Decision: ZR1 vs. C5
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 86
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From: Rochester Hills MI
Decision: ZR1 vs. C5
Eager to get my First Vette.
I'd appreciate knowing how you folks would approach my quandry.
Do I get the "King of the Hill" - or - an '01 or '02 C5 ?
Realizing that I'm in a "C5" Forum, I expect a certain bias - but try to be objective. Some of you C5 owners may have had to make the same choice. I'd like to know what caused you to decide in favor of the C5?
Thanks for your help!
I'd appreciate knowing how you folks would approach my quandry.
Do I get the "King of the Hill" - or - an '01 or '02 C5 ?
Realizing that I'm in a "C5" Forum, I expect a certain bias - but try to be objective. Some of you C5 owners may have had to make the same choice. I'd like to know what caused you to decide in favor of the C5?
Thanks for your help!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 50,808
Likes: 10
From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
Price engine parts and that will help you decide 
LS1-6 engine part are cheap. Easier to find someone to work on a C5. Z-1 is neat but better if collected and not beat on. Not a better looking engine around than a ZR-1. You just may have the unfortunate luck of needing an engine repair on a ZR-1 and it bucks even a start is big dollars to replace. The prices are good and there are still some mint one's out there.
LS1-6 engine part are cheap. Easier to find someone to work on a C5. Z-1 is neat but better if collected and not beat on. Not a better looking engine around than a ZR-1. You just may have the unfortunate luck of needing an engine repair on a ZR-1 and it bucks even a start is big dollars to replace. The prices are good and there are still some mint one's out there.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I agree. Just price a fuel pump, that should be enough to help with your decision. I was in the same quandry a few years back, and couldn't justify the ZR-1 parts and upkeep. Beautiful cars, and I happen to find the C4 more comfortable than the C5, but the maintenance was going to be an issue and I went with a C5 instead.
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
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From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Originally Posted by vettenuts
I agree. Just price a fuel pump, that should be enough to help with your decision. I was in the same quandry a few years back, and couldn't justify the ZR-1 parts and upkeep. Beautiful cars, and I happen to find the C4 more comfortable than the C5, but the maintenance was going to be an issue and I went with a C5 instead.
Two GM fuel pumps from a 454 suburban for 180 bucks.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
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From: Swansea IL
If you want a car that can be driven everyday, easily modded and serviced yet has world class performance and comfort, convenience and safety features and may still have a factory warranty buy a Z51 MN6 C5 or better yet a Z06.
Just my opinion.
Tom
Just my opinion.
Tom
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 17,681
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From: Central Jersey
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The ZR-1 is a great car. They are a lot of fun to drive. They have still not went up in value to what people were paying though and I am not sure how long that will really be before they are bringing 60-70K. If I bought one it would be for an long term investment and not a daily driver. Another issue to consider is where to find qualified techs should you need any service done. We dont work on them here and I only know of the Vette Doctors in New York that are really good with them. Any of the new GM techs are not trained on the LT5 so it would have to be a GM tech employed more then 10 years at a minimum that has hands on experience.. Good luck on your desicion 
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,802
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From: San Antonio Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'08
ZR11 vs. C5
Like everyone has told you.....ZR1 will be great for a collector, the c5 is more like a daily driver.....just remember that the LT5 motor will be lot more expensive to work thatn the LS1.
You better know or have a certified LT5 technician close by.
You better know or have a certified LT5 technician close by.
Platinum Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,665
Likes: 341
ZZZZZZZZRRRRRRRRRR11111111111111111
THey don't break so no reason to price engine parts. I love the C5's and I drive one everyday almost. However if I had to choose without a doubt I would go with the ZR1. It is still the King and most of those who say different have not driven one.
THey don't break so no reason to price engine parts. I love the C5's and I drive one everyday almost. However if I had to choose without a doubt I would go with the ZR1. It is still the King and most of those who say different have not driven one.
I think the C5 makes an excellent driver though and probably what you are looking for.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 807
Likes: 21
From: Los Altos CA
I did not have a ZR1 but I did have a C4 and the C5 has some very significant advantages over the C4:
A much smaller turning radius - that on the C4 is like a long wheelbase truck
The C5 has a much roomier passeenger compartment - the footroom is very narrow on the C4
The C5 has much less body shake on rough roads
The interior on the C4 is kind of tacky compared to the C5
The electronically controlled C5 automatic is much smoother shifting than the 700R4 on all but the latest C4's
The C5 is about as powerful as the ZR1
The only things I liked better about the C4 is that the seats are more comfortable, the cupholders are much better and I like the C4 exterior styling better.
I am sorry that I didn't get a C5 much sooner.
A much smaller turning radius - that on the C4 is like a long wheelbase truck
The C5 has a much roomier passeenger compartment - the footroom is very narrow on the C4
The C5 has much less body shake on rough roads
The interior on the C4 is kind of tacky compared to the C5
The electronically controlled C5 automatic is much smoother shifting than the 700R4 on all but the latest C4's
The C5 is about as powerful as the ZR1
The only things I liked better about the C4 is that the seats are more comfortable, the cupholders are much better and I like the C4 exterior styling better.
I am sorry that I didn't get a C5 much sooner.