New member here. I've given up on purchasing a 911 (966)- spooked with all the ims failures, rms leaks, etc. Now plan to get C5 convertible or Z06. If I get the convert, what's the easiest mods to pick up 50hp? How much will it cost? Also, I know the good with the 'vette, what's the bad and the ugly with these cars. Thanks for any advice.

 

Barring nitrous. Long tube headers (I'd suggest LG or Kooks) and a filter setup (Blackwing, Vararam) would be a good starting point.

 

Give us a call and we can get you 50 HP with ease

All kidding aside, feel free to give us a call. We can go over the different paths and the pros and cons of each together.

Thanks,
Max
908.317.4496

 

Hey Max... Your site is killing my eyes! Maybe it's just me, but that red on black scheme is doing me in...

 

LOL, sorry.

New site in a few weeks. Long over due.

Max

 

50hp is a cake walk. Long Tube headers, a cat-back, Cold air intake and a dyno tune will get you 50hp.

 

For sure

 

Thanks for the repsonses guys - it sounds like getting up in the C5 Z06 hp range is doable and won't break the bank. Can someone give me some info on what the common problem areas are for the C5 (my months of research on the 911 yielded the things I talked about above). Any catastophic problems similar to the 911 ims failure problem? What should l look for when buying a C5, either base or Z? Thanks

 

Now the bad thing is like any other performance car. Many of the Vettes have rocking seats from track issues, and the interior noise level from the road can be a little much at times on rough roads, but all in all I love these cars. Unless you are a convertible fan the Z06 is the way to go. I wish I could have found a hardtop. My targa leaks a small bit and I have never even taken it off. Just enjoy the best bang for the buck out there

 

There really aren't any big gotchas on the C5. The column lock problem is a hassle, but is easily defeated with an inexpensive kit. The C5 has never had a great PCV setup, so a catch can or something similar is usually a good idea on a car that sees aggressive driving. The clutch with any serious power modifications will need replacing.

As to which model you want, depends on your plans for the car. If you want an excellent performing package and have no plans for extensive modifications, then the Z06 is worth the premium and is the way to go. If you plan on extensively modifying the car, then I would suggest '99-00 FRC, a coupe or convertible (whichever bodystyle you prefer). Keep in mind that because the C5 chassis was designed as convertible, there are no weight penalties for going with a convertible or large sacrifices in chassis stiffness normally associated with a drop top.

If you decide to go with a non Z06 car then there are some model year differences and options to take into account.

97-98: First years. Less flexible PCM for tuning. Perimeter bolt heads. Lacks the options for Active Handling and the HUD.
99-00: PCM updated. Active Handling (which corrects cornering) and HUD options. Normal LS style heads.
01-04: Larger 85mm MAF, LS6 intake, improved AH, improved seat leather.

The '99-00 cars are the best bargains and the first years I'd look at for a C5 to modify. In all years if you wish to road race the car, look for the Z51 suspension option. The FRC (fixed roof coupe), offered in '99-00, is a good choice as it offers a slight weight savings over a normal coupe and came standard with the Z51 suspension and a 6spd.

 

I haven't heard of anything catastrophic. Someone here has 300k miles on their C5. Here is a fair list of common problems. Many can be resolved inexpensively and lots of people know how to help fix them

2001's had oil burning issues but was manageable and the more severe cases, GM was doing re-rings on the engine.

EBCM problems are fairly common, but if you are reasonably handy with tools you can fix it for a couple hundred bucks and a couple hours of your time (dealer will charge a lot for this)

Rear end leaks
Column lock issue on certain years
Head light motors -- gears wearing out.
Rocking seat
Intermittent turn signal -- problem with Hazard switch
Wiring in the doors causing problems with the windows.


I have only had the EBCM issue and it took $200.00 and a couple hours to fix.

 

The RMS leak was the one that did it for me...I mean it could go at 7k miles or 107k.. to much of a chance for a motor that cost $10k or more and the dealer HAS to put it in..I bought an 2000 6 speed with the Z51 for $17k with just over 50k miles and could not be happier..plus lots more extra money for mods!!!