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get a c5Z or not?

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Old Mar 27, 2009 | 07:54 PM
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Talking get a c5Z or not?

Well guys, im looking for some input on whether on not i should invest in a c5 z06 or not. If I do invest it will be at the end of the summer. But when i get it, I want either a red or silver one. im just not to fond upon the way other colors looks on the car. Also, if i buy one, it will be a low mile car. nothing over 50k miles. So what im really asking is, What are the pro's and con's of the 01-04 z06's? what are some of the common problems they have? This isnt going to be a DD. I do plan on doing full bolt-ons and possible a cam down the road. Keep in mind that this is a few months away so i will have plenty of time to think about the investment. If i decide to keep my Trans AM, then im just going to do the normal H/C/I and stuff. So you guys just let me know what you think on this situation. Get the C5Z or stick with the T/A. And thanks in advance for all the help.
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Old Mar 27, 2009 | 09:13 PM
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Just sold my SS, getting a '02-'04 ZO6. Drive one, and you'll want one....
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 12:55 PM
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Sold my cammed '99 T/A for an electron blue '02 Z06 and I have ZERO regrets! One common problem with the C5's is the column lock mechanism. Simple bypass that you can easily install yourself for like $100 or so and it's taken care of. Another common problem is the stock X-pipe has a weird "jingling" sound on decel with your foot off the gas. Aftermarket X-pipe and it's taken care of too.

Forgot to mention - the '01 Z's had some piston ring issues (not all of them) but it led to higher oil consumption. Best bet is to just go for an '02+ not to mention the marginally higher power anyways. Of course that won't matter once you cam it. Lastly the early years had some valve spring breaking issues as well (not many but some on here did).
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 01:52 PM
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I haven't driven a C5 or C6 but I just put a deposit on a C6, and I think it's just going to blow my mind.

Granted, I still have my WS6, but it's turning into a drag car...

Go for it, just don't loose your *** on your car if you sell it.
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 03:19 PM
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thanks guys...any other reasons you guys have to peer pressure me into buying one lol
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 05:12 PM
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I had one, they are absolutely INTOXICATING to drive. The handling they posess on an absolutely stock car is indescribable. You really just have to drive one. Prices have come way down, and if you can find an '02+ car for a decent price I would jump on it, you definitely won't regret it.
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 05:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Red99TA
One common problem with the C5's is the column lock mechanism. Simple bypass that you can easily install yourself for like $100 or so and it's taken care of.
Or take it to a dealer and have it done for free. The GM fix was updated for the M6 cars now has well accorinding to CF. That's what I plan on doing.
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 06:14 PM
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Go for a 2002 or newer so you get 405 hp. When you start modding just keep in mind your true intent or purpose for the car. Are you going to drag race or drive on the street ?? I say this because I would think long and hard about the cam you go with. Pick something that makes great lowend power and still works up top. Don't get a cam that only performs up top or it will be a dog on the street. If you were picking up an FRC I'd say do full boltons and afr 205 heads. Leave the stock cam in there and enjoy zero maintenance and still make around 400 rwhp. JMO from my experiences modding and wasting cash that I'll probably never get back. LOL, but what fun is money if you don't spend it right ??
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