mk56fishing

have always had older vettes but now looking for a z06.would be happy with a 2003, or are the newer ones(2008) worth the extra 20k.what would be the big diferences? besides the extra 100hp-thanks mike

Corvette_Ed

The biggest difference is that a 2003 and a 2008 are two different models with different engines, interiors, and body styles. '03 is a C5 and '08 is a C6.

Black 02

I prefer the looks of the C5 but the running gear in the 08+ cars is worth it as you'd easily spend $20k upgrading a C5 to similar specs.

SoDiezl350

The biggest difference is the earlier models have bulletproof engines whereas the later ones are ticking time bombs.

I'd recommend a Grand Sport wholeheartedly though.

Black 02

I agree the Grand Sport is a good choice.

ANY LS7 powered car should have the heads done IMMEDIATELY upon taking delivery or you are rolling the dice.

dbgoodwin

Agree with that. The problem is that if you like the looks of the c5 more, a grand sport doesn't offer THAT much more performance for the money. Honestly boltons and a tune with some suspension work will make a c5z perform like a grand sport.

Maxx_Z06

What he said!

bikeriderga

I like the looks of the C6 Grand Sport, but if performance is the issue, as others have said a Grand Sport and a C5 Z06 is a wash. The C5Z06 is lighter weight which will turn in similar quarter mile times and likewise track time.

To exceed the performance of the C6 Z06 with a C5 Z06 for less money, bolt on a Eldebrock Super Charger, which uses a roots blower setup. That would be < 10K with the Ligenfelter C6 conversion kit, dyno tune, and installation. You should be at about 550 RWP with this setup on 5-6 lbs boost. The difference between the roots and a centrifical kit is that the roots kit will provide boost from off idle. This is important to get into the power band at lower RPMs. The downside is that since it is providing boost off idle, gas mileage will suffer (you need more fuel on delivery). The centrifical SC freewheels until above 3,000 RPMs before any boost is applied. Does not make much difference in a track type scenario, but would in a drag race.

SoDiezl350

Maybe in terms of horsepower and acceleration but the GS outperforms a C5Z in quite a few other departments. The steering on the newer cars is a lot better, the 6060 transmission is a lot smoother than the T56, and the widebody allows you to run much wider rubber. The tech in the newer C6s is just a whole generation newer than the C5s.

Not knocking the C5Z but modding a car is like throwing money into the toilet. Hell I've spent a lot on my own C5 to make it the way I want it to be but I'm also aware that the 10k I put into it in mods will never add anything to the resale and did nothing to make the car more modern like a C6. Then again I wasn't cross shopping C6Z06s at the time either.

Vetteman Jack

But for as much as $20K+ difference, the C5 Z06 (2002-2004) is one heck of a bargain.

dbgoodwin

Modding cars is totally a waste of money from a monetary investment standpoint, but my modded z makes me as excited as a 12 year old who just saw his first boob. And that's worth every penny I've invested!

JrRifleCoach

A way with words he has....

dbgoodwin

Figured that one would stir up a laugh or two!

RC000E

Hard to beat a C5Z in value. It's the performance bargain of all time. The cars stats are valid by todays standards...12yrs later. Unless you MUST have the look of a C6, I see no reason to own one. The 20k difference isn't justified imo.

rochoa21

Make sure it does not have aftermarket radio, Im going through all kinds of problems as the previous owner had a aftermarket radio installed and they hacked up all my wiring. Car has been out of service for 5 weeks.

momo20

I have both a 03 Z06 that I have my self installed a ECS supercharger system and an 2008 Z06 bought with 12k on her and so far she just hit 18k in less then in a year of ownership, not one single issue with the 08z, the whole valve drop issue is pretty small % number so I would not let that deter you from getting a C6Z..

as for the C5 Z06 I did not buy the car for an investment because that is foolish, and everything I have done to it which by now is a lot and I am still not done I know I will not get anything extra out of that, no big deal, I do it because I enjoy modding my car VETTE ! and making it different and unique then every other VETTE out there!
here are pics of my 2003 Z06


and the 08z and my 03z

neutron82

I say go with what you can afford at the time... when I was shopping the c6z was out of reach so I went with a nice c5z... got a promotion and paid that off in 2 years and have since put enough mods on top of the price of the car to buy a nice c6z BUT I will walk away from most of the cars I run into on the street and to someone like me that's more... stock for stock I'd rather have a c6z but where I am now I don't think I would trade mine for a bone stock c6z

TXGS507

MOMO MOMO more.... pics of the C5Z w ghost flames.....

I too prefer the C5Z, but then again I am partial. If I were to add a C6 to the stable an LS3 based (forged) GS would be my second choice. Unless I could steal an AO C6Z....

Toque

You speak the truth....

Toque

Paul 75 L82

I want flames.