[Z06] Convertible vs. Z06
04-27-2017, 07:16 AM
#21
solution: buy a c7 z06 'vert! 
ok, absent the ability to do that.....a convertible is a great experience.
if i were in your shoes, i'd get a fully loaded c5 'vert (with a manual, don't get automatic) and do some engine mods that allows you to have fun with the car as you like to enjoy it, but also make it manageable for your wife to drive as well. a sleeper, as it were.
am speaking from experience: i've owned both c5 'vert and c5 z06 (still have z06, sold the 'vert to get it). i just happen to love the z06 styling and being the pinnacle of the brand at the time, the performance is still mind-blowing 13 years later. if i could swing it, i'd have a c5 'vert as well.
long story short, you can't go wrong. good luck, have fun!
[edit: i re-read your post and you said you'd be doing drag racing. that pretty much rules out a 'vert unless you put in a cage, and that's a pain in the rear. revised conclusion: z06!]
ok, absent the ability to do that.....a convertible is a great experience.
if i were in your shoes, i'd get a fully loaded c5 'vert (with a manual, don't get automatic) and do some engine mods that allows you to have fun with the car as you like to enjoy it, but also make it manageable for your wife to drive as well. a sleeper, as it were.
am speaking from experience: i've owned both c5 'vert and c5 z06 (still have z06, sold the 'vert to get it). i just happen to love the z06 styling and being the pinnacle of the brand at the time, the performance is still mind-blowing 13 years later. if i could swing it, i'd have a c5 'vert as well.
long story short, you can't go wrong. good luck, have fun!
[edit: i re-read your post and you said you'd be doing drag racing. that pretty much rules out a 'vert unless you put in a cage, and that's a pain in the rear. revised conclusion: z06!]
Last edited by SLO VETTE; 04-27-2017 at 07:18 AM.
05-02-2017, 05:00 PM
#23
Instructor
Buy a vert and upgrade it to z06 performance. I regret not buying a FRC and just putting on suspension components. People upgrade their z06 all the time. You can find used swaybars, shocks, and leaf springs, or buy new. Now buy a slightly wider rim and put a healthy cam in the car and its 95% of what a z06 would be. If it was a FRC it would be 99%.
Last edited by Alexander K; 05-02-2017 at 05:01 PM.
05-03-2017, 11:46 AM
#25
The only bad thing about a convertible is that you have to put the top up sometime. And then it goes from "aaahhh" to "uuugh".......
Shakey
Shakey
07-08-2017, 08:40 AM
#26
Advanced
Member Since: Jul 2005
Location: Ronkonkoma New York
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I guess I must be really spoiled, I bought a 02 Caravaggio Z06 Conversion, and I have never looked back. Great car, really happy with it!!
07-11-2017, 12:55 PM
#28
Pro
Has anyone ever converted their Z to vert? Is it possible? Or is the top one piece and fixed..
I know strength is in the roof sometimes, and in vert presume round windscreen..
but wonder if GM cut some corners and used same basic make up, added hard top essentially?
I know strength is in the roof sometimes, and in vert presume round windscreen..
but wonder if GM cut some corners and used same basic make up, added hard top essentially?
Last edited by Brit dex; 07-11-2017 at 01:32 PM.
07-15-2017, 09:29 AM
#29
I faced the same choice when I decided to buy a C5. Bought an 02 Convertible with Z51 and manual. After the 3 year warranty ran out, I converted the engine into an exact LS6 clone except for the red engine covers. Z51 suspension is close to Z06 specs. I have different gearing in transmission, and the diff is not shot peened, else identical drivetrain. Convertible is 100 lbs heavier. I have done trade-off driving with Z06 cars, put a 100 lb passenger in the Z06 and there is very very little difference on the street.
I have put 140 K miles on that car. The engine at red line and the top down on a summer evening is absolutely priceless for me.
The main activity I gave up are HDPE events on a track. But the countless driving hours with the top down more than made up for a few hours on the track (for me).
Total cost for the conversion including Ti exhaust, Z06 cats, all engine changes, and mail order tune was $1800 with me doing the labor. You need to start with an 02 to 04 since the LS1 short blocks in those years were identical to an LS6.
I have put 140 K miles on that car. The engine at red line and the top down on a summer evening is absolutely priceless for me.
The main activity I gave up are HDPE events on a track. But the countless driving hours with the top down more than made up for a few hours on the track (for me).
Total cost for the conversion including Ti exhaust, Z06 cats, all engine changes, and mail order tune was $1800 with me doing the labor. You need to start with an 02 to 04 since the LS1 short blocks in those years were identical to an LS6.
07-16-2017, 01:51 PM
#30
Intermediate
I owned a 1999 FRC and I now own a 2002 Z06 to me they are not even close to being the same car. You can spend a small fortune and a it still won't be a Z unless it's a Z.
The following users liked this post:
ArmchairArchitect (07-17-2017)
07-16-2017, 11:15 PM
#32
Safety Car
I owned 3 C4's (one of them being a 1996 Grandsport coupe with F45) prior to my C5 Z06...... I did enjoy some top off/open air driving but it did compromise rigidity/handling. I know the C5 chassis is much more rigid but the FRC/Z06 is much more rigid than the vert and the coupe. While I do slightly miss the roof off cruising, I appreciate the rigidity/tightness of the FRC C5 chassis...... Enough to completely overlook the open roof/convertible aspect of the car. If performance is your top priority, the Z06 is your car.
07-17-2017, 09:14 AM
#34
Safety Car