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I tried to post this a few minits a go but i never showed up so i am sorry if this is a repost.....
If you are going to to put heads,cam,intake,full exhaust, possible stroker in the future is there any real reason to start with a z06 other than the weight and look....
If you're only going to do power mods, you should consider getting a c5 coupe with the Z51 suspension. Or if you planned suspension mods anyway you could just get the base suspension and upgrade to Z06 components through www.gmpartshouse.com or another forum vendor. IIRC one of the anti-roll bars is the same between the Z51 and Z06, so you save some money there.
A lot of drag racing guys favor the coupe's M6 over the M12 if you go to 3.90s or 4.10s. Weight isn't that much of an issue IMO. I'd imagine a big difference in the weight is from the Wagons/Runflats vs the lighter z06 seup. My couple with the passanger seat removed and a quarter tank of gas weighs in at a little under 3100 with a drag pack. I'd imagine if you go to a stroker you would look into an ls2 or aftermarket block so the ls1 vs ls6 would not matter much. If you stay H/C you will have an advantage with the ls6 though. You will probably never see the effects of the different aerodynamics so I wouldn't worry about that much. The suspension can always be changed easily so I wouldn't worry much about that either.
What it really comes down to is which one you like more.
A lot of drag racing guys favor the coupe's M6 over the M12 if you go to 3.90s or 4.10s. Weight isn't that much of an issue IMO. I'd imagine a big difference in the weight is from the Wagons/Runflats vs the lighter z06 seup. My couple with the passanger seat removed and a quarter tank of gas weighs in at a little under 3100 with a drag pack. I'd imagine if you go to a stroker you would look into an ls2 or aftermarket block so the ls1 vs ls6 would not matter much. If you stay H/C you will have an advantage with the ls6 though. You will probably never see the effects of the different aerodynamics so I wouldn't worry about that much. The suspension can always be changed easily so I wouldn't worry much about that either.
What it really comes down to is which one you like more.
Are you certain that you will be modding your vette heavily...because if it is just wishful thinking and 10 years down the road then you might want a Z06 now and have fun with it untill you can start your build. Just my .02
Keep in mind the up front premium for the Z06. A lot of mods can be done for the difference. The Z06 is a fantastic platform for someone who wants to do minimal mods and have a fast package. For someone who wants to do some serious mods the Z51 Coupe or an FRC is a much more economical way to go.
Nothing like 430hp to the rear wheels with a removable top. I wouldn't change the comfort of the removable top, sport seats and trunk space for anything. Most Corvette owners end up wanting more power. Since that is the case, you are most likely going to build the hell out of either a Z06, Coupe or Convertible.
Since I like the looks of the hard top more than that of a convertible, that decision was easy. Since the top doesnt come off of the Z06, that decision was easy. Since the LS1 can be easily modified with a few K$'s, to out perform the LS6... that desicion was easy.
Cruising with the top off, my hot wife in the passenger seat, my dog on the center console, our suitcase in the trunk, getting 24 miles to the gallon, and having over 400hp on tap.....PRICELESS.
I tried to post this a few minits a go but i never showed up so i am sorry if this is a repost.....
If you are going to to put heads,cam,intake,full exhaust, possible stroker in the future is there any real reason to start with a z06 other than the weight and look....
The differences between a C5 Coupe and C5 Z06 are not just in differences with hp/weight ratio.
However if HP is all that matters to you, get a coupe.
You can make a coupe **** on a z06 and do it with the top off!!!
Easy Bud, i can do the same to a coupe with my top down.... but im not out to out do any fellow vette owner, just meet and bs with them, the Z has a lot to offer besides just HP.
-Mike