zguy

I am debating this once again. I have had my 99 coupe for almost 11 years. I bought it with 3000 miles on it back in 2002. I have not done any mods in a very long time. The original owner pretty much got every option possible for a black 6 speed coupe. The only option he paid for which I don't care about is the F45 suspension.

I have done the following mods: Blackwing intake, 19/20 iForged EVO's with Yokohama AVS Sports, Powder coated calipers, Brembo drilled and slotted rotors, Kook's 1-3/4 LTs, GHL Bullets, and rocker rails. The car is also lowered as well.

Two years after I bought the car I really started to get interested in the C5 Z06. It started with the 2001 Speedway White and then I became found of the Machine Silver Z06. Anyway, I guess other priorities took over and I settled into the coupe and it has been a blast to drive all these years.

For a while I thought about getting a C6 Z06 but I don't believe I am ready to spend the money for one yet. So it seems like I am pondering the C5 Z06 once again.

Looking for unbiased opinions here... We all know what the differences are between the coupe and the Z06. I am just wondering if it worth selling my perfect condition C5 with about 33k miles on it to get into a C5 Z06.

I know most things come down to personal preferences but I just wanted to see what others are thinking.

Thanks for listening...

mel3535

I would trade my c5 for c5z because i like the lines of c5z better. I also want a m6 vette rather than auto

Black 02

If you want the fixed roof body, then it would make sense. If you only want more performance, upgrade your current car. If you just want a change, I'd say go with a C6.

BRISLS1

I did the C5 Coupe swap to C5 Z06. If I had it to do over, I would not have sold the Coupe. I lost a ton of money on that deal. I may never sell another car for as long as I live. I love my Z06 and it still sells at CarMax for about exactly what I paid for it 4 years ago. Yesterday it chirped third on the highway on beefy 305 Nitto rubber.
Only adding Corvettes for the foreseeable future, never selling!

GrandSportRob

If your not ready to spend money on a C6 Z then wait till you are. I also have a mint 99 & want to trade it in on a new Grand Sport. No desire for any other C5 on my end.

zguy

Yes, I guess the main reason for always considering C5 Z06 is the style or body lines. Starting with more horsepower as a base is an added plus.

I don't dislike the C6 and have considered it, but I am very found of the C6 Z06. I am just not ready to spend 45k plus for one.

I would consider selling the C5 but I am not sure what they are selling for used. I really don't want to start a discussion about what my car is worth here but if it is somewhere around 10k or so I will just keep it.

racebum

it's not what your car is worth per se, it's the cost split between what you get AND when you can find a clean z06.

could easily be a 7-10k split

so the question you should be asking is "am i willing to spend xxx in order to upgrade"

3318C5

Like others stated above, if you are 100% sold on the body lines of the Z06 & it's the ultimate for you, go for it as you will be satisfied until you get one.

If it's about performance, you should be right there with your current car & mods vs. a stock C5Z. Another added + in keeping your car is that you know 100% where its been & what has been done to it & how it has ben driven/maintained.

Good luck!

PS If the decision is between your car & a C6Z, that's a totally different ball game! Then I would say, go for it!

ClipperFan

Nope, keep the perfect C5..........and go buy a C5Z, then
decide which one u like better and sell the other one and get your money back.............If u were looking at a 08 and up C6 I'd say sell it.

Na4now

I just bought my current vette, about six months ago. I like the c5 coupe, c5z, and the c6. I COULD have bought any of the three, within the constraints of my budget. Its a tough call, but I think my favorite body style is a c5z/frc with flared fenders and a lip kit.....but really, all are beautiful in my eyes.

I opted for a 97 coupe (in a rare/unpopular color) with decent amount of performance mods. By the time I finish a few changes like flared fenders, wider rear wheels, lip kit, aftermarket seats and harnesses, steering wheel, and a few other bits...my vette will be SO bad ***. So imo if you really just like the body of the z06 much more, I say go for it.....but I think a properly modded coupe is just as perty....just differnt looking.

Vetteman Jack

IF you could get one heck of a deal on a really nice C5Z and sell your car for top dollar, then it might make sense to make the swap. But, most likely you will be looking at a considerable difference between your '99 and an '01+ C5Z. If it were me, I'd keep what you have for now and save until you can make the jump to a C6Z. Heck of a difference there and worth the upgrade.

skydiven4fun

Keep what you have unless you find a deal you can't pass up, it's too easy to upgrade your current car if its just the performance your after. I have a FRC and I like the hardtop, but I would wait till I was ready for at least a c6 Z if it was me.

Ron C!

The solution is simple. See sig.

zguy

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I really appreciate it.

IMXCITD

that's a tough call. I have a '99 coupe and had an '01 Z and also have an '06 Z. I get in the '99 coupe 9 times out of 10 when going for a spin. My couple is black, lowered, has Fikse FM5's and is an LPE TT...it is kinda stealth, doesn't stand out and i am just very use to it and it is very comfortable. I feel like I can toss it around much more than the C6Z. I do like the the C6Z though..it is very nice..but very pricey. I do have some guilt for having it and it just sits....but i am almost too paranoid to leave it anywhere unattended.

So...for advice for you.....you could keep the coupe and start modding it..but will you be happy/content w it long term? You could sell your coupe and go to a C5Z..that is doable....but would you keep the Z long enough to justify that move? Or....are you really wanting to go the C6Z? The FRC/Z platform use to be very important to me..and still is and i really like them...however...i like my coupe also. it's a tough dilema to figure out. i guess it boils down to what will put a smile on your face and bring enjoyment.

Good luck

jrose7004

Go for the Z!

jdot

If you're a hundred percent sure you're ready to move to another car and if you're a hundred percent sure you can afford it, what's stopping you? Otherwise keep what you've got.

TheoZ

The C5Z has very little sound proofing. It creates the most satisfying mechanical symphony. If you don't like that you may find it uncomfortable. I love it myself. Get some seat time in one and then decide.

bikeriderga

Gave up my C5 coupe for a Z06 and I am more than happy with the Z06.

For one thing, the power. The second thing is the Z06 is tighter and actually rides better. In addition, corners better, is easier to control under extreme driving conditions, etc.

Would I do it over again? Yep!

NukeC5

The way I see it, both are the same damn car. You can do the same mods to the base model that the Z06 guys put on their cars. Any C5 can be made to handle better, be lighter weight, and be more powerful than a base Z06. Both are a 346cid engine and after a heads and cam swap, the LS6 is no longer a better engine. There are so many ways to build a C5 for cheap and with any kind of mechanical ability you can make that base C5 more car than youd ever feel the need to buy again!