2002 C5Z or 2005 Base auto...differences
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
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2002 C5Z or 2005 Base auto...differences
As in the build potential?
How close are the 2 in stock form?
What is the max each motor can take as being NA or S/C?
Purpose is same as my current car. A fun street car.
How close are the 2 in stock form?
What is the max each motor can take as being NA or S/C?
Purpose is same as my current car. A fun street car.
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 9
From: Indian Orchard Ma
2005 corvette
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
An '08+ LS3 takes the win, but stock for stock an LS2 equipped C6 isn't keeping up with a C5Z. Mod potential is near identical.
Last edited by Verrückt ZR1; Oct 16, 2018 at 07:22 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 508
From: Oshawa, Ontario
my LS2 car easily beat friends 09 LS3 when they were both stock and as they progressed with modifications.A stock 02 C5Z is no faster than a stock LS2.2 weeks ago at track my car went 10.10 with a 1.39 60ft running into a 30mph head wind all day.I easily put a hurtin' on the 2 Demon's that were there.they were running .40 and .50 slower
Last edited by irok; Oct 16, 2018 at 07:57 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,378
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From: Melbourne, FL
my LS2 car easily beat friends 09 LS3 when they were both stock and as they progressed with modifications.A stock 02 C5Z is no faster than a stock LS2.2 weeks ago at track my car went 10.10 with a 1.39 60ft running into a 30mph head wind all day.I easily put a hurtin' on the 2 Demon's that were there.they were running .40 and .50 slower
The 05 would have a 4 speed auto, and the weaker rear end. If you're buying to build, an 05 auto wouldn't be on my shopping list. 06+ vs c5z, that's a bit more complicated.
I would probably get the c5z since they're lighter. I'd also probably buy a slightly modded ons with long tubes and the like
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,378
Likes: 6,523
From: Melbourne, FL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Sounds like the LS3's need a driver mod. There's nothing wrong with the LS2, but the LS3 is the superior engine, and all things equal will win the race every time.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 508
From: Oshawa, Ontario
Not at all just look at the "FAST LIST" here on the forum.Lots of LS2 cars are faster than LS3 cars and no amount of driver mod will change that.The 2 Demon's I put a hurtin' on probably thought they needed a "driver mod"
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,257
Likes: 433
From: Bossier City Louisiana
I faced the same decision 3 years ago and went with the 05 for the build potential. If planing to stay stock, I would choose the C5 Z. Remember, with the Z, you are also getting better suspension parts and differential all stock. Now, as far as the interior goes, the C5 looks way outdated compared to the C6. All your 05 auto will need is a better flowing air intake, a ported fast 102 and an engine and tranny tune to be all good. I built mine with full bolt ons, including a stock converter friendly 224r cam, and put down 419/402 on the dyno. Considering the valve train loss for an automatic, that roughly equates to 495ish to the crank.
