considering the C5

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 12, 2005 | 07:00 PM

danelectro

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 45

Likes: 0

considering the C5

I just sold my 96 C4 last Sat. and I'm considering a C5. I really wasn't expecting to buy a car this soon but I can buy a 2000 coupe automatic with 34k tomorrow for $22.5K.

Anyway I don't know the specifics on the 2000 but really wanted to buy a car with the beefy Z51 suspension. If the car is not equiped can a conversion be done later. Would it even matter for in town (on city streets) driving.

Jul 12, 2005 | 07:10 PM

Irish Whiskey

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 2,329

Likes: 0

Have 2000 coupe-A4-3.42 gears,hardened shaft, blackwing, Kooks headers - 1 3/4" feeding through high flow cats and xpipe into Corsa Indy Tigersharks. Racing Concepts rotors and pads -drilled and slotted. LS6 intake manifold.To be done: Yank SS3600 TQ.
Time in 1/4 mile: 12.8/ 110mph -- road circuit race: yes, and it is a blast as I have the Z06 sway bars, but might have gone with Hotchkiss if doing it over. Need to drop the car about an inch as well. Might look into Bilstein shocks,but need to study more.
Have put 10.5" chrome wheels on back so I can go from 275/40/18's up to the 305's.

Jul 12, 2005 | 07:13 PM

danelectro

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 45

Likes: 0

Is 3.42 the highest stock ratio or were the cars offered with wimpier ratios.

Jul 12, 2005 | 07:35 PM

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 836

Likes: 0

From: Colorado Springs, Colo., USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by danelectro

Is 3.42 the highest stock ratio or were the cars offered with wimpier ratios.

Now, now. Let's not cast aspersions on those of us who have the lowly 3.15 rear ends.

Actually the 3.42 was an aftermarket add-on, I suspect.

I'd say when you get the right car for you, jump! I also made the move from a C4, though earlier than yours. I thoroughly enjoy my '02.

Jul 12, 2005 | 08:15 PM

danelectro

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 45

Likes: 0

I actually would prefer a higher ratio, I'm not a racer. My C4 was easily the best per mpg car I've ever owned and was plenty snappy for me with its 2.70's. The 28 mpg on trips was swell.

Anyway Z51, worth the search or not. I have until tomorrow to decide.

Jul 12, 2005 | 10:20 PM

CliffB-99

Melting Slicks

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 2,303

Likes: 154

From: Green Bay WI

Quote:

Originally Posted by danelectro

You can upgrade to the Z51 or Z06 suspension pretty easily from the base suspension. If it has the "real-time dampening" (aka select-a-ride) suspension, the Z-51 shocks do not work with that option, but you could put Z-51 the sway bars/springs on. Bottom line, suspension is easily upgraded for reasonable $$.

Here are some upgrade packages from GMPartsdirect.com

F/R Swaybars:
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...r=PKZ06STABKIT

Shocks:
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...=PKZ06SHOCKKIT

Rear Spring:
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...umber=22188038

Front Spring:
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...umber=22178729

Jul 12, 2005 | 10:55 PM

shurite44

Le Mans Master

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 7,027

Likes: 6

From: Shiloh Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by danelectro

Is 3.42 the highest stock ratio or were the cars offered with wimpier ratios.

The A4 comes with the 2.73 and performance axle 3.15 all M6's are 3.42s from the factory.

Jul 12, 2005 | 11:20 PM

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 836

Likes: 0

From: Colorado Springs, Colo., USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by danelectro

I easily get 26 -- 28 mpg on the highway (if I behave) with the 3.15. LIke you, I knew I wanted a later model C5. I decided on the '02 or EARLY '03 because all the goodies and fixes (that GM decided to do) were in. I avoided anything later than mid-model year '03 because new regs from the EPA forced GM to put the fuel filter INSIDE the tank. Having had a few fuel filters that needed changing through the years, I decided to avoid one needlessly expensive procedure.