C6 vs C6Z
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
C6 vs C6Z
Hello,
I am starting to look into getting a corvette. I am not sure exactly sure which generation I want. So, I am trying to narrow down which model within each generation make the most sense.
To me the differences between the ls2 and ls3 are minimal so I lump them into the same category. My hesitation with getting a non-z c6 is that after going full bolt on the performance numbers are close to a z but so is the cost after parts and labor. So I don't feel like getting ls2/ls3 c6 make sense, what is everybody's thoughts on that? I have also heard that the ls7 has valve issues so Id want to get them reworked as soon as id get it. What are realistic performance numbers of a n/a full bolt on ls2/3 c6 vs a tuned ls7?
I am starting to look into getting a corvette. I am not sure exactly sure which generation I want. So, I am trying to narrow down which model within each generation make the most sense.
To me the differences between the ls2 and ls3 are minimal so I lump them into the same category. My hesitation with getting a non-z c6 is that after going full bolt on the performance numbers are close to a z but so is the cost after parts and labor. So I don't feel like getting ls2/ls3 c6 make sense, what is everybody's thoughts on that? I have also heard that the ls7 has valve issues so Id want to get them reworked as soon as id get it. What are realistic performance numbers of a n/a full bolt on ls2/3 c6 vs a tuned ls7?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 939
From: PNW
Where and how do you plan on using these performance numbers? Driving on Saturday nights to pick up chicks after you bath in Old Spice is not the same as chewing up tires at the 1/4 mile or road race tracks.
Oh yeah, https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-be-done.html
Oh yeah, https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-be-done.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,598
Likes: 961
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
What do you plan to use the car for. Is it going to be a daily driver, a weekend pleasure car or do you plan to track the car? You need to answer that first. Next if you plan to track it, you can get a nice HP pickup with boltons with the LS2 but the LS3 is a better engine of the two to mod. The Z06 has it good points also. but if you are looking a t a track car only, I would go with an LS3 and build it a little bolt ons. add a cam and head work and you will be at or above the stock Z06.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 219
From: Fredericksburg VA
What is your budget? If you go Z and going to be tracking it, or anything really add another 2 grand to get the heads done. Just to be safe.
I would definitely go with a LS3 over the LS2. Track I would recommend a Z51 or IMO better option a Grand Sport. But have to remember the maintenance costs ( tires and brakes) would cost more. If you plan on tracking a lot, what is your skill level? You may want to look into an older gen. Though, I think the C6 is the best looking gen.
But get get what you want and good luck with the search
I would definitely go with a LS3 over the LS2. Track I would recommend a Z51 or IMO better option a Grand Sport. But have to remember the maintenance costs ( tires and brakes) would cost more. If you plan on tracking a lot, what is your skill level? You may want to look into an older gen. Though, I think the C6 is the best looking gen.
But get get what you want and good luck with the search
Instructor
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 158
Likes: 32
From: Oklahoma City, OK
You talk about not wanting to go to a non-Z, but then talk also mention you are not sure which generation. Let's start here first, how much were you looking to spend to get your Corvette? You can get all the advice in the world about what others think you should get, but if it's not in the budget it's not in the budget. As far as LS2 vs LS3, the consensus is go LS3, but my opinion is find yourself the best deal (just stay away from the 2005 model, weak diff) first, whether it is LS2 or LS3. You will enjoy either one just as much as the other. And if you happen to get into the bottomless pit of engine mods, LS2 vs LS3 went out the door anyway as you up the cubic inches.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 491
From: South Florida
I think to keep it simple, if you want a 1/4 mile stick car that can also slaughter the slalom go c6z. Plan on spending at least a few thousand to “fix the heads”. A c6z with a solid heads/cam package will make 600+whp and still likely outrun a 700whp ls2 or ls3 car. I prefer ls3 over ls2 but they can be made pretty equal, but the ls3 cars have better options than the ls2 cars. Grand sport if you want a wide body and handling about as good as a Z and don’t want to deal with known ls7 problems plus the large cost of doing heads and cam on them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 939
From: PNW
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
What is your budget? If you go Z and going to be tracking it, or anything really add another 2 grand to get the heads done. Just to be safe.
I would definitely go with a LS3 over the LS2. Track I would recommend a Z51 or IMO better option a Grand Sport. But have to remember the maintenance costs ( tires and brakes) would cost more. If you plan on tracking a lot, what is your skill level? You may want to look into an older gen. Though, I think the C6 is the best looking gen.
But get get what you want and good luck with the search
I would definitely go with a LS3 over the LS2. Track I would recommend a Z51 or IMO better option a Grand Sport. But have to remember the maintenance costs ( tires and brakes) would cost more. If you plan on tracking a lot, what is your skill level? You may want to look into an older gen. Though, I think the C6 is the best looking gen.
But get get what you want and good luck with the search
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
You talk about not wanting to go to a non-Z, but then talk also mention you are not sure which generation. Let's start here first, how much were you looking to spend to get your Corvette? You can get all the advice in the world about what others think you should get, but if it's not in the budget it's not in the budget. As far as LS2 vs LS3, the consensus is go LS3, but my opinion is find yourself the best deal (just stay away from the 2005 model, weak diff) first, whether it is LS2 or LS3. You will enjoy either one just as much as the other. And if you happen to get into the bottomless pit of engine mods, LS2 vs LS3 went out the door anyway as you up the cubic inches.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 2,452
Likes: 495
From: Clearwater, Florida
If you want to boost it eventually, go LS3.
If you want to stay N/A, go LS7 with the Z06.
I've had my Z06 for nearly two years now and absolutely love it. Had a base C6 prior and that only lasted a little over a year before I had to have the Z06. The valve issue is definitely very real, but it can be fixed for about $1,400 (plus install if not doing it yourself) with AHP's heads.
If you want to stay N/A, go LS7 with the Z06.
I've had my Z06 for nearly two years now and absolutely love it. Had a base C6 prior and that only lasted a little over a year before I had to have the Z06. The valve issue is definitely very real, but it can be fixed for about $1,400 (plus install if not doing it yourself) with AHP's heads.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,386
Likes: 6,529
From: Melbourne, FL
You said you want to drag race, which is critical. People hate when I say this, but the corvette is not a great drag platform. It can be done, but others are more suited to it. Corvettes are design from a platform, suspension, and drivetrain perspective as road course cars. A 4th gen f body or any mustang before the s550 generation is a much better platform to build off for drag racing with their solid rear axles.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
Budget and how fast you need to go is what matters. Have you driven one yet? Lots of people like to talk a big game about their car making 800hp or whatever, but real world a 400hp c6 is faster than most can handle. A 350hp c5 is for that matter. A 500hp c6z is so beyond what you can use on the street its mind boggling. I live in a smaller town without much traffic and plenty of open roads and I can barely find places to up up my ls3. My best friend has a c6z and can only open his car up briefly on an onramp. The thrust these cars have is nuts compared to what you can use.
You said you want to drag race, which is critical. People hate when I say this, but the corvette is not a great drag platform. It can be done, but others are more suited to it. Corvettes are design from a platform, suspension, and drivetrain perspective as road course cars. A 4th gen f body or any mustang before the s550 generation is a much better platform to build off for drag racing with their solid rear axles.
You said you want to drag race, which is critical. People hate when I say this, but the corvette is not a great drag platform. It can be done, but others are more suited to it. Corvettes are design from a platform, suspension, and drivetrain perspective as road course cars. A 4th gen f body or any mustang before the s550 generation is a much better platform to build off for drag racing with their solid rear axles.
There is a road curse five miles from my house, not sure where the nearest drag strip is, I moved up here last year...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 219
From: Fredericksburg VA
Think that is what made me stick with the CS GS. I absolutely love taking the top off. Shame they didn't make a C6Z with a removable top or at least a 427 Coupe. They made the 427 Convertible, would have been awesome to include a removable top that year with the LS7.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 2,452
Likes: 495
From: Clearwater, Florida
I did love the transparent top though and being able to see outside. It was even cool to look up at night. It was fun when it was off, but I can't do that much in Florida anyways. Far too hot. I'll take a quiet roof over all that though.
Last edited by Frankie15; Mar 27, 2019 at 02:54 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,067
Likes: 4,150
From: Bergen county NJ
AS a totally satisfied owner of a purchased new 2008 c6 z51 m6 that has been utterly reliable for the 131k miles ive put on since new...i suggest getting the c6 z06....as long as you dont mind not having a targa top ...
the c6 z06 is awesome. Id go for an unmodded 2006 c7 z06...(i dont believe the reported valve issue even popped up in a few c6 z06 s until 2007 model year...(supplier miscasting somepoint in the 2007 model year if I remember correctly) besides the 2006 is the least expensive best value ..
jMO
the c6 z06 is awesome. Id go for an unmodded 2006 c7 z06...(i dont believe the reported valve issue even popped up in a few c6 z06 s until 2007 model year...(supplier miscasting somepoint in the 2007 model year if I remember correctly) besides the 2006 is the least expensive best value ..
jMO
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Am I missing something?
427 coupe IS a Z06.
427 Vert HAS a removable top.
C6Z w/removable top IS a 427.
CF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 14,163
Likes: 7,439
From: Pittsburgh
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You are confused, that's for sure...A Z06 is NOT a 427 convertible because the frame is aluminum vs steel, the suspension parts are different also. They do share the same engine
Last edited by 449er; Mar 27, 2019 at 05:44 PM.