How much different is a Z06 from a WS6?
How much different is a Z06 from a WS6? I am considering a yellow 6-speed 2000 or newer Z06 for my next car in a year. Just would like to know how differently the car rides compared to a WS6. Also what kind of time do stock Z06's do in the 1/4 mile? Oh and is there anything I should look out for when buying one, like common problems that accure and such? I know the LS1 and LS6 are pretty much the same engine, except that the LS6 has bigger heads, cams, and other little things right? Thanks, and if this seems like such a n00b question, I'm sorry! 
The ride in a straight line is a blast in either car, but where the Z06 leaps ahead in its all around performance straight off the lot. It handles corners like its on rails, and is just a blast all around. The best "stock" time that I've heard of was an 11.97 in an 04 Z by GMHTP. Usually, most average drivers post times all around the 12s, but I'd probably say the average time is a mid 12. And the 01s arent "as" wanted as the 02+ cars, being they have 385hp vs 405 and are missing the tweeks that the 02s+ have, but that doesnt make them any worse of a vehicle by any means. And you can pick one up for mid/high 20s vs low/mid 30s for an 02.
And yes, the LS6 is basically an "improved" version of the LS1 w/ better heads, cam, intake, exhaust etc. A good "alternative" to the Z06 would be the Fixed Roof Coupe from 99 and 00. Offers the LS1, 6 speed and Z51 suspension, yet gives you the same bodystyle as the Z06 minues the rims, rear brake coolers and front grilles. IMO, the C5 while not 100% perfect gives a better, more refined ride than the Fbody. And the ergonomics are lightyears ahead (for me anyway). If you can get a C5, pick one up, they're great all around vehicles.
And yes, the LS6 is basically an "improved" version of the LS1 w/ better heads, cam, intake, exhaust etc. A good "alternative" to the Z06 would be the Fixed Roof Coupe from 99 and 00. Offers the LS1, 6 speed and Z51 suspension, yet gives you the same bodystyle as the Z06 minues the rims, rear brake coolers and front grilles. IMO, the C5 while not 100% perfect gives a better, more refined ride than the Fbody. And the ergonomics are lightyears ahead (for me anyway). If you can get a C5, pick one up, they're great all around vehicles.
Ling_650vette is giving you excellent info/advice. If at all possible, you should find a Z06 or FRC to test drive (or at least test ride). If a picture is worth a thousand words then that test drive will tell you the complete story.
Good Luck, Ken
Good Luck, Ken
Oh I deffitinly plan on test driving a Z06 when the time comes. I made the mistake once of buying a car before driving it, I'll NEVER buy a car without fully driving it first.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 1
From: Lincolnton, NC
I recently picked up my 02 Z at the expense of my modded 02 WS6. The difference even in straight line performance is light years different. The Z is so light that the sensation of acceleration is greater. This thing is way better than any modded fbody can be unless your willing to invest way more money than the Z costs. What do I miss most about my WS6?? The rawness of it because the Z is finess but is a way better car. I highly recommend doing the swap.
11 Second Club
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 304
Likes: 1
From: Boulder, Colorado
I've got both and my Z28 is a lot faster. If you handed me both sets of keys I'd pic the Z06 everytime except at the dragstrip. Ram-it is dead on about the weight. The Z06 is very quick. It feels super responsive. Definately drive a Z06 before you buy any other 'vette, including an '05. There's a difference...
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Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
I have both. The Z06 is alot more fun. It is basically a giant go-kart. I leaves other cars at the green light like my motorcycle. This is without getting on it hard. Handles corners like it's on rails. It bounces around on bumpy roads. If the road isn't smooth you will know it. The cd player skips more. It is louder on the inside. I don't have the truck partition. The thing gets mean when you floor it. Turns more heads. Both of mine get 19MPG. 
The WS6 rides smooth compaired to the Z06. You can feel the extra weight off the line. In the turns you can really feel the heavier rear-end. Everyone with a performance engine wants to street race you. The T-Tops are awsome. The sound quality from the radio is alot better. You don't have to run synthetic oil in it. It is more of a daliy driver.
The WS6 rides smooth compaired to the Z06. You can feel the extra weight off the line. In the turns you can really feel the heavier rear-end. Everyone with a performance engine wants to street race you. The T-Tops are awsome. The sound quality from the radio is alot better. You don't have to run synthetic oil in it. It is more of a daliy driver.
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Verdad Gallardo IMO, once you get behind the wheel of a Z06, you wont even think twice about handing the keys over to your WS6. Not saying the Fbody is a bad car by anymeans. Hell, I still would kill for an SS, but the Z is just....just....wow. The dealership I worked for has a service road that runs right in front of the dealer, and I thought getting up to about 100 in an NC State Trooper B4C Camaro was insane untill I drove the Z.
The Z is defaintly an extremely well rounded vehicle. Its not just good in a straight line, or around corners. Its got street manners, as well as track appeal. Both are great cars, but IMO once you drive the Z, you'll be a vette guy for life
The Z is defaintly an extremely well rounded vehicle. Its not just good in a straight line, or around corners. Its got street manners, as well as track appeal. Both are great cars, but IMO once you drive the Z, you'll be a vette guy for life
Originally Posted by freakynipples69
I wish i could sell my car right now and go buy a Z but it's smarter to wait for the loan on my WS6 to be up in a year. Thanks for all the input!
I have seen mint ws6 with less than 30 K miles selling for mid to high 20's in Maryland and they actually sell. If you have a 2002 you should still have a warranty good for another couple months. Id go ahead and wait till spring and then sell that bad boy. Look up the average price they are going for in the locl autotrader then be smart about what you have in your hands. If it has high miles and so on and so on.
Also with the zip tie mod and shifter my buddy has a 2002 electron blue z06 and he has posted consistant 12.30's on bfg kdw2's. I myself has the fake me out z06
and on the mods listed below in my sig I have posted 12.40s consistantly with drag radials. 
If money is an issue you can pick up a 99/00 FRC from 18k to 30k. You will get 90 percent of the Z06 handling and for less than $1k you can have the Z06 handling, but you wont have the extra grunt the LS6 gives you. Then again for another $1k you can get 400rwhp which is about 35 to 40rwhp more than most Z06's.
Originally Posted by VINCE
If money is an issue you can pick up a 99/00 FRC from 18k to 30k. You will get 90 percent of the Z06 handling and for less than $1k you can have the Z06 handling, but you wont have the extra grunt the LS6 gives you. Then again for another $1k you can get 400rwhp which is about 35 to 40rwhp more than most Z06's.
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Originally Posted by windshear
It is basically a giant go-kart.
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Orange County N.Y
Originally Posted by freakynipples69
I am considering a yellow 6-speed 2000 or newer Z06 for my next car in a year. Just would like to know how differently the car rides compared to a WS6. Also what kind of time do stock Z06's do in the 1/4 mile? Oh and is there anything I should look out for when buying one, like common problems that accure and such? I know the LS1 and LS6 are pretty much the same engine, except that the LS6 has bigger heads, cams, and other little things right? Thanks, and if this seems like such a n00b question, I'm sorry!