lobamotive

As the title states, I'm thinking of getting a C5Z within the year. I've been looking in the for sale section and have seen some pretty good deals. I'd love to drive a C6Z, but at such a young age, I really don't want to take out a large loan that will be hanging over my head for the next few years.

I currently drive a '08 G8 GT. It was my first car, and I love it, but I think I'm ready to move on. 310rwhp and 4,000 pounds just doesn't get me excited anymore.

I'd like to purchase a H/C/I or a boosted car running 5-6psi. I would like to spend around $20-22k, but it seems most built cars are in the mid to upper 20's. Maybe I haven't been looking hard enough, but do you guys think what I'm looking for is achievable within my price range?

MY03C5Z

Why are you looking for one with so many mods? Trust me even a c5z with just a cai, LT's and a tune would blow you away performance wise after coming from a g8. With those basic mods these are 390-400whp, at 3100 lbs with aggressive gearing, these run like no other car I've ever driven. I would definitely go with a c5z over a c6, these cars are still a serious performance car that can run with 90% or more of the cars on the road. Plus they are much cheaper to own than a c6z, especially if it comes to engine damage. I'd stick to a nice condition, lower mile (under 50-60k) near stock one. Just my .02.

lobamotive

Well I really think that down the line, I would want to throw some mods at it anyway. Would be spending a lot of money on things that I could have had in the first place. I understand the risks of purchasing modded cars, but I think with the right documentation, it couldn't be too bad.

MY03C5Z

Just saying these cars with only 400whp are very fast, faster than any car most young guys have ever driven and more than enough power for the street imo. Going from a 4000 lb car with 310hp to a 3100lb car with over 500hp is a really big leap. Just my opinion.

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Black 03 Z06

lobamotive

I completely understand. I thought my car was a rocket when I first got it. Given, I was 17 at the time. Arguably a lot of car for a 17 year old.

I think I will be surprised with the C5Z no matter what power level I end up with.

dbgoodwin

My boss has a lightly modded g8 gt, make no mistake that is a very quick car.

Even if straight line line speed was the same, though it isn't, the c5z is much more fun and engaging.

Look for a decent one with small mods or stock and as you grow, build it how you want it over time. That's one of the things that makes it fun over long periods of time. I came from a modded 350z (270rwhp and 3300 pounds, probably a hair slower than a g8 gt still) and stock the c5z was an entire league above the z.

Fast forward a few years and I've added around 35-40rwhp, and it's still as fun as the day I bought it.

grantv

Your existing GT; 4000# & 310RWHP = 12.9# per HP
Z06 with light mods (headers, tune, CAI); 3100# & 390RWHP = 7.9# per HP
That's a serious upgrade. You'd have to be over 500RWHP in the GT to have the same HP to weight ratio. My car is per above, love it as is.
Not trying to talk you out of a modded Z, just sayin'

lobamotive

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Hopefully I can make it happen within the next couple of months. Still gotta fix some stuff up with the G8 before I get ready to unload it. Maybe someone would be interested in a trade, who knows.

Really looking forward to actually owning one, rather than sitting on here wishing I had one. And hopefully, if all goes well, it will be the first of many.

dbgoodwin

You'll get your chance, brother!

From the first time seeing a c5z I knew I would have one. I'm sure someone will be interested in a trade, the G8 GT is a great car, a lot of fun and a lot more room. Good luck!

cv67

Just get the nicest kept one you can find as usual

1)have to hope they got bored and moved on
2) losing ring seal or worse and they need to unload it quick

Do whats best for you..if it were me get a bone stock garage queen then bust its cherry yourself. bet a H/C package and a little gear will do it 400+ at the tire comes easy
Not hard to get caught up in all the big rwhp vid stuff out there they usually dont stay together too long and are real pricy to do. Over and over lol.

Z0SIS

I think the C6Z is a beautiful car but they are still quite pricey and the valve guide issue is just such a concern. You'd spend $35k on the car then an immediate $3k to fix the heads.

My C5Z has a mild cam, exhaust, intake and tune and does about 380 rwhp or 450 crank hp thereabouts. It is unbelievably quick.

lobamotive

That's why I'm here in the C5 section. Not ready to drop $35k+ on a stock C6Z that could probably be blown away by a built $25k C5Z. Plus, insurance would be insane; I'm not quite 20, and I'm sure insurance companies would love to charge me $300 a month for coverage.

And who doesn't love the FRC styling?

JETninja

Also, you should know tons of Vettes end up in ditches or hit curbs cause so many do not know how to handle the power with such a light car, better off you get a stock one and spend time learning it.

lobamotive

I'll make sure to stay away from ditches

MBVette

So I can tell you I had a g8 gt, put down around 350rwhp when I got rid of it. Now I have a stock Z. This car is scary fast compared to that; its a whole different ball game.

Not saying dont get a Z, but dont think you know what you are getting into with a high horsepower car either. There is a world of difference between the two cars.

lobamotive

Just got an insurance quote back from Geico. The Z06 will actually be cheaper per month than the G8...

jjcoria

I got mine just last may. Coming from a camry this thing is a MONSTER, it came with a CAI & Borla catback exhaust & it is more than enough for me for now. You wont regret the purchase once you drive it.

racebum

you will be traction limited. once you get over about 450whp traction starts requiring slicks to have any fun.

docs are also somewhat meaningless since you don't know how the car was operated. people who mod a lot often hit the gas a lot

an all stock old man owned car would be your best choice if you want to keep it awhile. occasionally you can find a heads and cam car done right someone didn't drive much but you really have to hunt, wait, and be prepared to get on a plane to make the deal happen. i really would never want one of these with more than 450 at the wheels. that's the upper limit of usable unless you just straight line race

yet another perk of all stock is SCCA. if you mod you go in the open class and that will have you getting your *** handed to you

bikeriderga

Lots of good advice. I definitely agree with Racebum. Once you go over 450 RWHP, you better have some deep pockets for all of the supporting mods. Sure, you can get it to 600 RWHP using forced induction for around 10K for the SC, meth kit, and tune, but if you do not beef up the clutch and put a differential brace on it as well, you are probably going to break something.

Speed cost. How fast do you want to go?