Spartan040

I'm fairly new to Corvettes coming from the Mopar community (put down the torches and pitch forks thank you). I'm considering getting a used C6 as my first fun car early next year since I'm commissioning into the Air Force in August, going active in September. Lieutenants make decent money but not enough to comfortably afford a new Challenger 392 without stretching one's self too far financially, and I sort of want to wait until they bring out the next gen platform before buying one (whenever that actually happens). So, given that I'm single with no kids, I thought a cheaper used Corvette would be a great starter sports car, and probably more reliable than my current 2001 Durango with 173,000 miles on it.

I know the 2005-2007 models have the LS2 and 2008-2013 had the LS3, but how much real performance difference is there between the two? 30 crank horsepower isn't all that much. I don't plan on doing anything to the engine except bolt-on parts, a tune, and *maybe* a cam, plus new exhaust, so maybe the LS2 is the better buy for me? Also, how much power gain to the wheels would you get from throwing some factory LS3 heads onto the LS2, I heard you could do that.

Are there any particular years of the C6 I should watch out for?

I'm set on an automatic versus a stick because this will be my daily, and I *hate* driving stick in traffic. Is the 4 speed in the 2005 any good or should I spring for the 2006+ with the 6 speed?

What possible failure points specific to the Corvette in, under, and around the car do I need to look at before making the decision to buy?

Thanks in advance.

T VETTE

From what I hear 2008+ LS 3 is better for sure, motor and transmission. Others with more info will likely post.

jbripps

If you are eyeing an LS2, which has an incredible motor, go for at least an '06. '06 and above have paddle shifters, which the 05 does not have. Super fun when you use them, especially around turns, etc.
Have fun shopping!
Jon

old motorhead

If you are going to mod the engine, start with an LS3. You don't need a CAI as the stock one will do. You don't need an aftermarket intake manifold as the stock one is very good. Stock LS3 heads are better than ported LS2 heads. The extra engine displacement of the LS3 matters too. You can make really good power with a mild cam and bolt ons. With an LS2, you need more mods and a bigger cam to even come close.

Spartan040

All good to know. I guess it makes sense to pay a little extra up front versus spending more aftermarket to get the same effects.

HBsurfer

Since you want an auto transmission, you should also know that the 2005 is the only 4 speed. 2006 through 2013 automatics are all 6 speeds.

Boostedsvt

I know it’s only 30ish horsepower but if you get the LS2 and are planning on modding it you’ll always be chasing that 30ish horsepower.

65 Drivr

2008 and newer also have updated steering and NPP exhaust option which adds 6 HP.