What do the Z06 vetts have that my stock 2004 Convertible C5 doesn't? Can you up grade to the Z06 level and what do you need and what will it cost. I'm new at this. Thanks

 

Welcome to a great forum, this question is sure to stir up debate from both sides, here is thread you can start with.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...06&forum_id=49

 

I see stock ZO6's dynoing right about where my car dyno'd after the mods listed. I like to think I have ZO6 performance in a convertible after about $3500.00 in mods and labor

 

When the Z06 was concieved, they,(the Corvette team) put together a well rounded package that increased the level of POTENTIAL performance for the C5 platform. The Z06 is after all, a well thought out ultra performing C5, with a distictively different roof line, minor structural enhancements, suspension enhancements, and of course the LS6 engine which is an enhanced version of the LS1.
To reach the level of Z06 performance with a stock Coupe or Vert, one must first decide which performance factor of the Z06 is most desirable to you. Increasing the HP is easy, suspension enhancements are easy, however the structural enhancements are not easily achieved, or at least not the factory Z06 structural enhancements, and the weight is another factor that can be overcome, but at what price.
I think the best way to begin is like this: Compute your current weight to HP then compute what will give you the average Z06 empty weight/ HP of 7.69 Lbs/HP. That will give you a ballpark figure of what is needed to take the LS1 to LS6 power to weight ratio. Next, decide what suspension enhancements are needed to bring the Coupe or Vert to the Z06 compatible level, (shocks, shortened rebound bumpers, spring rates, stabilizer bars, and FE4 suspension alignment set-up). The drivetrain is next, new gearing in the transmission, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th gearing are different ratios than the MN6. Also, the rear gears are shot peened for extra strength in the Z06. If you have an A4, then you will have to decide what you want to do about that, (higher stall converter maybe).
The Z06 front brake pads are more fade resistant, however they do produce copious amounts of black brake dust, and maybe you don't need that kind of brake performance on the street anyway. The front brake pads on the 2002 and later Z06 are the only mechanical difference from the standard Coupe and Vert brakes.
Frame/body stiffening enhancements: There just is no way to enhance either the coupe or vert the way the Z06/FRC is from the factory. That's because in the coupe, the additional cross brace found in the forward trunk area of the vert is absent, and on the vert, the roof halo structural member is absent. They are both present on the FRC/Z06 body structure. However, there are aftermarket kits available to enhance body structure, I don't know how much the different components weigh, but they are out there.
Other Z06 lightening secrets from the factory, thinner windshield, thinner back light glass, lighterweight seats, no power passenger seat, no sound insulation, lighter weight wheels and tires, (even though they are both wider front and rear), no power antenna, no power steering column adjustment, no 12 disc CD changer available from the factory, no cover over the rear wells, no front fog lamps, no tire pressure monitoring valve stems, and of course that great factory Ti catback system, which also happens to be more free flowing than the standard catback system. Also, the Z06 has just two cat, no pre-cats needed.
I think that about covers the weight reduction items.
So as one can see, the performance factors that came in the Z06 package are obtainable in either the coupe or vert. However, given the extensive list, the time and money needed to put together the complete package, one may want to pick and chose what areas are most important to the desired level of performance.
Depending on how serious one is in being able to obtain the same or better levels of all around performce, it might be a better idea to purchase a 2002 or later Z06, and have it sent to be converted to a convertible. Of course then it gains weight, and will lose the roof halo structure. That's just my take on it, others may seriously disagree.


z06vettepilot

 

n to be honest with you u will gain no horsepower to the tires by modifying your suspension so throw that out the stock c5 coupe or vert doesnt need mods to the suspension add a set of nice heads 1,600 change your ring & pinion gear getrag 3.42 or 3.73 ,3.90 3200 stall yank makes 1 of the best , a Ls6 intake, & a aftermarket cam shaft go to the dyno to get an Ls1 edit & a tune & you will wave bye bye at a zo6 simple & easy have a good day

 

I'm very happy with the mods I've had done on my 2001 C5 Coupe, A4[3.42] w/Stock Heads putting down 405RWHP. See link in my SIG for specific mods info.

Do you own an edition of the Corvette Black Book? This book is very affordable and gives specific specs for comparison between the Coupe, Vert, and Z06.

 

I disagree with your idea to not modify the suspension on the Coupe/Vert to become more like the Z06. The Z06 is superior to the Coupe/Vert in two areas, more bhp & better handling. So, if a Coupe/Vert owner wants the added plus of the superior Z06 performance in both straight line power and on the curves, then suspension upgrades should be on the to do list, IMHO. The only suspension mods I've done is the 04 Z06 Stabilizer Kit, and that was very inexpensive in both parts and labor. A friend did most of the work and the kit was less than $250.00. Yes, I can feel the difference on the curves, plus it was good to change out the plastic end links for the metal ones.

 

i guess i should have been more direct i dont race round track sccca events i run my car in the quarter mile

 

BOTTOM LINE..Your looking for about 330-340 RWHP on the Dyno.

Your car will probably dyno in the 295-300 RWHP. So the question is ..

How do I make 30-40 RWHP? and better handling? Long Tube Headers ,X-Pipe with aftermarket exhaust, Cold Air Intake , maybe a LS6 intake and a more efficient Throttle Body, and then a good Dyno Tune via LS1 Edit.

For the suspension go with a the Z06 sway bars and some Bilstein Sport Shocks. I would also lower the car as well about 1" all around and get rid of the RunCraps tires and try some Kuhmo's or Nittos.

That should get you in a positive direction!! ..Just my .02

 

I respectfully disagree.

I prefer the look of my Coupe over the FRC [2001 & up = Z06] & Vert. I can remove my Targa top and have a similar feel of the Vert. Plus, IMHO the Coupe as a much better profile than the Z06 chopped rear window.

 

However, each to their own. We all love our machines.
Ed

 

Well, he may need to reach more like 345-355RWHP, so as a general rule he could shoot for a 50RWHP gain for comparable straight line performance. Otherwise, I agree with your post.

However, with the C6 Z06 coming out in the near future w/500bhp why not shoot for 400-425RWHP, which is a 100-125RWHP gain depending on M6 or A4. I figure with a good set of aftermarket Heads on my A4 C5 Coupe will then be well over 500bhp.

 

Understood, my fellow Corvette Enthusiast friend. Then, I agree if you only want the straight line [C5]Z06 performance the suspension mods are not on the to do list.

 

If all you are talking about is pure horsepower...and beating one in a straight line...ok.

But if you are talking PERFORMANCE, or any situation where you must turn the wheel, then the suspension is SERIOUSLY lacking unless you have the Z51. Having had both setups on the same car I can definitively say the FE1 is NOT a performance suspension by any stretch. Now, it isn't bad compared to most other cars on the road, but the Z06 setup is a night and day difference.

All depends what you're after.

 

First get the mod fever going by doing a mod, start out simple. Say a new Air Filter. The Blackwing performs real well, about $230 -$250. Next, Z06 Titanium Mufflers that usually sell for 400.00 here on the forum plus installation cost me about $100.00. This will get you going saving weight, better sound, and better breathing. Don't bother with an air bridge(except for looks only) or MAF(no benefit without serious programming). At this point the stock tune will work but your starting to get to the point when you would benefit from additional tuning.

Get EFILIVE V7($699.00) for adjusting the computer transmission shift points, cooling fans, fuel trims, and many other items. Beware this has a long learning curve and patience. This program has scanning and tuning capabilities. There are others like HPTuners, or LS1 Edit(no scanning or logging abilities), or the hand helds that do not require a laptop, but these are limited in their capbilities.

From here on out start saving your money for headers, cam, heads. Then a Dyno Tune will be needed.

By the time you get the first few mods done you will definitely have the mod fever. Then its just a matter of money. I don't think by then it will be a matter of Z06 performance anymore, but just having one bad *** vette. Most importantly...have fun, meet people, and enjoy your vette.

 

If you are talking about competing with a Z06 in a straight line, that will just about do it. But if you are planning on competing through the twisties, it will take a little more upgrading to do so.

 

It's Easy. First, if you really want better handling in the curves, get Z06 Sway Bars, will ride like on rails. Cheap and EZ.

OK Performance. If you have an A4 (like me) you MUST get a Torque Converter and better gears. At least a 3000 stall and 3.42 gears, but an SS3600 TC is Tight and will kick ***. I have a 4000

Definately get at least a Cam!!!! It is cheap and It will gain 20-50 rwhp depending on how big you go. Labor is the expensive part.

If I were you I would get:


CAM (224/224 .588/.588 114 LSA) at least this big
(Get an underdrive Pulley while your doing the cam, labor is basically free)
Yank SS3600 or if your scared, an SS3200
3.42 or 3.73 gears
LS1 Edit Tuning
An Intake like a Vortex or Vararam

Then later add heads& OR headers

Then you can do this:

http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=T...-122.58.mpeg87

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A few suspension parts, gears,tires and about 100 more horses =
more car than the average person can push to it's limits
that being said, whatever you do will put a grin on your face!

 

Whatever you want to do, GO FOR IT, and have a BLAST! It doesn't matter what you do, someone will have a faster Vette/Car period. It boils down to just having fun, that's what my car means to me!!!

 

I think ZO6vettepilot is the only one in here that answered his questions. And I think he did a great job in doing so.

Bob