hey guys
i just recently went to my local chevy dealer, and took a look at the c6 and zo6. I'm waiting a few months before i actually buy one. But right now i am torn between the standard A6 c6 and the zo6. I haven't driven stick in nearly 20years so i am a bit hesistant to purchase a zo6, but for the price the performance is unbelievable. I didn't test drive the zo6, but the c6 coupe had some nice power, i was actually expecting the car to pull harder than it did. I just need some input from you guys. Is it better to mod a c6 with some simple mods to get it to the same performance level of the zo6, or is the zo6 going to be better and faster than a base c6 no matter what. I just need some opinions from you guys who have had years of experience with both cars.
thanks for any help

 

the z is unbelivable. world of difference. but it comes down to what you like most.. but the z is in another class.

 

If you have the extra $ go for the Z

 

would it be possible to mod the stock c6 for just a few grand and get teh same power as the zo6?

 

For me, the z06 is a non starter, no removable roof option = no buy

 

I doubt seriously you can add some simple mods to equal the performance of the Z06 as what you are paying the xtra $20 Grand for all adds up to performance. Now you can add some mods to boost the horsepower rating up to the 505 of the Z06 , but none are "really" simple-good rule of thumb to remember is REAL horsepower gains of any significance is rarely easy or cheap. That being saidthe Z has carbon fiber body panels, over 100 horsepower more than the base,aluminum frame with magnesium engine cradle, dry sump oil sys, WAY better suspension(brakes, rotors, calipers,sway bars, tires).

 

The Z is really a different car than the standard C6. I had a 2005 Z51 car and must say, after driving the Z06, there was no going back. I closed the deal that day! It really comes down to your personal taste and budget. My advice? Buy a Z06...

 

I think it comes down to this:
- if you have the money, buy the Z06
- if you don't have the money or want the roof off, buy the c6 and mod.

For those who do not care about the open roof, don't be stupid and spend 20K in mods as you should have bought the Z06 in the first place then.

Some people cannot live without the open roof or convertible, in this case, mod all you want.

To answer your question, you can be close to the Z06 in performance (not handling) for a few thousand.

I spent $6000 and can hold my own

 

If you are willing to spend around $8 K more, you can put a supercharger on the C6 (or this new L92 heads/cam setup posted over in C6 tech if you prefer NA over FI) and suck the doors off the Z in a straight line. If you are talking about on a road course, that will cost a bit more.

 

Another question is how you feel about warrenty. The Z06 is an awesome car with full warrenty. For Z06 performance on a standard C6 you may be throwing the warrenty out the window. If I could drive a manual I would go Z06 any day.

 

I was going through the same dilemma but I opted for the C6 A6. The major factor was the REMOVABLE ROOF and A6! Cant have that with the Z06. (they need to build one like that) I love crusing around with the top off and the wind blowing, and Im tired of rowing through the gears...Ive had my hefty share of Manual Trannies and I rather let the car do it for me or occationally use the paddles for some fun. With a few minor mods, you can get some more power and muscle sound thats quite satisfying IMO but nothing compares to the actual Z.
Lastly, if its the look your looking for, invest in the Wide Body kit rims & tires...Ends up costing less still than the Z, you get to take your roof off, you still have an automatic and you have the best of both worlds less the power. Theres a ton of aftermarket vendors for this and you can probably get away with everything installed and painted now for about 8-10k depending on where you get the parts and who does your labor. And for the record, you'll never use the full power 505 HP on the highway let alone all 400 that the C6 gives...Unless your a knuckle head like me...LOL! Hope this helps...Either way, you cant go wrong my friend! Make sure its BLACK...Thats the Best color of both! (had to throw that one in there sorry guys!)
Good Luck!

 

With black you will find no time to drive. You will be cleaning all your driving time away! Sorry had to throw it in! sorry had 2 black already no more. 505hp Blows the dust away!

 

Uhhhhhhhhh they're different cars. Some would argue the base C6 with 20k would make the superior track/race car. Others who are less interested in different frame characteristics could careless. Spending 20k modding a C6 in my opinion is far from stupid. Some might find it interesting to know that the frame in their C6 non-z06 is the same in the C6r.

If you want an already built monster from GM go with the Z06.

But I wouldn't overlook what can be done with a C6. I've pondered the C6 or C6 Z06 many a time and it's to be noted that there are plus sides to a modded C6 other than the Z06 AWE factor. If you don't have the desire to spend the time/money/headaches/orgasms to mod your C6 then go with the Z06 and watch the people gawk.

If you can't handle the people that think every C6 is an inferior car to a Z06, then get the z06 :P Can't lie though, the Z06 is a hell of a car. WIN, WIN either way. It's a corvette.

 

Two words Painrace,Katech thats enough said!

 

Welcome!

 

Make the choice based on what you want out of your car. I like the smooth looks of the C6. I like the steel frame and the removable roof.

Just don't think a few simple changes will make the C6 equal to a Z06 in all areas. On the other hand rather than upgrading with Z06 parts go the extra step and purchase quality aftermarket parts that exceed the OEM z06 parts in performance.

 

I already have a race car and wanted a club/trip/daily driver so I bought a loaded C6 coupe instead of a Z. Then I spent some of the difference on headers, shifter, intake, and HPTuners license update. Would have done the same things to a ZO6. I am very happy with my decision and love the C6. But I would have been happy with the ZO6, just would have been overkill for my needs. I don't worry near as much about modifying the non-Z car as I would have the Z. A regular C6 is a hell of a car, in my opinion. Two years from now, however....

Joe

 

To C6 base to C6 Z51 or to ZO6, that is the question?

Number one, you mentioned you have not operated a manual transmission in 20 years. IMHO, you are missing out on all the fun but that is my personal preference. I have a 2003 ZO6 and a 2006 Mazda MX5 (both aare two different cars...figuratively and literally...each of them give me a different thrill). They both have a MN6 transmissions. Without the MN6 transmission, they would be wortless to me. That said, I think it would be wise for you to re learn how to drive a manual transmission before you even think about a ZO6. Go rent any car for the weekend with a manual transmission and get back into the fun! IMHO, you won't regret it. BTW, the MN6 in a ZO6 is as easy to drive if not easier than any manual on the street. Don't let yourself get intimidated with driving a CORVETTE WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION!

Number two, what interested you in the ZO6? The LS7 engine and the slightly different looks of the front of the vehicle? The C6 (Z51) Coupe tops out about 186 mph (quarter mile...12.6 sec @ 114 mph) with a 0 - 30 mph at 1.8 sec and 0 - 60 at 4.1 seconds. (The base C6 0 - 30 is about 2.3 seconds.) Hummmm.....not fast enough or not enough accleration for you? Okay, the C6 ZO6 tops out about 196 mph (quarter mile...11.8 sec @ 123.4 mph) with 0 - 30 mph at 1.5 seconds and 0 - 60 at 3.8 seconds. The C6 with the Z51 and the ZO6 have the same gear ratios which gives slightly more acceleration than the base C6. (I got my stats from SupercarX.com.) Keep in mind that these scores are from professional drivers...the average Joe...forget about it!

If the stats appeal to you and you are willing to drive a stick and you have the bucks then by all means buy the ZO6! If the MN6 is not your thing then the C6 ZO6 is moot.

Happy Driving,

Zip Fox

 

If you want the Z06 buy it. Unless you drive the hills of San Francisco daily, don't let the manual shift deter you. IMO a manual shift is what 'sport driving' is all about....IMO it provides the driver with a true feel and connection with the car, the road and the entire driving experience. A stick shift is like riding a bike...you never forget. Drive it for a week and it will seem as natural as putting your auto tranny in Drive.

Don't expect to buy a C6 and turn it into a Z06. If you want a Z06 and you merely settle for a C6 and then modify it in an attempt to make it look like (or perform like) a Z06, you'll likely never be happy. In truth...given enough time and money...you can make a C6 look like and perform like (or even better than) a Z06 but the fact remains....it ain't a Z06. Be happy for what it is...it's just not a Z06.

Also, if a warranty is important...you will likely lose huge portions of coverage when you modify your C6 to increase its performance. I opted to modify my C6 to increase its performance....I'm not trying to make it look like or necessarily perform like a Z06 (but I'll admit using Z06 performance specs as a benchmark is a natural comparison). I like my C6 for what it is. I truly get more enjoyment driving my modded C6.

Drive them both and then decide (but if you want the Z06...get it).

 

if you can't drop the top...its not for me...but if your not a fan of going around town topless then i would suggest going with the z06 because it is a complete animal