C6 Convertable or Z06
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,002
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From: Surrey BC
C6 Convertable or Z06
Hi, ive been a member of the corvetteforum for some time now...the c6 was just not very appealing to me when it first arrived...but now after looking at a few in person and seeing c5s out on the road like they are being given out for free (i see anywhere from 5-10 in a 30 minute drive)ive decided its time for me to move up from a c5 into a c6....but i can't seem to decide between a C6 convertable and a Z06...I LOVE DRIVING AROUND WITH THE TOP DOWN....but i love having a lot of power...after driving a c6 coupe...(it has about the same power as my c5) i was not satisfied with the power output...what are the ups of owning a c6 convertable over a z06 and vise versa...what do you guys think i should do. (i DON'T think id be able to convert a ZO6 into a convertable or the other way around like the other post so that is not a option for me) and another thing is i can't even test drive a Z06 before buying becuase none are available yet 
any help would be greatly appreciated don't forget to post your c6 convertable pics and your Z06 pics 
any help would be greatly appreciated don't forget to post your c6 convertable pics and your Z06 pics
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16,684
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From: La Center WA
You're not satisfied with the C6's power output? What is it about 400 h.p., 400 lb./ft. of torque, and 0 - 60 in 4.1 seconds (Z51 MN6) you're not satisfied with? BTW, no offense intended, but I doubt that an unmodified C5 can keep up with a Z51 MN6 C6.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
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If you are heavily involved in racing and plan to track the car on a regular basis buy the Z06. If you plan to use it for a street car buy a vert. A Z06 for street use is a total waste of it's potential or since you have a viper, buy a sailboat and pick up a new hobby!!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,002
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From: Surrey BC
it is for the street...but i just love having mad power under my right foot...and the z06 would just be intimidating i think...sailboat ive thought about...but then id need a new suv aswell which would end up being a lot expensiver so i think the sailboat will have to wait a few years... 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
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Yeah I saw the ocean pic in there and thought sailing....it's really amazing harnessing the power of the wind and cruising along at 20 knots on the water. I've only done it once but what an incredible time....not too many opportunities here in Montana for that....well Flathead Lake is only 70 miles away.....hmmm...
Wow for me 400hp is mad power! 505hp is just overkill. I've ridden motorcycles with insane power to weight ratios and it's the same deal....too much power than what can even remotely be safely used, anywhere besides a controlled environment aka a track. I've got a convertible on order...manual with F55 suspension..etc etc...I love the look of the convertible....even though I was leaning towards a coupe...once I saw the convertibles in person I knew I wouldn't be happy with a coupe..the hatchback just ruins it...the convertible looks almost like a Ferrari....simply stunning. Taking a convertible up to going to the sun road in glacier this summer will be awe inspiring...just not the same in a hardtop not even close. Also I just read this thread...these people sound knowledgeable about the proper break in of your new engine whatever you may choose. Here's the thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...79&forum_id=74
Wow for me 400hp is mad power! 505hp is just overkill. I've ridden motorcycles with insane power to weight ratios and it's the same deal....too much power than what can even remotely be safely used, anywhere besides a controlled environment aka a track. I've got a convertible on order...manual with F55 suspension..etc etc...I love the look of the convertible....even though I was leaning towards a coupe...once I saw the convertibles in person I knew I wouldn't be happy with a coupe..the hatchback just ruins it...the convertible looks almost like a Ferrari....simply stunning. Taking a convertible up to going to the sun road in glacier this summer will be awe inspiring...just not the same in a hardtop not even close. Also I just read this thread...these people sound knowledgeable about the proper break in of your new engine whatever you may choose. Here's the thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...79&forum_id=74
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Springfield VA,
I had the same desires as you and was on the Z06 waiting list. I decided to have the best of both worlds and had my vert shipped to LPE for their 403 engine package. There are lots of great tuners available with different heads/cams packages as well as SC packages that can boost your hp numbers well above the Z06s. These upgrades aren't cheap, $10-16K, but it is a great option for those of us that want extra performance with a vert.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 102
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I have had a '05 coupe and '06 Z06. The convertible is the better choice. I was enamored with all the HP but when it comes down to it how fast do you really need to go on a daily basis.
The convertible puts a smile on your face every time the temp is above 70 and the sun is out. The thrill of driving the Z06 is not the same on a daily basis IMO.
Also, the base C6 is a better every day car also.
The convertible puts a smile on your face every time the temp is above 70 and the sun is out. The thrill of driving the Z06 is not the same on a daily basis IMO.
Also, the base C6 is a better every day car also.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,407
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From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Originally Posted by sunsetZ51
if you seriously think the c6 vert and the z06 have to decided against you might wanna schedule a meeting with your doctor. z06 ALL THE WAY!!!!
Lifetime Vette Lover
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 849
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From: Murrells Inlet, SC
The Z06 is a race car... minus a lot of the gadgets. If you already have a viper, you have the race car. I have an 06 vert and there is no comparison to a fixed roof verses the wind through the hair. Good luck...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,174
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From: NOVA VA
I have a hard enough time so far getting 400 HP to hook up. Im reading and seeing the same things (if not worse) from the Z06'ers in re the traction problems and such.
To me, a vert C6 and a C6 Z06 are apples and oranges. If you are just looking at MSRP price, then I guess you can compare, but the problem is that the Z06 is still commanding LOTS of money over MSRP (they are going for $95k where I am located on average).
you must have QUITE a few mods to the C5 to make it feel as fast as the C6. Before getting my C6, I had an 00 SS that would kill C5's all day long. There is no way that my old SS would stand up to my new C6.
To me, a vert C6 and a C6 Z06 are apples and oranges. If you are just looking at MSRP price, then I guess you can compare, but the problem is that the Z06 is still commanding LOTS of money over MSRP (they are going for $95k where I am located on average).
you must have QUITE a few mods to the C5 to make it feel as fast as the C6. Before getting my C6, I had an 00 SS that would kill C5's all day long. There is no way that my old SS would stand up to my new C6.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 577
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From: Orlando Fl.
Originally Posted by CorvetteRL
The Z06 is a race car... minus a lot of the gadgets. If you already have a viper, you have the race car. I have an 06 vert and there is no comparison to a fixed roof verses the wind through the hair. Good luck...
I don't have a viper so I would love to have a Z06 but how many really high performance cars does one need? I opted for the convertible mainly because I could get it GMS and could not with the Z06, if GM would let me have a Z06 GMS I would jump at the chance! All that said, If I were you I would go vert simply because you already have a race car as the poster said "there is no comparison..."
Race Director
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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It appears it's not about the money. If it were me I'd get the Z06. The Viper is already a top down cruiser. This way you get two 500+hp cars right out of the box. I personally chose a vert because I don't have the room for a Z06 and a vert - yet. The vert choice was also based on enjoying top down driving too much. Your $$, your choice. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Looking for a portable X-ray machine
Originally Posted by BickyDhadwal
it is for the street...but i just love having mad power under my right foot...and the z06 would just be intimidating i think...sailboat ive thought about...but then id need a new suv aswell which would end up being a lot expensiver so i think the sailboat will have to wait a few years... if expensiver doesn't matter then go for the z06, it's betterer
Race Director
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From: Westport, MA. www.tbyrnemotorsports.com - 1-877-4-TBYRNE
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
The Z06 is an awesome car but for me I prefer to be able to put the top down when I cruise. So, I look at it this way -
C6 convertible plus a Magnuson supercharger and a few bolt-ons will equal plenty of power to run as fast (actually faster) than a Z06.
The Z06 is a potent performer but there is no chance of putting the top down.
No wrong choice, just depends on what is important to you.
C6 convertible plus a Magnuson supercharger and a few bolt-ons will equal plenty of power to run as fast (actually faster) than a Z06.
The Z06 is a potent performer but there is no chance of putting the top down.
No wrong choice, just depends on what is important to you.