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The "racers" C5

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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 01:50 PM
  #1  
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From: Godspeed
Default The "racers" C5

I contend that the 1999-2000 hardtops are the ultimate "racers" C5 to buy and mod.

1. Z06's are too pricey to buy and instantly mod.

2. Z06 performance can be easily surpassed with just basic mods - cam, headers, cold air, exhaust.

3. Hardtops have all the performance options - Z51 suspension, 6 speed, power steering coolers, etc.

4. Hardtops don't have all the bells and whistle options that just add weight. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">


What do you think?

<img src="graemlins/z06.gif" border="0" alt="[Z06 Corvette]" />
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 02:14 PM
  #2  
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

I think you are exactly right. If I was to buy a C5 again and had plans for serious mods in the future I would be looking for a 99 or 00 FRC. I really do like the looks of the hardtops, and being 100+ lbs lighter than the coupe is good for an extra mph at the traps too.

However, I really do love my coupe and I would have a hard time giving up the ability to remove my roof.
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 02:42 PM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

You're right, but most of us buy compromise cars. I would really like to have a convertable, but I enjoy drag racing enough that I need a car with a roof. The coupe is my compromise in that respect.

I also like the cargo area of the coupe <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

Eric
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 05:18 PM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

I think your wrong, A 01 Z06 has come down in price quit a bit(mine had 1,500 miles and I purchased it for 42k). Z06 differences:LS6 (2nd gen. to the LS1),tranny(shorter gears),lighter than reg. hardtop,larger wheels,brake ducts,front cold air ducts,track suspension,etc...LS6 engine has alot of internal mods that improve it's durablity on the track not just the increase HP. I really think if you did all the mods to have a equal car the money spent is equal to or a little more without factory warrenty.
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 06:15 PM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

[quote]Originally posted by Godspeed:
<strong>IZ06's are too pricey to buy and instantly mod.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Yeah, like that is going to stop me... <img src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" /> <img src="graemlins/z06.gif" border="0" alt="[Z06 Corvette]" />
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 07:35 PM
  #6  
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From: Godspeed
Default Re: The "racers" C5

I've seen hardtops go for 25-28k lately. For 15k (40-43k total) in mods you can do an engine, suspension, and brake upgrade that will surpass any Z06.
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 09:27 PM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

If I were going for all-out performance, I'd definitely buy a FRC and go wild with modifications. If I just wanted a Vette to keep stock, the Z06 fits that plan. Hard to argue with 365 rwhp from the '02 models completely stock!

But, if (when) I do get a Vette, I will go for a coupe or convertible. Its GOT to have a removable top for me, I love running around with the tops off on this Formula too much! Its all about the pimpin' factor baby! Plus, I don't plan on drag racing a C5 very much at all.

Tony <img src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" border="0" alt="[hail]" /> <img src="graemlins/corvette.gif" border="0" alt="[Corvette]" />
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 09:54 PM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

Again why would you dump 15k in a older car that has lots of miles under it(your $25k claim it would have to have lot-o-miles)and still when it is all said and done the car never left the $25k or maybe less range when you sell it for the new c6! Easy come easy go I guess. If I had 25k for a 97 or 98 coupe(high mileage) and then another 15k on top of that I would just lay down 8k more and get an 02 Z06 brand new with 405hp baby.
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 10:06 PM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

Y'all can pick up used FRC's for $25-27k if you look hard enuff. Act while the economy is cold!
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 11:21 PM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

Very interesting topic. I know everyone has their own opinions about this and i'm no different. <img src="gr_tounge.gif" border="0"> But what i don't get is why argue over "preference"? Because that's what it basicly boils down too.

If you want to talk best bang for the buck check my sig to see everything i have installed on my coupe and all for less then $40K total invested including the price of the car, which by the way i've had for over two years. As for power....404rwhp and 385rwtq. Oh, and it just turned 31K on the odometer. <img src="graemlins/gr_devil.gif" border="0" alt="[devil]" />

Not too shady IMO. <img src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

[ January 05, 2002: Message edited by: 97C5ENVY ]</p>
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 11:56 PM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

Hey 97c5envy, to get off the subject real quick, the TPIS LT's how hard to install? From the bottom? Did you have to unbolt motor mount or mounts? Heat problems? I would really like to get rid of the pup's and going with LT's would be perfect.
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Old Jan 5, 2002 | 12:26 AM
  #12  
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

LS6ROX - I had mine installed by Chris@Performance Motorsports (Austin, Tx). I took him a little over 4 hrs to do the install. But i've heard that they are a real pain to do which is why i paid someone else to fart with it. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> As for any heat problems, there is a small increase in engine compartment temp but nothing drastic. Also there is a slightly noticable increase in floorboard temps, but again nothing drastic. If i had to guess at how much the temp increase was i'd say it was probably about 6-8 degrees.
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Old Jan 5, 2002 | 08:43 AM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

Yea, you did the right thing I'll probably go in that direction also. Whom did you purchase them from? Thanks for the help.
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Old Jan 5, 2002 | 10:26 AM
  #14  
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

West Coast Corvettes. They were the cheapest ones that were out of state (trying to avoid paying taxes). <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
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Old Jan 6, 2002 | 03:45 AM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

Or, you can start out with a Coupe that has been modded already somewhat to your liking...ie...

*mine!* <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=208894

If you think about it, things like heads/cam are the kind of mods that you have a hard time removing to sell a car. There should be enough cars out there for sale that you could find one totally pampered, like mine, with everything you need to beat a Z06.

Take mine, add headers and heads of your choice, adn you are still under $35,000 for a 4XXhp car with a track ready suspension.

For another 500$ on top of the car, I'd include a full set of unused R1As on stock rims for the track <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">
Find a Z06 that comes like THAT <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

chris
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Old Jan 6, 2002 | 03:46 AM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

and oh yeah, with the sport seats, its just WAITING for a bar and harness.

DO NOT BUY A CAR WITHOUT THE SPORT SEATS.

THey are just perfect for harnesses <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

chris
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Old Jan 6, 2002 | 10:45 AM
  #17  
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

Visceral - Actually what i'm about to say would be a good topic for a discussion thread <img src="graemlins/gr_punch.gif" border="0" alt="[fight]" /> ........don't take this personally as this is JMO in general about used cars, but i personally wouldn't buy a car that's been moderately or heavily modified. I know we all can debate this topic to death giving pros and cons for each view. But like i said it's JMO. <img src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
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Old Jan 6, 2002 | 09:47 PM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

[quote]Originally posted by Nine Ball:
<strong>If I were going for all-out performance, I'd definitely buy a FRC and go wild with modifications. If I just wanted a Vette to keep stock, the Z06 fits that plan. Hard to argue with 365 rwhp from the '02 models completely stock!

But, if (when) I do get a Vette, I will go for a coupe or convertible. Its GOT to have a removable top for me, I love running around with the tops off on this Formula too much! Its all about the pimpin' factor baby! Plus, I don't plan on drag racing a C5 very much at all.

Tony <img src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" border="0" alt="[hail]" /> <img src="graemlins/corvette.gif" border="0" alt="[Corvette]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>


I agree with Tony here. I bought a '02 Z06 wanting a nice stock fast classy sports car (ie. '02 Z06 or '01 viper gts) to keep when I'm gray and old. Too bad dodge didn't do 0% interest on the viper. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

If I was going to do a bang for the buck on pimp factor and speed for a C5, I would have gotten a used C5 coupe to mod. Got to love the targa top design.

[ January 06, 2002: Message edited by: Teddy98Z28M6 ]</p>
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Old Jan 7, 2002 | 01:21 PM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

Some might see the lack of an auto tranny in the FRCs as a shortcoming. It's about the only one I can come up with.
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Old Jan 7, 2002 | 07:51 PM
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Default Re: The "racers" C5

IF you really want to look at it deep, the corvette is still a corvette, no matter what model you buy. Just crusing in a C5 is nice. the 00/99 FRCs are technically the "Racers" C5. GM produced 20 skeleton ZO6s for racers like Lou Gigliotti, Scotty White, Reese ***, Doug Rippie, and a few select others. They used the 99 FRC. Either way, its still a C5!!

[ January 08, 2002: Message edited by: G2 LS1 ]</p>
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