Convert Z06 into Convertible?
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From: williamsport pa
Originally Posted by jdplays
i think you would take away the nec. rigidity away from car, thats why they don't make z06 verts.
Team Owner
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From: o|||||||o
CI 4-5-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07 thru '11
Originally Posted by jdplays
i think you would take away the nec. rigidity away from car, thats why they don't make z06 verts.
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From: houston tx
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09
Originally Posted by snide
Since the C5 was designed to be a vert, the vert is more rigid than a coupe. Rumour has it that there may be a Z06 vert in a couple of years.
THe C5 does not have the typical add on bracing or frame structure to help make the convertible frame rigid that other cars use. So while removing the roof from the Z06 does make it less rigid than a stock Z06, IF (a big IF) its done right it probably is no less rigid than a standard, factory C5 convertible, WHICH IS LESS RIGID THAN A ZO6
Last edited by w8d4it; Dec 14, 2004 at 03:13 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: ST LOUIS MO
Originally Posted by beary58
I saw a Z06 on Ebay that had $1500 vert conversion. Is it really that easy to convert a Z06 or FRC into a convertible?
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: San Antonio TX
Originally Posted by snide
Since the C5 was designed to be a vert, the vert is more rigid than a coupe. Rumour has it that there may be a Z06 vert in a couple of years.
As I understand it the c5 was designed to be made as a vert from the start so there is not a real weight diff between the targa and the vert but the coup and frc (z06) are definatly more rigid (not that the vert is not also very rigid, just not as rigid as the frc or targa).
More Than Zero
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Edmond ok
Originally Posted by brrymnvette
Well, if you decide to convert to a vert let me know. I have a coupe I want to make a hardtop. I have the windshield frame you need and you have the top I need.
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From: [Enter Unoffensive Comment Here]
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Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by jdplays
ya, but a z06 has more torque and power, doesn't it need more rigidity than a c5 vert?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,840
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From: Bonita CA
I would much rather buy a Vert and convert the mechanics to a Z06 or better. No need to start hacking up a perfectly good body. The mechanical conversion is all bolt up and the parts become available at reasonable prices as people modify the Z06s. The hardest part is the pistons but LS1 pistons work just fine. You can easily pick up a few additional HP over the Z06 with cams, porting, etc. Do the springs, sway bars and shocks and you are very close in the handling department. No need to hack up body.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Las Cruces New Mexico
Originally Posted by bjt222
i think gm doesn't make a Z06 vert because of economics and not rigidity(even thourgh this is there answer). they know people will buy the 405 hp in a frc. if they make a vert z06, the FRC will be the lesser seller as will the vert with 350Hp. most people who buy vette's would get the top HP motor if it was ordered in the bodystyle they desire. GM if, your listening, if dodge can make a 500 vert why the hell can't you??
Maybe they are listening!
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From: Edmond ok
Originally Posted by 2KREDVert
I would much rather buy a Vert and convert the mechanics to a Z06 or better. No need to start hacking up a perfectly good body.
But it sounds like a person could convert a FRC into a vert a lot cheaper than buying a vert out right. I've noticed that used FRCs are selling about about $5000 cheaper than used verts. Isn't converting an FRC to a vert raising it's value? Plus, you can pick the color of your brand new top.
The idea is tempting.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
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From: Bonita CA
Originally Posted by phils C5 vette
I bought a Y2K vert. It has everything it in that I wanted.
For $4000.00 in parts and labor, I can beat a ZO6 anyday. And, I have a beautiful convertible.
For $4000.00 in parts and labor, I can beat a ZO6 anyday. And, I have a beautiful convertible.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,004
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From: Tampa Fl
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Y2K vette bought in 2002 with 9000 miles $38000.00
all the bolt ons, cam package, heads, and labor actually about $5000
Hitting the gas and running the gears with the top down. Priceless
all the bolt ons, cam package, heads, and labor actually about $5000
Hitting the gas and running the gears with the top down. Priceless
Le Mans Master
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From: Hot Springs AR
Originally Posted by beary58
. Isn't converting an FRC to a vert raising it's value?
If I were to go this way I'd find a 'vert with a dead motor and drop in the drivetrain out of a wrecked Z06.
Have a good one,
Mike
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From: Edmond ok
Originally Posted by VetteDrmr
Hardly. First, the cost of modifying the body, converting the interior, etc. will easily eat up that difference. Second, the whole point of this discussion to convert a z06, not a FRC, which has the stock LS-1 drivetrain.
$1500 just doesn't sound realistic to me, that is why I asked here hoping a body guy might be on the list.
I admit, the idea is little out of the box, but forums are great places to learn about such things.
Cheers