JustusG

Hello everyone I'm new to the Corvette scene I've always been a mustang guy but looking to buy a Corvette soon. My question is, is it better to buy a z06 or a base model c5? I've seen base models for much cheaper than the z06 and I love the targa top and convertables that you can't get with the Z06. My main goal in mind is aftermarket performance. I know the Z06 is stronger stock but for $10,000 less for a base model...you get the picture right? Will the Z06 make more power than the base per add on because of the LS6 in the Z? Also, can the base model (or Z06) handle a supercharger without super expensive upgrades? Thanks for your help guys I'd appreciate it.

john8642

I don't believe that there's a $10,000 difference between cars of similar condition. If you plan to track the car, the Z06 has several advantages, including less weight, better tires, shocks, springs, and swaybars, and 50 extra hp. One other thing to remember, the LS6 already has good heads and intake, so there's less bolt ons to buy in your search for hp. My main reason for going with the Z06, was the increased performance was about all I needed, I don't plan to do many ad ons to it. Of course all this is just my newbie opinion after having the car about 4 months. ymmv. Good luck on whichever you decide.
john

Architect

Drive both, then decide. Most people that test drive both opt for the Z. The LS6 will handle the supercharger just fine with the right tune. I added HD valve springs for piece of mind.

JustusG

Thanks for the input. I do see a big gap in prices I'm seeing Z06 for no less than 25 in good condition and I've seen similar ones as a base model for 15-20k. I actually prefer the targa top which is why I asked if the base model can be supercharged without worry. Basically I don't want to go super crazy with it but I'd like about 500rwhp and be able to beat my friends trans am which is pretty much built all around. I don't plan on using it to race in anything but a straight line. To me the extra 50 HP from the Z06 is not a big deal if I was gonna supercharge it and upgrade the engine parts anyway. Can the base models engine handle the power safely as the Z06 can?

95rtturbo

If that is your only goal, then yes, your money would be better spent on a base + mods.

JustusG

Thank you that's what I was thinking

racebum

10k sounds closer to c6 than c5, well, c6 is more like 15k i suppose

there's around 3,000 to 5,000 difference in c5 base vs z06

think mustang gt vs mustang cobra

integra gsr vs integra type r

same deal. based on other cars i would guess the c5z will have the best resale as they age. it was the lowest production of the major models and has the most performance gear.

there are a lot of really nice examples for 20k and you'll have to spend 15-16 to get a decent 01+ coupe

if you get lucky and find a well taken care of one with some mileage on it, paint chips and the like it's not uncommon to see an 01 with 100k sell for 15k or an 02 with 100k sell for 16s

granted the mid teen z's often need a few things. just avoid the buckets that have ran a hard life. lot of former track mules being sold as 20k mile cars when half those miles were on the track. LOT of wear happens in racing conditions

JustusG

Thank you for the info. I'm not really concerned about value with age though. I plan on making much more money by the time I pay this one off. Basically, that extra $5,000 can buy me a nice portion of a supercharger. There's a local shop that is doing a complete a&a supercharger kit, install, and tune for only $6,000 so the sacrificial 50 HP for the 150+ from the supercharger with the money saved will be worth it. Don't you think?

racebum

if you only want to go in a straight line and drive around on drag radials

JustusG

Most of the Zs I'm seeing around MD are 25k+ they look nice but I'm seeing a lot of similar bases for 18-19 that look tempting. Basically at this point, the only think keeping me back is I like to own the top model lol. I guess more of an ego thing Its a shame there's no selection around me.

JustusG

Yes straight line is all I have in mind. I'm not a track person. I just want a 450-500 rwhp vette that i can beat 95% of cars on the road and turns heads when I take it to the beach. That's my only goal for this one.

racebum

for straight line if you're boosting it doesn't matter which one you get

if you get a coupe try and find a z51 suspension model. the adjustable suspension is expensive to replace shocks and the base is too soft for high hp

JustusG

OK thanks for that I will def keep that in mind. Does anyone know the HP threshold for the Z06 or base engines? How high will they go safely?

racebum

that's kind of a trick question based on what fuel you use and how you operate the engine

lot of good examples to base off of and many people have done 500whp

JustusG

OK yeah I can't see myself needing anymore than that. To be honest, I'll probably just do intake, exhaust, and supercharger and that will likely be the end of my performance goals. I want it to be very streetable.

racebum

it will be tame out of boost but you'll be driving around on R comp tires if you want to have any chance at trying to hook at part of 1st gear and good traction in second.

horsepower is worthless without traction so figure in what you will do for tires along with the engine work

amlarson2001

Just buy one that already has the supercharger and save yourself some money. Take the best deal of either a Z or base. I'm sure you can find a Z that has a supercharger for about 6 or 7 grand more than a good base car.

95rtturbo

Agreed. If you are looking to save some money, look for a C5 that is already modded to your liking. Believe it or not, there are plenty of guys that spend a crapton of money on a killer setup (best parts, combination, great tune, etc), only to sell their car a couple thousand miles later, and take a huge hit on the sale of their car. I have never understood that (although in some cases, it could be due to a loss of a job, unforeseen expenses, etc).

There is a greater risk in this, of course.
It helps to have receipts of the build done by a reputable shop.

JustusG

Thank you guys for all the advise! I am going on Sunday to look at a 1998 base with 25,000 miles for $18,400 with a cam, long tube headers, intake, exhaust, ls6 intake manifold, and high flow cats. He claims 505 crank HP and 440 rwhp. Any thoughts on this?

95rtturbo

Make him provide a dyno sheet. That seems high to me (the dyno numbers). I also think 18.4K for a 98 base (even with only 25K miles), is on the high side as well.