0-60 in 3.9, 'Ring time of 7:59, reliable and stylish, $20,000.

"JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7" (jayzayeighty)
03/29/2014 at 17:34 • Filed to: corvette, z06

Not to mention that it has a batshit N/A V8 and RWD. How does the C5 Z06 not get more attention? Sure, there isn't an LS7 under the hood or nice C7-like interior to sit in—but it makes up for those in looks, rawness, and tossability. Definitely one of my favorite cars this side of 2000. Am I wrong here?

DISCUSSION (41)

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 17:35

You won't get an argument from me, I get the appeal. It may not be perfect, but hard to beat the price / performance.

Dunnik > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 17:38

Dunno why. I've heard its seats are torture, but one could always get some Recarros, or whatever. That's all I have.

GhostZ > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 17:43

It seems like the only real arguments against the C5 (which keeps it reserved to "not a car anyone would want to buy today" territory for non-jalops) are:

1. 2 Seat only, so is only good for the occasional drive in the summer.

2. Huge stigma around that era being a mid-life crisis / promoted middle manager car.

3. One of the worst-looking Corvettes (highly subjective, I think it looks worse than the C4 and C6, but is still not bad looking).

4. Interior, build quality, etc. Lots of plastic, some people want to feel more "special" when they drive a sports car.

5. Not quite hardcore enough to hold its own on a track without modifications nowadays, unless you're doing autocross.

6. They're difficult to get in and out of for a lot of people, and not terribly comfortable.

7. Sort of common. Maybe not the Z06, but few can tell a Z06 from a normal C5 from a distance.

So in other words, it's great at everything that involves driving, and horrible at pretty much everything else.

Me? I'd buy one and daily drive it any day of the week, but we are in a minority.

crowmolly > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 17:46

Nah, they are too heavy, primitive suspension, crappy interior, and not enough power. You are better off buying something else like a 911.

Hopefully you believed that, so the prices stay down and I can snap one up. A real bargain for the performance.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 17:46

They're common and still cost as much as a newer miata. Remember, the more performance oriented oppos on here are either broke or cheapskates which is why all questions are met with "miata".

But there is no question that a C5 Z06 is an amazing car. Certainly a good weekend car and can definitely keep a good pace around any track. I would upgrade the brakes and the various rubber bushings and bits in the suspension to something more durable for track use, get a set of track wheels and tires, and use it as a beginner's race car for track days and SCCA events. Put a rollcage in there to do wheel to wheel, and have a blast!

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > GhostZ
03/29/2014 at 17:51

All very true points. I personally like the C5 better than the C4 and C6, but I'm not so sure that many people share that sentiment. I would like them a lot more if they had more C4-esque interiors, but you can't have it all.

JR1 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 17:52

In my opinion it is one of the best stock cars you can buy under 25,000. Would hoon so hard. Maybe one day...

DollaMoneyAve > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 17:54

It's a performance bargain. It was so when new, as it is now when used.

Frank Grimes > GhostZ
03/29/2014 at 17:56

This makes you sound like a super old lady.

Kinja'd!!!

LappingLuke > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 17:57

I'm pretty sure I will buy one after I graduate in December. Either that or an E39 M5. It's a tough call...

Frank Grimes > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 17:57

I want one like crazy. I will take a silver or white or blue 2004 or later or when evs they went to 405hp instead of 385. But I doubt it really matter I am sure its just a bolt on away for the top hp version.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Dunnik
03/29/2014 at 17:58

They scream 4th gen F-body (along with the oddly-shaped dash and 4 spoke steering wheel), but seats aren't too hard to come by.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 17:59

maybe this one for 19.5 obo?

Kinja'd!!!

some sensible seeming modding gave it another 90 horsies as well.

Kailand09 > crowmolly
03/29/2014 at 18:01

God yes, assuming c5 heavy hit the bottom of its depreciation curve yet and assuming I land a job, I'll be able to count on one hand the years until I can get one.

Those assumptions need to happen though...

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Frank Grimes
03/29/2014 at 18:02

I hear you. Probably not hard to squeeze out the extra power, but if there was a 405hp one in one of those colors and I had $25,000 burning a hole in my pocket, I might just lose sight of my $35,000 dream JZA80...

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > LappingLuke
03/29/2014 at 18:07

Wow, you really can't lose there. I will say that if something goes wrong in the C5Z, it will probably be much cheaper. Otherwise, it's one of the hardest decisions I could imagine.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits
03/29/2014 at 18:09

Thanks. I was looking at really pristine examples, but it's probably better to look at more used examples.

LappingLuke > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 18:11

Agreed! I have no real reason to have back seats and the Vette has so much storage for a sports car but the M5 is an M5!

Stupidru > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 18:16

While I think the Z06 is the bee's knees, the one I feel that doesn't get enough respect is the FRC (Fixed Roof Corvette). Assuming you're going to buy a Vette to race/autox it, you can easily make up the lost power and swap over a set of Z06 brakes, and save some cash doing it.

Oh, and one of these is on my list of possible summer cars, if/when the wife lets me do so

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > LappingLuke
03/29/2014 at 18:19

I can understand the problem there. Maybe find a great deal on a C5Z, then E34 M5/540 6MT once you have a good income flow! That is, if you like E34s.

Kinja'd!!!

They're still irresistibly sexy IMO, still fast, dead reliable, and have M3-like handling qualities. Best of all, a nice example can be found for $7000!

Kinja'd!!!

It's like the 80s and 90s had an hot child. (I get carried away with E34s)

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 18:23

It is perfect if you want to start building a fun track car. Parts are available, and there is everything from basic stuff to twin-turbo kits and aero parts. It would already be a blast with a stripped out interior and tires, suspension and maybe some brake work done.

Zoom > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 18:24

Not certain 400 hp is gonna go 3.9 in that car....

edit: ok just found it.....hard to believe though.

GhostZ > Frank Grimes
03/29/2014 at 18:33

If you must understand why the C5 is selling so cheap, first you must understand the mind of the super old lady.

GhostZ > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 18:36

Liquid crystal displays, 14 separate instrument readouts, English OR Metric! All updated 16 times every operating second!

Axial > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 18:38

Hard top roof-line presents an aerodynamic limit to top speed that the standard coupe doesn't have. It's a neat car, but a flawed design.

awe46m3zcp > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 18:38

My favorite body style by far. They still look great to me. It's just hard to get over the stereotype associated with them.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Axial
03/29/2014 at 18:46

Definitely. The sloped roofline of the standard coupe is also one of my favorite things about the C5.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Zoom
03/29/2014 at 18:47

It's pretty incredible, but it's a proven figure. I had to double check, too.

LappingLuke > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 18:50

I do like the E34 M5 for sure and that engine is pure sex. But I also want an E36 M3 and having two cars from the same period isn't as appealing to me as having an older car and a newer car.

pfftballer > GhostZ
03/29/2014 at 19:04

"5. Not quite hardcore enough to hold its own on a track without modifications nowadays, unless you're doing autocross."

That's not a very well informed statement. You've obviously never tracked a stock C5 Z06 with a good set of tires.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 19:12

Yeah, because I saw them for less than this as well. This one just stood out as a good example

Milky > GhostZ
03/29/2014 at 19:22

Disagree on number 1, I love only having a 2 seater. If your friends want to go out drinking, goes who is not the DD, this guy.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 19:23

You can't go wrong with the C5 Z06. It and the racing program started the Vette renaissance.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > GhostZ
03/29/2014 at 20:12

I could live with a two seater year round as but that's just me.

Justino6969 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 22:22

Nope, my long time attainable dream car. As soon as I graduate and get a decent paying job, I'll be on the hunt.

briannutter1 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/30/2014 at 13:52

Get one! I have an '02 myself. Im a driver and not out to impress. Plenty of headroom and legroom at 6'3" and a lot of room for luggage. great gas mileage, stiffer chassis than a c6, c7 because of the roof and 502 lb hydroform steel chassis. softly sprung very reliable and cheaap parts, big brakes, ti catback, 3117 lbs, .29 cd, no rattles, entry egress better than any supercar, super modable, easily controlled ecu, will hold its value in the long term, no rust as the suspension is all aluminum a arms and spindles. 7000 rpm all the time with an awesum soundtrack. Scca,nasa champ year after year. 7:55 ring time was also standing start on crap runflat tires. I dont get beat often on track by stock cars below $100k. I could go on, but wont because peoples perceptions are set.

QCGoose > Frank Grimes
03/30/2014 at 13:55

'01 was 385; '02-'04 were 405.

Also, white (Speedway White) was only available on the '01. When spotting them in the wild, the two easiest ways to tell if it's an '01 is if it's white, and also the "ZO6" badges on the sides do not have "405 HP" on them.

I really wish Chevy wouldn't have added the "405 HP" and "505 HP" to the ZO6 badges, because once modded, that number is out the window (I know it's a number rated at the engine, but still), plus I just think it's a bit silly.

The "plain" ZO6 badging on the '01 C5 was perfect.

briannutter1 > Axial
03/30/2014 at 13:59

Actually rpm limited top spprd of 173 by short 5th gear and too long 6th. Fixed by increasing rev limit.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > briannutter1
03/30/2014 at 14:17

I wish I could! I've heard nothing but good things about them, and you make good points in the C5Z's favor. Sounds like a really fun car to have.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > briannutter1
03/30/2014 at 16:21

This is truth. Another way to fix it is with a gear swap. The auto cars had 3.23 or 2.73 rear ratios which would give a noticeable bump to the top speed while sacrificing a little bit of acceleration/fun at lower speeds.

But, counter point is that for the same gears & horsepower, the hatchback body of the standard car will provide a higher top speed and better acceleration at higher speeds due to aerodynamics.

briannutter1 > jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
03/30/2014 at 16:59

Yeah id like a c6 z06 ratios a bit better. The coupe body is a little slicker but the cg is higher and its a bit more flexible as well. C5z just made more sense for my needs. I have the ecta c/gt record in the standing mile at 174.55 with 450 whp. Hoping to best that may 3. They wont let me go 181 without a full cage or chute unfortunately. Standard car would indeed be a few mph higher if the gearing was as deep and weight matched the z Bonneville is on my bucket list someday.