Ladies and Gents of corvetteforum,

I have been out of the LS game for a while now, but I have had multiple 4th gen's and 2 c5 vettes, so now that I am in a position to move back into a performance vehicle I am dying to do so but want to do it right.


So my dilemma is this, I want to purchase either a used c6 z06 (which I would think I would like to add an aftermarket cam, ported heads, a 100 shot of nitrous and boltons), a new c6 grandsport coupe (to which I would likely add an ECS novi 1500, blower cam, and supporting mods, yes I am aware that this would likely be the fastest of the three vehicles), or a new 2ss camaro to which I would either do the ECS novi kit or the hellion twin turbo (leaning towards turbo kit) and supporting mods. I have driven all 3 but in stock form so it is hard to gage how the end result would be.

Choice 1) I know the zo6 would move out like a raped ape with heads, cam, and boltons, with a 100 shot of nitrous, but I would be limiting myself with the ls7 right? As I understand it FI isn't the best option for the motor due to the thin cylinder walls, but if I did go FI it would be via an ECS novi kit. So at best I would be looking at low 600's to the wheels right? Although that should still be a solid high 9 sec capable car in optimal conditions with a very skilled driver (yes I understand the difficulty involved with that, just saying that as a point of reference).

Choice 2) A new c6 grandsport coupe, I feel like this may be the best of both worlds, the ls3 motor which is great for FI and the lighter weight and better handling that comes with a vette. This would certainly be the most expensive option though and would take a lot longer to reach my goals.

Choice 3) I feel like if I went with the camaro I might be unhappy with the weight of the car and I know a lot can be done with the suspension using pfadt or pedders parts, but I am not sure that would make up for the shear mass of this beast. I am also worried about the rest of the driveline when trying to put down 700hp and move 4200lb's.

My humble thanks for your opinions

Oh and BTW this build is not for the purpose of running a specific time at the track, just having a fast/ badass ride that would be well balanced and fun in all aspects.

 

Option 2 all the way (unless you need a back seat). New is always better than used anyway.....as long as you can scratch the check for a new one. Btw, My '08 coupe has been running merrily for almost three years now at about 650rwhp. Maggie TVS blown. No probs with the motor. Did have to upgrade clutch and rear diff though.

 

I love how these LS3 motors respond to boost, its insane the power that they make.

Either way it will be my second car, only getting a few miles a week, so no matter which option I choose, I will be bringing the car to the boys over at ECS and having them turn up the wick right to the limit If it breaks you build it stronger right?

 

Yup...just takes a little (or a lot) $ and little know how. Hopefully you have the former and I'm sure ECS has the latter

 

I'm a GS fan myself! Best of luck with your decision.

 

that they do, there are only a few shops that I would want to bring my work to, the others are A and A in oxnard cali, or Lashway Motorsports in deefield beach FL.

 

A heads/cam Z06 will run pretty even with a blown LS3 car running a moderate setup. Add nitrous to the Z and you're running with some of the more aggressive blower cars.

The Z is lighter and the weight advantage is increased when you hang all the blower kit weight on the front of the LS3 car.

The LS7 makes me a little nervous about reliability and the LS3 seems to be making a name for itself regarding how much abuse it can take.

I'd like to drive a heads/cam Z to see how it feels compared to my car (630whp LS3 w/ a blower)... so far I'm satisfied with mine though and will be turning it up another 100whp soon.

 

thanks doug, any way it shakes out you guys will be seeing a lot of me in the coming year

Just for a frame of reference, what would you think about the Z option, is FI even worth it? Or would a nice N/A setup with a 100 shot be better?

 

Thats about what I was thinking, if I went with a blown LS3 then I would certainly be aiming for around 7-800 to the wheels, obviously this is with a blower, cam, meth, headers, etc.

Although the Z seems like it would be a better all around preformer being lighter and be able to get a bit better traction with 1-200 less hp without the bottle

 

Supercharged A6 Grand Sport

 

I dont think I would really like to own another auto car... Its only going to see the track a few times a year, seeing how the closest track to me is in Jersey, and i work all the time, so i would definitely go with a manual trans

 

Auto is way easier to drive which makes much quicker

Look at the Z06 fast list and see how many have converted to auto.

 

$40k for a used $60k. For $20k you can do a built motor and a S/C kit and have the best of both for less than a new GS.

 

Don't tell this to the Camaro5 forum...

Corvette all the way.

 

Get option 1, cheaper allowing more money for forged internals when you want to go big

 

I sold my boosted z06 to get a LS2 car that i could put more boost on...

 

You had two C6 vettes to begin with.

But I agree. Having a new car is nice, but the warranty will be out the window when you start modding the car. Pick up a nice C6 and see where you want to go as you start modding. A good blower kit is a start, then upgrade from there.

 

Agree totally. A slightly used '08 and up (read that...LS3 motor) coupe might be the best starting point dollar wise. Depending on what you want to do with the car, GS/Z06 brakes, handling package, dry sump oiling system, and big tires may or may not be money well spent. As long as you're not spending big time on road courses, a plain jane C6 can yield thousands of savings that can be spent elsewhere vs a GS or Z06. I've had my stock suspended '08 coupe on a road course and my fun wasn't diminished one little bit. Sure, better brakes and suspension would have helped lap times. I didn't grin any less because of it. I wasn't racing for sex or money. Even if you did all of the upgrades, there's always someone who's done more.

 

Thanks! I'm not a nitrous fan myself, so i will do what I can to talk you out of that direction. The power needs to be there 24/7 IMHO, and bottles are a PITA to keep filling.

 

I heard that!