ShadowLightCSU

iTrader: (1)

I am interested in buying a second car for road racing and just generally because they are sexy as hell. I was considering an 02 Z06, but I'm also curious, how does a LS2 C6 compare to them?

I'm interested in suspension work, all bolt-ons and probably some engine mods.

Ackattack1

iTrader: (7)

I read or saw someone (GM person...corvette designer/engineer/manager/whatever) said the C6 coupe was about 75% of what the C5 z06 is (I would say this is in comparison to a C5 coupe) So based on that, its close to a C5 zo6, but not quite at the same level.

SOM02WS6

Road racing the C5 is probally gonna be better choice. Lighter and less bells and whisltes but for just street and maybe some track time I would go with the c6 much more refined car and they run very close times. A few mods to either will make them faster but with the c6 you get more comfort and 6.0 vs 5.7 "remeber theres no replacement for displacement"

ShadowLightCSU

iTrader: (1)

Do you think the refinements are worth the extra expense?

CySevans

If your primary goal is racing, I would recommend the C5 Z06. The extra refinements in the C6 are primarily for the street.

ShadowLightCSU

iTrader: (1)

For the street, do they really justify the extra expense, especially when it looks like you give up performance?

96-speed

iTrader: (19)

You asked about a road race car and now you're asking about a street car. Be honest, what is it going to be doing?

Only you can answer the question after you've driven both. An '04 Z06 is going to be pretty close in price to an '05 C6. Once you compare a higher mileage '01 Z06 with an '07 C6, well, its a pretty big gap. I'd save the money and let someone else take the depreciation for you . Are you the kind of guy that like s a racier-feeling street car?

Ryan

CySevans

Extra expense? C6 MSRP is actually less than what a comparable C5 was if you compare new vehicles. You could always find a used C6. Again, it depends on your goals. A C5 Z06 is a great base for a race car if that is your primary goal. My C5 Z06 cost $39K used with 19K miles. You could get the same car now for less than $32K. If you want a C6 Z51, expect to pay between $49K and $57K depending on the options. That's a lot of mod money. Mine cost $53K, and that was with $5K off MSRP (fully loaded Z51 coupe). Was the extra expense worth it to me? Hell yes, but that's because I drive it more on the street than I do at the track.

Slow Vette

iTrader: (1)

in terms of racing and better suspension, LS6>LS2. the only big advantage of the C6 is that you can get it brand new and it has a targa top, just be careful about the roof flyin of while your in the highway

06cobaltSS

get a C5 Z06 its the better performer stock and you'll save 15k. I got mine with 13k miles on it for 34000. Its definitely got more of the race car feel as well if thats what you like.

Xx01CamaroZ28xX

iTrader: (1)

C5 ZO6 all the way!!

Vette4LIFE

I agree.

mpe488

There seems to be a lot of bias on this board. I have no idea why everyone likes the C5Z so much better than the C6. But my guess would be that theres some kind of hatred to base model cars, of any model.

The LS2 is a better engine than the LS6 in my opinion (and hey let's not kid ourselves- GM's opinion as well.) The C5Z06 may be a bit faster because it's lighter and what not, but the LS2 has a broader torque curve and its 18 cubes up on the LS2. I'm unsure about their potential with blt-ons, but if you're going to do internal engine work that pretty much seals the deal for the LS2 in terms of the power struggle. The only reason the LS6 comes close to the LS2 is because of the fairly large stock h/c, and it loses that advantage if you're modding internally.

The C6 is also much newer and that in itself counts for something. How long are you planning to drive the car? Because in a few years the C5 will be an out-dated design (think C4 drivers today.) Very few cars are designed well enough so that they are equally eye-catching a decade later... especially when they get re-modelded and have a 'fresh' look.

I'm not sure which one would be faster around a road course, that's not my cup of tea so I won't bother to try to mention anything worthwhile on that subject.. but you should look into that. I'm also not familiar with the comfort level differences in the interior- I've never been in a C6.

A 2002 Z06 would be much cheaper than a C6, that's probably the only reason I would rather have a C5Z. Plenty of C5Zs can be found under $30,000, but I haven't seen any C6s for sale under $40,000 yet.

I hope you guys don't get angry at me or flame me becasue I'm just trying to put things into perspective. Theres no bias in my post. I love both cars. I have actually thought this over a few times because I was wondering which one I wanted more as my enxt car.

GPM30236

Have had some direct personal experience in this situation , Bought an 05 Z51 car, got hooked on track days with it, did well but felt a lot like a lexus. As i got better started to look a mods to get a bit more Found these issues that lead me to get a C5 Z06
Rear wheels are 19" track tires were hard to find
Brake rotors expensive
Active handling even in competitive mode INTRUSIVE uses a lot of braking
Less seat of the pants feel

That said did both level I and II courses at Spring mountain . on my level II class the top 3 cars were C5 Z06 , C6 Z51 and then C5 Z06 ( the one that i was driving , less than a half second difference between the best lap times in either of the cars.

C5 advantages ,
Well known item , big knowledge base of setup/ spare parts upgrades
Cheaper consumables such as pads/ rotors /tires esp if you stay with the 17" all around
Lower cost of admission .

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

For me it was cost, a new C6 Z51 was going to run over $45K and I got my 02 Z06 for around $30K. Sure the Z06 was used, but it was a $15K difference. Had I looked at used C6 Z51's I saw a few for $38-40K but again I was going to be like 10 grand more.

cantdrv65

iTrader: (3)

I think the C5 Z06 looks BETTER than the base C6.....but it also depends on your use. A C6 is MUCH NICER as a street car and daily driver.

CySevans

Then I'm at a loss as to what makes you an authority on the differences. I've owned both. He's making a race car. Do you really think getting an LS2 car over an LS6 car for $20,000.00 more is worth it if he's making a racing application? This is not about LS2 vs. LS6. For that difference in cost, he could drop a forged 427 into a C5 Z06. It's not a matter of anyone being biased. It's a matter of perspective on the intended application.

SY732

49-57?????

C6 1lt's start at 44.5 MSRP and 39.9 Invoice

Who needs 9k in options, go base its lighter!

CySevans

Who the heck wants a stripped down Vette?

For a racing application, at least get a Z51. Sheesh. You're going to dump at least 9K in options anyway. Might as well get some of the factory options like HUD. There's nothing below 2LT in my world. 3LT was my preference.

SY732

All the 1lt owners... I thought about the Z51 but did not want the extra weight and stiffer ride