hippie68

I started doing track events and autocrossing about 4 months ago. I have a stock C6 (without Z51) and from what I've seen and heard, it seems the C5 Z06 is a better track car. I had mildly entertained the idea of getting the C5Z, but what happened to me at the track this weekend has almost made it a sure thing.

I have an A4 and the automatic REALLY misbehaves at the track. It doesn't shift when it should and shifts sometimes when it shouldn't. So getting a car with a manual seems to be the smart thing to do. I also happen to like the look of the C5 more.

The only downside I can see is that the C6 is nicer inside and is probably more comfortable on the street. Making the switch to the C5Z would kinda feel like taking a step backwards.

What are your thoughts?

WNeal

I track my C6 all the time and love the car but have to say that the C-5 Z06 is probably the baddest looking Corvette ever made

AU N EGL

The C6 as you mentioned is nicer inside and is probably more comfortable on the street and long distance drives.

The C5Z is pure grunt.

Nuff said.

Get the Z and get going

MBDowney

I started out in a 2000 Coupe, Z51, 6 spd a couple of years ago... once my mod wish list said:

Z06 shocks
Z06 sway bars
Z06 wheels and tires

I finally admitted to myself... yeah, I want a Z06. Sold the 2000 coupe and got a 2002 C5 Z06. The first time I had the Z out on track I was giggling like a little kid (no kidding) at the difference between the two. It was every bit as good as my coupe... just *MORE* in every department.

Economics are in favor of the C5 Z as well... bang for buck, right now (and the forseeable future), you can't beat it. A TON of aftermarket parts are out there for the C5's too. The C6 market is getting there, but the C5 aftermarket offerings are THERE NOW.

Plus with the LS3 around the corner, the C5Z's are going to become that much more... ahem, "affordable"

And the $$$ saved from the C6 to C5Z switch can buy you quite a bit of seat time. And as I've learned over the years, seat time is the best mod you can invest in hand down.

My $0.02


MBDowney

freefall

What I'm thinking...LS3 crate motor!

StArrow68

What I drive is a C5, Z51 with Z06 size wheels and tires. I've been
along in the right seat of lots of C6's and driven both the C5Z and C6,
Z51 at Pahrump. If you aren't too tall, so missing the telescoping
Steering Wheel won't be an issue, then the C5Z is the best of the bunch
for the track. Even if you keep it stock it passes most anything on
track and with mods it can truly be world class.
The trade off is if you use the car for weekend touring as well. I've
known several folks who had C5Zs and coupes and they would always
take the coupe when traveling. It just isn't as comfortable a ride for
long distance. Enjoy whatever you end up with.
Randy

63Corvette

I use my C5 Z06 EVERY single day, summer and winter, rain.......or even snow, IF I get caught out in it. Buy one. You'll never look back!

0Randy@DRM

I love the C5 Z cars!

Randy

varkwso

Randy - never owned a C5 Coupe but I have taken my ZO6 on 4 Hot Rod Power Tours and several other long trips. Compared to the 1967 Big Block Coupe, 308 GTB, 911(s), Z28s and other cars I have(or had) it is much better...my wifes GTO is a little better as a interstate cruiser though.

I would hop in it for a cross country drive at any time.

I would take a C5Z over any automatic C5 or C6 coupe (but I am a manual snob I guess....) for track duty.

wtknght1

Well my friend, you are in luck. I just happen to be selling my T1 C5 Z06.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1754001

StArrow68

Jeff, I agree about the manual. I have only been in my 6sp twice when
I wished it didn't require shifting, both over 2 hrs in mostly stop and
hardly go traffic. Any C5 or C6 on long road trips seems to be what
we all need more of. From here, weekend trips out to Yosemite in the
early AM with mostly empty roads are just plain fun. Just enough stuff
on the road to have passing targets when you get to the two lane
sections.

My input about the coupe over Z06 was from two locals who had both
cars and they both agreed that the Z wasn't as comfortable as the
coupe on long trips. I assume that applies to the vert, but it's hard to
beat the travel space available in a C5 coupe.
Randy

95jersey

Wish I never sold mine, and I have a C6Z06! I often told the guy who bought my car, I would buy it back a the same price I sold it to him.

AU N EGL

Have one of each

MattW_VA

Hey mang, what's wrong with C6s?!?

Actually, if I had to do it again, I would probably grab a C5 FRC...

TedDBere

Why?

BTW, I love my Z16 Z06!

95jersey

It was very fast and built perfectly for HPDE. It was fairly reliable and most importantly paid off and CHEAP to run. I didn't have to worry about every little ding and chip mark.

The C6Z06 is probably the greatest car I will ever drive. It is amazing in every aspect, but the costs to run the car are just beyond what I feel are worth the effort sometimes. I will probably keep the car for another season and make a decision at that point.

I may just sell the car and buy a late model T1 car with the money left over. I am torn...

xsiveone

Whatever you get, you have to dump that auto. I think that's your big problem. That's what I hate about autos. They have a mind of their own and you often end up in the wrong gear at the wrong time far too often for my tastes.