Buy a 2005 c6...yes or no?
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.
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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!

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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.
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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!


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.
I will be getting the z51 package
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.





