Need advice..
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 14
From: West Chester Ohio
Need advice..
I want to start off and state that THIS IS NOT to start some base vs Z06 battle....
With that said, I am faced with a dilemma. I have a cam and bolt on 05 that makes 454rwhp and is basically paid off. I am to the point where I am thinking of adding even more power.
My mods are as follows:
Custom spec'd cam
FAST 102
160* TStat
LG Super Pro's with Off-road Xpipe
LG GT4 catback
LG World Challenge Wheels with 285 fr and 325 rr tires
I have been kicking around the idea of adding heads or just skipping to an ECS kit. The problem is, if I start upping the power, I am afraid that I will have to continue to upgrade the weak components on the 05.
With that said, is it worth keeping the car and doing this, or is it time to trade it in on a Z06 and start over the modding process with a better platform? I have found an 08 with 30k miles for 39k. I feel like upgrading components on my current car could easily add up to the difference in the upgrade t oa Z06.
Thanks in advance for not flaming me, or starting a purist Z06 war.
With that said, I am faced with a dilemma. I have a cam and bolt on 05 that makes 454rwhp and is basically paid off. I am to the point where I am thinking of adding even more power.
My mods are as follows:
Custom spec'd cam
FAST 102
160* TStat
LG Super Pro's with Off-road Xpipe
LG GT4 catback
LG World Challenge Wheels with 285 fr and 325 rr tires
I have been kicking around the idea of adding heads or just skipping to an ECS kit. The problem is, if I start upping the power, I am afraid that I will have to continue to upgrade the weak components on the 05.
With that said, is it worth keeping the car and doing this, or is it time to trade it in on a Z06 and start over the modding process with a better platform? I have found an 08 with 30k miles for 39k. I feel like upgrading components on my current car could easily add up to the difference in the upgrade t oa Z06.
Thanks in advance for not flaming me, or starting a purist Z06 war.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,897
Likes: 5,363
From: T-Town WA
2016 C6 of Year Finalist
I want to start off and state that THIS IS NOT to start some base vs Z06 battle....
With that said, I am faced with a dilemma. I have a cam and bolt on 05 that makes 454rwhp and is basically paid off. I am to the point where I am thinking of adding even more power.
My mods are as follows:
Custom spec'd cam
FAST 102
160* TStat
LG Super Pro's with Off-road Xpipe
LG GT4 catback
LG World Challenge Wheels with 285 fr and 325 rr tires
I have been kicking around the idea of adding heads or just skipping to an ECS kit. The problem is, if I start upping the power, I am afraid that I will have to continue to upgrade the weak components on the 05.
With that said, is it worth keeping the car and doing this, or is it time to trade it in on a Z06 and start over the modding process with a better platform? I have found an 08 with 30k miles for 39k. I feel like upgrading components on my current car could easily add up to the difference in the upgrade to a Z06.
Thanks in advance for not flaming me, or starting a purist Z06 war.
With that said, I am faced with a dilemma. I have a cam and bolt on 05 that makes 454rwhp and is basically paid off. I am to the point where I am thinking of adding even more power.
My mods are as follows:
Custom spec'd cam
FAST 102
160* TStat
LG Super Pro's with Off-road Xpipe
LG GT4 catback
LG World Challenge Wheels with 285 fr and 325 rr tires
I have been kicking around the idea of adding heads or just skipping to an ECS kit. The problem is, if I start upping the power, I am afraid that I will have to continue to upgrade the weak components on the 05.
With that said, is it worth keeping the car and doing this, or is it time to trade it in on a Z06 and start over the modding process with a better platform? I have found an 08 with 30k miles for 39k. I feel like upgrading components on my current car could easily add up to the difference in the upgrade to a Z06.
Thanks in advance for not flaming me, or starting a purist Z06 war.
Just sayin...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 14
From: West Chester Ohio
Well, the clutch and rear end are about 5k just for parts. Plus if I ever go boost, I would have to somehow get ahold of a special 2.5 bar map sensor, which I haven't found yet, because of the oddity of ECU the 05 has. The suspension and brakes will need upgrading too.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 14
From: West Chester Ohio
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 7,474
Likes: 116
From: Over there
I would start stock though and do everything yourself. Takes out the fun if someone else does it. JMHO though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 7,474
Likes: 116
From: Over there
Sorry for derailing your thread a bit btw.
Back on topic, I think it depends on your end goal. Are you really wanting more power, or do you just like having something to work on and make your own? If you plan on selling your '05 down the line, the more mods you put into it, the more you're going to lose. You will never see the cost of upgrades coming back to you when you sell it. It will add value, but less than what you put into it for sure.
Financially, it actually makes some sense (in my twisted world) to go to the Z06. You'll end up losing less money than if you kept upgrading your '05 and then sold it, you get a new project, and you get a higher power ceiling. That all being said, are you ever going to have "enough" power, or are you going to constantly be wanting more? Cause then there's no helping you
Back on topic, I think it depends on your end goal. Are you really wanting more power, or do you just like having something to work on and make your own? If you plan on selling your '05 down the line, the more mods you put into it, the more you're going to lose. You will never see the cost of upgrades coming back to you when you sell it. It will add value, but less than what you put into it for sure.
Financially, it actually makes some sense (in my twisted world) to go to the Z06. You'll end up losing less money than if you kept upgrading your '05 and then sold it, you get a new project, and you get a higher power ceiling. That all being said, are you ever going to have "enough" power, or are you going to constantly be wanting more? Cause then there's no helping you
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,667
Likes: 159
I would PM Schpenxel, he has a nice 2005 set up like you want to do to yours, so he has "real world" experience.
I personally don't like supercharging a Z06, it will need a lot of beefing up of components too....
I would look at '08 or '09 LS3's to supercharge, if you decide not to do your 2005, if it were me. Or a 2010 and newer Grand Sport.
I personally don't like supercharging a Z06, it will need a lot of beefing up of components too....
I would look at '08 or '09 LS3's to supercharge, if you decide not to do your 2005, if it were me. Or a 2010 and newer Grand Sport.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 25,105
Likes: 3,156
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I would PM Schpenxel, he has a nice 2005 set up like you want to do to yours, so he has "real world" experience.
I personally don't like supercharging a Z06, it will need a lot of beefing up of components too....
I would look at '08 or '09 LS3's to supercharge, if you decide not to do your 2005, if it were me. Or a 2010 and newer Grand Sport.
I personally don't like supercharging a Z06, it will need a lot of beefing up of components too....
I would look at '08 or '09 LS3's to supercharge, if you decide not to do your 2005, if it were me. Or a 2010 and newer Grand Sport.
If you go with a Z06 I would keep it stock. Worth more when you sell it.
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 9
From: Indian Orchard Ma
Z06!!
I want to start off and state that THIS IS NOT to start some base vs Z06 battle....
With that said, I am faced with a dilemma. I have a cam and bolt on 05 that makes 454rwhp and is basically paid off. I am to the point where I am thinking of adding even more power.
My mods are as follows:
Custom spec'd cam
FAST 102
160* TStat
LG Super Pro's with Off-road Xpipe
LG GT4 catback
LG World Challenge Wheels with 285 fr and 325 rr tires
I have been kicking around the idea of adding heads or just skipping to an ECS kit. The problem is, if I start upping the power, I am afraid that I will have to continue to upgrade the weak components on the 05.
With that said, is it worth keeping the car and doing this, or is it time to trade it in on a Z06 and start over the modding process with a better platform? I have found an 08 with 30k miles for 39k. I feel like upgrading components on my current car could easily add up to the difference in the upgrade t oa Z06.
Thanks in advance for not flaming me, or starting a purist Z06 war.
With that said, I am faced with a dilemma. I have a cam and bolt on 05 that makes 454rwhp and is basically paid off. I am to the point where I am thinking of adding even more power.
My mods are as follows:
Custom spec'd cam
FAST 102
160* TStat
LG Super Pro's with Off-road Xpipe
LG GT4 catback
LG World Challenge Wheels with 285 fr and 325 rr tires
I have been kicking around the idea of adding heads or just skipping to an ECS kit. The problem is, if I start upping the power, I am afraid that I will have to continue to upgrade the weak components on the 05.
With that said, is it worth keeping the car and doing this, or is it time to trade it in on a Z06 and start over the modding process with a better platform? I have found an 08 with 30k miles for 39k. I feel like upgrading components on my current car could easily add up to the difference in the upgrade t oa Z06.
Thanks in advance for not flaming me, or starting a purist Z06 war.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 104
From: Texas
You do know that the weaker platform is the Ls7 engine dont you? The valve train is in question and many engine have blown up because many speculate the valve guides and valve seats are non concentric. Plus the ability to handle power goes to the LS3 hands down. You can add more and more and it can take it. Try that with a ls7 and you will probably go boom. Hell the ZR1 is essentially a LS3 with race ready forged bits and titanium. I am speculating but why wouldn't GM use the LS7 for the Zr1 if it was the stronger or more capable of the two...? Get a 2008 with the LS3 and go hog wild...
Last edited by Cor430vette; Jun 17, 2015 at 06:48 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 939
From: Bonney Lake Washington
Common Sense
dictates that between you adding it yourself vs a manufacturer doing most of the work on a mass produced scale, the Z06 therefore is the wiser decision, what you lack in individual customization you more than make up for in cost saving.........
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 104
From: Texas
Still gotta spend $$$ to get the valve train checked and fixed. Which some have speculated what GM does is not a fix but a bandaid. So it will be okay for awhile then the play/wiggle in the valves will return. This is the primary reason I did not buy a Z06, I came back with the sole intention of buying a Z06 but I did the research first. I wasn't going to make the same mistake a did when I bought a M3 with a S65 engine which has connecting rod bearing clearance issues so I did allot of research....until I found out the disappointing truth. Some probably have no problem at all....but its your gamble. While the LS3 is rock solid. Dont believe me? do a search on valve train issues on the Z06/ls7. Do a search engine search... I'm not a Z06 hater, I love em...just their engines are a gamble.
Last edited by Cor430vette; Jun 17, 2015 at 07:31 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield California
Still gotta spend $$$ to get the valve train checked and fixed. Which some have speculated what GM does is not a fix but a bandaid. So it will be okay for awhile then the play/wiggle in the valves will return. This is the primary reason I did not buy a Z06, I came back with the sole intention of buying a Z06 but I did the research first. I wasn't going to make the same mistake a did when I bought a M3 with a S65 engine which has connecting rod bearing clearance issues so I did allot of research....until I found out the disappointing truth. Some probably have no problem at all....but its your gamble. While the LS3 is rock solid. Dont believe me? do a search on valve train issues on the Z06/ls7. Do a search engine search... I'm not a Z06 hater, I love em...just their engines are a gamble.
Plus is bass-ackwards to force induct an EVEN higher compression motor. The LS3 is SICKLY and LOVES boost. Personally, I am going to do exactly as 430 did... '12/up GS (black obviously). You get all the Z06 greatness, none of it's weakness. It's still a desired model. BOOST IT TO THE MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!
Just my .02
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,938
Likes: 784
From: Huntsville AL
If you enjoy mods, I would stay with the LS2. No way I would try to push a LS7 for more power. Some have done it, but if you blow that one you are into a lot more cost to replace, I would think.
This is what I wanted in the end, but I just don't drive enough for me to buy it... $$$ mid to high 60's....