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C6 coupe? Not so much.
C6 vert? Starting to tingle a little.
C6 GS vert? Feeling mighty frisky.
C6 Z06? Dang son, that’s an upgrade!
Was definitely thinking a convertible. When I bought the C5 coupe I never thought I’d like a vert. After taking the glass top off and having the resulting wind tunnel, I’ve taken some pause.
I have been toying with the idea of spending 7k-10k to up the power in my C5 (that has an A4) or get a C6 2008-2013.
I did decide to wait and just play with my car.................................and in the spring who knows. I just have a hard time spending the cash on the C5 for new heads cam, transmission upgrade will be lot of money that will only increase the value of the car to me. C6 will be better in the long run value wise.
When I got my c5 I actually went to the dealer to buy a 2006 c6. I didn’t like driving it. To be fair this 2006 had some aftermarket crap including a cheesy carbon steering wheel but it was a z51 which I wanted. I especially did not like the easily confused transmission (looking at automatics). The c5 is older and slower but there is something “special” about it. I think you need to go drive some c6 that you are interested in and see what you think for yourself. C6 objectively the better car but IMO it cannot be explained on a web site.
Now the newer, hot rod, c6 like the z06 and zr1… will put you in and above c7 pricing anyways.
depends on what you have and what you're be "upgrading" to.
If you're going from coupe to coupe, the c6 is nice -- and really is a better car, but not so much better that I'd do it, I'd rather spend the money on upgrading the c5. (and aesthetically, I prefer the looks of the c5 over the c6, but that's just me). And frankly, if I was going to do an "upgrade," and sticking with coups, I'd go right to c7. The c6 was really a refinement over the c5, not really much of an upgrade... and shares many of the same lousy interior issues as the c5.
But if you're looking at a c6 z06? absolutely. Ls7 is one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production motors produced ever. It's a beast. I'd do that in a heartbeat.
If you can afford it, and without paying over the actual value of the car than I'd do it. Assuming your getting a loan for the C6, so you want to shop around for rates as they keep going up.
I personally can't fit comfortably in a C6, so the only way for me to own a Corvette is to stick with the C5, which I'm totally satisifed with 90s interior plastics 🤣
I'd shop around and continue looking... Says your from MI so you have winters like I do in NY here, I'd start searching!
I'm the original owner of my 2004 C5 convertible. I purchased the car in the fall of 2004 when the 2005 C6 models were starting to show up on dealership lots. My C5 vert had a MSRP sticker price of $55K and I bought it for $45K with 0% financing as the dealerships were encouraged to move all remaining C5s off the lots. At the time, I really liked the C5 design over the C6 design and still do, although over the years I think the C6 has probably the best butt of all Corvettes as I really like the round tail lights.
If you decide to make a change, I suggest you go for the wide-body version such as a Grand Sport or even Z06/ZR1 depending on your budget as I think they are the best looking models for the C6 generation.
I had a strong urge to upgrade to a C6 Grand Sport at one time during the production run, but in the end, stayed with my C5 vert and added a new C7 Z06 M7/Z07 coupe in 2019. Since the C8 still hasn't grabbed me, perhaps I just like the odd number generations.
In the meantime, my "leftover" C5 is looking and running better than the day I drove it off the dealership lot in 2004 due to my performance and customization "hobby" and I'm still not done! I guess I never will be.
As others have said, the first step would be to go drive a few C6s. As far as coupe for coupe, I wouldn't even consider it. I will tell you this, I had the option to trade my C5 vert for a C7. Instead, I decided to keep the C5 and add a supercharger. I do not regret my decision. Personally, I think the C5 looks much better than the C6. However, that is highly subjective. In your case, it really comes down to what YOU like the best.
To address your concerns over the vert, it is much less of a wind tunnel than the coupe with the roof off. The rear glass on the coupe really catches the wind and shoots it back at you. There is some wind with the vert, but you don't get the wind tunnel effect.
I have been toying with the idea of spending 7k-10k to up the power in my C5 (that has an A4) or get a C6 2008-2013.
I did decide to wait and just play with my car.................................and in the spring who knows. I just have a hard time spending the cash on the C5 for new heads cam, transmission upgrade will be lot of money that will only increase the value of the car to me. C6 will be better in the long run value wise.
For your budget, I would STRONGLY consider a supercharger over heads and cam. Granted, it does depend on how you use your car. For a street car, the supercharger is the better option hands down. You would maintain roughly stock drivability and fuel economy, but it goes like a bat out of hell when you want it to. It really is the best of both worlds. Plus, you'll actually have more power than you would in a streetable H/C/I build. Plus, it is reliable. So, unless you're building a track car, I would strongly consider an A&A supercharger kit over an H/C/I build. Just my $0.02.
Was definitely thinking a convertible. When I bought the C5 coupe I never thought I’d like a vert. After taking the glass top off and having the resulting wind tunnel, I’ve taken some pause.
Is a C6 quieter on the inside than a C5?
Ive had both C5 vert and coupe. The vert is nice on a sunny but not too hot day. I had mine when I lived in SoCal near the beach, which was usually perfect. Now in Fl, I decided I wouldn’t have the top down very often due the heat and rain, so the coupe was more practical. So factor your weather into that.
I loved the vert, don’t get me wrong, but it isn’t wind free. My wife always complained about her hair flying around, and any speed above 40 mph is difficult to talk with a passenger, and impossible on the freeway. Normally the top was up for freeway driving. If you have a black top it’s easier to wash, but I suggest you use black towels to pat the water off or you’ll be chasing fuzzies. Lol
As far as general cockpit noise I can’t compare the two. I did a three layer sound deadening in my C5 with Kilmat/foam/MLV and it’s pretty damn quiet. When test driving my car recently, my mechanic remarked it was the best riding Vette he’d ever driven. The complete 3 layer makes the car feel solid and quiet.
I just had 4.10 gears installed and I’ll go light to light with a C6. If you decide to go C6 automatic make sure to buy 2006 or later for the new 6 speed, or better yet 2008 or later for the 430 hp LS3.
I have a friend and neighbor who had a C5, then bought a C7 and now has a C8. I was not impressed by the C7. Tight cockpit (as is the C8), and personally, I don't like the look. I have driven his cars and the only one I would "pop" for is the C8. It may be a bit tight in the cockpit compared to a C5, but in every respect it is a proper supercar - a bit like the C5 was in 1997. The only reason I am not in line to get one is my age. I would have loved it if Chevy had produced such a car 10 years ago, but now, not so much, I just would not use it enough. As someone famous said, I am "past my sell by date".
I’ve had multiple of both generations encompassing LS2/LS3 coupes, convertibles to include one that had an A&A kit, and Z06s.
I much prefer my current car (03 Z06) to all but the C6Z which had its own pros and cons. Loved the LS7, especially the one that had H/C, but got real sick of dealing with the valve and titanium rod coating issues.
I would not trade my C5Z for any of the non-Z C6s I’ve owned. I found them boring/numb to drive in comparison but that’s all a subjective preference. And the C5 to me is a lot better looking.
Great topic, and replys!... This has been a long time question in my mind ever since the day I parked the C5 Vert right next to a silver C6 Z06 in Palm Springs... Please keep the replys coming... I'm SO much on the fence!
Was definitely thinking a convertible. When I bought the C5 coupe I never thought I’d like a vert. After taking the glass top off and having the resulting wind tunnel, I’ve taken some pause.
Is a C6 quieter on the inside than a C5?
🤤
There’s one of these in the neighborhood, and I lust for it. Less expensive than the Z, but still highly sought after.
Should I consider a C6?
