Looking at a 97 vette (fairway green, only 155 made in 97) as it will be cheaper then a 2000+. Now my question is, what are ALL the differences as far as this motor from the other years. I know this is the first year of the c5, were there any problems. What would I need performance wise to be at the modd'd z06 power? Do z06's justhave better flowing heads and a diff cams?

Bras tax, does this motor yield performance capabilities similar if not the same as the z06 edition? I want about 450-500 RWHP w/out forged internals... can it take that much power?

I'm such a noob and apologize, but i'm trying to learn about it so I can make my decision.

Thanks for all your help, I donno why most mustang guys say vette owners are *******s, everyone i've talked to on here has been a class act... much more so then svtperformance.com.

Thanks again, Thomas

 

With the debut of the Z06 in 2001, all models got the bigger intake. Heads, cam also different in the Z06. The '99 and up fixed roof coupe/Z06 body is a little stiffer; Z06 suspension setup is stiffer, with bigger sway bars, different alignment specs. The stock bottom-end should tolerate HP levels you're contemplating.

 

The 97-98 fuel systems have a return line, the others do not. The 97 PCM can't be tuned with HPTuners yet, but all others can. 2001+ (I think) got rid of the AIR system. I think it was also 2001 that all LS motors got the LS6 block with the machined bay-to-bay windows and better aluminum and they also got the LS6 intake manifolds. LS6 has a 85mm MAF vs 75mm MAF for the LS1. The 385hp LS6 MAF is screened, the 405hp LS6 has no screen.


Anyway, for 500 rwhp, you'll need to do all the bolt-ons and h/c. If I had the money, I'd do this to get those power levels without forged internals:
1. AFR 205 heads with everything coated
2. Del West Ti valves
3. Double springs
4. LG's GX3 cam
5. LG headers -- coated
6. LS6 ported oil pump
7. LS2 water pump
8. Double roller timing chain
9. FAST intake manifold
10. 90mm throttle body
11. high flow coupler
12. high flow air bridge
13. LS6 MAF, preferably screened, definitely stocker, not aftermarket
14. Ram air intake-Vararam with race filter
15. ARP rod bolts
16. ARP head bolts or studs
17. Jesel rockers

This combo with the right compression should (easily??) get you over 500 rwhp that's relatively reliable and easy to tune while running on pump gas.

Some of the parts above I don't have good specifics for, like the cam, double springs, 90mm throttle body, and Jesel rockers. I've seen good recommendations, but can't remember the names of the good stuff. Hopefully others can fill in.

 

Which ever car you buy is a good decision and to get the power you want you just spend more of the green stuff. If your going to pull the motor and build your dream it might be in your favor to look for the vette with high miles to get a better price.
It looks like the forum guys lined you out on the stock parts of the different years, so enjoy your search.

 

Z06's also have a different transmission with deeper gear ratios

 

And if you're looking to put that much HP to the ground with an A4, don't forget to put a nice pile of green on the side to purchase a race-capable tranny. If you take it to the dragstrip, you should look at hardened shafts and other mechanicals, too, so you won't be trailering your vehicle home. Vstella races an A4 and you can get plenty of information by searching his posts and IM'ing him. When looking at used C5's, be sure you lift the battery out, look for visible signs of leakage and if at all possible, spray the area with a baking soda/water solution to be sure no acid is down there. C5's are notorious for leaking on the electricals, the vacuum lines, and the computer.....causing havoc ..... I've seen costs of $4000+ to repair

Look closely under the nose b/c a lot of people scrape them up and look at the fiberglass between the wheels, next to the frame rails, for damage caused by garages that don't know to use lifting pucks (or equivalent). Check the cooling system reservoir and look for evidence of someone putting the wrong type of coolant in there instead of Dexcool, which is orange in color. The fuel pump in the 97's is loud, but is more durable than the later model, quiet fuel pumps (I believe they started using them in 99....someone pipe in here). The fuel injectors are different in the earlier models; I believe they had more flow, but for the HP you're looking at you'd probably want to upgrade the injectors anyway. I, too, am waiting for HP Tuners to get to the software for the '97....seems they've got it for all other GM vehicles, and I mean ALL, except for the '97. There have been reports of STRONG motors in some of the '98's........hope that helps.

- TC

 

Get the Fairway, you won't be disappointed!!! They are rare and it is usually a conversation starter. As far as Z06 performance I started with the bolt ons (blackwing air filter, Corsa Exhaust) then went to the suspension. I installed the Z06 sway bars with Z16 shocks (big improvement) and Z06 wheels with Bridgestone S03s. I am very satisfied after comparing it to an 03' Z06 I got to drive on track at the GM Auto Show in Motion.

B

 

Thanks everyone for all the info!!! So far, heres the mods lined up.... house of wheels ALL black z06 reps, 17X9.5 front - 18X12 rear with 335's, SLP Loudmouth or Corsa exhaust with kooks long tubes/x pipe combo, vararam intake, lowering mod, front black out covers and rear blackout covers, 5% tint, upgraded sturts/shocks and chasis stiffening components. I won't dive right into the motor as this car will be plenty good for a long time.

Anyone recommend anything else reasonably priced as far as full exhaust components (your personal fav and best hp/tq gains), diff intake other then the vararam, different catback etc? I researched everyones posts on catbacks etc and everyone likes everything!... I want it to be LOUD.... like annoy the hell out of the people 1 mile away loud.... Keep all the info coming, this car has 33k an fairway green.... After my amazon green mustang, i'm real partial to green... BTW I sold my mustang to my mom, so I getta keep that to

Thanks, Thomas