c5 frc questions
Like others have mentioned, if you plan to upgrade the engine it makes better sense (and cents) to start off with an FRC and the base LS1. A h/c/i LS1 will make the same power as an LS6 with similar h/c/i. I spent an easy $5k purchase price less on my FRC than the bottom end Z06s. I don't road race mine, so the suspension wasn't a deciding factor for me. Another point is that the C5's resale value is sliding pretty badly - especially for the higher priced Z06s. But in the end, buy what you can easily afford and you will be able to enjoy it longer.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
The rule is, if you're going to mod it, don't buy the Z. There's no way a Z with equal money could touch my FRC. I knew this going in and chose to spend wisely.
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Central California
Me to........Last summer a blue 02 Z06 pulled next to me and ask what kind of vette it was I said a FRC.........he looked puzzled.......... Than he got on it ......by the time I shifted out of 2nd gear I had 2 cars on him........when I slow to make a left turn he did not even look at me..... I quess know he knows what a FRC is 
Lots of guys with 100 k miles on them.
12 Second Club
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, Ohio
If you are going to Mod I would opt for the FRC. Parts are getting cheaper by the day in today's economy and a lot of used parts are available also.
If budget is an issue, I am surprised that it has not been mentioned that a FRC will likely cost less in insurance. You will have the same basics as the Z.
If budget is an issue, I am surprised that it has not been mentioned that a FRC will likely cost less in insurance. You will have the same basics as the Z.
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Man-Crush Warning
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 755
Likes: 2
From: abq,nm
My intake exhaust FRC runs faster at the track than stock Z06's in my area. If you plan on modding the car definitely get the FRC, if you want something to keep stock and drive rarely then get a Z06.
All the FRC's I know run stock 13.0's and all the ZO6's I know, stock run very low 12's and one buddy runs 11.90's all stock. So if your FRC with just and intake and exhaust is running low, low 12's I'm impressed....that's like a second off stock.
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: central IL
The FRC's didn't have any ring problems. That problem occurred in 2001 models, so you don't have to worry about that issue.
The biggest issue is check for water leaks. FRC / Hardtop's some times develop water leaks around the windows or the rear tub area.
Throw a lot of water down on it and look for signs of leakage behind the seats and the headliner.
The biggest issue is check for water leaks. FRC / Hardtop's some times develop water leaks around the windows or the rear tub area.
Throw a lot of water down on it and look for signs of leakage behind the seats and the headliner.
Man-Crush Warning
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 755
Likes: 2
From: abq,nm