dan.b

iTrader: (1)

In the market for an ls1 for drag racing. My original plan was to build a t/a since solid axles are obviously better for digs, but seeing more and more c5s at around the same price as a low mile t/a (14-15k) i'm wondering if c5 is the smarter way to go for my goals.

My main concern is the irs. I've been reading some irs discussions on corvetteforums and was wondering if you guys could answer a couple questions I have that I might have missed on the vette site.

My goal is 10 sec 1/4mi with cam/nitrous. How durable is the c5 irs at ~525hp with the shot? If not so much, what upgrades are necessary? Halfshafts cv joints etc

Also, how difficult/expensive is it to get a c5 to hook compared to an fbody solid axle?

My buddys c5 rides so much smoother than the fbodys ive driven, which is why i'm considering changing routes, if I can justify the irs...

Apologies if this has been covered or in the wrong section

VandykeT/A

I don't have a lot of c5 drag racing experience other than taking my bolt on z to the track a few times but based on feel id go fbody all the way for a drag car. My vette wheel hops and in my opinion just doesn't feel good at all when being beat on at the track. Every pass I'm waiting for something to explode. Plus it's a lot easier to work on a straight axle vs the c5 IRS and rear mounted transmission. They're a lot of fast c5s but owning both i prefer the fbody for track duty.

murphinator

iTrader: (2)

the vette will be lighter taking less hp to make your goals

the solid axle will be better/less variables so more simple

if your talking a4 cars I would think as long as the shot comes in progressively it shouldn't be hard to crack 10's on a cammed & sprayed c5 setup or f body as long as most of the bolt ons are there as well

Fly on the wall

I would go with the f-body. My '03 vette had obnoxious wheel hop with sticky tires. Service on the transmission is very expensive along with any part that breaks in the drivetrain/suspension. It is a great auto-x platform, just not so much for drag racing.

Hardcoresoldier

iTrader: (2)

The C5 does have some issues on the drag strip. They are EASILY solved with a little work. The stock C5 diff (as long as it is a 3 rib) is not too terribly weak. You didn't mention if you want a manual or auto - if you go manual go with bias ply tires.

Either way, for 525whp you are looking at roughly a 200 shot. It really needs to be on a progressive controller. The diff will take it. That said, I do suggest eventually upgrading it with C6 Z06 internals. One thing that is a MUST is the ECS trans/diff brace. what most people think is "wheel hop" in a C5 is really drivetrain shake caused by the diff/trans bouncing up and down. The cure for this is the ECS trans/diff brace as well as upgraded engine and diff mounts.

I would love to talk you thru all the specifics, feel free to PM me. I will be chasing 9.0 with my manual trans C5 this year on upwards of a 400 shot.

On motor I am cutting 1.55 (best) and consistent 1.62 60' while still working to get the sweet spot on the launch. This is without a 2 step or launch control.

Hardcoresoldier

iTrader: (2)

sent ya a PM

dan.b

iTrader: (1)

appreciate the information guys. i failed to mention it will be a 6 speed car. plans are ms4/nitrous outlet wet kit. sent you a pm back hardcoresoldier.

if anyone has any more information that could help its greatly appreciated

JL ws-6

iTrader: (50)

Put a 9 inch in it if it's an m6 car, or a Dana 60.

Irs is for road racing and a cushy ride for ladies.

Hardcoresoldier

iTrader: (2)

You cannot put a 9" in a C5 unless you go to an auto, and then you are looking at about 12k.

You can't put a 60 in a C5.

IRS works just fine for drag racing if you know what you are doing

SCott5

iTrader: (40)

go c5 all the way. c5 is just an all around better car. I have both and choose my c5z everytime

JL ws-6

iTrader: (50)

Get back to me when you have a fast car