Not Knocking on the Base C6
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 776
Likes: 0
From: Mount Juliet Tennessee
Not Knocking on the Base C6
I need to be educated on one thing if anyone here can help. Has there ever been three different levels of Corvette before? Base, Z06, ZR1 ?
I ask because somehow I feel like with the ZR1 being the new king of the hill over the Z06 it makes the Base C6 feel like your driving the V6 Version of the Camaro. I know its still a Vette but now it seems like the Bar has been raised to a whole new level. Any thoughts?
I ask because somehow I feel like with the ZR1 being the new king of the hill over the Z06 it makes the Base C6 feel like your driving the V6 Version of the Camaro. I know its still a Vette but now it seems like the Bar has been raised to a whole new level. Any thoughts?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,324
Likes: 0
From: MN
I see how that feeling could be generated, but I don't think its really valid.
First, the ZR1 is only going to be in the hands of a small few, given its price and availability.
Second, even the "base" C6 operates in the realm of the supercar. Its numbers are plenty impressive and would easily beat 99% of the other cars on the road. Plus, given the fact that it is easily modified to perform even better, it is still a star.
Just my $0.02.
First, the ZR1 is only going to be in the hands of a small few, given its price and availability.
Second, even the "base" C6 operates in the realm of the supercar. Its numbers are plenty impressive and would easily beat 99% of the other cars on the road. Plus, given the fact that it is easily modified to perform even better, it is still a star.
Just my $0.02.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,008
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
I see how that feeling could be generated, but I don't think its really valid.
First, the ZR1 is only going to be in the hands of a small few, given its price and availability.
Second, even the "base" C6 operates in the realm of the supercar. Its numbers are plenty impressive and would easily beat 99% of the other cars on the road. Plus, given the fact that it is easily modified to perform even better, it is still a star.
Just my $0.02.
First, the ZR1 is only going to be in the hands of a small few, given its price and availability.
Second, even the "base" C6 operates in the realm of the supercar. Its numbers are plenty impressive and would easily beat 99% of the other cars on the road. Plus, given the fact that it is easily modified to perform even better, it is still a star.
Just my $0.02.
Also, when you consider that the ZR1 has the same base engine (yes, likely different heads/cam etc.), but like MNVette mentions it can be easily modified to perform just as well if not better. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
LsJuan, I live in Hermitage TN across the boarder from you. If you want to go for a ride in my base C6 I can show you what a V6 Camaro can really do.
There is three different designations (sorta) before the ZR1, you have the "base", Z51 and Z06.
If you cant drive a car and feel good about yourself unless its top of the line with all the right emblems and floormats you might need to save up and buy the ZR1. If money is no object and you dont want your neighbors thumbing up their nose at you while they drive their 250k+ supercars you might want to buy the ZR1.
Seriously, if you want to go for a ride PM me and I will gladly let you see firsthand how nice the "base" C6 really is (I will even let you duck down when we pass other Z51's and ZR1's on the road so you dont look so bad) hahaha.
There is three different designations (sorta) before the ZR1, you have the "base", Z51 and Z06.
If you cant drive a car and feel good about yourself unless its top of the line with all the right emblems and floormats you might need to save up and buy the ZR1. If money is no object and you dont want your neighbors thumbing up their nose at you while they drive their 250k+ supercars you might want to buy the ZR1.
Seriously, if you want to go for a ride PM me and I will gladly let you see firsthand how nice the "base" C6 really is (I will even let you duck down when we pass other Z51's and ZR1's on the road so you dont look so bad) hahaha.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I hardly consider the C6 a "base" Corvette. If you feel like your C6 is the V6 version I suggest you contact Lingenfelter. I guaranty they have a cure for that. 
FWIW I think the ZR1 is a tremendous car but I would have preferred they re-gained the hp crown from Viper with a naturally aspirated, big block power plant. The ZR1 has some nifty features like asymetrical half shafts and especially the more competition oriented F55 suspension but I'd pass on buying one. I can get more of what I want with my base C6.
FWIW I think the ZR1 is a tremendous car but I would have preferred they re-gained the hp crown from Viper with a naturally aspirated, big block power plant. The ZR1 has some nifty features like asymetrical half shafts and especially the more competition oriented F55 suspension but I'd pass on buying one. I can get more of what I want with my base C6.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,996
Likes: 6
From: Chicagoland Illinois
I bought my "base" C6 has a clean "canvas." I am making my own Picasso out of it! No I don't mean the engine will be where the rear view mirror is and the tail lights will be upfront 
; I am stating that it's a great base to build what I want to.
It's my build-a-bear for cars!
..so far....Z06 full body conversion, full exhaust and tune. If the market keeps going well for a few weeks, Katech 427 will likely be next!
...as it was once quoted by a member on this board. A gentleman asked the C6 owner if his car was a Z06, the owner responded, no, I wanted something faster!
All these cars are great. They all have different purposes to their owners. Enjoy
; I am stating that it's a great base to build what I want to. It's my build-a-bear for cars!
..so far....Z06 full body conversion, full exhaust and tune. If the market keeps going well for a few weeks, Katech 427 will likely be next!
...as it was once quoted by a member on this board. A gentleman asked the C6 owner if his car was a Z06, the owner responded, no, I wanted something faster!
All these cars are great. They all have different purposes to their owners. Enjoy
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,463
Likes: 2
From: Santa Barbara, CA
I bought my "base" C6 has a clean "canvas." I am making my own Picasso out of it! No I don't mean the engine will be where the rear view mirror is and the tail lights will be upfront ; I am stating that it's a great base to build what I want to.
It's my build-a-bear for cars!
..so far....Z06 full body conversion, full exhaust and tune. If the market keeps going well for a few weeks, Katech 427 will likely be next!
...as it was once quoted by a member on this board. A gentleman asked the C6 owner if his car was a Z06, the owner responded, no, I wanted something faster!
All these cars are great. They all have different purposes to their owners. Enjoy
; I am stating that it's a great base to build what I want to. It's my build-a-bear for cars!
..so far....Z06 full body conversion, full exhaust and tune. If the market keeps going well for a few weeks, Katech 427 will likely be next!
...as it was once quoted by a member on this board. A gentleman asked the C6 owner if his car was a Z06, the owner responded, no, I wanted something faster!
All these cars are great. They all have different purposes to their owners. Enjoy
I rock the base and proud of it.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,661
Likes: 3
From: Live in S.Dayton, Work in Cincinnati Ohio
You do realize that this statement is akin to saying that due the existence of the 911TT and the 911 GT2 that the base 911C2 is like driving a VR6 Golf by comaprison... It really doesn't make a lot of sense. You're talking about a 430+ HP car that will out run, out handle 90% of anything you can buy and 100% of anything you can buy for the same price. Pull up at a valet in that v-6 Camaro and see how you get treated compared to the guy who just got out of that base C6.
Additionally, the Vettes' always been an everyday supercar. Like the 911 and the Acura NSX, it was designed to give you maximum performance in a package you could drive to work everyday. Don't think for a moment that you're going to see a ZR1 on your morning commute slogging through traffic like I did this morning in my "base" C6.
Additionally, the Vettes' always been an everyday supercar. Like the 911 and the Acura NSX, it was designed to give you maximum performance in a package you could drive to work everyday. Don't think for a moment that you're going to see a ZR1 on your morning commute slogging through traffic like I did this morning in my "base" C6.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 115
From: City of Pompton Fl
My buddy had a really nice 89 Turbo TA. It made WAYYYY more than 436 hp.
That car ran deep into the 10's while lifting the heads.
I get your point though. Hey, you know the old saying:
That car ran deep into the 10's while lifting the heads.
I get your point though. Hey, you know the old saying:
If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 919
Likes: 30
From: ST.PETE BEACH FL.
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Northshore New England
Base Corvette
I'm seriously looking to buy a "base" Corvette.
Here's why:
A guy at AutobahnCC (Joilet IL) told me it was the best bang for the buck, and since then, doing some research, I thinks he's right.
I drove a '01 C5 Z-06: 385/~"400" HP around Watkins Glenn in 2003.
It climbed the hill from the toe of the boot very easily.
http://www.theglen.com/documents/ElevationMap.pdf
Which is an uphill rise after an 180 turn. No substitute for cubic inch displacement there.
So here is the "base" argument (for me):
~$40,000 NEW off the showroom (or museum) floor.
436 HP with the NPP.
reasonable insurance, removable hardtop
and ~25K (or $30K) less than a C6 z-06 @ 505 HP
Sure there is far more to a sports car than HP numbers.
I see there are plenty of tuners, handling can be adjusted to suit, and brakes are upgradeable if needed.
This generation C6 looks like a winner, has the refinements of several decades of improvements and comes with a heritage and history any owner can feel a part of. I think I want museum delivery!
-S u f
Here's why:
A guy at AutobahnCC (Joilet IL) told me it was the best bang for the buck, and since then, doing some research, I thinks he's right.
I drove a '01 C5 Z-06: 385/~"400" HP around Watkins Glenn in 2003.
It climbed the hill from the toe of the boot very easily.
http://www.theglen.com/documents/ElevationMap.pdf
Which is an uphill rise after an 180 turn. No substitute for cubic inch displacement there.
So here is the "base" argument (for me):
~$40,000 NEW off the showroom (or museum) floor.
436 HP with the NPP.
reasonable insurance, removable hardtop
and ~25K (or $30K) less than a C6 z-06 @ 505 HP
Sure there is far more to a sports car than HP numbers.
I see there are plenty of tuners, handling can be adjusted to suit, and brakes are upgradeable if needed.
This generation C6 looks like a winner, has the refinements of several decades of improvements and comes with a heritage and history any owner can feel a part of. I think I want museum delivery!
-S u f