taws6

iTrader: (2)

Hi,

Well, the itch is getting stronger, and I'm considering selling my A4 WS6 and buying a manual Z06.

I don't know a whole lot about these cars, so I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know if I get anything wrong in what I 'think' I know about these cars.

The C5 was made in 1997 and has the LS1 with 345 hp.

The C5 Z06 was introduced in 2001, and has the LS6 with 385 hp.

The 2002 Z06 has 405 hp due to cam & exhaust and has slightly uprated suspension.

Is the suspension difference between 01 and 02 much better?

If I go for a 2001 I'd probably just do cam and exhaust.

The roads in my country are narrow and twisty, and I'd be super happy I sold my beloved TA for the better handling of a Z06.

Thanks for the info and advise.
Paul

clint195

iTrader: (5)

No z06 had a removable roof.

taws6

iTrader: (2)

Thanks clint, previous post edited

clint195

iTrader: (5)

No problem. If you plan on modding the 01 and can find one at a more respectable price than an 02+ then i would go that route. Good luck on your choice.

taws6

iTrader: (2)

Cheers for the advise.

06X6spdGTO

iTrader: (6)

01 Z06 are already the lightest year of Z06 produced. You cant get OEM Heads up Display in a 01 Z. I believe the 01Z's had sodium filled valves in their 243 cast heads (attempt to disapate heat). 01 Z had the first year of the 3.42 Hardened Gears but only a 1 Rib diff case.

Oh and newer generation Vettes are a PITA to do self installs for gears. Your better off buying a whole new unit from a vendor with gears installed.

taws6

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the info 06X6spdGTO

I know the 2nd is a matter of opinion, but what do you think on these points?

I'm guessing my other stated knowledge is correct

~JOSHUA

iTrader: (92)

There's a sticky at the top of this section about the differences between '01 & '02+ Zo6s.

Please take time to read, here's the link: https://ls1tech.com/forums/corvette-...ater-z06s.html

taws6

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the link, I have read it before, but I'm unsure how much difference the rear shock valving and bigger sway bar would actually make. Are they a huge improvement, or just a slight one?

Also, approximately how much is modding a 2001 going to cost to make it as fast as a 2002?

Thanks for the advise

~JOSHUA

iTrader: (92)

The rear shocks are different, but the '02+ rear spring is softer compared to the '01.

I've driven probably 500 C5's on the road and well beyond 50 of them were Zo6s.... they all felt the same. Not just the ride, but also the pull through the gears.

I personally own an '01 and it's been a great car although I had the typical C5 issues...

When it comes to modding, the main differences on the '01-'02 was the cam (very minor) and the cats ('01 had 4, -'02 had 2)

If you swap the cam and put headers on the '01 and the '02 you have basically the identical car.

The minor stuff like sodium valves and piston rings you can't feel.

My advice is to find the cleanest car you can find for the money you have to spend... and go from there.

taws6

iTrader: (2)

Hi ~JOSHUA

Thanks for the information. It's great to be able to seek advise from guys like yourself who are so experience with this type of car

I appreciate the advise, and if I can get the 2002 I will, but it will probably be a bit out of my budget.

Thanks again for the advise

TWOBUELLS

Also be aware of the fact that some 01 Corvettes had a problem with using excess oil. I believe it was a piston ring issue. Be sure the the fix was performed on the one you plan to buy.

taws6

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the info TWOBUELLS, I'll keep it in mind

DaytonaFIC6

If you plan on modding it would make more sense going with the '01 as you would probably end up changing the exhaust and cam anyways. The '01 is going to handle really well despite the suspension difference which is really only makes a negligible difference between '01 and '02. Most vettes handle beyond what most owners can push them anyways.

taws6

iTrader: (2)

Perfect clarification, I appreciate all the help.

ctd

iTrader: (1)

If you are looking for improved handling & performance the Z51 is a good option for a non Z06 car. That will provide stiffer springs, sways & shocks, very noticeable handling improvement.

Z51 also has different gear ratio's in the 6spd lower gears which is a noticeable SOTP gain.

Other items such PS & Oil coolers are in the package.

Myself I dislike the Base, F45 & F55 suspension packages due to the Squat & Dive & excessive body roll due to soft springs & sway bars. There are many however who appreciate the softer suspension calibrations.

The 01 & up C5's really started to show the refinement's of previous years

Oil consumption can show up with any of these cars, the PVC system does not handle sustained spirited driving very well. The aftermarket has many options to correct this easily.

As always "best" is what you like!

taws6

iTrader: (2)

Thank for the info ctd, your reply answers many question I was about to ask!

I much prefer the hatch body style coupe, and the Z only came in hardtop.

So I was wondering how involved the differences in suspension are to make a C5 handle like a Z.

So are you saying Chevy made a C5 with a Z51 option that was was as good as the Z06 handling? Was this option standard on all 2001 C5's?

If so, the only real difference between a Z51 optioned C5 and a C5 Z06 is the 60 hp gain and a bit of weight reduction? And this type of power could be gained in a C5 from a cam and header swap?

Wow, it's nice finding out stuff about a car before buying, instead of buying and then finding out about it!!

I would of hated getting a C5, to later find it had squat & Dive & excessive body roll due to soft springs & sway bars compaied to a Z51 option or a Z06. They're the main reasons I want a Vette over my WS6!

Thanks for all the help
Paul

01Z0H6

iTrader: (63)

I love the 01 Z06's... but i am a little partial.

BTW... how many known 01 Z06's are in the UK...? May have to change your sig.

taws6

iTrader: (2)

Hmm, more I think about it, the more I think I should just the Z06

Not sure about Z06's numbers in the UK, but there are I bet, at least 100 C5's, masses of them turn up at shows, and the new mustangs are too.

The LS1 WS6 is a fair bit rarer for some reason, I think because they're difficult to mod to comply with UK road laws, and coz Chevy have a few dealerships and dedicated importers of Vettes......

DaytonaFIC6

Definitely get a Z06 over the Z51 there is a noticeable difference there. The only thing about a Z51 is that you still get the standard coupe with removable top and a better looking rear section. I like the look of the coupe compared to the fixed roof coupe and Z06's. If you are not aware of this difference take a closer look at the two and you will notice it. But the performance differences are worth giving up the cooler looking(IMO) rear hatch of the base coupe.