C5 C6 what one is cheaper to mod
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2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2018
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C5 C6 what one is cheaper to mod
So I'm looking into buying a c5 or c6 and get 600whp out of either of them "eventually". Obviously a c5 would go for around 15k and a c6 around 25k. I have read that the whole drivetrain of the c6 is more beefy so it might not have to be built and the "safe" zone for both of the engines end around 550-600. The car is mostly going to be a weekend car but I would like to take it to the drag strip and not have the diff/trans blow up. I know that the c5 stock diff and trans can't handle that kind of stress but can the c6?
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Madison WI
I would say the difference in cost to mod is pretty close but in favor of the C5 most of the time.
The problem with the diff/trans strength is the "shudder" (mistaken for wheel hop) that BOTH C5 and C6 suffer from that crack the cases. The C6 is very marginally better but both need aftermarket external parts to solve. The C6 does have stronger internals for the diff/trans (actually pretty much everything is a little bit better) - I have multiple C6 Z06 parts in my C5...
The two are different enough and similar enough at the same time to make it difficult to tell someone which is better for them... I suggest drive the both and that will tell you.
My opinion... C5 over C6 .. I just enjoy the feel of the C5Z and swap what I want from the C6Z.
The problem with the diff/trans strength is the "shudder" (mistaken for wheel hop) that BOTH C5 and C6 suffer from that crack the cases. The C6 is very marginally better but both need aftermarket external parts to solve. The C6 does have stronger internals for the diff/trans (actually pretty much everything is a little bit better) - I have multiple C6 Z06 parts in my C5...
The two are different enough and similar enough at the same time to make it difficult to tell someone which is better for them... I suggest drive the both and that will tell you.
My opinion... C5 over C6 .. I just enjoy the feel of the C5Z and swap what I want from the C6Z.
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I have both 02 ZO6 and an 11 Grand sport Vert. I agree with jglasssmaker. I really enjoy my 02 ZO6 and wouldn't trade it for anything BUT, I really enjoy the added comfort and refined C6.
I'm glad I have BOTH cars to drive. Best of both worlds.
Bill
I'm glad I have BOTH cars to drive. Best of both worlds.
Bill
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Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Hanover Maryland
Axles are better on the C5. T56 is generally fine with that power, granted it kinda depends on how you treat it. Diff is a weaker point in both cars, later C5s have a stronger diff but not by a ton. If you're looking at an LS3 C6, it's a better starting point, but I believe you'll run into a bunch of similar issues getting up to 600whp. Easiest way is finding a C6Z with headwork and throwing a cam in it.I'd say a C5 is cheaper to modify given the market for Gen 3 motors is a bit larger and more value focused. Shared motors with F-body's helps. They built a lot more Camaros and T/A's then they did GTOs and CTS-V1s.
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Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Buying either one with most of the mods is the way to go. If you're really looking to save money, let somebody else pay for all that stuff and take the depreciation hit.
From a strictly car standpoint the C6 is probably more expensive but it's also a case of you get what you pay for. It's automatically a newer car. And there's a reason why they stopped making the C5 and started making the C6.
But that said, as far as chassis and Driveline goes, there's a tremendous amount that's interchangeable between the C5 and C6. That was one of the major complaints with the C6 and one of the reasons they called it the C 5.5. It's just not that much different structurally.
My trouble with too much modding is, I like to drive my car. If I spend all my time under it and less of my time in it, what have I gained? I modded my C5 to the point where I sold it. I now have an essentially stock C6 and I enjoy it more. It's all in what you're looking for.
I sure do like the mag ride.
From a strictly car standpoint the C6 is probably more expensive but it's also a case of you get what you pay for. It's automatically a newer car. And there's a reason why they stopped making the C5 and started making the C6.
But that said, as far as chassis and Driveline goes, there's a tremendous amount that's interchangeable between the C5 and C6. That was one of the major complaints with the C6 and one of the reasons they called it the C 5.5. It's just not that much different structurally.
My trouble with too much modding is, I like to drive my car. If I spend all my time under it and less of my time in it, what have I gained? I modded my C5 to the point where I sold it. I now have an essentially stock C6 and I enjoy it more. It's all in what you're looking for.
I sure do like the mag ride.
Last edited by K-Spaz; Sep 27, 2018 at 05:51 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Buying either one with most of the mods is the way to go. If you're really looking to save money, let somebody else pay for all that stuff and take the depreciation hit.
From a strictly car standpoint the C6 is probably more expensive but it's also a case of you get what you pay for. It's automatically a newer car. And there's a reason why they stopped making the C5 and started making the C6.
But that said, as far as chassis and Driveline goes, there's a tremendous amount that's interchangeable between the C5 and C6. That was one of the major complaints with the C6 and one of the reasons they called it the C 5.5. It's just not that much different structurally.
My trouble with too much modding is, I like to drive my car. If I spend all my time under it and less of my time in it, what have I gained? I modded my C5 to the point where I sold it. I now have an essentially stock C6 and I enjoy it more. It's all in what you're looking for.
I sure do like the mag ride.
From a strictly car standpoint the C6 is probably more expensive but it's also a case of you get what you pay for. It's automatically a newer car. And there's a reason why they stopped making the C5 and started making the C6.
But that said, as far as chassis and Driveline goes, there's a tremendous amount that's interchangeable between the C5 and C6. That was one of the major complaints with the C6 and one of the reasons they called it the C 5.5. It's just not that much different structurally.
My trouble with too much modding is, I like to drive my car. If I spend all my time under it and less of my time in it, what have I gained? I modded my C5 to the point where I sold it. I now have an essentially stock C6 and I enjoy it more. It's all in what you're looking for.
I sure do like the mag ride.
My 02 is heavily modded and my C6 Grand Sport Vert is all stock also!!
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Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Well you got the best of both worlds then. You can go beat on the C5 and have fun with that as your fun car and drive your C6 as a real honest-to-goodness driver. It just wasn't in the cards for me to keep my C5. I had no place to put it, I needed the money to help pay for my C6. As much as I like the car and as much as there are things I miss about it, I had to make a decision to move on. Mine is similar to yours, I bought a 427. I do love it and it has all the performance that I could ask for without adding anything more. I'm going to be quite a while before I decide to do any mods to this thing. It already has a Mild to Wild kit so I can make it quiet as a Cadillac or open it up. That's enough for me right now. I'm going to add a new stereo with nav and a backup camera and that's it. Maybe some Wheels . It's just such a nice car. Forget all the performance, it's a really nice car. It doesn't hurt that it's 15 years newer than my C5. And I'm pretty sure it would smoke my C5 in all possible tests. GM lied about the horsepower of those things because it's way more than they said.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2018
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Thanks for the replies guys. I decided I'm just going to look for a c6 since it allows me to use e85/flex fuel when I go to boost it and be a little bit safer. Also even though I much perfer the pop ups to to the c6 headlights I perfer the rear of the c6. Also because I missed out on a good deal to buy a 2004 with 80k miles for 12k so I'm currently butt hurt at c5s
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
There's lots of cars for sale here on the forum (both generations). Many at very fair prices.
Good luck with the purchase in either case.
Good luck with the purchase in either case.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
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From: Flagstaff Az.
So I'm looking into buying a c5 or c6 and get 600whp out of either of them "eventually". Obviously a c5 would go for around 15k and a c6 around 25k. I have read that the whole drivetrain of the c6 is more beefy so it might not have to be built and the "safe" zone for both of the engines end around 550-600. The car is mostly going to be a weekend car but I would like to take it to the drag strip and not have the diff/trans blow up. I know that the c5 stock diff and trans can't handle that kind of stress but can the c6?
Coil overs are a 2 for one deal. They eliminate wheel hop and greatly improve handling.
Last edited by tiojames; Sep 30, 2018 at 08:53 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 552
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From: Madison WI
I ran the present HP for a few years with all stock parts in the drive train on the vert.w/o any issues. I did put coil overs on during those 10 years, so never had wheel hop. 580 RWHP with 12" wide sticky rear tires and no problems. After 10 years I did bullet proof the drive train with after market parts and a RPM tranny.
Coil overs are a 2 for one deal. They eliminate wheel hop and greatly improve handling.
Coil overs are a 2 for one deal. They eliminate wheel hop and greatly improve handling.
Perhaps you changed the trasn/diff mount or add a brace?