Z06 vs Upgrading a Base C5?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 1,397
From: Orange County, CA
Since replacing the foam in the driver's seat (bottom + back) my head is noticeably closer to the roof. Seat is all the way down, with a slight lift at the front, and mostly angled back. I removed the jute pad I had installed to gain an extra ~1/4" head clearance, but even still on big enough road bumps my head brushes the ceiling. I'm 6' 3" with a longer torso.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 134
From: Hanover Maryland
This is an interesting observation, and not something which I had read before purchasing my Z06. I was pretty set on a Z06 vs coupe, though, for some of the reasons mentioned in this thread. (I'm not planning to do a ton of upgrades)
Since replacing the foam in the driver's seat (bottom + back) my head is noticeably closer to the roof. Seat is all the way down, with a slight lift at the front, and mostly angled back. I removed the jute pad I had installed to gain an extra ~1/4" head clearance, but even still on big enough road bumps my head brushes the ceiling. I'm 6' 3" with a longer torso.
Since replacing the foam in the driver's seat (bottom + back) my head is noticeably closer to the roof. Seat is all the way down, with a slight lift at the front, and mostly angled back. I removed the jute pad I had installed to gain an extra ~1/4" head clearance, but even still on big enough road bumps my head brushes the ceiling. I'm 6' 3" with a longer torso.
I swapped my 04's headliner for a 2000 FRC headliner. Mine was slightly water damaged, but man I got A LOT of extra headroom from the swap. I'm only 6'1" though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 1,397
From: Orange County, CA
Based on your profile, you have a 2001, those are the years with more headroom. Headliner was changed in 2003 to reduce head room even more!
I swapped my 04's headliner for a 2000 FRC headliner. Mine was slightly water damaged, but man I got A LOT of extra headroom from the swap. I'm only 6'1" though.
I swapped my 04's headliner for a 2000 FRC headliner. Mine was slightly water damaged, but man I got A LOT of extra headroom from the swap. I'm only 6'1" though.
Also, anecdotally I did the "side bolster mod" on my old/original seat back foam. At 6' 3" & 200lbs, with a decent amount of muscle, the side bolster mod was too tight. So I swapped in new seat back foam and used pieces of old foam to slightly improve the side bolsters. Good enough for now.
Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 15,282
Likes: 4,211
From: Northern Illinois
2023 Corvette of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
WAY cheaper to start with Z06, there are some upgrades like chassis that you won't be able to upgrade to .. good luck 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,205
Likes: 282
From: NoVA
I did this back when the Z06 came out. I had a 99 coupe and thought I would just mod it up to Z06 level. I went pretty far but I was never satisfied. It was always 'just one more thing". By 2003 I gave up and ended up buying a 2003 Z06. Finally scratched that itch!
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
when you go to a track event (Auto X for me) it's amazing what a stock Z (with shocks and sway bar,tires) can do against heavily modded other cars !!!!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 104
Likes: 20
Depends on the deal you will find. You should also consider a FRC with z51 package!
I found a dirt cheap 99 base c6 with a lq9 6.0 swapped in.
In great stock condition for under 4.5k) So I took some $ and I cam it Ls 6 intake and ls 6 heads longtube and a auto trans stage3 build. I also updated the shocks to c6z06 so this combo will definitely destroy a stock Z06.
so bottom line
A deal is a deal
I found a dirt cheap 99 base c6 with a lq9 6.0 swapped in.
In great stock condition for under 4.5k) So I took some $ and I cam it Ls 6 intake and ls 6 heads longtube and a auto trans stage3 build. I also updated the shocks to c6z06 so this combo will definitely destroy a stock Z06.
so bottom line
A deal is a deal
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,451
Likes: 410
From: Portland OR
Portland OR?
Nobody lives there and there are no C5’s.....
Which is a joke BTW. 😊
I’m in Portland.
My coupe has Z06 springs, sway bars, Bilstein sport shocks etc.
I can’t tell you if it handles like a Z06, I’ve Never driven one. It handles better than I know how to drive it.
Stock short block with mods. Runs low 11’s in the 1/4 mile. But it’s an auto, so easier to run good 1/4 mile with.
Fun car. I drive it daily in the summer.
Ron
Nobody lives there and there are no C5’s.....
Which is a joke BTW. 😊
I’m in Portland.
My coupe has Z06 springs, sway bars, Bilstein sport shocks etc.
I can’t tell you if it handles like a Z06, I’ve Never driven one. It handles better than I know how to drive it.
Stock short block with mods. Runs low 11’s in the 1/4 mile. But it’s an auto, so easier to run good 1/4 mile with.
Fun car. I drive it daily in the summer.
Ron
Last edited by RonSSNova; Mar 13, 2020 at 11:48 AM.
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