I have a problem, I have the option to buy a 2005 C6 Z51 at a real good price. My wife won't let me get that and keep my 2002 Z06. I take the Z06 to the track (Watkins Glen) and do prety well with it - 2:15's with T1 rubber, no other perf mods.
Any idea what I would give up or gain by going to the C6 other than 5 HP? I certainly can go get new track wheels and rubber. How are the brakes in track conditions? I read that it has a better highway ride, but does this reveal itself as a negative at the track?
I love my C5, but this may be a good opportunity to update. I just don't want to hate myself in the morning.
I got to drive both back to back at Spring mountain and I feel You won't give up, or gain much. I found that the C6 z51 definitely did have a different feel on the track though. I thought TCS was a little more intrusive in the C6 while Braking & Grip felt relatively the same. To me, it felt as though the C6 had a little higher center of gravity than the C5 but theses are purely opinions and not facts. (in fact I think the facts say the direct opposite) Fact is I have more seat time in the C5 and I am probably more in tune with it and the C6 just felt "different".
Instructors said they could actually run marginally faster lap times in the C6, but I just couldn't feel it. If I move up, it's going to be to the C6Z. I don't think there is enough benefit to make the switch to the c6 z51 - at least not to me. The C6Z was a great difference.
Good luck with the decision!
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2001 Speedway White Z06
It's fast!
They are so close on the track, I doubt your lap times would change by much. I love it when the C6 guys come over and want to know what mods I've done to my C5 after I left them in the dust at the road course though (none).
If you want the interior upgrades and like the styling of the C6, then go for it. I have a buddy shopping for a Z51 C6 right now, so if you pass on it let me know.
For me, I will keep my C5 for a long time. I love the styling, and with some engine upgrades (and some driver improvements) it suits my needs just fine.
I got to ride with a pro driver at a Portland Raceway DE in a showroom stock prepped 02 Z. The only mods were shocks and brake pads and Khumo's 710's. In the advanced class we passed everybody. That included full race prepped Vettes and Vipers (I don't think any were pro drivers). It was a good lesson in what our cars are capable of. Would the results been the same in a C6 Coupe? Probably. How does this help you? I have know idea, I just like telling that story.
Some have traded up and been very happy, others have taken huge losses and traded back.
I have heard the C6 feels a little floaty and does not offer as much feedback as the C5. Its also a lot quieter when stock. I think the brakes are pretty similar.
Good luck.
Go with your gut.
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Its the poor worker who blames his tools
With only a few mods you will not only keep up with a C6, but leave them in your wake!
I actually turned up faster lap times than, not only the ordinary C6, but even a couple of the mighty C6 Z06, one of them driven by a racing instructor! Unfortunately I ran off the track and finished only 6th at this years Club Corvette Sweden annual race weekend. The two C6Zs came in as 1st and 2nd of course. But my best laptimes were quicker than the C6 Z06 best lap times!
The big difference was that the C6Zs were totally stock, even the tires. My mods were Long tube headers, VaraRam air intake, Supertrapp (open) exhaust, T1 bars, lowered, and most important, Nitto NT01 tires. And, of course, a proper wheel alignment, with much camber. The C5Z turns into an awesome track (and street) machine by these simple mods.
The brakes are stock, but I have Hawk Blue racing pads. I raced at 5 events this year and never experienced fading. But the rubber seals around the caliper pistons were disintegrated by heat!
I, however, want more, so I am going to upgrade both engine and suspension even further, as seen in a recent post.
If I were to keep my C5Z and get a C6, it would be a 6M convertible with Z51 package; the C5Z would be my track car and the C6 my road car.
If I were to let go of the C5Z (not planned ATT), I would have to get a C6Z ... but that's just me ...
If you still like your C5Z, then keep it. If you feel like you just have to get the C6, then go for it. I prefer to make the move to the C6Z. If that's within your reach, I would rather go for that. Good luck.
ZO6 AL-X - I would love to go for the C6Z. Only problem is that the Executive branch of in home government (wife) has promised a veto if that spending bill is proposed. She also likes the look of the generic C6 better.
ChAra - other than tires and brake pads I have no performance mods - passing (or being passed) by other stockish C5s or 6s (and GT-40s )is typically a matter of driver skill.
I have two outstanding questions. Has the LS2 proved to be a reliable engine on the track - I tend to use redline - 500 as my upper rpm limit. Also, are there sorted out kits available that improve track manners like the C5 T1 sway bars and poly/graphite bushings? I need to do some research here but appreciate comments as well. Thanks again.
Last edited by kmagvette : 12-25-2006 at 10:44 PM.
I would keep the C5 Z06 and look at adding some mods to make it more fast/fun (sway bars, shocks), safe (rollbar, race seat, harness), and reliable (large radiator, oil cooler, trans cooler) at the track.
i would stay away from the 05 C6's. I have heard nothing but big problems with batteries draining and some other little minor things. I'm sure you can get a deal on a 05 c6, but there is a reason for that. Low mileage C5 z06's, 02-04, go for around 34-37k. look on autotrader.com. You can get a 05 C6 with Z51 for less than that, but what does that tell you already. A car that is 5 years old is still worth more than a car that is 2 years old. I think of it as an investment too. That is just me though.
You said you were going to get a C6 vert. The c5 Z06 will be faster for sure. The vert adds weight. Need to put money into the car to run even with a c5 Z06.
I'm sure the Ls2 is a great performer at the track. I really like the c6 but I can't see spending the extra money, $10,000 if not more. Seen you can get a TT kit for the C5 Z06, 600rwhp, for around $7000k.
If the the are pretty much the same, I'm tempted to say stick to the C5Z. In my view its better looking and I also agree that it does "feel better" whatever that means.
In the end listen to your own feeling. Facts only go so far, its driving pleasure that keeps you happy.
Disclaimer: Never owned either, just driven them a few times.
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