I was trying to be subtle about it... Don't think that'll happen given his price range though.
ls2 vs ls3 Corvette choice?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
His budget tops out at $29k. That gets him a really nice, low mileage, garage queen, base with the LS3. Anything above that (GS, Z06) is going to have major issues at that price point.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 22,116
Likes: 1,663
From: South Carolina
I've had the ls2 and the ls3...Could not tell any difference in any of the upgrades of the 3 over the 2...(though I liked them in my mind lol).In fact if you added cold air to the ls2 it would be a drivers race between the two...I do think the 05 have issues though I would avoid...(the best difference really was the console upgrade after 07 that you can easily see and feel...
)
as others have stated...
Find the newest that fits your budget and jump in ...the water is fine...
)as others have stated...
Find the newest that fits your budget and jump in ...the water is fine...
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 495
Likes: 219
26-30k buys you a perfectly good, well taken care of c6z or GS. Mine was $27k with tax, title, reg out the door with 40k miles. Friend just bought a 2008 z06 with 27k miles for $29.2k
OP, get an LS3 if you find a solid car, though it isn't leaps and bounds above the LS2, there's plenty of reasons why it's better as a base to build upon.
Happy hunting!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,417
Likes: 3,904
From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Yep, prices are inflated on C6 and newer Corvettes right now due to limited availability/popularity of the C8, but if you're patient you should be able to find a GS/Z06 for under $30K. As for low mileage garage queen, I'd rather have a car that has some miles on it and has been driven hard (not abused), that way the previous owner will already have found any issues. My ZR1 had 60K miles on it when I bought it and I didn't hesitate, it was probably in better shape than many of the sub 10K mile cars I've seen. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't turn down a low mileage car, but I wouldn't worry about one that has some miles on it either.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,623
Likes: 316
From: Sparks, Nevada
If you definitely want a manual, then you definitely want an LS3 as it gets the improved TR-6060 transmission vs the older T56. The T56 is a good transmission, but the TR-6060 is way better and was used in preparation for the ZR1. Besides 3LT (which I definitely recommend), I would strongly suggest F55/Magnetic Ride Control. For me, it's a must have option on any C5 or newer Corvette (also you can get an updated tune on it from Jim Mero that makes it even better). Also, if you can find one in your price range, go for a Grand Sport (personal preference but I think the wide body cars look way better, plus all the performance upgrades you get with it).
On the magnetic ride, the Jim Mero tuneup on it, is for the 09 and up only for the C6's. I have an 08 with mag ride and Jim says it doesn't apply to them.
Happy hunting.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 8,055
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From: New Mexico
2018 C6 of Year Finalist
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
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From: PNW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 8,055
Likes: 2,694
From: New Mexico
2018 C6 of Year Finalist
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
Congratulations on some great buys. Just curious... where do you live? I live in Utah and a 2010 GS like you described easily sales for $32k and the Z06 for $34k (more for later years). Neither would last a week on the local market if they were under 30k miles. I do know we're not the cheapest market.
Last edited by Iceaxe; Dec 23, 2020 at 01:53 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
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From: Draper Utah
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
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From: Pensacola FL
The LS3 is a beast of an engine...especially if modding, but the LS2 is certainly no slouch. I do like the slightly upgraded interior bits and sill-plates on the 2008+ cars. I would also be wary of the 2005 and its A4 seems really dated for a Corvette.
Find the nicest, best documented, tightest one in your price range that has the color and options you want.
Find the nicest, best documented, tightest one in your price range that has the color and options you want.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 8,055
Likes: 2,694
From: New Mexico
2018 C6 of Year Finalist
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 495
Likes: 219
Pay me a fee and sure, I'd be happy to. Just because something is listed for $XX,XXX doesn't mean that's what it sells for.
Maybe hit up private sellers too vs googling off autotrader. These "inflated" prices are not realistic.
Maybe hit up private sellers too vs googling off autotrader. These "inflated" prices are not realistic.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 495
Likes: 219
Congratulations on some great buys. Just curious... where do you live? I live in Utah and a 2010 GS like you described easily sales for $32k and the Z06 for $34k (more for later years). Neither would last a week on the local market if they were under 30k miles. I do know we're not the cheapest market.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 8,055
Likes: 2,694
From: New Mexico
2018 C6 of Year Finalist
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 329
From: Long Island New York
After reading this thread I think I better put my '05 up for sale...is $500 too much to ask? It's been 100% reliable for the 10 years I've owned it, I never realized what a piece of crap it was!
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,744
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
Since I'm such a nice guy I'll get it out of your way for you and pay for the wrecker to come pick it up. We'll do it quietly so nobody knows you actually owned it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 329
From: Long Island New York