jbusmc1986

iTrader: (1)

I have been out of the LS game for a while now, but I have had multiple 4th gen's and 2 c5 vettes, so now that I am in a position to move back into a performance vehicle I am dying to do so but want to do it right.


So my dilemma is this, I want to purchase either a used c6 z06 (which I would think I would like to add an aftermarket cam, ported heads, a 100 shot of nitrous and boltons), a new c6 grandsport coupe (to which I would likely add an ECS novi 1500, blower cam, and supporting mods, yes I am aware that this would likely be the fastest of the three vehicles), or a new 2ss camaro to which I would either do the ECS novi kit or the hellion twin turbo (leaning towards turbo kit) and supporting mods. I have driven all 3 but in stock form so it is hard to gage how the end result would be.

Choice 1) I know the zo6 would move out like a raped ape with heads, cam, and boltons, with a 100 shot of nitrous, but I would be limiting myself with the ls7 right? As I understand it FI isn't the best option for the motor due to the thin cylinder walls, but if I did go FI it would be via an ECS novi kit. So at best I would be looking at low 600's to the wheels right? Although that should still be a solid high 9 sec capable car in optimal conditions with a very skilled driver (yes I understand the difficulty involved with that, just saying that as a point of reference).

Choice 2) A new c6 grandsport coupe, I feel like this may be the best of both worlds, the ls3 motor which is great for FI and the lighter weight and better handling that comes with a vette. This would certainly be the most expensive option though and would take a lot longer to reach my goals.

Choice 3) I feel like if I went with the camaro I might be unhappy with the weight of the car and I know a lot can be done with the suspension using pfadt or pedders parts, but I am not sure that would make up for the shear mass of this beast. I am also worried about the rest of the driveline when trying to put down 700hp and move 4200lb's.

My humble thanks for your opinions

Oh and BTW this build is not for the purpose of running a specific time at the track, just having a fast/ badass ride that would be well balanced and fun in all aspects, on the track, street, general fun ride, etc...

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Either of the C6s would be the better options IMO. I'm not much of a fan of the 5th gen Camaros, and would certainly rather have the C6 myself.

1999BlueTA

iTrader: (34)

C6 zo6 would be my pick!!!

parks450

iTrader: (17)

+1 for c6 zo6, even if it takes longer youll be happier.in the long run

prokilllsx

I'm kinda liking the Z06 with H/C/I and a blower or turbo setup.

Anthony Williams

iTrader: (3)

C6 Z06 All Day Long!

TransAmWS.6

I vote for the Grand Sport, I would not mess around with the LS7 in the Z06 at all. I hear a lot of bad things about that motor and it's durability, they seem to be very hit or miss.

jbusmc1986

iTrader: (1)

I agree, this is what worries me about the Z, and why it wouldnt get a blower

jsmith564

not sure abt the ls7... but i vote for GS

jbusmc1986

iTrader: (1)

believe it or not this would be the quickest/ cheapest way to go. FI gets very expensive very fast.

Camaro_94

iTrader: (5)

C6 z!!!

TransAmWS.6

It's that, and the fact that the LS3 is just as capable of a motor for making power as the LS7 is. You also get the added closure that it's not as likely to grenade on you at any given moment once you really start to open it up and modify it.

jbusmc1986

iTrader: (1)

You are absolutely correct, Someone over on corvetteforum brought up a great point, buy the Z and sell the ls7, install a forged ls3 with a blower and then you have the best of both worlds, a reliable forged motor with huge power in the lighter platform, that also gives me the stronger Z06 rearend, and the TR6060 trans. If i go with the Z I think I also wouldn't mind putting in a cage eventually seeing as its a hardtop with no backseat and unlike the other two options i wouldn't be losing any utility, and you'd never see the cage from the outside like in the gs.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

c6z. big cubes means big power.

V68Sweep

I voted for the C6Z.

600 at the wheels isn't half bad, lol. You can always add a blower like you mentioned, but because the compression is already so high you don't gain a ton (compared to a lower compression-but it's still strong).

I envy your choices!

CJDZ24_Z28

iTrader: (75)

With the price difference in a new GS and a used Z06 being as much as about 20k I'd get the C6Z. If something did happen you would have saved enough cash over the long run for repairs. ALso if you feel better about an LS3 why not just save a ton and get a used 08-11 C6?

jbusmc1986

iTrader: (1)

I could save about another 10k doing that I suppose, but I would like the lighter chassis, beefier rear end, brakes, cooling, and better looks of the Z over the base coupe. To add those things even aftermarket I would probably be 15k out of pocket anyway, you know?

I am also thinking that if I buy a used Z with low mileage I should be able to sell my LS7 complete, and get a decent enough return to fund most of a forged LS3 motor for boost.

99VetteFRC

Zr-1....

DOG-TWO

C6Z but N/A

zracer323

iTrader: (12)

Since you want boost, I would get the GS. It will be new, the LS3 will love the boost and you can get all the handling options that the Z06 has. If you can afford it, new is the way to go.