Highpower500

If so, why? I love my 2003 Z06, but if the prices on C6 Zs drop in the next couple of years, it might be tempting to make a move. Any reason not to?

LSX_NUT

i'd rather have a C6Z06 over a C5Z06 any day of the week.

However, one thing that scares me is the questionable reliability of the LS7 motor. Take a look at the C6Z06 section and you are bound to see a bunch of threads of LS7's dropping valves.

Maxx_Z06

I've seen a few threads about people coming back to a C5 from a C6.
I don't blame them

mph1972

I would also like the C6Z. The valve issue is not as big of a concern as the (the LS6 had spring issues), it is the maintenance. Brakes and tires are pricier and to be honest, I just love the look of my C5Z too much to rid of it. Is what it is I guess. I'm not saying I'm not concerned about the valve issues the LS7 has been having, just not letting it deter me as much as the maintenance costs would.

Maxx_Z06

I had the valve issue on my LS7 taken care with stainless steel valves,bronze guides, and milled for just under 1k. Not a bad price at all for peace of mind.

dangerz

I've heard of people doing it, but it's usually from c6non-z06 back to c5z. I don't think I've heard anyone going from c6z to c5z. I like the looks of the c5z a bit more, but the performance and updates of the c6z would be awesome. In an ideal world, I could have both

LSX_NUT

So that is the definite fix for the LS7? A nice setup H/C/I LS7 is reliable once the heads are taken care of with new valves,guides, etc?

Bonnetts02Vette

I had a 2008 Z06 and the cost of everything for it is substantially more than a C5, but my girlfriend has a son so I got out of the Z06 and into an 05 E55 AMG since it was 4-door. He never rode in it and the maintenance on that rivals any and all supercars ($800 spark plug changes, 16 spark plugs and a special tool needed and a pain in the ***) and I got the Corvette itch again, so I got into my 03 Z06.

So yes in a way I went from C5 (02 Coupe) to C6 (08 Z06) and back to C5 (03 Z06).

I love my C5Z but man I miss the LS7. The response and sound of that engine was absolutely insane. the valve issue really scared me and was one of the contributing factors in getting rid of it. My C5Z is a late 03 so I really don't have to worry about the spring issues.

The C6Z is a way way more refined car and is just stupid fast but it doesn't feel as raw of a car as the C5Z. It's easy to feel and take the C5Z to its limits and a little beyond and the lightweight of the C5Z helps a ton.

I've always had a place for C5's and the bodylines on the C5Z are simply the best in the Corvette world.

Cheesecake 07

I sold my 07 c6z last year and bought an 04 c5z two days ago. The c6z was an animal. Absolutely ripped(Intake, tune. LT's). Its a better car for sure, no doubt about it, in just about every damn way you shake it. I'd like to have another one of these days. Amazing car.

Im not a rich dude...the fact that my factory valvetrain may or may have not been chewing itself up was in the back of my head. The fact I may have been on the hook for my $45k car and a $17k motor($62k total), really pee'd in my cheerios on occasion.

IMO...thats where a C5Z starts closing the gap. Spirited driving around back country roads for kicks, the performance gap isn't $20k+ worth if you ask me. Add in the fact that the LS6 is damn near bulletproof...

The C5z may be a few mph slower to the next corner, a couple .0xx g's short on the HUD and not look quite as good doing it...but for a poor guy who drives for fun and not competition, I really dont see how it gets much better than my $20k c5z...performance for dollar.

Just me, not starting a pissing contest. Both are great cars. C5z works better for me as of now.

bladex10

Considering you can find a decent 70-90k mile C5Z06 for $15-16k right now, It really cant be beat.

JeremyGSU

I have not owned a C6 Z but have seen guys go back to the C5 Z after owning one. A few guys did it for cost reasons because they tracked them and the C5 is much cheaper on maintenance.

In regards to the valve issue, yes the C5 Z had the spring issues but there is a known fix for that. The thing about the C6 Z is no one really knows exactly "what" the fix is. Yes, you can get bronze guides, different rockers, etc. But in all the threads I've read there isn't any proof that this is 100% of the fix for the guide problems. If I'm not mistaken, LG or Katech had mentioned that they still found wear after someone had used those after awhile. If it were a known fix there would be a sticky but there is thread after thread of "what is the fix?" and the answer is always all over the board. They may "reduce" wear but I have not seen one thread that says "THIS IS THE FIX". And I still see threads of grenade motors all the time. Now, in some fairness to the C6 Z it's been in production twice as long as the C5 Z was. So you're going to see more failures, etc. But again, to my knowledge there is no known fix versus the C5 Z's there is. Big difference IMO.

Having said that, I've driven a C6 Z and love it. It's more refined, has more power, and I think looks way better. However, like the guy above mentioned I'm not sure it is worth $20k over a C5 Z. I track mine and I simply couldn't afford the C6 Z with all the tires and brakes I go through. Not to mention if something breaks. And honestly, at the DE level I've seen very little difference between the C6 Z and the C5 Z. Usually, the only time one passes me is if it's making gobs of power over stock.

At the end of the day, if I could afford a C6 Z I would get one but I would be like others worrying about the motor. Hopefully prices will come down on them in the coming years so I can get my hands on one. Until then I'll stick with my '04 Z.

dklowrider

I went backwards. 02 vert-07 coupe non Z51-08 vert Z51-02 Z06. Not a financial decision, but as a lot have said the C6 is 'refined'. I don't know what percentage are complimenting or complaining, but imo they 'refined' the sports car/hot rod feel right out of the car. Maybe they have a lot of people saying they'd buy a Vette if it rode nicer or something. Not my bag. I figured if I was going back I'd go full on and get into a Z. Now THAT'S the feeling I need.

MY03C5Z

I've also seen a few posts of guys going from a c6z to a c5z, most of the time it was for $$$ reasons. I would love a c6z but honestly the high cost of a replacement motor is scary to me. I can not even imagine telling my wife that the motor blew and will be $15-20k for a new one That would not end well. Now <$5k for an ls6 or used ls2/3? ....that would be doable. Plus I fixed the one major design flaw already (springs) for under $200 myself so Im not even worried about that happening in the near future. I honestly love the looks of the c5z, I think its the best looking model since the early c3 years. Its such an incredible performer for the money, it really cant be beat for performance in its price range. I couldnt be happier with it

TWOBUELLS

I went from this :


To this :


Simply because I worried about the built motor too much ,plus the 4:10 rear was not travel friendly. Had my fun with it for 3 yrs and 32000 miles and sold it. Took awhile to get over it , but for the moment i'm happy with my C5Z. Always loved the C5 and ended up with one of my favorites....

PeteZ06

The LS7 valve issue is no big deal... people are making more out of it than it is.. just get your valves and guides swapped out and youre gold.

ScalaRRthu

I've had a C5Z, C6 Z51 and a C6Z and have loved each one differently. The reason I'm wanting to get back into a C5Z is b/c it is more raw of a car. The C6's are quite a bit more refined...which is not a bad thing, just not what I'm looking for in a "fun" car at this point (that's what my other car is for).

Robbo

I agree with this above. Can only speak from having an 05 Z51 C6 coupe (can't comment on a C6 Z). Going from that, and moving back to an 04Z, I'm happy. I like the more "raw" feel and when I had the C6 and I would ride in my buddy's C5 I would wonder why I paid the premium over it...

jbs02somws6

Great thread. I went from a bolt-on c5z to a stock 09 z. And I had them both for a few months. The c5z was more fun at the limit through the mountains here in socal. Always felt like I was near the edge when turning . The c6 would go just as fast but you can do it with a coffee in one hand and two fingers on the wheel from the other. But one area the c6 owns the c5 in is highway runs. No comparison. Both cars had Michelin ss tires btw.

I do like the c6 interior much better and the exterior is slightly better, but I have always regretted selling the c5 some. Although aftet driving the c5z right after the c6z, I always wondered if the engine was broken because of the big difference in part throttle tq.

Joe_A

I got a C5Z because it was more refined depends on your point of reference. I came from an 84 911 Manual Brakes, No ABS, No Power Steering, Weak Air condition. I still have and Love the 911 but can not compare to the Comfort and PERFORMANCE of the C5Z

VenomInside

I would love to have a C6Z but I love not having a car payment compared to having one. Also, I still LOVE my Z.