Any C5 Z06 owners out there?

[FFR 5332]

A neighbor is seriously interested in my E46 M3, and I might be looking for a replacement in the next week or two. I've always liked the C5 Z06 ( C6 too but don't want to spend the extra$$ ) I drove a 2001 some years ago and loved it. Brakes and handling seemed to be on par with my M3 and a lot more torque/acceleration. I know the quality and refinement isn't as good as BMW, Porsche, etc. but I'm really more interested in track performance and fun to drive. Maint. and repair costs might be less than the BMW...always a good thing! Anything I should look other than the usual stuff for as far as problems with the Z06?

[Michael Everson]

Never had a C5Z but have had plenty of vette including 2 C5s. They are very reliable cars and very durable. Not really many problem areas with them. I think there were some issues with oil pressure sending units and other cosmetic stuff. If you can swing a higher mileage C6Z go for it. I have one and it is light years away from a C5Z.
Mike

[vnmsss]

I've owned three Z06's (all yellow), including a 2001 when they first came out, a 2003 (50th), and the 2004 Z06 (LeMans tribute) that I recently picked up from fellow Challenge Series racer Tom Coon.

While I currently own, race and drive a Ford-based Type 65 Coupe, I'm a big fan of Corvettes (still own several), and believe the Z06 and the LS engine packages are among the best bang for the buck around...I love the fact that Michael Marshall is running an LS-based engine in his Coupe......Agree the BMW and Porsche platforms are awesome as well, but I'm sure happy to have a Z06 back in the stable.

Karen

[FFR 5332]

Originally Posted by vnmsss

I've owned three Z06's (all yellow), including a 2001 when they first came out, a 2003 (50th), and the 2004 Z06 (LeMans tribute) that I recently picked up from fellow Challenge Series racer Tom Coon.

While I currently own, race and drive a Ford-based Type 65 Coupe, I'm a big fan of Corvettes (still own several), and believe the Z06 and the LS engine packages are among the best bang for the buck around...I love the fact that Michael Marshall is running an LS-based engine in his Coupe......Agree the BMW and Porsche platforms are awesome as well, but I'm sure happy to have a Z06 back in the stable.

Karen

Hello Karen!

There's sure no replacement for a Type 65 Coupe!! Graduation is right around the corner for Ralph's old #98. I've got about 400 miles on it and all that's left is interior, once I get this #$%** master cylinder to bleed properly. Thanks for your input on the Z06!

Dave

[pavieSD]

Dave, I owned a C5 convertible prior to getting my FFR, and it's a great road car. Excellent for trips and easily upgraded. There was a big difference in interior between the C5 and the C6, so make sure you sit in both and see which one you like better. The difference between a C5z and a stock C5 isn't much so don't rule out a base C5. The rule of thumb was that bigger guys like the extra space in the C5 vs C6, but the C6 had more modern interior and better seats, so it's a tradeoff of space versus luxury.

I personally upgraded my previous C5 with C6 Z06 parts (straight swap of parts if you do your research), and done on a budget, it was cheaper then a C5 Z06 but gave me the handling of a C6Z. Most owners have done similar mods to their C5 so make sure you talk with them about what mods they have done. As an example, here are some mods I did: lighter rims and tires (ditched the run flats), C6z shocks, and sway bars, after market air intake (stock is really restricted from the factory for emissions compliance), replaced seats with lighter racing seats, Catback stainless steel exhaust with better flow, catch can to catch oil blowback into the intake. Lowered the suspension 1.5 inches for better handling, replaced turn signals and rear lights with LED equivalent.

Easiest way to judge what you can get or want, is to head over to the corvetteforum and check the for sale section. Lots of variety there and you can see what the common mods are for different years.

C5 Corvettes for Sale - Corvette Forum

Mark

[Jim Bochicchio]

I currently have a D.D. '03 Z06. A few engine mods, headers and a good tune. This car is a blast to drive, and very reliable to boot. I've had it 2 years and the only repair I've had to make is the HVAC control module died. $120, plus less than an hour total labor. Couple of Carrera's in my hood and we do a little dancing on the club roadways. Also, still turns heads and I'm always asked if it's "The new 'Vette?"

Lots of mods can be done, and as stated above, many C6 components are useable.

I also owned a '97 C5 Coupe that I got as soon as they were available. If you like the wind in your hair and don't mind a notch less performance, the coupes are great also.

My recommendation is to stay '01 or later to avoid issues with the EBCM not being repairable or unavailable. Common issues to watch for is if the column lock recall was performed. Easy fix, but if not done could leave you stranded. Other thing to watch for, as with all 'Vettes is leaks.

Wherever you look at the car, pull the codes if any, and see if they're a potential issue. There are very well written procedures on how to do this using the cars D.I.C. on the VetteForum.

I'm thinking with 35-50k on the clock, you should be able to find an 01-04 Z for mid teens to low 20's, depending on condition and mods.

[Cone Basher]

I have an 03 ZO6 that I bought about a year ago with 16,720 miles on it and love this car!! Much better performance car then the 88 I sold which was the wifes car ,auto 79,500 on that one and it was a comfortable road car, got good milage etc. but not as much fun as the 03 Z. I bought mine from a dealer in Columbus Ohio that also sells Callaway vettes. I recommend you look around you area for a Corvette speciality dealer as they often have a number of low milage Corvettes in great condition. It's a long way to go but if interestd just search for Dave Gill Chevrolet. I saw an add he had recently and he has a few used Zo6 offerings. A lot of Corvette guys take great care of their cars but do not drive them much , always serviced and maintained. This is what you want to look for, took me about a year to find mine.
HTH
CB

[CraigS]

Several of the DC autocrossers have C5 Z06s instead of C6s due to the steel frame. They needed a tow hitch to bring their tire trailer to the events behind their Vette.. Apparantly the C6 is an aluminum frame so no one wants to mess w/ it. My point is that they don't feel there is any great performance loss by sticking w/ a C5. That's all I know about those cars other than I'd really love to own one.

[Jim Bochicchio]

Originally Posted by CraigS

Several of the DC autocrossers have C5 Z06s instead of C6s due to the steel frame. They needed a tow hitch to bring their tire trailer to the events behind their Vette.. Apparantly the C6 is an aluminum frame so no one wants to mess w/ it. My point is that they don't feel there is any great performance loss by sticking w/ a C5. That's all I know about those cars other than I'd really love to own one.

C6 Z06 & ZR1 share the aluminum frame. The other C6 vettes are steel.

[QSL]

you can get a used zr1 now for the price of a new z06 and get a lot more car for the money.

[Technic-Fan]

Originally Posted by QSL

you can get a used zr1 now for the price of a new z06 and get a lot more car for the money.

Except he's considering getting a USED C5 Z06...not a NEW C6 Z06...

[cobraless]

03 owner here. Wife's daily driver and it has 130,000 miles on it including track days. (yes she can drive)
we both love the car. low maint, fun, etc etc.
do it ....you wont be sorry

Karen mine is yellow also
Dave

[FFR 5332]

Thanks everyone! I have not heard back from the guy that was looking at my M3, but to be fair, I've been locked up in the garage trying to finish the Coupe. After reading the comments I'm really getting the itch for a Z06, so if he decides he doesn't want to buy the M3, I may have to advertise it! I drove a 2001 Z06 a few years back, have driven several C5's and was pretty impressed.

[fab]

My DD is a 2005 C6 which isn't too far from a C5 Z06. Just a terrific DD and a ball to drive.

[dukegrad98]

There's no doubt that the 'vette delivers a lot of performance bang for the buck. I just think you may eventually miss the refinement of the M3. The two are very, very different cars. Good luck whatever you decide.

Cheers, John