F-Body or Vette
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 252
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From: Kansas
F-Body or Vette Hey guys, well Im really NEW to vettes. I am thinking of getting one. Now I know the mods are more expensive, but other than that I dont know much. I have PM'd two vette owners on here and they were VERY helpful. But what is the major difference in performance in the vette and f-body. What I mean is this. If a 4200 converted F-body with 3:73;s full bolt ons and suspension, and a cam can hit the high 10's would a vette do it? I would like to run 10's in a vette, and still not LOSE the top end power. So I know this question is really odd, but I just need some help. Thanks guys!
I think a vette feels better up top than an f-body. Plus you would be starting with less weight, also. I don't know if a stock vette IRS with 3.73s could hold up to 10's, so you might need to factor in the cost of a race-prepped differential...
I say they feel better topend than an fbody because...
For instance, running an 8.7 in the 1/8th was a 13.2 for my 98 C5.
Running an 8.7 in the 1/8th mile was a 13.7 for my 00 Z28.
I say they feel better topend than an fbody because...
For instance, running an 8.7 in the 1/8th was a 13.2 for my 98 C5.
Running an 8.7 in the 1/8th mile was a 13.7 for my 00 Z28.
If you build it right with pretty much the same parts it will run the same as an f-body.Ive had alot of both so I should know. The only thing is that you cant realy do anything to the suspension cheap like on an f-body to get it to hook. The vettes drive much,much better than a camaro. Depending on which you buy the vettes probably lighter. Mine only wieghed 3050 with half tank of gas when I bought mine. I would drive the vette and see the difference.
TECH Regular
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 402
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From: STL
If all you care about is straight line performance, then vette might not be for you. Vette is all around performance car that is why it comes with IRS.
Weight: Vette > F-Body
Engine: equal
Rearend: F-Body > Vette (for straight line)
Corners: Vette > F-Body
Same engine, so power output would be similar, the big difference would be the rearend. IRS vs Solid axle. With IRS, replace the half-shaft with stronger one and it should be running pretty close to F-Bodys with equal mods. Fianlly, I'm not sure why you think a 10 second vette would lose top end power.
Weight: Vette > F-Body
Engine: equal
Rearend: F-Body > Vette (for straight line)
Corners: Vette > F-Body
Same engine, so power output would be similar, the big difference would be the rearend. IRS vs Solid axle. With IRS, replace the half-shaft with stronger one and it should be running pretty close to F-Bodys with equal mods. Fianlly, I'm not sure why you think a 10 second vette would lose top end power.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by AOC
If all you care about is straight line performance, then vette might not be for you. Vette is all around performance car that is why it comes with IRS.
Weight: Vette > F-Body
Engine: equal
Rearend: F-Body > Vette (for straight line)
Corners: Vette > F-Body
Same engine, so power output would be similar, the big difference would be the rearend. IRS vs Solid axle. With IRS, replace the half-shaft with stronger one and it should be running pretty close to F-Bodys with equal mods. Fianlly, I'm not sure why you think a 10 second vette would lose top end power.
Weight: Vette > F-Body
Engine: equal
Rearend: F-Body > Vette (for straight line)
Corners: Vette > F-Body
Same engine, so power output would be similar, the big difference would be the rearend. IRS vs Solid axle. With IRS, replace the half-shaft with stronger one and it should be running pretty close to F-Bodys with equal mods. Fianlly, I'm not sure why you think a 10 second vette would lose top end power.
Well I say I would think that they would lose top end is because I would figure they would have a LOW gear? I dont know what they come with(sorry for not doing my research) So i would figure they would have to go higher like a 3:73 or 4:10 and that would lose SOME top end.
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena, MD
Originally Posted by blue2000Z28
Well I say I would think that they would lose top end is because I would figure they would have a LOW gear? I dont know what they come with(sorry for not doing my research) So i would figure they would have to go higher like a 3:73 or 4:10 and that would lose SOME top end.
With a M6 4.10’s are a popular gear. If you have enough power to run 10’s you won’t lose any top end with the 4.10’s. You’ll be able to spin the engine higher in 5th, and you may actually be able to pull in 6th gear. My car has an M6 and 4.10 gears and tops out at 170 in 5th gear (6700 rpm). It probably has enough power to go faster than that in 6th but I have not tried it.
I don’t know much about A4’s but I imagine you’d be able to pull into the 180’s (mph) with 373 gears.
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I've had both and I have to say I really love owning a Vette. If your goal is just a straight line bruiser then go for the F-bod. You can look into C5ZO6's as they are getting cheaper now that the C6ZO6's are out. I had a 98Z28, 99Z28, 2001 Camaro SS and now a C5ZO6 (which I just traded my 2003 Cobra for). I love the ZO6, test drive em.
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Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Thanks guys for all the help. I have only had one f-body, and I still have it. I am looking/wanting a FRC 97-00 Vette. I would like a Z but i dont want to go broke getting one and when Im going to change out the head/cam anyway.
Also, some body said above, about a built rear? I dont know if 12 bolts CAN go in vettes? But can you fill me in on the built rear? Im used to just throwing a 12 bolt in and calling it good. Thanks guys/girls!
Also, some body said above, about a built rear? I dont know if 12 bolts CAN go in vettes? But can you fill me in on the built rear? Im used to just throwing a 12 bolt in and calling it good. Thanks guys/girls!
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rearend upgrades: www.DynoTech-Eng.com
No, a 12-bolt can't go in a Corvette. That is a solid axle, Vettes have independent axles in them.
Go test drive a couple Corvettes, tell us what you think. Thats the best way to figure out if you like them or not.
No, a 12-bolt can't go in a Corvette. That is a solid axle, Vettes have independent axles in them.
Go test drive a couple Corvettes, tell us what you think. Thats the best way to figure out if you like them or not.
A solid axle could be retrofitted into a Corvette but it is not worth it. Ever seen a C3, Nine ball? Whats that piece in the middle? Looks like a solid axle casing to me but with modified axles.
A Corvette has a true chassis running the entire length of the car. It is overall a better vehicle. It is lighter will get more fuel efficiency as well as attention on the road.
A Corvette has a true chassis running the entire length of the car. It is overall a better vehicle. It is lighter will get more fuel efficiency as well as attention on the road.
I got my C5Z06, and all I can say is what took me so long....... Awesome driving car, you will not be disappointed. Now I have not seen mine in 3 weeks and I've got another 3 weeks until I get back home, but I've got a list of plans for it when I get back.
I had a 99 WS6 with a Forged H/C 346, 12 bolt, etc etc over 400RWHP, and I picked up an 03 z06 and I can tell you the Z06 is better in EVERY way. It went 12.04 @ 114.5 MPH bone stock, and 7.70 in the 1/8th 
only dynoing 345 rwhp.
only dynoing 345 rwhp. 
TECH Addict
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, TX
Originally Posted by 2002_Z28_Six_Speed
A solid axle could be retrofitted into a Corvette but it is not worth it. Ever seen a C3, Nine ball? Whats that piece in the middle? Looks like a solid axle casing to me but with modified axles.
A Corvette has a true chassis running the entire length of the car. It is overall a better vehicle. It is lighter will get more fuel efficiency as well as attention on the road.
A Corvette has a true chassis running the entire length of the car. It is overall a better vehicle. It is lighter will get more fuel efficiency as well as attention on the road.
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/juliet/rearsusp.htm
Originally Posted by blk04z
I went from a 99 Camaro SS to my 04 ZO6 and what a differnece. The SS was an awsome car but the Z is in another category.
I am referring to the fact that it looks like a solid axle housing with the axle tubes removed and modified to accept the new axles with u joints with the seals in the new positions.
I have had 3 f-bodies over the past 6-7 years with each one being faster than the previous. My last car had a 383, fully built m6, 12 bolt, etc.... and comparing my Z06 to any of them is just not even fair at all. The Vette is in a class of its own.