Hey guys, Iv been lurking around the forums for a while so I thought I'd register and get in on this. I have a minor dilemma here. In about one year exactly I will be purchasing a new car. Im contemplating on either getting a 6spd z51 or should I wait for the ZO6.

The only drawback for me is that I think the Z might be a little too dam fast. From what I heard the car is suppose to run 11's in the 1/4 and do mid to high 3's in the zero to sixty times. Not a daily driver exactly.

I have a question for those of you that own a C6. I have never owned an American sports car. Iv seen the videos of the c6 where it gets better track times than an m3 csl and a porsche gt3 but how does this car feel in reality? I mean, Iv driven my friends 2002 camaro ss and that thing is kind of scary to drive, hit the throttle too much on a turn and the whole car gives out. Im wondering how does the c6 hold up in handling on turn with WOT. Thanks.


PS. Does anyone know where I can find pics of body kits for the C6?

 

There's no such thing as a car that's too fast.

As far as handling goes, the C6 handles very well, if the driver knows what he's doing. As with any performance car, if you don't know what you're doing, you can get into trouble in a hurry.

On the subject of body kits, Chevrolet provided that.

 

Ok Guy, with a name like Heat , you definitely need the Z06. Life’s too short to live with regrets. You only go around once, grab all the Gusto you can. Get the brass ring – Z06

 

I'm 42 and I have a z-51. It is my first sports car. I find that the car is awesome and it is very easy to handle. It will get sideways sometimes when you put your foot into it but it is easy to recover. I drove the car from Texas to Virginia and found it to be really comfortable. Being my first sport car it was a heart pounding experience the first few times I got on it. I plan to do a few small mods but overall it has been great.

 

Coming from an E46 M3, I'll offer a response. Obviously, I like the Z51 C6 or I wouldn't have sold the BMW. A one-word summary might reflect the Vette as Americanized. The power is great, as is the handling, but different. The suspension has so much compliance (to satisfy the American taste for boulevard cruisers), it does not offer the confidence-inspiring feel of the M3 as you turn in, or, under heavy braking; just too much front suspension movement. But, that's part of the package that has earned it such rave reviews as a do-it-all car. As a daily driver for someone wanting American-style comfort, it is great. I am going to stiffen mine up a bit to give me the feel I want. But it's a heck of a bargain, and you will have modifications available to do most anything you want. I especially enjoy the balance of the car, very neutral, compared to a heavy dose of understeer in the M3. I plan on some minor suspension tweaks, headers, cam, and tuning. With that, I think I will have a near-perfect car, for me.

The new ZO6? It will sure be an awesome street car; very driveable, great handling, and gobs of power. I enjoy track schools, and because of that, I would wait a year or so and see how some of the new parts pan out, and, to give the after-market folks time to get some affordable replacements for consummables such as rotors and pads. But, that's just me, and I am apparently in the minority of Corvette owners, many of whom seem to find washing and waxing their great pleasure. I much prefer wearing out tires and brakes on a track, or throwing it around on some favorite country roads; each to his own. Good luck; no wrong choice here.
Ed

 

The Z51 will be far better than the Z06 for the money....

 

& the C6 provides great bang for the buck!

 

Thanks for the responses guys, I think I am leaning towards the C6 now. Bang for the buck pretty much. I mean I can live without the extra 100 horses but the body style of the zo6 looks so much more aggressive, not worth the $$$ though just for that I guess.


Well in response to the guys who talked about the handling issues I figured that this car handles much better than an M3 and some other high end cars, if thats the case why do you guys say the handling isnt up to par that much? I understand though that it is a domestic and you have to control the car at a higher level than a german car I guess.

 

Ed

Lets see. My 03 C5 Z51 MN6 coupe has 22,400 miles of which 10,000 are on a road course for DEs or track time.
10 sets of rotors,
10 sets of racing brake pads,
20 oil changes,
countless brake fluid swaps,
Tires - first 10 schools or 25 days where on Mich PS which are still my street and rain tires. Now I buy used race tires with 1 or 2 heat cycles on for $50-$75 each.

The PLEASURE and SATISFATION of high speed driving in a SAFE ( realtivly ) road couse. UNBELIEVALBEL PRICESSLESS.

But if some one wants to come a wax my car, they are more then welcome.

Most ppl say " I will wait untill . . . this or that" Most ppl can not drive the normal corvette to its FULLEST potential. Or ppl what to mod this or mod that. We have seen instructors and races take their wives Audi S4 station wagons better, smoother and faster then ppl with highly modified Z06s or vipers with no or very little high speed driving experience.

My opinion is get the C6 Z51 NOW and get on the track. the C6 Z06 wont really be availbe for most ppl to get until mid summer next year. Besides, you may find you dont need it, but you just want it.

Yes I am pushing 400 RWHP and to get 440 RWHP ( over 500 FLHP) would not be hard to do.

 

If my response gave you that impression, I did not communicate very well. In my opinion, the Z51 C6 handling, out of the box, is excellent. It is probably more competent than 99% of the people who will drive it. After owning the M3, the Corvette lacks a very hard-to-describe, but easy-to-feel difference when driven near the limit. Most of it is simply the suspension compliance built in the Corvette, which has definite advantages too, particulary when marketing to a U.S. audience. Part of it probably has to do with steering communication, which is also a bit different. But, these are very minor things, and the suspension issues can be addressed with some simple and not-to-expensive (I hope) modifications. And again, this is just my opinion, and suspension setups are partly subjective decisions based on driving style.

After I have my first few track events in the Vette, I may be just as comfortable with it as I was with the OE M3 suspension. It is more comfortable to me as I gain experience with it. The additional power and more neutral handling of the car far outweigh my picky complaints.

I should also add, after 3 months of ownership, the car has been perfect, not the first trip to the dealer for anything. And I could never say that about my BMW.
Ed

 

Thanks a lot guys your replies are very helpful to me in my decision.

 

 

Whatever you do, dont let the price fool you. The monthly payment of the car in no way reflects the cost of ownership. Just because someone can go buy a C5 fo under $30k or a C6 for under $50K, doesnt make it any easier to cut the check for the $900 rear z51 tire swap, or the $70 for an oil change. These are truely high performance vehicles and should be regarded as such. Yes for the initial payment, you do get alot of car for the money, but definettly make sure its a car that you want to keep up with. I think people assume when they're buying a Corvette that it'll carry with it the maintenence costs of a cavilear or lumina, and thats just not the case.

Statisically I'm an incredibly young C6 owner (the avarage age for a 2004 C5 was 45yrs old with a $120k/yr income) but i love the car. Its one of the most incredible machines i've ever had the privlidge to pilot, and I commend Dave Hill for bringing to my doorstep a true American sportscar that will give 99.999% of the vehicles on the road a severe beating.

 

You may want to wait for the Z06 price announcement before deciding, if price is a factor for you.

 

First, any high hp rear wheel drive car going into a turn at WOT is asking for trouble.

The C6 Z51 handles a lot better than an '02 Camaro SS. It is lighter, the front/rear weight distribution is better, suspension is better, etc. The C6 is a very nicely refined true sports car: 2 seats, lots of power, and great handling. In comparison to the vette, the camaro is full of compromises that keep it $25K less; a good car, but there is plenty of room for improvement.

The traction control and active handling system on the C6 is much better than anything they put in Camaros. That can go a long ways toward saving your butt when you go WOT into a turn, but it doesn't keep you from doing stupid things that are past the point of recovery. It is something you can get accustomed to.

 

I'd definitely wait for the C6 Z06 price announcement and then make your decision....

 

The wait and see about the Z06 woun't be the problem. Think about this, Z06 production per year about 7000 units. It's not like you can sit down and order one. There going to make them and they will be loaded.
Take 7000 units and spread them out around the country. If a dealer gets one he'll be lucky. Only high volume dealers of corvettes will see more than one per year. Now stop and think who there going to go to: people who know people and can pay the going rate 75-80 grand plus.
You're better of getting a Z51 6speed, with the 1SX interior as I did. It weighed 3123 lbs dry. Not all the goodies, but I'm spending my money In performance mods. At present I'm making 372 RWHP. Kook headers go on this week. Thats another 25-30 RWHP. Ron Zimmer can now tune these C6's,and then a cam change. I made 420RWHP in my C5 I know I can beat that number in this C6. Remember 425 RWHP is 500 at the crank. thats Z06 numbers for very little cash. think about it!

Andy G.

 

I love the look of the bulging Z06 bodywork and it's long list of high tech materials, but I can't see myself driving around an a beautiful sunny day with a fixed roof over my head. For me the Z51 6speed is all the performance I need right now.

 

I love the Ride, Handling, Performance and Top Off option on my '05 Z51. My buddy has an 04 Z06 - it is fast but rides like a full race car. We are less than a car legnth apart at the end of a 1/4. His Z06 is much to rough for a daily driver. I suggest that you get a Z51 save your money and then wait for the new Z06. If the price and performance boost of the new Z06 gets your heart going, then trade. Mean while you will enjoy an awesome ride.
Bill