldn't get over the gas smell. He said it's normal, due to cold start and FOT with the intake he installed and the special tuning.
This is what he's done to it:
Aggressive alignment for the track (has thicker sway bars)
Synthetic oil in the Diff, trans, and engine
Wilwood 4 piston front calipers with Wilwood BP40 pads on front and Hawk HP+ pads on rear
Longtube headers, catless/resonated x pipe and shorty 6" mufflers (tailpipes?)
Blacwing intake
Tuned for catless exhaust, raised rev limiter, and 1-4shift light delete
Continental Extreme Sport Contacts with 75% tread on factory Z06 wheels
Sparko R100 driver seat (has original but torn)
Steering lock bypass other than GM's
New power steering pump with C6 stainless pulley
Everything else is stock OEM.
He's asking 19K for it but I'm sure he'll go down to 17K but I think for the condition, it's still somewhat pricey. KBB has it in Good condition at 81,000 miles for between 14-16K $. Would 15K be fair to offer? I wouldn't want to insult him, but it'll cost to buy the cats and repair anything that may be wrong that we don't know about yet. That gas smell is bad, and no receipts for any work concerns me. what do y'all think?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 582
From: Conway South Carolina
No receipts? Yikes!!! So all you have is his word as far as the work that's been done. I've shied away from cars in the past that have been modified personally by owners. It wouldn't be a problem if you knew the guy and the quality of his work. From what you wrote saying the condition is sketchy, AND that gas smell, along with what you have to get done to it, I'd be hesitant to pull the trigger. UNLESS you REALLY want the car. Then I'd offer the low end of what KBB says it's worth. A lot of unknowns on a 17yr. old car.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 176
Likes: 49
From: Plainfield, IN
Honestly I see nothing concerning here. The smell is likely from not having any cats and if he didn't adjust the fueling in the tune than it's likely running rich. As far as the rest of the mods you've listed, they are all very basic bolt-ons. Swaybars are 4 bolt and the endlinks. Hard to screw up. And for the brakes...have you never installed new brakes? A big brake upgrade is simply unbolting the old, bolting on the new, and shimming to verify center.
However it doesn't sound like working on your own car is in your wheelhouse....that's ok, it not for everyone. So do what you should for any car, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
And the c5z has been going up in value based on what people have been listing their cars for so kbb may be a little off. However it all depends on how bad the seller needs to sell as to how low they'll go.
However it doesn't sound like working on your own car is in your wheelhouse....that's ok, it not for everyone. So do what you should for any car, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
And the c5z has been going up in value based on what people have been listing their cars for so kbb may be a little off. However it all depends on how bad the seller needs to sell as to how low they'll go.
Last edited by dhorner77; Sep 24, 2020 at 06:56 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,233
Likes: 427
From: LI NY
81k miles, needs paint work, smells like gas, needs work, young guy owned it and likely beat the snot out of it, . . and he wants $19k for it? 
you've got to kidding! I wouldn't worry about insulting him with an offer, he has already insulted you with that asking price.
What DDaaryl said above ^ Lots of better ones out there
you've got to kidding! I wouldn't worry about insulting him with an offer, he has already insulted you with that asking price.What DDaaryl said above ^ Lots of better ones out there
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 13
From: Seattle area, WA (On the Eastside)
Thank you guys. This is the information I needed. I too thought that the mods are very common, as I've been reading in this forum, but my gut kept saying that he wasn't telling me everything about the car. I was hesitant, especially due to no records. Those in writing are golden!
@dhorner77, if you look at my past threads, I turned wrenches many a time in the past on my C2. But as you suspect, these days I'm less likely and since I'm new to the C5 platform, need to learn more about it, therefore less inclined haha.
I offered 15K but he said he's not willing to let it go for that price, so I walked.
Yes, I've seen some stock ones that are nicer and priced well. I was partial to 2002-2004 Z06, but I suppose a 2000 would be less expensive and just as fun.
Thank again guys. This is what I needed!
@dhorner77, if you look at my past threads, I turned wrenches many a time in the past on my C2. But as you suspect, these days I'm less likely and since I'm new to the C5 platform, need to learn more about it, therefore less inclined haha.
I offered 15K but he said he's not willing to let it go for that price, so I walked.
Yes, I've seen some stock ones that are nicer and priced well. I was partial to 2002-2004 Z06, but I suppose a 2000 would be less expensive and just as fun.
Thank again guys. This is what I needed!
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 176
Likes: 49
From: Plainfield, IN
Thank you guys. This is the information I needed. I too thought that the mods are very common, as I've been reading in this forum, but my gut kept saying that he wasn't telling me everything about the car. I was hesitant, especially due to no records. Those in writing are golden!
@dhorner77, if you look at my past threads, I turned wrenches many a time in the past on my C2. But as you suspect, these days I'm less likely and since I'm new to the C5 platform, need to learn more about it, therefore less inclined haha.
I offered 15K but he said he's not willing to let it go for that price, so I walked.
Yes, I've seen some stock ones that are nicer and priced well. I was partial to 2002-2004 Z06, but I suppose a 2000 would be less expensive and just as fun.
Thank again guys. This is what I needed!
@dhorner77, if you look at my past threads, I turned wrenches many a time in the past on my C2. But as you suspect, these days I'm less likely and since I'm new to the C5 platform, need to learn more about it, therefore less inclined haha.
I offered 15K but he said he's not willing to let it go for that price, so I walked.
Yes, I've seen some stock ones that are nicer and priced well. I was partial to 2002-2004 Z06, but I suppose a 2000 would be less expensive and just as fun.
Thank again guys. This is what I needed!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 13
From: Seattle area, WA (On the Eastside)
Never said you were a hater dude. Just correcting your assumption that "it doesn't sound like working on your own car is in your wheelhouse." Many folks these days make assumptions without knowing all the facts. But that's ok. I have a V10 RV that I work on all the time so that I'll never get stranded anywhere, so I still scrape my knuckles a bit.
You asked if I ever installed new brakes. I have many times. Rebuilt my C2 350 engine into a 383 stroker in my garage. Have you read my past threads and posts? It was fun back in the day. Just not that knowledgeable yet on these newer fangled "race cars" systems but I'm excited to learn. I'm glad these are still 350's.
No offense taken, and I hope you feel the same.
Cheers!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,605
Likes: 3,322
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Thank you guys. This is the information I needed. I too thought that the mods are very common, as I've been reading in this forum, but my gut kept saying that he wasn't telling me everything about the car. I was hesitant, especially due to no records. Those in writing are golden!
@dhorner77, if you look at my past threads, I turned wrenches many a time in the past on my C2. But as you suspect, these days I'm less likely and since I'm new to the C5 platform, need to learn more about it, therefore less inclined haha.
I offered 15K but he said he's not willing to let it go for that price, so I walked.
Yes, I've seen some stock ones that are nicer and priced well. I was partial to 2002-2004 Z06, but I suppose a 2000 would be less expensive and just as fun.
Thank again guys. This is what I needed!
@dhorner77, if you look at my past threads, I turned wrenches many a time in the past on my C2. But as you suspect, these days I'm less likely and since I'm new to the C5 platform, need to learn more about it, therefore less inclined haha.
I offered 15K but he said he's not willing to let it go for that price, so I walked.
Yes, I've seen some stock ones that are nicer and priced well. I was partial to 2002-2004 Z06, but I suppose a 2000 would be less expensive and just as fun.
Thank again guys. This is what I needed!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,605
Likes: 3,322
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,379
Likes: 3,387
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Decent C5Z's aren't really that hard to find, Carlos. The C5 classifieds on this site see many come & go. If you need help, just ask away. Tons of knowledgeable people, here.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 544
From: Appleton WI
For whatever reason I like the odd generations best.
Always trust your gut on a purchase. Especially a Corvette. Find what you want and what feels right. You'll be much happier. I looked at at least 30 Vettes before I found "the one". I've had it about 9 years and still enjoy it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 13
From: Seattle area, WA (On the Eastside)
Thanks for the encouragement. Sometimes chomping at the bit can bite one in the **** later. I'm being patient and heeding the advise.
I'm going to CA to look at a couple this weekend. I'm staying partial to 2002-2004.
I'm going to CA to look at a couple this weekend. I'm staying partial to 2002-2004.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 168
Likes: 89
From: Northwest Nevada
Just as a reference point, I recently (9 months ago) bought a 2002 Z06 with 56k miles, bone stock, and a known ownership history (3 owners, last two in Cali) for $17,250. It had a clean body, perfect interior, original wheels, brand new tires, new battery and recent service. I replaced the yellow / original valve springs with GM blue ones, replaced the oil pressure sensor and intake manifold gaskets, and did some body detailing.
Be patient and find the right car. I looked at Z06s for about one year before deciding to buy the car that I did.
Be patient and find the right car. I looked at Z06s for about one year before deciding to buy the car that I did.
NCM Lifetime Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 5,343
Likes: 4,288
From: Cunningham, TN
2021 Corvette of the Year - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Winner- Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '26
Just as a reference point, I recently (9 months ago) bought a 2002 Z06 with 56k miles, bone stock, and a known ownership history (3 owners, last two in Cali) for $17,250. It had a clean body, perfect interior, original wheels, brand new tires, new battery and recent service. I replaced the yellow / original valve springs with GM blue ones, replaced the oil pressure sensor and intake manifold gaskets, and did some body detailing.
Be patient and find the right car. I looked at Z06s for about one year before deciding to buy the car that I did.
Be patient and find the right car. I looked at Z06s for about one year before deciding to buy the car that I did.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 13
From: Seattle area, WA (On the Eastside)
I'm not sure why this message didn't show up in my thread, so I copied and pasted it from my email notification.
So Josh, thanks for your message, and I understand your philosophy about no records since you are one of those who do your own work. I can do a lot of it too, but I do keep all my receipts for parts and maintenance. I like to keep written records for any prospective buyer in the future. Although someone's word has merit, those records are golden!
You should see my garage. In my opinion, even though I may not be as much as a gearhead as many folks are in this forum, I don't feel I have to pass on a car that I like and want. Once I find one, I will be doing a lot of things myself, and if I don't feel like it, I can always pay someone. I'm going to enjoy driving it and maintaining it like I did with my C2. I spent thousands getting it to where I wanted it, much of it with my own hands (read my threads), and it was a fun time. I'm wanting that again now that I'm able in my current life situation. Thanks again for your message!
Racer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 459
Likes: 138
From: Dallas TX
If you are looking for a track toy it may be a decent option, I would have it inspected by a Corvette shop first. s others said $19K is way high for what you described. I'd offer him $12K.
O and Z06 isnt great for tall guys, I'm 6'5" and I don't really fit, the base coupe with a glass roof is the most room.
O and Z06 isnt great for tall guys, I'm 6'5" and I don't really fit, the base coupe with a glass roof is the most room.
Last edited by JayhawkCPA; Sep 25, 2020 at 01:32 PM.