I were buying a C5 for track >>>
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19
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If I were buying a C5 for track >>>
Would it be worth my time to consider a Z06 or look to a base C5 and upgrade? I plan on doing a bunch of suspension mods (either car) and some motor mods. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
BTW - Not a noob. I used to be Trac_rat, but my regstration got screwy.
Thanks all!!
Chad A.
BTW - Not a noob. I used to be Trac_rat, but my regstration got screwy.
Thanks all!!
Chad A.
Last edited by Hanging_Chad; Oct 21, 2004 at 01:25 PM.
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The Z06 already has the better sway bars and shocks. Plus the tires are better than the stock EMTs. If it were me and I were going to autocross, then the Z06 would be a good choice.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2004
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I have been doing road course DE events primarily. No autox. So the setup will probably go to fully adjustable / dampered coilovers so I can adjust spring rates, etc. I like the FRC's and have been eyeballing them for a while now. But, with the recent price drops on the Z06's the extra power seems very interesting 
Chad
Chad
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I would suggest an FRC they are the most inexpensive of the c5's and they have essentially the same body as the zo6.
Plus it leaves you a hell of a lot more money for Mods....Susupension, Motor...or whatever needs done. Since they are cheaper you can probably get more of you moneys worth out of one of these.
Plus it leaves you a hell of a lot more money for Mods....Susupension, Motor...or whatever needs done. Since they are cheaper you can probably get more of you moneys worth out of one of these.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 339
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From: West Hartford, CT, USA
Originally Posted by Hanging_Chad
Would it be worth my time to consider a Z06 or look to a base C5 and upgrade? I plan on doing a bunch of suspension mods (either car) and some motor mods. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
BTW - Not a noob. I used to be Trac_rat, but my regstration got screwy.
Thanks all!!
Chad A.
BTW - Not a noob. I used to be Trac_rat, but my regstration got screwy.
Thanks all!!
Chad A.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19
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Originally Posted by MARK's_C5TT
What kind ot Track? DR? Roadracing? Autocrossing?
A combination of the above 3? All of the above?
A combination of the above 3? All of the above?
Here's a pic of the M:
It's been great fun and I have passed Camaro SS's with it.
(I have it on video). I have been doing road courses for some time now, and would like to have a change. C5 is a great car. And the Z06 is easily THE best track toy for the money. Very, VERY tempting. It all depends on what I would like to spend and what makes the most sense. Either spending money all out on a Z06 or mods. Hmmm..
Options...this is gonna be fun.
-C.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Streamwood IL
There are differences (as mentioned above) that are only available on the Z06. The windshield and rear glass are thinner and lighter than stock, no telecoping steering wheel for weight savings, etc.
You would also have the HP mods already, the wider/lighter wheels and tires, the tighter gearing and the enhanced suspension and brakes. Power steering cooler, etc.
I would advise you get the Z06 and keep it un-modded until you drive it and see what you want to change. No sense planning mods for a car you've never driven. Adjustable shocks are great, but if the stock setup works for you, then why bother?
I did not get a chance to track my Z06 this year, but I will next year FOR SURE! The only "performance" mods I am looking at for now is stainless brake lines and speed bleeders. Mabey a short shifter. The Z06 is pretty much ready to rock, stock outta the box.
You would also have the HP mods already, the wider/lighter wheels and tires, the tighter gearing and the enhanced suspension and brakes. Power steering cooler, etc.
I would advise you get the Z06 and keep it un-modded until you drive it and see what you want to change. No sense planning mods for a car you've never driven. Adjustable shocks are great, but if the stock setup works for you, then why bother?
I did not get a chance to track my Z06 this year, but I will next year FOR SURE! The only "performance" mods I am looking at for now is stainless brake lines and speed bleeders. Mabey a short shifter. The Z06 is pretty much ready to rock, stock outta the box.
Tech Contributor
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I think I would go with a 00 FRC. To get to Z06 specs you would need the brake ducts, rear spring, front stabilizer bar, engine and transmission gears. With some careful planning and work on your part you may be able to get there for less money. Either way, put 3:73 gears in it and mod the engine so you can get power up in the 6600 to 6800 rpm range. Run 96 GS wheel sizes. Maybe even could get the 11 inch wheels in the front. It would put you close to a T1 Car.
Bill
Bill
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It depends on how much money you have to spend.
If I was going to do it, and do it right, I'd buy the cheapest FRC I could find, as long as it's straight. Then I'd gut it and replace everything: body panels, suspension, engine/drivetrain, tires, brakes...nothing in the cabin but a cage, seat, and necessary guages. It would not be street legal.
If I was going to do it, and do it right, I'd buy the cheapest FRC I could find, as long as it's straight. Then I'd gut it and replace everything: body panels, suspension, engine/drivetrain, tires, brakes...nothing in the cabin but a cage, seat, and necessary guages. It would not be street legal.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
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Originally Posted by Hanging_Chad
Driver Ed's / Road Course events. Possibly some AutoX for kicks. I currently have a very modified BMW M3 coupe. I have some pal's who have C5's and love 'em. And...being a big guy (6'6") I would like some extra room.
Here's a pic of the M:
It's been great fun and I have passed Camaro SS's with it.
(I have it on video). I have been doing road courses for some time now, and would like to have a change. C5 is a great car. And the Z06 is easily THE best track toy for the money. Very, VERY tempting. It all depends on what I would like to spend and what makes the most sense. Either spending money all out on a Z06 or mods. Hmmm..
Options...this is gonna be fun.
-C.
Here's a pic of the M:
It's been great fun and I have passed Camaro SS's with it.
(I have it on video). I have been doing road courses for some time now, and would like to have a change. C5 is a great car. And the Z06 is easily THE best track toy for the money. Very, VERY tempting. It all depends on what I would like to spend and what makes the most sense. Either spending money all out on a Z06 or mods. Hmmm..
Options...this is gonna be fun.
-C.
I See dozens of M3'S when I go for my Roadcourse events - great car! For the money, A Z06 is the best bang for the the $$$ no doubt. But whaty many dont undrstand is the requierd spending even in a Z06 to keep up with other cars that have better track equipment.
For starters, a Z06 even with Supercar tires wont keep up with so many other cars that have a good set of RR tires. So there is your first purchase. I switch out my RR tires which are mounted on my CCW's 2 nights before my event.
Brake pads - all the difference in the world. About $350 for a good set of TRUE TRACK PADS.
Brake ducting - very important. About $400 installed
Harnesses, belt lap kits - you'll need them so you can concentrate on driving instead of concentrating on holding on to the steering wheel
Then there is the driver. If you are fairly new, the Z06 wont help you for quiet awhile.
Consider about $4000 at least in Track mods and some good experience before you take a Z06 to its potential on the track.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,253
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From: Chapel Hill NC
Another reason to get a Z is because the pre-'01 LS1s have rod bolts which were failing in the LS1 motors used in ASA racing. That resulted in a bolt upgrade in '01 and later LS1/LS6s and a more reliable track motor. Another big advantage of the LS6 are the lightweight valves which are designed for high revs with a decent sized (.550ish) cam. IMHO the LS6 is definitely a better motor for a track car that's going to see sustained high rpms.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19
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Originally Posted by MARK's_C5TT
I See dozens of M3'S when I go for my Roadcourse events - great car! For the money, A Z06 is the best bang for the the $$$ no doubt. But whaty many dont undrstand is the requierd spending even in a Z06 to keep up with other cars that have better track equipment.
For starters, a Z06 even with Supercar tires wont keep up with so many other cars that have a good set of RR tires. So there is your first purchase. I switch out my RR tires which are mounted on my CCW's 2 nights before my event.
Brake pads - all the difference in the world. About $350 for a good set of TRUE TRACK PADS.
Brake ducting - very important. About $400 installed
Harnesses, belt lap kits - you'll need them so you can concentrate on driving instead of concentrating on holding on to the steering wheel
Then there is the driver. If you are fairly new, the Z06 wont help you for quiet awhile.
Consider about $4000 at least in Track mods and some good experience before you take a Z06 to its potential on the track.
For starters, a Z06 even with Supercar tires wont keep up with so many other cars that have a good set of RR tires. So there is your first purchase. I switch out my RR tires which are mounted on my CCW's 2 nights before my event.
Brake pads - all the difference in the world. About $350 for a good set of TRUE TRACK PADS.
Brake ducting - very important. About $400 installed
Harnesses, belt lap kits - you'll need them so you can concentrate on driving instead of concentrating on holding on to the steering wheel
Then there is the driver. If you are fairly new, the Z06 wont help you for quiet awhile.
Consider about $4000 at least in Track mods and some good experience before you take a Z06 to its potential on the track.
This is the info I was searching for. Thank you very much.
-C.
Resident moron
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,746
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From: Assachusetts
You'd be crazy to do anything but an FRC.
You're gonna mod the motor, mod the suspension, and race it? Why would you get a Z06? You're gonna be replacing the stock stuff with aftermarket anyway.
One of the biggest financial mistakes I ever made was buying a 2000 SS and then replacing all the 'special' parts it had over a normal Z28. All suspension parts, wheels/tires, power mods, etc. The only thing I kept was the hood and spoiler. Dumb.
I bought an FRC this time around. Considered a Z06 but they are too slow for the money.
Spend $20k and buy a nice FRC, and mod the crap out of it. Heads/cam/bolt-ons, clutch and rear end, put down 450+rwhp easily (almost 100 more rwhp than a Z06). Coilovers with your choice of swaybars (also better than Z06). Run some nice wheels (like CCW), maybe some 305/315s up front and 335s in the back (R compounds of course). The car would scream. You'd spend much more money making a Z06 into the same car.
If I were modding a car, there's not one single part of a Z06 that I'd want to keep, except maybe the rear brake ducts. These are a cheap purchase though, and you can even buy 3rdparty ones that don't look gay like the Z06 ones.
If you're gonna keep the car stock/reasonably stock, get the Z06.
Dope
You're gonna mod the motor, mod the suspension, and race it? Why would you get a Z06? You're gonna be replacing the stock stuff with aftermarket anyway.
One of the biggest financial mistakes I ever made was buying a 2000 SS and then replacing all the 'special' parts it had over a normal Z28. All suspension parts, wheels/tires, power mods, etc. The only thing I kept was the hood and spoiler. Dumb.
I bought an FRC this time around. Considered a Z06 but they are too slow for the money.
Spend $20k and buy a nice FRC, and mod the crap out of it. Heads/cam/bolt-ons, clutch and rear end, put down 450+rwhp easily (almost 100 more rwhp than a Z06). Coilovers with your choice of swaybars (also better than Z06). Run some nice wheels (like CCW), maybe some 305/315s up front and 335s in the back (R compounds of course). The car would scream. You'd spend much more money making a Z06 into the same car.
If I were modding a car, there's not one single part of a Z06 that I'd want to keep, except maybe the rear brake ducts. These are a cheap purchase though, and you can even buy 3rdparty ones that don't look gay like the Z06 ones.
If you're gonna keep the car stock/reasonably stock, get the Z06.
Dope
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Originally Posted by Hanging_Chad
Any real issues with those motors? Good hp upgrades? It is my understanding I can get Z06 trackable HP (better top end breathing) from the LS1. Is this assumption correct?
TIA
C.
TIA
C.
So, a Vert costs more than a Z, but performs less. Another $3k I'm at least making the same hp......
Something to think about if the same $3K would move your FRC to the same place, but starting at the FRC price
Good Luck! Keep us posted! And Welcome back!
(and I love your screen name
)Michael
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Shiloh Ohio
I think it depends on how much you want to pay for the initial investment. You could get an older FRC very reasonable, but if you are buying 01 up, I think you can get a Z pretty close to what the same year C5 coupe will cost. It will be a little more but well worth it to get the LS6 motor. My brother just bought a new 04 Z06 for less than I paid for my 03 coupe new, and I bought mine with the GM discount. I bracket drag race so I perferred the A4 or I would have went for the Z06 also. By the way my brother now has his 99 FRC up for sale email me for more info if you are interested. 