corvet786c

Wanted to get some opinions on either selling my C5 for something updated or just keep it. It is a Automatic with 3.42 gears forged LS6, Fast 102 Built 4l60E about 500 rwhp. Would I still be able to keep up with C6's or the new C7. Need advise thanks.

Fastbird

Mod for mod with a C6 you'd hang in there, the C7 has an advantage. Sounds like you've got a good based with an already forged motor and a few supporting mods, so your situation is nice because you just need to update peripherals as you pulley up for more boost.

I say stick with the C5. The C6 is more like a C5.5, and the C7 is going to cost you some serious coin to upgrade. I'm guessing the C5 is paid for, which is another big plus.

corvet786c

Just wondering, what kind of advantage does the C7 have? other than electronics. I thought it was heavier?

garline14

I'd say keep the C5. With your list of current mods you already have something to go off of if you want to get more power. The C7 has the technology advantage, better electronics and suspension, will handle better for sure. As far as power goes though, mod for mod id stay with the C5.

Patches

I'm just on the tail end of upgrading my C5 with an A&A kit, drivetrain beef-up (twin-disc, cf drive shaft, Quaife diff, etc.), suspension swap to coilovers, bodypanels, etc. I'm keeping it and using my stock C7 M7 base as my dd. My C5 had a healthy intake/heads/cam/header/4.10 diff setup before I added the s/c and I would say, N/A, it was a bit faster than my C7. Handling-wise, I haven't finished the C5 so can't make that comparison yet but the C5 will have a tough time keeping up with the C7 in that respect. Interior and technology-wise, the C7 has it all over the C5 - styling is a personal choice and different gens are what they are but I do really like the C7 design.

I have the option of keeping both but, if I had to choose - C7.

~Josh

Honestly you're the only one that can answer that question.

Personally I'm most fond of the C5 body style.
C6 only if widebody
Never a C7.

Vetteman Jack

Sounds like you already have the C5 at a nice level. While I would like to have a C7 for the latest in the Corvette world, I'm still happy with my C5 - it's paid for and runs perfectly.

You'll have to make the tough decision on whether upgrading to a C6 or C7 would be right for you.

corvet786c

I know this is an older post but wanted to know if there were any more responses.

zeevette

*advice

You can bet that any more money spent on your C5 is just out the window. But it'll be more cost effective than finding an equivalent car from a performance perspective. If you want to make your C5 more comfortable, there's new seats, and interior mods to personalize. Your car's present setup is ready for lots more HP, if that's on your mind. The C5 is a great platform that's still a head turner. I'd love a new C7, but every time I look at my Z, my brain reminds me how great it really is.

02BlownZ06

The C5 is such an incredible value. to move up to a C6 and it would have to be a Grand Sport or a Z06 will cost you some pretty serious coin and I don't think you gain much if anything in looks, obviously some in performance. I have a Z06 with a Maggie on it that screams that set me back in the mid 20's and it is a mint car. Insurance is only running $179 every 6 months. That's some cheap entertainment and I have a smile on my face I can't get rid of every time I drive it. It's crazy, too, that many people don't have a clue what year your car is and I get asked if my car is new and there is a perception that you must be some rich snob if you own one. Hell, a teenager could dang near own a C5. Sweet ride for the money!

corvet786c

Does a stock C7 have the power of my C5 now? I have not done any research on the new C7 other than minor things.

neutron82

if you turned the boost up I bet it would make your decision easier

zeevette

No, and with your forged motor, you've got lots more on tap just waiting for some more PSI. For instance, I've got 643 RW, with a stock block and no meth.

norcalace

So in a year and a half you've done zero research into a C7's capabilities and you come back here asking the forum to fill you in. Looks like your C5 has been filling the bill. What exactly is it you can't decide on? Asking strangers what they would do in your situation when no one knows what your situation is seems ludicrous to me. Why do you need our advice? Do what makes you happy not us? We'll congratulate you on whatever you decide. I'll check back in a couple years and see if you've made any progress.

corvet786c

Because there are different varables in deciding what would be the best outcome in a situation like this. Gathering strangers opinions and then deciding overall, would help he in the outcome. I have read that the C7 has more horsepower and better technology than a 12 yrs old vehicle, but would this be a reason to trade in my vehicle for this?

corvet786c

Thanks, I might just do this.

bikeriderga

A C5 with 500 RWHP is only going to be outrun by a potentially a C6 Z06, definitely a C6 ZR-1 and a C7 Z06. None of the base coupes would touch it in the 1/4, 1/2 mile.

Handling wise, the same list as above, except you could add the C6/C7 Grandsport, the C7 base, and the C7 Z51. The C6 Z51 might also get the better of you handling wise. That is IF you do not beep up the base C5 suspension.

Personally, if I had a base C5 coupe and I could afford an upgrade to a C7, I would be sitting in a C7. They are simply the best Corvettes ever built, bar none. It is doubtful the base C5s will ever be collectible, only the Z06s, and the specialty C5s (like the 03 anniversary edition) MIGHT some day become collectible.

IMXCITD

to me...the C5 is such a great value and yours just needs a little tweaking to get it where you need it...why not just keep it? I think w a little tuning and a maybe a few additional mods your car could put down more hp/tq and be a lot more fun for you. The C6 is a great platform also....but cost a significant amount to step up and then looking at the C7...that is a serious jump in cash to get there.

Scylla

The C6 Z06 is the king of the hill when it comes to track performance. If you check the track times on any race track, there is generally one or more C6 Z06's in the top 5. The C7 is not an improvement on the C6 Z06, it is much heavier with a weaker engine. The C7 Z06 is MUCH heavier than the C6 Version and so far seems to be a slower car overall. So if you want the fastest corvette ever made, currently that is a C6 Z06, it is more buildable than a C6 ZR1 by far and about as fast stock.

So how does your car compare? It depends, because your tranny is an auto. If you want to stay automatic then the quickest option is definitely a C7 Z06. The newer transmission makes a huge difference and the C7 Z06 makes crazy power out of the box. So realistically, the only cars faster than your current corvette are a C7 Z06 if you're staying auto or a C6 ZR1 or Z06 in you want to go manual. nothing else is going to be faster than what you have.

If your car makes 500rwhp, you're at the point where tires and your transmission are your performance limitation. There are certain things you cannot do with an automatic, but the C7 automatics with paddle shifters are faster than a manual in a straight line and useable on track. So my honest opinion, if money is no limit, and you do not want to go manual, is you would be happiest in a C7 Grand Sport or Z06 with the paddleshift automatic tranny. That would probably be your ideal choice of the current corvettes out there if you want an auto.

Now having said all that, aesthetics count for a lot, and the C5 Coupe has the best aerodynamics and therefor theoretical top speed of any Corvette period. So a theoretical insanely overbuilt C5 can compete with pretty much anything too!

Chicago1

Why do you have a built motor and not running more power through it? Most run mid to high 500 on stock block?