11B250

Hey everyone,

New here, but I wanted to ask some opinions on Going from my '03 C5 Z06 to a LS3 engine C6 ('08 maybe?) I love my car and it's in great condition, but I think with the C7s coming out, the cost of C6s are starting to go down and I wouldn't mind the upgrade.

I was big into performance, but at this point in my life, both the C6 and the C5 Z06 deliver (and the C7 lol)

I looked at a '08 C6 with the LS3 today and I really liked it. I feel like it will be a nice upgrade for about 3-4 years then I get a used C7.

What are your thoughts? time to upgrade to a LS3 C6 for me?

how about performance? how do they compare?

I have a tune, corsa catback, LG longtubes and Vr intake. RWHP was 380ish

here is a picture of her. she's a good girl! about 90K miles now, but runs great! I might put it up for sale very soon on here once I decide. What can I get for it you guys think? KBB says about 17K

I still lover this car, which is why I'm having a tough time letting go. still look at it everytime I park

OnPoint

Nice looking C5Z. I've always liked those cars, and yours looks very nice.

As for performance, they'll be close - especially if you put headers and tune on the C6. The C6 will have a better ride, and maybe a touch quieter. Try to find one that the targa top is quiet (that's an issue on some C6s, fixable, but with you coming from a fixed roof coupe something you didn't have to deal with on yours).

z edge

that's a nice looking C5

I had a C5 coupe and loved it, my first vette, you never forget your first. I love my C6 coupe much more though. The LS3 is light years better than the LS1 was. I cant speak to the Z06 though, never owned one. I suspect they are very close but I give the edge in looks to the C6.

Best of luck in what you decide

JerriVette

I had a red c5 z06 and now have a black z51 2008 c6...

DONT DO IT!

I dig my c6 manual with npp z51 with the LS3 but I'm telling you not a day doesn't go by that I don't miss my z06..

Seriously keep what you have if it's running well which is why I went with my third new corvette c6....

JMO

meadowz06

The LS3 is a great motor, but the C5 Z06 is just such a great performance car! And the LS6 is a monster with the low weight of the car. I drive a LS2 C6 and while it is a great car, it just does not have that raw feeling of the Z06. If you want a more luxurious Corvette, go for the C6. I had 2 C5 Z06's, and they are simply fantastic.

11B250

Jeez guys. thanks for the words of wisdom. Not what I was expecting to hear

I'm coming to a point where I don't drive the Z06 like I used to (or the way it's meant to be) and sometimes it's a hassle because the ride isn't as smooth as I'd like it to be. Perhaps that's why I started looking at the C6 LS3s...

I might still put it up and try to get some feelers for it and see what happens. It needs couple things fixed right now (HUD slewed down, front mesh missing etc) and a nice professional cleaning (inside & out) perhaps I will spend a couple grand on her and fall in love all over again

USA1 427

I went from an 02 Z06 to the 427 and never looked back. Go for one of them if you can.

11B250

Gotta find one around ~35000. that's the limit...

Going from a C5Z to a C6 is an upgrade, but not really. lol

ProfessorDeath

I agree with this, but it may not be in his budget.

ClipperFan

you might want to keep that one for a while, fix it exactly like u want it, u know a LS3 will cost near 30k, don't know if u daily drive it or not but maybe u wanna get something else and keep the C5Z and it will feel more special driving it 2-3 days a week plus weekends, good luck

DJackman

How about going from a C5Z to a C6Z ? Plenty of 06s and 07s out there in the 40K range if u want to stretch ur budget a bit. Thats what i wud do if I was in your shoes.

Ten-Zing

I still wish they would have made a C6 Z06 with the same rear style as the C5 Z06. Or maybe even stolen a little bit from the 1972 C3 Stingray flat window look a little bit.

ProfessorDeath

I feel the opposite. I hated the big butt of the C5Z's, they look weird.

bpGx

Go for C6

LFZ

Not a performance upgrade at all, but just getting an updated car if going to a base C6. I wouldn't do it...unless you're going to a C6 Z06 or C7...then it wouldn't be worth it. You have a very nice car...love those C5Zs. Great performers!

roscoe118

Dem's words!!! . I've come to love the looks of that "big butt"... Actually, I think Ten-Zing was referring to the rear window. The Coupe vs. Notch (C5 Z06) back look.

OP, it really comes down to the way you use the car. If, as you say, you no longer drive it "like you stole it", then perhaps it is time to move to the more "refined" ride of the C6. I drive a C5 Coupe, that I put a C5 Z06 suspension under, and my wife drives an '08 Coupe. I can say with certainty that the ride is much more comfortable in the C6. And, with intake, headers, and a tune it is much faster (LS3) than my C5 with the same mods. Yours will be less noticable as my C5 is at 350RWHP, and yours is much closer to our LS3 (A6) with 400RWHP. You really can't go wrong with either car, but I love the more "raw sports car" feel of my C5. Just my preference.

Why not put out a "feeler" to try and get a top $$$ amount for your Z06. That way if you sell it you will still feel good about it.

Best of luck with your "tough" decision...

KABAL182

I had a 2004 Z06. i think you're throwing away money on a base C6. Like others have said its in the 30 range to get a LS3,and they are still deprecating at a greater rate than your Z06. Pricing on your car is pretty stable and close to bottom. In 3 years you will be in the same boat ,when the money you used to upgrade to LS3 will be lost on deprecation. Keep you car put the money in CD's and save towards a C7 if you dont Hate it They will discounted in 2 years time, they are already 1k to 2k off msrp right now.

johan gouws

I am starting to like the older ones more and more. As you say, it's more about the look. Your C5 looks great. I'll keep it!

11B250

My wife and I decided we will get the C7 in about 2-3 years when the bugs are worked out and the price settles to something normal. (and maybe some good deals on used ones) by then, I will have paid off the Z06 (still owe 7 on it) and all the money from it will go to the C7. The C6 is supposed to be a 'in between' car.

That's a possbility. price it on the higher scale based off KBVV, and someone does love it, they will pay for it. If not, I won't be upset at all. If someone pays top dollar, I can get a C6 Z06 as well.

TLS_Addict

And why are the LS3 cars depreciating faster than his? Ding ding ding...because it is newer. All Vettes depreciate the fastest when new and then level out. Its not like say a new piece of equipment that in 10 years is worth just a residual value. lol The LS3 will level out as well, they will only go so low.