Just for my own knowledge/understanding:

1 - How much stiffer is the C5 Z06 than the Base C5?
2 - Can the Base C5 (reasonably) be brought up to the stiffness of the C5 Z06?

 

1 - I've read, no proof, the base model is 23Hz, the Z is 24Hz. That would be around 4% if right.
2 - Yes. Sell the base and buy a Z. Or... maybe a roll bar? Thicker tunnel plate?

 

You so funny...

I never liked the FRC so that rules out buying a Z

 

1. I dunno how to quantify the difference between the two except to say that I drove a base cSIX and almost left the car lot in disgust based solely on its' handling, HP/torque, and throttle response. Then I spotted a c5 z06; I ended up buying it. I'd say the difference between those two was probably 25% in a hairpin turn that I'd taken both vehicles through. The base c6 was boaty nevermind its' lacking "guts". I could take that hairpin 10mph faster in the z at 35mph, where the base model was fishtailing and tires protesting loudly. (Of course, a lot might have been rooted in different tire performance, too, but the z06 took the hairpin in stride no drama at 35; I was too surprised to go faster to the point of tire-squealing.)

2. There are plenty of available aftermarket kits. Lots of guys who try to keep the ride reasonably soft but tighter like Bilsteins in combination with upgraded sway bars--used z06 bars are a cheap alternative.

I paid about $900 shipped no more than 5 years ago for Johnny O'Connell PFADT's Stage One shocks and sway kit. I caught it at a Thanksgiving or Xmas sale; ~$400 off as I recall. They made the z06's ride even tighter--it rides stiff but turns almost well enough that I can say I have to work in the curves to push my c7 z51 hard enough to see a difference between the two and the z51 has the FE4 option (magnetic ride control [shocks]). So I'd say you could alter the ride so the car's unrecognizable for less than $1700-no-sales-price if you do the labor.

I just Googled the kit I installed. It's still sold here:
https://www.corvettemods.com/C5-C6-C...SABEgIcIPD_BwE

Click the "Package selection" and add shocks for $600 and the price will magically increase to $1330.

 

^^Listen to this guy. His sentiments match mine exactly. My car has the DRM Bilsteins with C6 Z51 sways, and my brother's car has the entire JOC stage 1 setup. My brother's car is definitely stiffer, but feels like a go-kart. My car feels a little more refined, but still handles great. We both have PSS tires which help the ride/handling dramatically. We have many vendors here that have amazing knowledge regarding chassis and suspension setup. I suggest you start making some calls.

Wrt the Z06, I think you can get 95% there with good suspension, a tunnel plate and good tires. The fixed roof can't be beat for the solid feeling it provides, but open top cruising is the ****.

 

This is all really good to know! I never liked the FRC look, but if I can get some of that Z06 magic over into my C5 Coupe I'd be happy.

 

I upgraded my01 with C6Z06 shocks, Z51 sway bars and metal end links from Gene at Cultrag performance. 484-334-8833. Night and day in handling. Did the install myself, not to bad. I think they have a package deal.
mike v

 

We were told by the GM chassis engineers, in 2000, when the Z06 first came out the convertible was 22Hz, the Coupe was 24Hz, and the FRC/Z06 was 26Hz.

 

1. FRC body style is about 12% stiffer than the coupe.
2. If you're talking about chassis stiffness, then that's gonna be pretty hard to do. The FRC has the roll hoop of the coupe plus the stiffeners GM added to the "waterfall" for the convertibles, plus the physical hard-mounting of the roof. So, maybe a 4 pt rollbar, something that ties the front floor into the rear of the car?

If you're talking about running a stiffer spring/shock/swaybar setup, then there's bunches of ways to go.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

 

Recently I posted an article that showed the history of the C5. The FRC was originally setup to be a "poor man's" version of the C5 and there were thoughts of even using a V6 in it. However, it turned out to be about 100 lbs lighter than the coupe and much stiffer frame so they (GM) quickly accepted it as the performance model and based the Z off the FRC. The coupe can be modded to be very similar but that costs $$$. Coupe has better aerodynamics but FRC have lighter weight and stiffer chassis. Pick your poison.

 

Yeah, I was talking about chassis stiffness. So it sounds like the FRC will always be stiffer than the coupe (unless a person puts a roll bar or cage in). Does the thicker tunnel plate make much of a difference?

I feel its important to state that I'm not in any way unhappy with my coupe's performance, I just know that any time a vehicle can be made stiffer (with in reason) it's going to both perform and last longer.

 

Does a plate make *any* difference? Probably. A significant difference? I doubt it.

Have a good one,
Mike