04 c5z06 or 05 c6
IMO the newer body style is hands down better looking.....however the 05 specifically has a weak diff case if you plan on doing a lot of racing at the track you should be weary of that. C5 Z's are quick but the small increase in displacement of the C6 goes with the old saying..........no replacement for displacement!
I think you can't go wrong with either car. I would highly suggest getting out and driving both for a couple hours if possible..friend, dealer, etc to help make your choice.
I had an 02 C5 Z06 which I loved and should have never sold. I had a SI007 cam, SW LT's w/ ORX, stock Ti's, Black wing, Ls7 clutch, 3.90 gear and went 11.2 @ 122.
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I would personally take a C5 Z06 if I could not afford a C6 Z06, but that's just me.
I had an 02 C5 Z06 which I loved and should have never sold. I had a SI007 cam, SW LT's w/ ORX, stock Ti's, Black wing, Ls7 clutch, 3.90 gear and went 11.2 @ 122.
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[/IMG]I would personally take a C5 Z06 if I could not afford a C6 Z06, but that's just me.
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IMHO it all depends on what your plans are with the car. I think chevrolet screwed up by not changing up the body style in the C6 style to differentiate between the ZO6 and the standard C6, like they did with the C5.
I agree that you need to drive both before you make a decesion. They are two totally different cars. The C6 is more refined and the C5 ZO6 is more of a brute. The C5 ZO6 is lighter and IMHO a better overall car, especially the '04 model.
If your looking to impress the chicks then maybe the C6 but if your looking for the best overall performance then the C5 ZO6 is hard to beat.
And I disagree about the cubic inch statement made in an earlier post.
Thanks...
I agree that you need to drive both before you make a decesion. They are two totally different cars. The C6 is more refined and the C5 ZO6 is more of a brute. The C5 ZO6 is lighter and IMHO a better overall car, especially the '04 model.
If your looking to impress the chicks then maybe the C6 but if your looking for the best overall performance then the C5 ZO6 is hard to beat.
And I disagree about the cubic inch statement made in an earlier post.
Thanks...
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C6ZR1>C6Z06>C5Z>C6(06+)>C5>C6(05)
That's about how it goes...
People mention the 2005's weak diff, but what they don't mention is the seriously bad electrical issues. And there are a lot of them including tuning, throttle body actuator, active handling (although there is a recall for that), and some misc other issues.
I'd stick with the 04Z. It's got the better shocks over the other C5Zs and IMHO looks a lot better than any base C6.
One thing to remember about the C6s vs the C5s is the feel of the road. If you want a touring car and you don't care at all about performance, get the C6. If you want to DRIVE your car, get the C5Z... You don't have to believe me now, but if you go test drive both, you'll see EXACTLY what I mean.
That's about how it goes...
People mention the 2005's weak diff, but what they don't mention is the seriously bad electrical issues. And there are a lot of them including tuning, throttle body actuator, active handling (although there is a recall for that), and some misc other issues.
I'd stick with the 04Z. It's got the better shocks over the other C5Zs and IMHO looks a lot better than any base C6.
One thing to remember about the C6s vs the C5s is the feel of the road. If you want a touring car and you don't care at all about performance, get the C6. If you want to DRIVE your car, get the C5Z... You don't have to believe me now, but if you go test drive both, you'll see EXACTLY what I mean.
NO! Not in the slightest. The LS6 is under-rated. The LS2 is not.
LS6s make between 360-380RWHP depending on the dyno.
LS2s make between 340-350RWHP depending on the dyno.
The torque is usually the same.
Remember that the LS2's cam is less aggressive than the 01 LS6 cam which was also under-rated at 385BHP and made 340RWHP. All LS6s were under-rated about 20BHP.
Also, the C6 Z51 suspension is close to the C5Z's suspension as far as handling performance. The C5Z's handling performance is only slightly better, but from what I've been told it's a hardly noticeable difference. Based on the fact that the C5Z is 200Lbs lighter than the LS2 C6, I'd say that would be where the main performance difference in handling is.
Many of the electronics that didn't have issues in the C6 were the same ones that came from the C5. Not upgraded version that later made it to the 06+ C6. So you're basically getting a heavier Corvette with no door handles and still more weight.
Stock for the stock, the C5Z hands the LS2 cars their *** in every performance aspect.
LS6s make between 360-380RWHP depending on the dyno.
LS2s make between 340-350RWHP depending on the dyno.
The torque is usually the same.
Remember that the LS2's cam is less aggressive than the 01 LS6 cam which was also under-rated at 385BHP and made 340RWHP. All LS6s were under-rated about 20BHP.
Also, the C6 Z51 suspension is close to the C5Z's suspension as far as handling performance. The C5Z's handling performance is only slightly better, but from what I've been told it's a hardly noticeable difference. Based on the fact that the C5Z is 200Lbs lighter than the LS2 C6, I'd say that would be where the main performance difference in handling is.
Many of the electronics that didn't have issues in the C6 were the same ones that came from the C5. Not upgraded version that later made it to the 06+ C6. So you're basically getting a heavier Corvette with no door handles and still more weight.
Stock for the stock, the C5Z hands the LS2 cars their *** in every performance aspect.
C5Z vs. C6 My advise would be to drive both. My '07 is plenty fast for driving around town and the interior is nicer. The '00 is waiting for a new ERL 454, so I can't compare it with a stock car.
You can't go wrong with either.
Bob K.
I would never buy a c5 now, ever since I drove a c6. And I've known and driven a c5 since 98, not mine, it's my uncles who bought it new in 98. I built the engine and hotparts for it.the car is very fast and looks awesome with it's bbs wheels. Gets alot of looks and compliments everywhere. Handles,rides great overall.interior feels more cramped to me than c6. The c6 I drove was an 07. And feels like a completely diff car and even with less Hp than Thr c5 I'm use to. Ever since I drove the c6 my ta is up for sale and all the race parts I had for it. Overnight I changed my plans to sell my ta build for purchase of a stock c6.
I would take a C5 Z06 hands down over the 05 C6. The C5 Z feels much more like a sports car. I would drive both.
And dealers will let you test drive them as long as you show you are serious. Possibly arrange financing before going into the dealer.
And dealers will let you test drive them as long as you show you are serious. Possibly arrange financing before going into the dealer.
Secondly, the LS6 is in the Z06, not the LS1.
The LS2 has slightly more potential than the LS6 based on displacement. However, the LS6 makes more power with bolt-ons than the LS2. If you decide to do heads/cam, the LS2 would be better.
First, are you considering a manual C6 ?? Because the C5 ZO6 only comes in a manual. The C5 ZO6 tranny is superior to the C6 manual in stregth and gearing except for the Z51 package. If you are comparing manual cars then the rear diff is a 3.42 in both. If your considering an auto C6 then you will be stuck with 2.73 or 3.15's 
.
Take some time and compare performance stats between the two. Nürburgring lap times, quater mile times, willow, ect....the list goes on and on. C6 will get rolled in any performanced based tests. Although you may win some points at the local Starbucks in the C6
.
Again, I disagree that the LS2 has any performance advantage over the LS6. Show me a combo where 18 cubes made the difference ??? Most people would never tell a difference in the cubes, especally after some bolt-ons.
Lastly, you really havent said what your goals or ideas are with the car. Road race, drag race, waxer ??
. Take some time and compare performance stats between the two. Nürburgring lap times, quater mile times, willow, ect....the list goes on and on. C6 will get rolled in any performanced based tests. Although you may win some points at the local Starbucks in the C6
. Again, I disagree that the LS2 has any performance advantage over the LS6. Show me a combo where 18 cubes made the difference ??? Most people would never tell a difference in the cubes, especally after some bolt-ons.
Lastly, you really havent said what your goals or ideas are with the car. Road race, drag race, waxer ??
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 137
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From: Maryland
Like it was said by most, you really can't go wrong with either. For me, I would choose the 04 C5 Z06. That is my preferable body style. I myself own a '99 C5 FRC which is undergoing a full H/C/I/E + suspension and everything so it will be a blast to drive. In my opinion a C6 Z51 will be most comparable to an 04 C5Z but I would still go for the Z06 in all respects. It really all comes down to personal preference. Good luck man! Just remember... either decision is a good one! 
