Corvette Performance
C5 | Z06 | C6 | ZR1 | C7

Buy a 2005 c6...yes or no?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 02:26 PM
  #1  
highheat99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Tx
Default Buy a 2005 c6...yes or no?

Im wanting to grab a 2005 c6 with around 50-75,000 miles. Ive found some for pretty good prices. I keep hearing dont get a 2005 and then i hear to get it. For those of yall out there with 05's can i get ya'lls opinions. Issues yall have or had? Hp numbers with bolt ons? Track times? I would do full bolt ons and a tune. Thanks guys
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 02:29 PM
  #2  
sick_tight's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Default

id go C5 Z before C6 base, even if you found a Z51

its what i did haha
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 02:31 PM
  #3  
sick_tight's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Default

i believe it goes ZR1>C6Z>LS3C6 (08+)>C5Z(02-04)>Z51C6>C5Z(01)>C6 base>C5base

if youre looking for performance
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 03:45 PM
  #4  
reeperz28's Avatar
TECH Regular
15 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo Tx
Default

The full bolt ons and a fast 90 or 92 will make a Hell of a performer... I've read tests where the stock ls2 intake are quite a choke on the engines. Cam and a fast intake.. 440 rwhp+ with supporting bolt ons
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 03:45 PM
  #5  
swoop's Avatar
10 Second Club
10 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Clackamas OR
Default

I have a 05 Z51 but it all stock. It's been a damn nice car. There are a few first year bugs with some of them but if your thinking of a auto trany thats the year C6 to get. The A4 is a lot better than the A6 in the 06 on up's.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 03:53 PM
  #6  
highheat99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Tx
Default

Originally Posted by swoop
I have a 05 Z51 but it all stock. It's been a damn nice car. There are a few first year bugs with some of them but if your thinking of a auto trany thats the year C6 to get. The A4 is a lot better than the A6 in the 06 on up's.
Yes it will be a Auto.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 04:37 PM
  #7  
victorf's Avatar
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 2
From: Waipahu, Hawaii
Default

First off, no known Mfg'er intentionally goes backward on their designs.

Traditionally, when GM produced a new generation Corvette, the new base will have similar performance as the previous generation Z's.

Nothing wrong with the '05 year if carefully chosen, especially if the previous owner had not abused the car with drag strips and other racings.

For standard shift transmission, the rear diff should be beefed up if one goes racing, otherwise, its perfectly ok if owner don't do burn outs and such.

For your choice with an auto, no problem with rear diff. as auto is more forgiving.

---

As for myself, I do have an '05 Z51 manual, full bolt on's + a Fast intake and full compliments of Bilstein sports + F/R Hotchkis sways. A little over 400 ponies to the ground and never abusive with my car - just simply enjoy with self satisfactions.

A simple peek into my engine compartment, but once its closed, nobody knows but me!

Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 09:23 PM
  #8  
sick_tight's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Default

im not saying HP wise, but looking around corvetteforum i went with my C5Z. I was tempted to go with the C6 base but for handling and performance im pretty sure the Z still out performs it hence the "formula" taken directly from CF.com.

im in no means bashing the C6s by any means but best bang for your dollar is the C5Z IMO at this time. when the LS3's and C6Zs drop in price id jump on one of them if i had my camaro still but im happy with my Z and probably wont get rid of it for a long time.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 09:35 PM
  #9  
sick_tight's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Default

but i dont think youll be disappointed in the C6 at all.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 09:37 PM
  #10  
427zm's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown, Tx
Default

Originally Posted by sick_tight
i believe it goes ZR1>C6Z>LS3C6 (08+)>C5Z(02-04)>Z51C6>C5Z(01)>C6 base>C5base

if youre looking for performance
Pretty dead on ranking!
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 09:42 PM
  #11  
427zm's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown, Tx
Default

Originally Posted by victorf
First off, no known Mfg'er intentionally goes backward on their designs.

Traditionally, when GM produced a new generation Corvette, the new base will have similar performance as the previous generation Z's.

Nothing wrong with the '05 year if carefully chosen, especially if the previous owner had not abused the car with drag strips and other racings.

For standard shift transmission, the rear diff should be beefed up if one goes racing, otherwise, its perfectly ok if owner don't do burn outs and such.

For your choice with an auto, no problem with rear diff. as auto is more forgiving.

---

As for myself, I do have an '05 Z51 manual, full bolt on's + a Fast intake and full compliments of Bilstein sports + F/R Hotchkis sways. A little over 400 ponies to the ground and never abusive with my car - just simply enjoy with self satisfactions.

A simple peek into my engine compartment, but once its closed, nobody knows but me!

Nice engine compartment for sure!

I have to agree with your logic, but the C6 generation did have an issue with the 05 rear. There is a reason they switched up the rear end setup after only 1 year. They realized it was an engineering boo boo.
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2013 | 06:32 AM
  #12  
highheat99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Tx
Default

Originally Posted by 427zm
Nice engine compartment for sure!

I have to agree with your logic, but the C6 generation did have an issue with the 05 rear. There is a reason they switched up the rear end setup after only 1 year. They realized it was an engineering boo boo.
Is it the 6spds having the rear trouble or autos to?
I will be getting the z51 package
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2013 | 12:09 PM
  #13  
brians91formula's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
From: NH
Default

If you are going to get a C6 make sure its a 2008 or newer. Otherwise get a C5Z06.

Just my opinion.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2013 | 06:32 AM
  #14  
corvet786c's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 11
From: Port St. Lucie, Fl
Default

I heard that the 2005 C6 had weak rears in the back get an 06 or newer.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2013 | 06:38 AM
  #15  
White6SpdZ28's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by 427zm
Nice engine compartment for sure!

I have to agree with your logic, but the C6 generation did have an issue with the 05 rear. There is a reason they switched up the rear end setup after only 1 year. They realized it was an engineering boo boo.
Too bad they never fixed the engineering boo boo in the f bodies with that weak 10 bolt
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2013 | 05:09 PM
  #16  
Tainted's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,425
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Default

06 has better diff and the A6 which with the right upgrades is just as good as the4l60e or better
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2013 | 06:53 PM
  #17  
Detoxx03's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,336
Likes: 74
From: Woodward Avenue
Default

You do know that if its not a Z06, GS, or ZR1 no matter if it has a LS2 or LS3 it's a base model. Nothing wrong with them at all. Preference would be a base model '08 and newer for the LS3 for sure. The '05 models have weak rears so you have to take that into account especially if you are drag racing all of the time.
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2013 | 01:08 PM
  #18  
victorf's Avatar
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 2
From: Waipahu, Hawaii
Default

Another point to ponder!

If an '05 was historically well cared for with documentation and the price is right - why not.

My '05 never do any show off runs from standing start and it has the "weak" rear. This can be taken as hearsays but in fact, two of our locals had their's supercharged, with one in addition, heads and cam'ed - both with stock '05 rear. But they are mature drivers and "never" drag their car.

LS2 or 3, difference in power is not that much. However, design with the oil drain back within LS3's head is inferior to the LS2 during the quest for a little more power along with the offset rocker arms. Depends on what is important under extreme conditions, blowing up an engine or the rear differential?

That said, if an pristine '05 comes along, still money ahead after changing out the "weak" rear end with one from a reputable rear end specialist vendor.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2013 | 03:17 AM
  #19  
Cold06's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
Default

I just got a 05 A4 67K on the clock, bone stock driven by a woman. Dash said Debbies car lol, I got it below trade in. They say the 05's have a weak diff, not completely true the case is the weak point, some last yrs with 400-500 hp some crack on stock cars. Now a auto isnt hard on the drivetrain, you see 90% of corvettes that are making power have a built diff, unless you roll race with isnt as hard on a rear. You can upgrade to a c5Z diff or a rpm 06 c6 diff. I ordered a diff for mine, I can sell you the stock one I pull out if you want a spare lol. The bolt on and cam only LS2 record is held by a 05 A4, if you get a 06+ A6 then you will have problems getting the car to shift when making power, no one gives a warranty with a built 6l80....Thats why I chose a 05 for the 4l65 trans, a powerglide swap and 4l80 swap are way cheaper on a 05 than a 06+ its 12k for a powerglide and 20k for a 4l80 on a 06+ so if you want to go that route go a head. Now if you wanted a m6 then either car is a good choice, ls2 make almost as much peak power as a ls3 but the make more low end power. But there is nothing wrong with a 05, there are thousands of people who own one. Good luck with your search!!
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:12 PM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE