Pondering Corvette
Just to have a discussion, but I am leaning toward this after we buy a house in a couple of months but I'm torn. Here are some of the things I have considered:
I have two miatas, one turbo one leather fancy low miles pants... fast miata is probably base C5 automatic fast... ? ...but is always needing tinkering. :fael: Vette gives both speed and some luxury... (though I like my '01 SE interior a little more) NO TINKERING with Vette, ??? if I DID tinker with the Vette, it will be far beyond what I could reasonably do with a Miata. (in a straight line anyway) Vette would cause $10k -ish note... Miatas are paid for. Vette has more space I don't race not sure how stupid expensive maintainence will be with Vette. Damnit! :crx: |
Funny you say that.
I just picked up an 04 Vette :party: |
My friend just bought an '09 ZHZ, some hertz model. 6 speed flappy paddle gear box and 436hp.
I love it. What an absolute dangerous blast. I would get in so much trouble. |
Originally Posted by 18psi
(Post 972934)
Funny you say that.
I just picked up an 04 Vette :party: Though after test driving a 2009 C6 with a six-speed auto and knowing that the same year's z06 would mean a 427 :skid: I really think I need to find a 04 z06 manual and cam it! Or wait a few years so that I can get the way nicer interior of the C6 for what the 5s are going for now if the C7 sells well. (and sorry for making the thread over again, I thought I lost my internet connection earlier! OOPS) |
I've coached for the vette club and the C6Z was shockingly similar to my car when it had the turbo. Really easy to drive fast, lots of feedback through the brake pedal, perfectly balanced. C5Zs are good but the gears are way too long for the weak engine.
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I've been around Corvettes my whole life. As long as you utilize regular proactive maintenance maintenance schedule, you should have no problem at all. Even neglected, I've seen all corvettes 80s-00s make it way past 100k miles no problem.
Probably the worst problems with C5s are the interior quality (makes a NB look nice) that will literally fall apart and the reoccurring ABS control module failures. Vlad is in a better position as the later C5 modules are still available from GM; the early ones are not... At all. |
V8 miata > corvette.
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Originally Posted by chpmnsws6
(Post 972985)
V8 miata > corvette.
Originally Posted by hustler
(Post 972973)
I've coached for the vette club and the C6Z was shockingly similar to my car when it had the turbo. Really easy to drive fast, lots of feedback through the brake pedal, perfectly balanced. C5Zs are good but the gears are way too long for the weak engine.
[edit] Hustler, I am really just trying to discount what you're saying about the C5 because affording the C6 is a bit off, LOL |
You can buy a turnkey V8 miata from FlyinMiata for $35K, I don't think finding one used for $25k is out of the question. Or why not just turbo the SE?
Used V8 miatas: LS1/LS6 Miata 6 Speed There are also a lot of V8 RX7's out there like this gorgeous FD. That may well be my choice. |
Originally Posted by slmhofy
(Post 972974)
I've been around Corvettes my whole life. As long as you utilize regular proactive maintenance maintenance schedule, you should have no problem at all. Even neglected, I've seen all corvettes 80s-00s make it way past 100k miles no problem.
Probably the worst problems with C5s are the interior quality (makes a NB look nice) that will literally fall apart and the reoccurring ABS control module failures. Vlad is in a better position as the later C5 modules are still available from GM; the early ones are not... At all. 2. AGREE! (C6 is WAY better) and did not know. 3. Have only been looking at '04s, have any insight to the cutoff year on this? |
Originally Posted by gearhead_318
(Post 972999)
You can buy a turnkey V8 miata from FlyinMiata for $35K, I don't think finding one used for $25k is out of the question. Or why not just turbo the SE?
Used V8 miatas: LS1/LS6 Miata 6 Speed There are also a lot of V8 RX7's out there like this gorgeous FD. That may well be my choice. I have had such troubble with the MS1 PNP in a street car (read A/C + NA + MS1 = suck or mod a lot ) and am a little worried about it with MS2 in the SE, maybe unwarranted but nobody really hates on the Vette either. I do have an emotional attachment to both of my Miatas, my dad bought one and sold me the other, and he is sick; but was looking at a '04 yellow C5 before he decided he had become too weak to drive it. That is really what got me thinking about them though, they are nice and fast and for the money - is not really far off of what a full turbo build and extras runs in a Miata including the price of the car: The one he had looked at was 12k miles and $23k. Lowend torque and not worrying about punching it from a stop light are intriguing compared to the [don't drag race your turbo Miata] good-sense mantra. Tires, insurance and sales/ttl hikes are obviously not favorable though. |
Originally Posted by hankclaussen
(Post 973002)
1. Kinda what I figured, and I would/already do with all my cars.
2. AGREE! (C6 is WAY better) and did not know. 3. Have only been looking at '04s, have any insight to the cutoff year on this? |
To solve your problem:
Turbo the SE. MS3x Happiness. I'd take the FD with the LS anyday over a vette. Those cars are just pure sex. |
Originally Posted by hankclaussen
(Post 972996)
Hmmm. I have driven C5 auto, felt suprisingly slow... drove C6 non Z auto last weekend which has two more gears than its predecessor but the C5 manual would also be 6spd and roughly the same power stock to stock. So, I guess I would have to look at the gearing as I surely dont need the top speed, but the weak motor comment doesn't make sense because we're talking about 400 to 435bhp in a 3400lb car I don't know all that much about your car when it was turboed but I don't think my turbo 92 is taking a C5 z06 or a base C6... ? Cams would get real close to 500 motor keep me in the more affordable C5, and maybe swap a diff? Or, wait a while for the 6 or ...IDK.
[edit] Hustler, I am really just trying to discount what you're saying about the C5 because affording the C6 is a bit off, LOL |
lol don't go driving a c6 or z06 then get into a c5 auto expecting to be impressed.
of course you'll be bored. you are hereby spoiled by newer, better, faster, way more expensive cars. |
Originally Posted by hustler
(Post 973068)
It's a 3100-3300lb car with driver, tons of tire, and way too big of a ring and pinion, it felt slow. If I had one I'd do shocks, header, huge Wilwoods, R&P swap.
I like the vettes, but no way I'd be able to leave one alone as is, even the Z06. Even the LS1 that I am putting in my Miata is not going in stock. Speaking of interiors, my 94 interior still looks better than any C5 out there. |
C5's are easily my favorite 'vette. Exhaust + Procharger really make them fun.
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If you don't track the car and have good self discipline in terms of modifying the cars, I would not try to talk anyone out of a later C5 (manual) whether it was a Z06, an FRC or a base targa. The latter should put down 300 WHP / 300 WTQ on a Dynojet and should trap ~108 MPH bone stock. You can even lower them a little bit on factory suspension.
My previous car: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1359472664 A Corvette could easily be your daily driver and keep a Miata to tinker with. On separate occassions, with the help of some twine, I put a fully assembled four-burner propane grill and a Christmas tree in the hatch of my targa. The main reason to talk you out of it is the fact that you'd have to take on debt to acquire it. Normally, I wouldn't let that be a deal-breaker assuming today's super low rate environment (I've got a note on the 3-series with less than 2% interest, fixed) but you also mentioned buying a house. You could easily end up surprised with a few repairs or upgrades to the house that coust a few thousand dollars each. |
Originally Posted by Scrappy Jack
(Post 973079)
You WILL easily end up with a few repairs or upgrades to the house that cost a few thousand dollars each.
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Oh yeah, the absolute first mod, without a doubt, is a set of seats. Dear god those seats were terrible, flopping around, ugh.
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Buddy of mine bought a '99 C5 6 speed. He put a catless x pipe on it with full length headers, some air box, then he got it tuned. It made like 360whp/360 wtq.
Then he got bored. Now it has heads and a cam (not sure on specs), and he makes more like 450whp now. |
Do some research on the common potential issues the cars have, understanding that the list looks pretty ugly but not all cars will experience all the issues. Mine had none, other than the rocking chairs.
I read in a C7 article with the Corvette Chief who mentioned one of the goals with the new model was focusing on the subjective, in addition to the objective. That is, the "feel" in both the way the driver interacts with the vehicle and elements like the interior. He talked about the car feeling like a blunt instrument and I thought that was appropriate. It feels heavier than it is, the steering wheel was a boat tiller and I remember the T56 being a rock-crusher in terms of length and effort of throw. Add to that the low seating height and long-ass doors and you look like an animal being birthed when you are getting in and out of it in a tight parking garage. For me, it was perfect on paper. I still sold it and do not regret the decision. |
Loving the analogies:giggle:
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Originally Posted by Scrappy Jack
(Post 973079)
... but you also mentioned buying a house.
You could easily end up surprised with a few repairs or upgrades to the house that coust a few thousand dollars each.
Originally Posted by Scrappy Jack
(Post 973092)
I read in a C7 article with the Corvette Chief who mentioned one of the goals with the new model was focusing on the subjective, in addition to the objective. That is, the "feel" in both the way the driver interacts with the vehicle and elements like the interior.
To the OP, as others alluded to the vette and miata are very different cars. My take is if you will track the car, the vette will do it faster and reliably with minimal mods. On the street the feel of the car is far more important. |
Go on youtube and search c7 or something. Tons of videos, reviews, interviews, etc being up daily. Its one of the most talked about topics right now.
Whats weird is I feel exactly the opposite about it: I think its a great daily. No track experience though so no idea there. Its torquey, comfy, has more creature comforts, etc. Compared to a miata. Miata is high strung, nimble, more exciting, etc. I'd daily a vette and track a miata. But I've next to no track experience so that's just my humble opinion. |
how old are you V(lad)? Perhaps that has something to do with it. Not saying your real old or anything -- I like a comfy daily too and I'm only 26. But some people want something that gets them from point a to b with as much excitement as possible. Which would be better for a weekend canyon carver? I'd say Miata.
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:laugh: you're like the 50th person to ask me this. I'm in my upper 20's ;)
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Pics of your vette, 18psi? Pusha would be proud :bowrofl:
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oh man, now I'm gonna have to sell it.
I'll take some pics when I get a chance |
Originally Posted by JasonC SBB
(Post 973098)
Intersting. Got link?
I think I've recycled the magazine at this point, but if I find it at home I'll try to be more specific. I enjoyed the article and am pretty optimistic for the C7. |
Since we're on the subject, and this thread will probably get lots of corvette owners attention: what are the BEST forums to frequent for all knowledge C5 corvette related?
So far I've been reading corvetteforums and ls1tech. Any other good ones? Preferably the MT.net of vette forums?:D |
Originally Posted by JasonC SBB
(Post 973098)
Guess where my Cayman S cash went.
Intersting. Got link? To the OP, as others alluded to the vette and miata are very different cars. My take is if you will track the car, the vette will do it faster and reliably with minimal mods. On the street the feel of the car is far more important. 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray / Z51 Revealed - 2013 Detroit Auto Show - CAR and DRIVER - YouTube |
Originally Posted by 18psi
(Post 973153)
Since we're on the subject, and this thread will probably get lots of corvette owners attention: what are the BEST forums to frequent for all knowledge C5 corvette related?
So far I've been reading corvetteforums and ls1tech. Any other good ones? Preferably the MT.net of vette forums?:D Corvetteforum.com is good for platform specific stuff like common problems and maintenance but my experience with the c5 and c4 zr-1 crowd is a little miata.net esque. Speedtalk is good if you want some really good engine info. |
Cool beans. Thanks
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I did a 4-door Corvette for my "practical car" (Pontiac G8 with LS3). The GenIV V-8s are great. My only recommendation, if you do get a 'Vette, try like heck to get a manual. The automatic is way too "smart." It will drive you nuts and never really does what you want it to. I've got a transmission tune in my G8 that makes it tolerable, but I'd give my left nut to have a manual in the car.
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The C5 Z06 I drove on the track had a beefed up suspension but that was it. It felt heavy and numb in the steering wheel. It was torquey and accelerated well but lacked some of the joy of the Miata because of the disconnected steering feel. The steering was precise, don't get me wrong, but it didn't talk to you. And the car felt wide and heavy. It was like a really fast barge. I couldn't feel the subtleties of the surface like I was used to. Maybe you want that in your DD.
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I am loving that in a DD fwiw
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Just picked this up. 08 C6 Z06. 7700 miles on odo. I'll do a few track days for grins but it's not intended as a replacement for any of the Miatas. To expensive to run as hard/often as I do the Miatas. Not comfortable dri8ving this thing at it's limit on track without real safety equipment. It's a nice highway cruiser and I don't want to jack that up by putting race seats/harness/roll bar in it. Putting a roll bar in a C6Z is a PITA BTW, aluminum tub.
Plans for mods: -Set of Carbotechs for track use to keep from destroying the nice new OEM pads. -Maybe second set of wheels for track/autocross, four 18x10 LGWC. The OEM run flats are hideously expensive and will last if I don't tear them up at the track. -Larger oil tank from 09+ C6Z/R1. That's about it. I'll still daily one of the Miatas most of the time, keeping this for occasional hoonage. I had a a really nice S2000 that I never drove because the 95R was more fun. So I sold the S and started keeping an eye out for a Z06. Good gawd this thing is fast. :party: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361245892 |
The LG world challenge wheels are knock offs of the ccw 505a. Ccw makes some really nice stuff for the c6. I put some classics on a c5 z and the owner told me the front only weighed Something retarded like 8 lbs. After lifting it I think that was pretty close.
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Originally Posted by emilio700
(Post 980448)
Just picked this up. 08 C6 Z06. 7700 miles on odo. I'll do a few track days for grins but it's not intended as a replacement for any of the Miatas. To expensive to run as hard/often as I do the Miatas. Not comfortable dri8ving this thing at it's limit on track without real safety equipment. It's a nice highway cruiser and I don't want to jack that up by putting race seats/harness/roll bar in it. Putting a roll bar in a C6Z is a PITA BTW, aluminum tub.
Plans for mods: -Set of Carbotechs for track use to keep from destroying the nice new OEM pads. -Maybe second set of wheels for track/autocross, four 18x10 LGWC. The OEM run flats are hideously expensive and will last if I don't tear them up at the track. -Larger oil tank from 09+ C6Z/R1. That's about it. I'll still daily one of the Miatas most of the time, keeping this for occasional hoonage. I had a a really nice S2000 that I never drove because the 95R was more fun. So I sold the S and started keeping an eye out for a Z06. Good gawd this thing is fast. :party: [IMG]https://www.miataturbo.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=67946&dateline=1361245 892[/MG] Wanna trade it for an '04 C5 auto and an '01 Miata SE (in my sig)? :giggle::party: |
Originally Posted by hornetball
(Post 973825)
I did a 4-door Corvette for my "practical car" (Pontiac G8 with LS3). The GenIV V-8s are great. My only recommendation, if you do get a 'Vette, try like heck to get a manual. The automatic is way too "smart." It will drive you nuts and never really does what you want it to. I've got a transmission tune in my G8 that makes it tolerable, but I'd give my left nut to have a manual in the car.
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My friend's '09 ZHZ:
Made 375ish, gonna be retuned on Monday. |
Seems right, about 14% drivetrain loss. I want! Or zo6! :D
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