smooth72
Well-known member
I agree, I think the steel bumper 68-72 vettes are great value and will increase values soon.
Sell me a CORVETTE!! (Vette owners only..)
- Thread starter e-tek
- Start date
I agree, I think the steel bumper 68-72 vettes are great value and will increase values soon.
kool55
Well-known member
2001 C5 6sp. wifes car. bought new , did a few mods, runs 12.8 @111mph. Now has 3,300 miles
72 LS 5 454 4 SP.[580hp] Total frame off restoration . Bought for 13,000. finished at 65,000.
72 LS 5 454 4 SP.[580hp] Total frame off restoration . Bought for 13,000. finished at 65,000.
kchalle
Well-known member
![dragvette-photos](http://<a href="http://s822.photobucket.com/albums/zz144/dragvette-photos/?action=view¤t=IMG_0002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz144/dragvette-photos/IMG_0002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>)
dclafleur
Active member
Yes the c6 is much more insulated and smoother riding. They stiffened up the c6 with targa top as stiff as the c5 ZO6. They really moved the new C6 ZO6 up in race ready because the new race rules says that the Race and production car has to be closer alike. Now with that said does it have enough insulation, not for every one ... I am also into stereos., just because you grow older doesn't mean you have to grow old.
I recognize that stereo, I've met you at the Sonic down in Newcastle for one of the weekly cruise ins. If I remember correctly you've got one of the shiniest suspensions too!
I by no means have the nicest or the best corvette in the world, but enjoy both the experience of driving it and the people I've met as a result of owning it. Heck if it wasn't for wrenching on my beat up '85 I wouldn't be so big into the shop and tools.
smooth72
Well-known member
I recognize that stereo, I've met you at the Sonic down in Newcastle for one of the weekly cruise ins. If I remember correctly you've got one of the shiniest suspensions too!
I by no means have the nicest or the best corvette in the world, but enjoy both the experience of driving it and the people I've met as a result of owning it. Heck if it wasn't for wrenching on my beat up '85 I wouldn't be so big into the shop and tools.
Looking forward to another great year of meeting other car nuts.
C G
Well-known member
I wanted a Corvette since I was in high school. After 30 years of marriage the Mrs finally said yes and I ended up buying a '68.
That is a great looking car. If I was to ever buy a Corvette it would be like this in either red or black.
Im happy your wife finally gave you permission to purchase yours
The torsional rigidity of the C5 Z06 has nothing to do with the top, the top is merely a sheet of SMC. It has the additional chassis bracing of the convertible in addition to the B-pillar of the coupe. I would like to see substantiation for your claim that the C6 coupe is as rigid as a C5 Z06.
Poppa Bud
Member
dclafleur
Active member
You couldn't give me a vette.First thing I think of when I see some middle aged guy riding around in a vette with the top down and his bald head blowing in the wind is old Smilin Bob from the Enzite commercials.Either they have a small ***** or their going thru a midlife crisis trying to impress some young chick that will be screwing around on him in six months cuz he can't keep up with her.Sorry guys but it's just my opinion of vettes.Don't get me started on Porches or Vipers.
I guess I don't quite fit your idea of a vette owner. (except for the bald head, but then again, I was bald at 25) Bought my new vette at 28, whilst being married...before kid and after we bought our house. Not a pornstar, but think my equipment is fine
still married. still have the vette. now 36 and have a 3yr old.might we find out what you drive, so we can show you our stereotypical thoughts?
smooth72
Well-known member
I got it from an old motor trend article that tested the c6 before it came out. If I remember correct it was a GM claim. I do not have the article now but it stuck in my head. And as far as the roof I have always heard that the stiffness in the roof has always made the car stiffer and thats why the c5 zo6, and c6 zo6 have fixed roofs. I have never heard any claim that a convertible, no matter much stiffening you do can be as rigid as a fix roof.
LOL dang are all the Oklahoma corvette guys on here?
A bunch of them (even though I'm not longer in the Tulsa "non-club" being that I moved to TX).
Rob
I had a 98 coupe as a daily driver. A couple of years later, I got an 05 coupe as a daily driver. I feel like it was quite noticeably more quiet/smooth/etc. Also, when I would ride in my friends 99 coupe after having the 05 I would REALLY notice the difference.... the C5 feels more "race" like... honestly I sort of missed it sometimes hehe.
Rob
smooth72
Well-known member
LOL dang are all the Oklahoma corvette guys on here?
All you okies need to join our NCCO Non Club Club of Oklahoma or our Central Oklahoma club (it is a "nomal" club).
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=250
No rules, no dues, just a bunch of vette owners getting together. Last year at our Marc Heitz show we had over 150 vettes. All money goes to toys for tots.
We hope it is bigger. Here is a couple burn out from last year
http://www.youtube.com/watch#playnext=1&playnext_from=TL&videos=r9cNJIELWD4&v=PUwY0LVDu6Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch#playnext=1&playnext_from=TL&videos=0gjIgiCngos&v=U26d_Un3GyY
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dclafleur
Active member
Been there, got the trophy...
That's actually from the first year when I was the only C4 to brave the rain and got 1st and 2nd in my class!
Last year was amazing, and I've already marked it on my calendar for this year. The corvette community is a hell of a group, I've met a lot of great people and made some good friends I wouldn't have met otherwise. Heck we even let the viper guys hang out too!
smooth72
Well-known member
Been there, got the trophy...
That's actually from the first year when I was the only C4 to brave the rain and got 1st and 2nd in my class!
The corvette community is a hell of a group, I've met a lot of great people and made some good friends I wouldn't have met otherwise. Heck we even let the viper guys hang out too!
and if I remember right you barley made it that year.
You need to make it to some of bar/club runs. Remember if you are first one to arrive you are the president of that event.gsport
Well-known member
I read this again and I guess there's only one proper response: YOU'RE ON THE WRONG SITE!!! I'm sure there's a Sun, sand and waves retirement forum out there for old guys in Speedo's you can join!!!!
smooth72
Well-known member
I read this again and I guess there's only one proper response: YOU'RE ON THE WRONG SITE!!! I'm sure there's a Sun, sand and waves retirement forum out there for old guys in Speedo's you can join!!!!
flyingvette
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2009
- Messages
- 92
I bought my 08 z06 before turning 26. Don't buy a z if you don't plan on racing or are not a very skilled driver. You will most likely end up in the ditch and will more likely appreciate the extra 'comfort' and 'features' the normal model offers.
I appreciate that all of the old dudes leave their's garage because the insurance on that thing is less than on my scion tc. Seriously, my insurance is quite low for the vette. Although I'm told its higher for the normal (non z06) version (higher accident rate). At that's even before factoring in the insurance you can save if you decide to put it into 'storage' for a few months of the winter. Of course, driving it in the snow has its advantage in being able to do donuts WITHOUT smoking your 400$ a piece tires. I get better gas mileage in the vette than the scion (avg 23-24 in the vette, 22 in the scion). I do drive the scion through the city much more often then the vette.
I find the z06 to be insanely comfortable and well tuned. Biggest complaint is that the steering column is a little to well insulated from the wheels and so you can't always tell how the car's gripping through wheel feedback / shimmy. Suspension is nice and stiff enough to feel every pebble, steering wheel is a great size for wheel movement, shifter has a nice throw, engine has more than enough power for low to upper experience levels (and there are plenty of tweaks available for advanced drivers), cg is perfect, brakes are great (upgrading to dot 4 fluid is a decent recommendation). 'Double bubble' canopy gives just enough clearance for an average height male to fit in with a helmet on. If you are 6 foot and / or over 200 lbs it's strongly recommended that you sit in one, helmet on, to make sure you fit in the thing. That goes for any sports car though. Stock tires are fairly crappy for track, although they'll get you around the course just fine if you're careful. Trunk space is commendable (I go camping with girlfriends for race days, all the gear fits in the back with only a little bit of tetrising).
The late model vipers are generally harder to handle, require more maintenance, are more expensive, and are unfriendly for road trips (ie, if you plan on driving to the track for the weekend). They look sharp and have a nice sounding engine. Gas mileage is poorer. The latest version (ACR-10 I think) is quite a fast track car and a great performer. Good cars if you have high experience in rear wheel drive cars. Driven on the edge they are quite a trip. Better as a dedicated track car than for dual purpose use.
If you want to buy an older vette my biggest recommendation would to get a book dedicated to the restoration and purchase of the particular generation car you are getting. There is a wealth of knowledge of problem spots to look for (especially specific locations of frame rust) so that you don't get a lemon. Trust me, its worth the 20-30$ if you have to buy it.
In summary: Given that you want a vette, if your passion is racing, get a c5 or c6 Z06. If your passion is cruising get a c6 standard. If your passion is restoration / classic cars, get a c1, c2, or c3. Drop a LS1 into a C3 for bonus points. One additional option is that there are a couple of outfits that will drop a c1 look alike body on a c5 chassis and suspension. It adds weight but drives nice and looks pretty d^&n close.
You can pm me if you have any specific questions I might be able to help with. Or from the sounds of it, just about anyone else here. I can post pictures if anyone cares.
I appreciate that all of the old dudes leave their's garage because the insurance on that thing is less than on my scion tc. Seriously, my insurance is quite low for the vette. Although I'm told its higher for the normal (non z06) version (higher accident rate). At that's even before factoring in the insurance you can save if you decide to put it into 'storage' for a few months of the winter. Of course, driving it in the snow has its advantage in being able to do donuts WITHOUT smoking your 400$ a piece tires. I get better gas mileage in the vette than the scion (avg 23-24 in the vette, 22 in the scion). I do drive the scion through the city much more often then the vette.
I find the z06 to be insanely comfortable and well tuned. Biggest complaint is that the steering column is a little to well insulated from the wheels and so you can't always tell how the car's gripping through wheel feedback / shimmy. Suspension is nice and stiff enough to feel every pebble, steering wheel is a great size for wheel movement, shifter has a nice throw, engine has more than enough power for low to upper experience levels (and there are plenty of tweaks available for advanced drivers), cg is perfect, brakes are great (upgrading to dot 4 fluid is a decent recommendation). 'Double bubble' canopy gives just enough clearance for an average height male to fit in with a helmet on. If you are 6 foot and / or over 200 lbs it's strongly recommended that you sit in one, helmet on, to make sure you fit in the thing. That goes for any sports car though. Stock tires are fairly crappy for track, although they'll get you around the course just fine if you're careful. Trunk space is commendable (I go camping with girlfriends for race days, all the gear fits in the back with only a little bit of tetrising).
The late model vipers are generally harder to handle, require more maintenance, are more expensive, and are unfriendly for road trips (ie, if you plan on driving to the track for the weekend). They look sharp and have a nice sounding engine. Gas mileage is poorer. The latest version (ACR-10 I think) is quite a fast track car and a great performer. Good cars if you have high experience in rear wheel drive cars. Driven on the edge they are quite a trip. Better as a dedicated track car than for dual purpose use.
If you want to buy an older vette my biggest recommendation would to get a book dedicated to the restoration and purchase of the particular generation car you are getting. There is a wealth of knowledge of problem spots to look for (especially specific locations of frame rust) so that you don't get a lemon. Trust me, its worth the 20-30$ if you have to buy it.
In summary: Given that you want a vette, if your passion is racing, get a c5 or c6 Z06. If your passion is cruising get a c6 standard. If your passion is restoration / classic cars, get a c1, c2, or c3. Drop a LS1 into a C3 for bonus points. One additional option is that there are a couple of outfits that will drop a c1 look alike body on a c5 chassis and suspension. It adds weight but drives nice and looks pretty d^&n close.
You can pm me if you have any specific questions I might be able to help with. Or from the sounds of it, just about anyone else here. I can post pictures if anyone cares.
What I said is exactly true. The roof skin is not structurally significant.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1551349001-post2.html
flyingvette
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2009
- Messages
- 92
What he said is also true, the z06 models are stiffer than the others. And the structural insignificance of the actual roof skin applies to any car I can think of. It's the roof rails (ie, the vertical frame that he mentions) that adds stiffness to the car. And vice versa, its the lack of the structural members needed to hold the roof that makes a convertible less stiff. The panel itself is just that, a panel. It may add some torsional resistance that would never exceed the holding pressure of the glue / spot welds that attach it to the frame.
Stiffer structural members.
Hehe.
Stiffer structural members.
Hehe.
smooth72
Well-known member
I didn't want to cause a big deal about it, it was just info I read when they were hyping the new c6. Also info that has been passed around about verts for ever. Been wrenching on cars for 34 years. I love my c6 and will never get close to its total ability. I am not into racing, but love the power. In fact I have a very heavy stereo in it, so absolute performance suffers. It is all about what I think is fun. I do go through tires about every 8k miles, has to be something wrong them.
if interested here is a pic of a c6 zo6 skeleton
if interested here is a pic of a c6 zo6 skeleton
Eddie 70
Well-known member
There is a reason you for your feeling like that in the C5 Z06. The Z06 was built to perform. 2001 was 385 HP. 2002 to 2004 were 405 HP. They are fixed roof cars. They have the short rear glass. The front glass is a special light weight piece compared to the normal C5 vette. The car has no noise insulation under the carpet to reduce weight. The car has no spare tire to reduce weight. It has no tire pressure sensors to reduce weight. It does however come with a small compressor and a bottle of fix a flat. LOL!! The Z comes with titanium exhaust to reduce weight. The wheels are made differently to reduce weight.
Now you can know a few of the reasons the C5 Z06 feels a little more like a race car and not a Cadillac.
Mark-in-NH
Well-known member
I read this again and I guess there's only one proper response: YOU'RE ON THE WRONG SITE!!! I'm sure there's a Sun, sand and waves retirement forum out there for old guys in Speedo's you can join!!!!
Thats Funny !!! I thought that this site was called "The, Garage Journal". Not "The, If you don't like corvettes, you shouldn't be here"
I don't consider your response as "Proper" at all. Just because I don't have an interest in driving or owning a particular type of car and obviously you do.
I see no call for you to post an assinine and arrogant reply such as you did.
Jazz
Well-known member
Honestly I don't own a Corvette yet, but have the money set aside for it as soon as my new garage build is done later this year and I’ve been researching the purchase for almost a year. I currently have a 1994 Trans Am which is highly modified that I autocross (which I will also be keeping) but really wanted the performance improvement a Corvette gives as far as chassis and the engine improvements of the LSx model engines. I honestly didn't think much of Corvettes until I actually started racing. It was then that I realized what a bargain they were. They are the only car at a reasonable price that can dominate at both track and autocross events while also performing well off the track. They also hold thier value after the initial depreciation, parts are relatively inexpensive and readily available. I still believe the C5 Z06 to be the best possible car for me to own, but I recently helped a friend find a 1978 Stingray (decent driver for $6500) an he loves the car. It's not fast, but is great for cruising. I also tend to think that the old stereotype of the balding gold chain clad middle age man is true anymore. The C5 and C6 are great cars and hard to beat for the price. I’d be weary of the C4’s since I doubt they will have much collectability and will continue to lose value in the short term and most will need repairs. If you have to fix/repair you might as well spend the money in a C3 (Stingray).
tez929rr
Well-known member
Well, I'd have to say this is pretty much all wrong.
I have a 2005 Z51 - first Corvette ever for me. It has exceeded my expectations pretty much everyplace. I routinely get 27 mpg on long trips (It's been TX to Maine twice), and about 20 in everyday driving. I live in Central TX, so the heat is not an issue. We own 4 sportbikes and I'd have to say this vette is pretty close to as much fun in the twisties. And more fun to drive home in after a long day. Long distance comfort is fine. Maintenance has been minimal - the dealer did have to replace the auto dim mirror - that's all in almost 5 years and 45K miles.
Oh yes, and luggage space - one of my criteria when I bought the car was to able to pick up my airline pilot wife while on a trip and pack her stuff in there - it has worked every time. And the Corvette was pretty much the only true 2-seat coupe with that much space.
And I don't get how hosing up your calipers because you didn't know how to take them off correctly is a fault of the car.
To the OP: C6's are down in your price range now. The 05's had a couple of quirks that have been fixed, so any year after that is better.
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gsport
Well-known member
it's amazing how E-tek asked this of vette owners only, and still gets opinions from those that have never been in a vette or own one.... if he wants one, he wants one, why try to talk him out of it... i've been driving vettes since 1980 and i'll always have one.
Jazz
Well-known member
I'd agree with that, not currently owning one myself
It's a personal choice and he should follow what he wants to do, whatever that is as long as the car isn't expected to be an investment. I'd definetly say go out and drive the cars rather than asking here. Granted the forum is fun for getting responses and almost everyone with a garage interest is going to have choice words (either very positive or maybe very negative) about what is the ONLY true American sports car. (Yes, I'm on the positive side).
It's a personal choice and he should follow what he wants to do, whatever that is as long as the car isn't expected to be an investment. I'd definetly say go out and drive the cars rather than asking here. Granted the forum is fun for getting responses and almost everyone with a garage interest is going to have choice words (either very positive or maybe very negative) about what is the ONLY true American sports car. (Yes, I'm on the positive side).
Mark-in-NH
Well-known member
I don't read in anybodys post where he was told he couldn't own one nor do I read anywhere of anybody trying to talk him out of it.
In regards to how he worded the title of this thread. If he didn't want to hear from people who have never owned one, have never driven one and have no interest in corvettes for what ever their reason. He shouldn't have posted his question on a forum that was open to all forum members.
Since apparently NON vette owners are not, nor were ever, wanted to post on this thread I won't waste my time by returning. fuavm.
E-tek, Good luck in your search. I honestly and sincerely hope you find the vette you seek and enjoy it thuroughly for many years.
gsport
Well-known member
hey E-tek..... did ya ever get a vette??
Dolfan
Well-known member
I'll chime in here. Two vettes in the garage, a 1989 C4 owned it since '90 and about 9 year ago started using in for SCCA Solo, now you can appreciate the vette. Then 4 years ago wanted to move up to SS class and got the 04 Z06, this is a serious car, track days and Solo events you can really see what the car is capable of.
C4's are a steal these days, really good performance for the dollar. If you like the C4 style you can find nicely maintained cars with about 55-75K miles in the 7-9K range or so. C5 Z06's vary much more based on mileage, rarely driven model still seen priced in the 30's but most upper 20's but higher mileage in the lower 20's. Dollar for dollar it is hard to find a better overall car than the C5 Z06. Still enjoy the C4, but the Z06 makes it seem like a tank!
C4's are a steal these days, really good performance for the dollar. If you like the C4 style you can find nicely maintained cars with about 55-75K miles in the 7-9K range or so. C5 Z06's vary much more based on mileage, rarely driven model still seen priced in the 30's but most upper 20's but higher mileage in the lower 20's. Dollar for dollar it is hard to find a better overall car than the C5 Z06. Still enjoy the C4, but the Z06 makes it seem like a tank!
trbomax
Well-known member
Rte66Charlie
Well-known member
I coulda swore I remember an incredible picture of Ms. E-Tek on the hood of a C4 (red?) - was that not yours? They should have GIVEN it to you for that picture!
I had a stock '65 with a 396 and a 4-speed (coupe) and a '79 with an L-82 and a 4 speed. Both were handling pigs compared to today's technology, but the '79 waaaaay out handled the '65 - and the '65 waaaaaaaay out motored the '79!!
Both were fun cars - Corvettes, ANY generation, are a ball.
Go for it, E!!!
I had a stock '65 with a 396 and a 4-speed (coupe) and a '79 with an L-82 and a 4 speed. Both were handling pigs compared to today's technology, but the '79 waaaaay out handled the '65 - and the '65 waaaaaaaay out motored the '79!!
Both were fun cars - Corvettes, ANY generation, are a ball.
Go for it, E!!!
gsport
Well-known member
hey E... if you check out the grandsport registry, there's a 96' coupe with red interior (pretty rare, #813 for sale for $25,000)... it's a two owner car and i personally know that car from day one. the current owner is 77 years old or so and i know it's never been abused. the first owner was a lady....
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