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C6 Corvette ZR1 & Z06General info about GM’s Corvette Supercar, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Performance Upgrades, Suspension Setup for Street or Track
The original factory widebody Vette, with the largest factory naturally aspirated LS motor to have been built. The first with an advertised terminal speed a tick below 200 MPH, and published 1/4 mile drag times below 12 seconds.
the C5 has proven itself in many avenues and it's a great track car and has great looks !!!!! but drive a C6 Z and it's over, the power and torque is incredible !!!!! I have also grown to love the look of the C6 Z !!!
In its day a C5 Z06 was just about king, if not outright king.
Stuff of dreams for this C5 AE owner.
Ordered an '06 w/ Z51 option, performed beautifully in all areas.
Looking at the raw #s always felt I'd acquired the Corvette to top a C5 Z06.
C6 Z06 OTOH has it all in spades.
A comfortable cruiser w/ a stock LS7's plenty for most cruisers.
More car than most owner's capabilities, mine first & foremost.
C6 Z hands-down.
It's a kitten and lion in one, best of both worlds.
Anyone going to mention the LS7 valve guide issue. That tips it in favor of a C5Z for me. Valve springs are a much easier fix than valve guides, and expensive head work.
It might be overblown, but it is real. I know a few guys in the corvette circle that have sold their Z's in fear of it. Scared me out of buying one too.
The C5 was the first vette I fell in love with, had a friend buy a 99 FRC(this was in 2003-2004) maybe it was a 00, not sure, but he did H/C/I exhaust and I’d never heard a newer vette rumble and move out like that, became of huge fan or vettes specifically the ZO6, so the C5z got me hooked and I planned on it being my first vette, I just waited a little longer than expected and had more money so the C6z was an obvious choice. Definitely both of my favorite C5/C6. Still making/forming opinions on the C7.
Anyone going to mention the LS7 valve guide issue. That tips it in favor of a C5Z for me. Valve springs are a much easier fix than valve guides, and expensive head work.
It might be overblown, but it is real. I know a few guys in the corvette circle that have sold their Z's in fear of it. Scared me out of buying one too.
the C5 's had their share of issues, add them all up and the valve guide issue is mute !!!!!!(vibration damper alone is a biggie) !!!!
Anyone going to mention the LS7 valve guide issue. That tips it in favor of a C5Z for me. Valve springs are a much easier fix than valve guides, and expensive head work.
What about the ring problem w/ LS6?Burning oil due to wobbly rings?
I clearly recall one at a dealer I visited, been sitting for weeks disassembled waiting for guidance from GM.
That problem wasn't overblown & very real.
It might be overblown, but it is real. I know a few guys in the corvette circle that have sold their Z's in fear of it. Scared me out of buying one too.
Owned an '08 for 10 years since new, first owner.
Always covered by GMPP/GMEPP since I'm bone stock.
Even tho' covered 'til '19 decided it was time to be proactive so heads are being rebuilt as I write.
This car's worth it, worth some TLC in fact earned it.
60K trouble free miles, my friend.
I understand there're horror stories, many true; but, there's a remedy.
Once heads are addressed LS7's easily the most reliable & thoroughly enjoyable car-motor combo ever built. Cheap thrills, actually.
Really sorry you didn't look deeper into this matter.
Missing a once in a lifetime experience is a serious loss for any/all Corvette enthusiasts. YMMV
What about the ring problem w/ LS6?Burning oil due to wobbly rings?
I clearly recall one at a dealer I visited, been sitting for weeks disassembled waiting for guidance from GM.
That problem wasn't overblown & very real.
Forgive my ignorance, but wasn't this on 385hp LS6's? I've not read of any ring issues on 02-04 LS6's. And especially not like the LS7 valve guide problem.
Only thing about the LS6's that pops up big time is the valve springs breaks between a certain VIN range. Much easier to fix than Head work.
Having owned both a C5Z and a C6Z...the guide issue isn't really that big of a deal to remedy, and yes my car was affected. The cost to remedy (not modify) is about the same as a good set of tires. Hardly a nail in the coffin that would negate all of the technical/mechanical advances the C6Z has over the C5Z.
The C5Z was the lightest, fastest Corvette ever produced in its day; and it was an absolute workhorse...but the C6Z is simply on another level. I still miss my C5Z at times...but mostly just to look at. I sold it after it just sat next to my C6Z for about 3 or 4 months straight without moving...because I always chose to drive the C6Z instead.
C6Z. There is no way the C5 performance can match it. (I have a C5) it just isn't the same. The valve guide issue is $1,500-2,000 problem - you spend more on tires than that!
MTPZO6 “sold it after it just sat next to my C6Z for about 3 or 4 months straight without moving...because I always chose to drive the C6Z instead.”
This is a pretty powerful statement from someone who actually had to make the choice. Personally I like both and I think C5z/C6z owners probably have more in common. I mean we can all **** on the C4 but that’s almost too easy lol. There’s also the “my ZO6 ONLY CAME IN MANUAL” the only option that should be available in a two seater American sports car.
MTPZO6 “sold it after it just sat next to my C6Z for about 3 or 4 months straight without moving...because I always chose to drive the C6Z instead.”
This is a pretty powerful statement from someone who actually had to make the choice. Personally I like both and I think C5z/C6z owners probably have more in common. I mean we can all **** on the C4 but that’s almost too easy lol. There’s also the “my ZO6 ONLY CAME IN MANUAL” the only option that should be available in a two seater American sports car.
The C5Z still offers incredible "bang-for-the-buck", even to this day, but the C6Z out-performs it in every way, so ................ it's really a win-win, no matter which one you choose!
06-05-2018, 11:16 AM
Vette C5 or C6? Which Z06 is Better?
