C5 Z06 Corvette - Enthusiast Review: This is not the performance bargain you are looking for...
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- čas přidán 7. 08. 2024
- We tell you what those other review sites can't, because we actually own one! Find out why the C5 Corvette Z06 is NOT the performance bargain the internet likes to say it is by taking a deep dive in (literally the engine) and around our (former) personal C5 Z06.
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I appreciate the time you took to review this vehicle, but you seem critical of one of the best performance buys out there. This is a 20 year old, naturally aspirated car, and is still relevant. Oh yeah, the interior is quirky in some places, we all know that, but all is forgiven when you drive it.
You missed the part where I recommended a base C5 or C6 instead 😉 The money you save over the Z06 can be invested in fixing the issues - brakes, wheels, seats, and then you'd have an amazing performance car that actually works on the track for the same price.
Owned 2 C5 Zo6's. 2001 and 2002. Owned C6 Z06 and a C6 zr1 and 1985 with a 383. Owned vettes for 25+ years. Much of the things you are pointing out are actually petty. None of them are high cost. Vettes from the C5 generation have held up well. You take that as it sits to an autocross with the "right" tires and you win. You walk away and drive home unlike many who need to trailer their s2000 and Miata's with thousands and thousands of dollars in work. Btw, i follow quite a few C5 z06 owners on CZcams, not sure how you are searching but they are there. I cant even come close to naming a car that is the best buy/performance for the dollar. Cars age, upgrading and updating is a normal process and the vette is not expensive at all. The trunk thing, that is petty how it opens. I just searched tirerack and there are quite a few choices for the 295 / 35 / 18 and front 2 choices. Search tire size. Most put different rims on the car in the first place anyway. The center console situation, you understand the reason for the "hitch" where it doesn't initially go up completely right? It has resistance so when you open it all the way up, it doesn't keep falling down on your arm. Think of springs in ashtrays or a gas tank when it opens. I don't know one of my fellow vette owners having so much crap in the back of their car that is "slams forward". PLUS, who is going to be racing around and braking hard with crap in the back? ITS A COUPE bro. There is no separation. You should be blessed your generation has such a selection of sports cars and muscle cars to choose from. We didn't. Price range was not attainable at the time for certain cars so we were locked into a specific price range and choices. Before the vette price hike which is slowly coming down, getting into a car that pulls over a 1g on the skid pad , runs lows 12's stock, 0-60 in 4 seconds flat, gets 16/28 on the highway, has great looks, all for around $15-25k is insane. When I first got my z06 all i did was put a cam in it (V springs and rockers) , slightly heavier clutch , basic air box mod and was pushing 500hp. Easily in the 11's. I see others calling out a few similar things I have said as well. They make a cheap cheappp (i still have one) bypass switch for the lockout in 2nd gear. They did that for fuel economy and it's easy to bypass but did you mention that? Did you do any due diligence or did you decide to nit pick the vette? Saw a couple cars you have had on the channel, oh man, where do i begin tearing those apart? The clear coat? BRO, its a 2003 we are in 2022. 19 years and you pointing out a small clear coat at the corner of the window? STOCK z06 , name another bone STOCK same years or around same price you get all of what i mentioned above. NOTHING. WHY would I buy a car already done up , that has been abused and god knows what? Unless it had slight mods WHY take the chance. Only full race prepped cars , that is a whole different ball of wax. Go to the Power Nation channel. Those boys did up a C5 z06 with just heads and cam, then did some suspension on it, did a tune and it was a beast and easy daily driver. Two videos. Not going to apologize for the rant since things had to be said and corrected.
Damn, this makes me more confident now, cause im saving up for a c5. Thanks for the info
@@christianyoung1903 do it bro, I’ve bought one since and it’s the most car I’ve ever driven, it’s a handful and a half
@@Joey856721 what's your opinion on c6? I love the c5 look, but the only things I'm concerned about is aftermarket support for upgrades and also parts that eventually fail; such as the ECU or any other parts that could be hard to locate.
I've heard the c6 is way better overall, but I don't always believe modern is always better.
@@Nobody-dc8dp There is some part of the C5 brake system, I think the ABS module, that is no longer made by GM. If it fails, you have to get a junkyard replacement. This is a very good reason to get the brake fluid flushed every 3-5 years or so. I know of no other obsolete parts issues.
@@CSPANwatcher the 97-2000 Bosch system is not made or repairable. The 2001 to 04 GM is repairable for less than $200.
Your complaints are a bit much. For one, when you turn off traction or turn on "competitive driving", you can simply hit the reset button to clear the message and the traction setting stays set. Tires are also not an issue, just go with 275 or 255 up front if you want more options, or pony up and buy Michelin.... cause they do have a 265 and its a great tire. Plenty of 295's out there too, so that is not an issue. Shop by tire size not by vehicle.
Aside from that, from a performance standpoint the z06 is a better buy right out of the gate. The handling and driving characteristics compared to a coupe IS night and day. You have more power, lighter car, fixed roof (structural rigidity), bigger sway bars, better shocks, wider tires and wheels, better gearing in the trans, power steering cooler, rear brake cooling ducts, etc. The ONLY reason to buy a coupe (from a performance standpoint) is if you prefer the body style and have the money to make it perform. In the long run it would cost more to put money into a base coupe to make it out perform a Z06 then it would be to just buy a Z06. And even if you did put that money into a base coupe, someone out there is putting the same amount of $ into their Z06.
agreed
you can get pilot sport 4s or Goodyear eagle f1s in the front, and theres about a dozen options for rears right now on tire rack. I wonder if covid was the reason they couldn't be found a few years ago.
Shockingly, I'm not shopping the Z06 for the trunk access and center console.
The trunk has 2 cubbies that fit a 12 pack of beer (bottles)perfectly
Title: "This is not the performance bargain you are looking for..."
You @ 1:08 "it really IS an awesome performance bargain"
this video is just all over the place lmao
Waffle waffle
😭🤣🤣🤣🤣
Dude! It’s a drivers car! Nobody buys that car for the interior quality and surely not the center console. It’s still the best performance bargain out there. Find a performance car with “good” interior quality that can come close to this and you’re gonna pay 40k +
I can tell you guys didn't put any real miles on that car by the fact that it has Eagle F1 tires all the way around. They suck and they're the most expensive tires for the car so nobody buys them again once they wear out.
-Conti EC Sport in stock rear size ($280 each) and 275/40 front ($180 each). Way better than the OEM tires. There are other options as well. Anyone who owns one of these cars for enough time to go thru 1 set of tires finds this out on the forums.
-The balancer issue doesn't affect all balancers, it's about 30% of them.
-The valve spring issue really only affected 2002 and 2003.
-I've owned and DAILY driven a C5Z for several years. No complaints. The only problem I've had is the column lock which the LMC5 fixed. Car gets good mileage, reliable, quick, handles great, cold AC and looks awesome.
-My center console opens all the way with the parking brake on 🤷♂️.
-The seat does not go forward
every time you brake on the track because the seat belt holds you in place and the seat belt is attached to the pillar. I don't wear my seat belt normally tbh and I still never go forward when I brake hard. It's just not something that realistically happens.
-After you wash the car, put a vacuum cleaner against the seal right at the corner and it will suck all the water out so it doesn't keep running out.
This car was meant for the ultimate performance enthusiast. They literally took the C5 and redesigned it to be totally track focused but ABLE to be driven on the road. ABLE. Not road-focused. And those GTOs are fuckin turds compared to the C5Z, in a straight line and especially on track. You'd go for a GTO if you wanted a squishy daily muscle car, not a track-focused race ready car. That said, I love driving mine daily because I like going around corners fast and banging gears daily. You really don't need to do coilovers and shit to race it on track. Put a good set of tires and the car is already more capable than you are unless you have 10+ years of road course experience.
Hell, this comment is a better review than this so called review.
I agree the car is more capable than I can ever take it right out of the box.👍🏼
Hold up- you don’t wear your seatbelt normally? Did I just read that incorrectly or something?
@@redey1290 I haven't worn seat belts since like age 17 lol. Got a video of a 170 mph run with the seat belt light on on my phone. I took that video with one hand while making the run as well. In my 1/2 mile racing video, I took all those clips while driving with one hand and no seat belt. I have a speedometer-view acceleration video of my Yamaha FZ-09 that I took with my left hand while riding with the right hand and shifting without the clutch. At full throttle. I low-sided that bike in shorts and a T shirt and took my elbow down the bone with rash on my arms and legs, healed for a month and got back on the bike in shorts and a T shirt again. I can continue lol
You're not driving hard enough if you don't see the performance value in a C5 and above corvette. Center console doesn't open? Who cares? Performance bargain. A stock C5 Zo6 will run consistent caged race car times with no modifications on the leaf springs.
You have to run 11.49 for a roll bar and 10.99 for a roll cage. No stock C5 Z06 will do that, leaf spring or not.
@@PlaysWithCars on a road track... who drag races a corvette? C5 and C6 are two of the most successful IMSA platforms.
@@SmokeyJo50 IMSA Corvettes are full tube chassis. They don't have anything in common with real road cars at all.
@@PlaysWithCars ?? Wheel base, chassis dimensions, engine placement... yup no similarities there. I think you aren't driving your corvette hard enough if you aren't seeing the value in it. The fact you can run porsche, ferrari and race car lap times on 2 piston brakes and leaf springs says it all if you ask me.
@@SmokeyJo50 Harsh words, Smokey. Just an opinion piece but certainly not a bad review of the car. Felt more like an FYI piece for someone interested in owning one. You may have some more insight into the Corvette, do you track one at all?
Having owned mine for nearly a year now, I bought right before the prices started to climb… I bought Conti Sports for the stock wheels, a second square setup of wheels and Yoke A052s for AutoX, and a second set of staggered wheels and track tires… by far the best drivers car for the money on the market!
Criticism is weak. I can find tires no problem. The only downside is the cheaper interior. But the performance which is really only what people care about is incredible. The 0-60 and1/4 mile times are insane for 2002 and even today especially when you consider the cost. If you command fantastic interior, buy an expensive Porsche or bmw. This car is extraordinary for what you pay. I can’t wait to get one.
"LITERALLY No tires available, NOTHING"
You are hilarious ma dude
I'm two years late but if anyone is reading this and complaining about the center console/park brake thing mentioned in this video, the center console is adjustable, if it's hitting the park brake then whoever put it on last put it too far forwards. Loosen the 4 nuts, slide it back a quarter inch and retighten them and your problem is solved.
Pushing the reset button on the gauge cluster controls will get rid of the Traction Control Off message and let you see all the usual readouts.
This was helpful to me lol
I own a 2002 Z with 60K. 1. Correct on the valve springs. Dropped a valve into the piston. 01/04s are much less likely to do this. 2. The trunk pop thing is annoying but after replacing the "shocks", I finally figured out the real solution.... WD40 the hinges on the lid and the locking mechanism. It works without fail every time now. Wish i did it when i got it. 3. your center arm rest is either broken or you need to lube the hinge. You have to open it and then lift it up. It opens with the hand brake on
Yep... on the hatch I added springs and lubricated parts. Works just fine.
Center arm rest w/oil on the hinges DOES work w/parking brake up.
Turning off display is as simple as hitting reset.
Like others have said, the front tire size of 265 40 R 17 is odd so you have to go up a size to 275 40 R17 to find the Same tire to fit front and rear. I'm getting some Continental extreme contact sport tires soon.
I just watched you complain.. sorry dude 03 Z06 driver here. And none of these bother me. I guess if it's your daily, but is not. When buying this car people should know what they are buying the sound, looks, and motor.
The complete lack of front tires doesn't bother you?
@@PlaysWithCars nope I'm 295/35/18 squared set up. I ditched my stock Z06 WHEELS LONG AGO
@@chakman1125 and that's great. New buyers need to be aware that this is the best idea, but it will cost a not insignificant amount of money, especially as wheel choices with the correct offset dry up. It's hard to be a "bargain" when you have to immediately drop $1000+ on wheels and tires just to drive the car.
@@PlaysWithCars all I can say is you got to pay to play. If $1,000 is going hard-presse you shouldn't be getting into the market of buying this car in the first place. Also you can always run a 275 on the front and get a few more options
@@chakman1125 all performance cars are pay to play. Most don't require different wheels just to be able to buy tires without compromises to that performance. The SA/FB RX-7 does for example, because good luck getting 13" performance anything, and that is acknowledged within the community. For some reason C5 Z06 proponents ignore it entirely, probably because most of them are already on square 18's.
Dang...CLICK BAITED AGAIN. 1:08 "...really is a bargain..."
😏
These are all fair criticisms, but none of them make it "not the performance bargain" that people love. It is still an amazing performance car, I would argue that performance is the only thing this car does especially well.
You don't think having inadequate brakes, a faulty damper, failure prone valve springs, clutch hydraulics that can't hold up to track use, and most importantly ridiculously hard to find wheel and tire sizes affect the performance bargain? Yes, it's a great performance car, but I argue that all of those things needing addressed make it not a bargain. You'd be money ahead buying a car that's more sorted from the factory to start with.
@@PlaysWithCars can you give a suggestion price for price in the manual world? Can a C5 Z06 be bought and sorted for $30,000? If not what cars can be sorted and faster around a circuit for the same price. I’ve struggled to find any. I’m gonna go have a look now.
@@pattisonvidal3909 986/987 Boxster S and Cayman S, S197 Boss 302, C6 Corvette, B8.5 Audi S4/S5, the list goes on and on. Honestly though the biggest issue with the C5 Z06 as a "performance bargain" is the existence of the base C5. It has 90% of the performance for 1/3 the cost. All of the Z06 specific "upgrades" from the base (wheels, brakes, seats, clutch) need to be changed to track the car anyway, so what exactly are you paying the extra money for? Buy a base C5, do the same mods, and be on the track for $10-15K less going the same speed.
@@PlaysWithCars 1/3 the cost? A nice, low mileage C5Z fetches mid-20's whilst an equivalent C5 base, 6 speed will typically run in the high-teens. If you want the FRC benefits enjoyed by the Z in a base model, you're going to hover around 20k and are still without the better geared transmission and a few of the weight saving tricks used on the Z.
Bingo, didn't buy it for it's interior.
Man, love my c5z06 Aftermarket shifter, AR Headers and xpipe, Borola cat back, ls6 and a few more mods. Cost to me with 42,000 miles was 17500. Shifts are solid, and the motor is a beast. Oh, let's not even discuss weight and gearing??? M12 trans with 342 posi is amazing!!! No, discussion here=why???? Oh, Fuck the center console.
If you had watched... It's the wheels/tire availability and brakes that let it down.
@Daniel Bea and your evidence to back up your assertion is??
Got to 275 for front a lot of options. Rear isn’t hard to find either.
A gto is nicer inside but performance wise is a cow next to a c5Z. The c5 has its quirks but bank for performance is really good, even tho right now the corvette market is a sellers market with prices above what they should be. To bad you sold it that color is 👌
Agreed, that’s a beautiful blue and difficult to find.
Just watched Doug's review of the z06 and he was able to open the center console with the parking brake up. Maybe the mechanism that lifts it is broken of yours? Or it's a specific year thing. Just thought it was interesting.
It's sounding like a specific year and option thing. Sport seats with full power and memory options up to 02 have the issue. Base model seats and manual/non memory seats don't.
@@PlaysWithCars I have an 02 with power memory seats and I can open the center console. It has a cantilever hinge.
You can kinda pull up on the arm rest and it swings out
@@SlubWay yup
@@PlaysWithCars there is only one seat option in the z06. Power memory Driver, with manual passenger seat. Weight savings. You have to pull up on the center console to open with parking brake up. I have an 02. Works like a charm
Yep, mine is an 02 and you just pull up while opening it, it's weird but after 10 years of owning the car I don't even think about it.
You put C6 wheels on and your tire problem is solved. Also, I don’t have the center console issue you’re experiencing. The trunk isn’t that big of a deal. Agree on the seats and shifter. Steering column was a recall. This car can’t be beat for the performance you get with the initial purchase of a stock Z06. A mild tune, VR, and Borla S-Type and you’re making 475-485hp. This is a an absolute well rounded machine hands down it’s very hard to beat even for an 18 year old car it spanks many new production plastic sports cars. Chirps them all the way through 3rd. Value will drop off I believe. How many were produced ? Drive those things ! It’ll run forever. Bought one a month ago and turned it for a $5500k profit. Instant regret after the research.
I have the exact same car since new and still love it.
I drive the c5 z06 in Forza 6. With slightly better tires, the car is incredibly fast.
thoughts on a daily driver that does road course track days 8-10 times a year. 1. camaro 1ss 1le for about 48k or 2. a cherry c5z with seats, wheels, c6z brakes, heads cam intake bringing total to the same 48k ?
those are horrbile deals theres a 2018 2ss 1le on offer up for 28k buddy
@@jayem8164 the camaro referenced was a 2022 1ss 1le auto w pdr and 2 miles
Man, thanks for that. I’ve been considering upgrading from a lightly modified lt1 c4 to a zo6 and things like the tires and the clutch delay valve might change my mind. I love the fast downshifts with my lightweight flywheel. I know doing a clutch on these is also not fun at all. I also don’t have problems finding tires for a late c4 at all.
I love a good C4!
I had the same problem but you have to search by the tire size and not the vehicle. Do a follow up video on that. I bought my tires recently on tire rack.
I have. It's the 265/40/17 front size that isn't made much if at all anymore. You can run a much narrower 245/45, or a much taller 275/40. There's a few 255/40 and 255/45 offerings as well. Very few of these also offer the matching tire in the 295/40/18 rear size.
Also the center console glove box works perfectly with the E brake up. You have to open it the pull it towards you. That fancy hinge your were referring to is designed to do exactly that.
@@MattSmith-vz5cz it will work correctly with base seats, but not the Z06 sport seats. The lid hits the bolster.
Guess my 04 z06 is the only one in world that works then. I have zero issues
@@PlaysWithCars have you considered that the pandemic has created shortages of ALL tires? I have friends who are professional truck drivers who can't find tires for their semis. It's a supply problem, not a car problem. But I agree with going to square 18" all the way around.
Weird. Never noticed that trunk issue when I had mine. Didn't pop open very far but I could still open it no problem.
Mine did it. Replaced the struts AND added helper springs.
i have a 2004 z06 and i have michlean pilot series tire on it, if your willing to go to a different size rim you can get any tire you want for your c5z06. just keep the stock rims so you can always go back to stock if you wanted to.
04 Z06 here... just upsize them +1 and there are tons of choices.
Took me a some searching to find tires for my Z. Michellin pilot sports. Got the front from tire rack and the rears from Amazon
oooh - I bought a flawless silver 2003 z06 with 56k miles. previous owner had fixed the little things (skip shift etc.), and had upgraded exhaust cam, headers etc. i added afr heads, new wheels tires etc. best sports car investment i could have made. looks showroom new, is a BLAST to drive, about 450 rwh, great handling, sounds awesome, and all for way less money than anything else i could buy today
Buying an already modified one (or an FRC) was my recommendation. Well done!
This video was produced two years ago so some things have defiantly changed. The price of C5 Z06's have increased quite a bit and are now somewhat competing with the price of the C6 Grand Sport. Even with the slight increase in price I tend to lean more towards the C6 GS for the following reasons. Better ABS module, breaks, break bias, rotors, ecu and ecu support, interior, rev matching, dry sump, front air feed vs bottom feed, ls3, tremec TR6060, trans, engine, and rear end coolers. With all the upgrades the c6 GS is pretty much a track ready car is the C5 Z06 still one of the bests?
At the same price I would choose the C6 GS every single time. That is the high water for Corvette when it comes to track days hands down.
I test drove LS3 Z51 C6s, no GS though. To me the C6 GS is the sensible choice, I'd agree. Probably especially for anyone who wants sound deadening for some long cruising. I bought a C5Z because the LS6 revvs freer and sounds better, especially if you don't plan on cutting up the titanium, the svelter body appeals to me, and because the Zs are appreciating more. Overall the car has a touch more personality to me, especially in black with pop-up square LEDs. Bonus notes, the 04s have flexfuel-capable* ECUs and retuned shocks but the fuel pump is harder to replace
On 295 square setup with a Hurst short shifter ball and might do race seats, I'll sell it stock and hope to pick up a 15-40% appreciation (depending how hard I beat on her) if I decide to try a different car in 5-10 years.
Hope this helps you! Let us know your choice
They sell me one with a bad clutch
Do recommend to buy it or not?
Clutch replacement on these is terribly expensive because of the labor.
i own a 1993 viper and i think this car is done up well, thinking of getting one due to being able to mod it to any level and its very light and trackable.
I had the C-5 Corvette Z06 red with black and red interior had the car for 15 years loved it . I traded it in at Kerbek in 2017 and bought a red grand sport love that car to
Weird I never have issues getting tires but I shop by size not car selection
Tires are not an issue. Just get 255/45r17 front and 285/40r18 rear. I dont think youll notice the 10mm difference.
Hell i run 305's on the rear
I have a base C5 with z06 suspension I bought used for super cheap. Imo it's easy to install also. The best bargin is a base C5 then use the extra money on parts. I also love the targa top. I agree that the brakes are lacking I hope to replace mine soon.
Yup, you've got the right idea! Buy the base C5 for way less because you'll upgrade the same parts anyway. Enjoy your car!
@@PlaysWithCars I bought mine in 2008 so I've been enjoying it for a while! I was hoping to upgrade 2 years ago but car prices are ridiculous.
i got yelled at for mentioning the value of a C5 coupe to someone that mentioned that a C6 Z06 was his dream car.
i mentioned it, i didn't call his choice out...
My trunk opens about a inch. Maybe you need new struts?
Skip shift was adopted by every Manufacturer with a manual and V8 so it is not isolated to GM. It was done to save gas and mandated by the EPA.
My understanding is that the skip shift “feature” was not mandated by the EPA; rather, it was a way for manufacturers to meet the EPA emissions and/or Corporate Fleet MPG requirements of that time. I welcome a link proving me wrong.
So I’m talking with a dealer that has this exact same car color and everything but it’s an 03 with 24,000 miles on it they want 31k The tires are seven years old I asked the dealer if I met their asking price if they would replace the tires you can always go up plus one size to get more options available tires but yeah it does suck that the OEM size is pretty nonexistent however discount tire online it was discount Direct still sells the OE tire Eagles, and as of 7/23 Tire rack doesn’t know when Michelin production dates will start again
The review was not what I was expecting. Funny, when it came out, professional drivers were saying it was pretty track-ready for any every day street going car. Personally saw a someone at Capital Raceway in Maryland turn 11.5 in a bone-stock z06 that had slicks. I would like to see your credentials first, then I might believe your review. Not trying to be nasty, just show everyone what you can do.
3 PCA Regional (Oregon) Championships, 2 SCCA Regional (Oregon) Championships, 1 Drag Racing Season Track Champion (PIR), 1 Drag Racing Season Track Runner-Up (Woodburn), current season points leader for SCCA Regional (Oregon) Time Attack...
@@PlaysWithCars Videos? I was a navy seal who was a tail-gunner during the civil war. Get what I'm saying.
@@johngreen1683 have you looked at any of our other videos?!?
@@johngreen1683 czcams.com/video/EXOvMeGBmsY/video.html
@@johngreen1683 czcams.com/video/GWlE447kR6A/video.html
Thanks ! Thought about one but passing . $20k for a 2002 47k miles . Lean and got him to 20 but I’ll pass
The C6 Z06 is the one you want, if you want truly awsome performance, but it's twice the price of a regular C5 (non-Z06 version).
C6Z vs. C5Z is 505 HP vs 405 HP; no disagreement there. I like the C5 body styling much more than the C6, and when I bought my C5Z ten years ago there was a substantial price difference.
Not today. I've seen many C5 sell for less than V8 Camaros and trans ams of similar year.
good video, but please get a mic. whatever mic you're using is blown or something
How reliable are these? Im looking to get a corvette but i plan on dailying it, ive been debating either a c5 zo6 or a c6. The things is for $20k i can find a low miles zo6 or i can get a c6 with about 100-150k miles. I wanna know how well the c5 zo6 holds up overtime
Mechanically they are pretty reliable, but the C6 is better. The LS6 had some valve spring and harmonic balancer issues. The C5Z06 also has the funky tire size problem, the steering column lock issue, and the ABS module is a problem. The base C6 makes the same HP and doesn't have those issues. I would buy the best C6 you can find.
You can't find a low mile c5 zo6 for 20k
@@ve2430 bullshit ive seen it with my eyes
@@ghettomechanicllc3070 that was a scam. You were gonna get robbed.
@@ghettomechanicllc3070 no one is dumb enough to sell a low mile c5 zo6 for 20k. I've been scoping for months now all over and anything with miles under 30k miles is in the high 20s low 30s
I don't know I'm in canada and it's super easy to find those tires
About the interior the corvette came with main thinking of the driver not the passenger (the passenger have the glove box not the center console) the driver has the ac screen vs passenger without it etc etc
I find tires for my C5 Z no problem
Where do u find them?
Not sure what is going on with the center glove box……but the whole point of the double hinge is to get around the parking brake…I’ve owned 2 c5’s and both cars I can open the center with the brake on…
dood, man sorry but the lid opens with the parking brake up, it does! the hinge side lifts.. sorry man but you're funny!! try it the hinges articulate and raise up to clear lever...
Tire info is misleading. It's the 265 front that makes it unavailable. Change front to 275-17, and you are good to go.
It occurs to me that, were you to buy a motorcycle, you would complain that you get wet when it rains.
@angelotodaro1475 you got that out of recommending a base C5 or C6, did you now?
I would absolutely disagree with some of these points. You can make the same video with the same amount of complaints with any 20 year old car. At the end of the day, not much else gets you a car that can hit the canyons, beat 5.0s and 392s with better aesthetics, still get compliments every day from random people, and have it for under 20k. I can't think of a better way I could have spent my money. I also just bought some used cup tires for my car for 150 bucks.
Yep, upgrade to Full Roller Rockers, springs & a Fluid Damper
actual good information
Looks like alot out there if searched for C5 Z06 Corvette tires
Excuse me I’m sorry that somebody forced you to buy your Z06. If you don’t want it sell !!!!!
Already did. You must have missed the ending...
due to covid there are alot of stuff that has run out, bicycle industry is going through something familiar no parts, no tires, no bikes nothing. its happening every where with a lot of things.
Cool story bro
I’ve got one as well, and I can confirm a lot of the issues you’ve mentioned. My rear window seal is in fact bad enough that there’s a bit of a leak to the interior as well. A couple quick notes though:
When you turn off TC, hit the reset button on the dashpod and it will display as normal again.
The trunk opens correctly on the first try if a window is down or a door is open; still a bit of a pain but not as much of a process as open trunk, open door, close door, open trunk.
Add some helper springs to the struts. 😎
I didn't have any problems finding tires for my 2000 c5 Corvette. I really don't see what the advantage of having a Zo6 is. I also like having a targa top and when I went on vacation last year in the summer I was able to fit my bicycle and two suitcases and some tennis rackets and a back pack all in the back. So I still don't understand what is so special about the Zo6. Oh and mine is an automatic. I guess I also don't see the advantage of owning a manual transmission unless your just using the car on a race track. There is simply never a time of day where there isn't traffic.
Don’t bash a legend for things that are fixable.
Can you manufacture tires? How do you fix that?
@@PlaysWithCars 😂 $1000 on wheels and tires is a very common 1st mod. Even for daily drivers or street cars.
@@pattisonvidal3909 not when the whole point of the specific model you are buying is that it already has wider/stronger/lighter wheels. Nobody changes the wheels on their GT350 or Cayman GT4...
@@PlaysWithCars based on your last response. I am done with this conversation. You've made an absolute statement that nobody with a GT350 or GT4 buys aftermarket wheels. And who buys a gt4 for $30,000?
@@pattisonvidal3909 Those are new versions of what the Z06 was when it was new. But sure, even used and under $30K, who buys new wheels for their Boss 302, C6 GS, Cayman S, Camaro 1LE, etc, etc? When you are paying extra for the "performance" version of a car that comes with better wheels, HAVING to replace them just to buy tires isn't a concern for anything except the C5 Z06.
The tire deal is no issue. 275/40/17 works fine. No big deal. Repo wheels are available. Just put new struts on. 23 year old struts loose their grunt. The seat has to move as if you move it back it has to give. Skip shift is just plug in fix. GM left it easy to defeat. The interlock is also a plug in defeat. The roof is a drain. The tranny is not a trans axle. It is a transmission with a bolt on diff. It is a 25 year old car built to a price. This is a real petty review.
Light, fast easy to work on, affordable and reliable. This is the car to have if you are wanting a car that goes, stops and turns great.
Yes there are faster, better handling and better stopping but not even close to this price and not at this cost yo maintain.
Not even a Hellcat has all this.
3100 pounds and easy to add power is all you need to know with much less computer involvement.
Except for the base C5 and C6...
@@PlaysWithCars even a base coupe can do things most other cars wish they could do.
@@slswisher Exactly! That's why I recommended buying a base C5 instead. 90% of the performance for 40% of the price.
Swap to the C6 wheel all around.
I mean, all you’ll ever really need are rear tires! lol
Searching for tires based on the make and model of a car is such a rookie move lol. Looked for the tire size. Found options no problem. This feels like a review done by someone who doesn’t know how to do an oil change
Find tires 2 years ago when the video was made...
As for the shifting, it's Not a drag race car, it's a full around performance. Your comment about the car itself being tired, well it's a GM product so everything falls apart
Get over that interior bs. She's a runner a track star lmao
Go to the track and see how many C5's are using stock seats...
1+4 is annoying it needed a stock override option
When you point to the trunk lift shocks and say they are not bad... you are WRONG! Have you tried replacing them?? No?, because they still have the ability to hold the trunk open, but not enough to pop the trunk open that first inch or so.
I replaced mine and the truck opens that first couple inches most of the time. I would agree that it is a design flaw though cause it will eventually stop working again even if you do replace them. But they ARE the problem, and replacing them will make the trunk pop like originally intended.
Just thought you would like to know... ; ) and their pretty cheap to replace.
I recently replaced my pair of C5Z trunk lid lifters with new OEM PN 15843995, sealed in the factory GM packaging. Sadly, no improvement when I pop the lid (I measured 3/8"), but not a real problem either.
Dude... I ain't looking for a Lexus...
Gimme that MOF'er..
Did you miss the part where I recommended a base C5 or C6 Corvette instead?!?!?
i love my 04 z06
Your complaints are overly petty. One its a 20 yr old mass produced car. Two every car has quirks even 2022 models. Even hand built Italian super cars have them. Your completely missing the point of what chevy accomplished at an affordable price point
It's overly petty that the brake ducts are fake and not connected? Or that the brake calipers are cheap sliding-body style that overheat with any track use at all? Or that the harmonic balancer splits in half, the valve springs break, and the ABS fails? Or that the seats don't even lock?
There's almost no reason to run 265's when there are so many choices in 275 and they fit just fine on the Z06 wheels.
t's not the width, it's the height. And most tires that come in the correct height for the front 17's are not manufactured with the correct sizes for the rear 18's. Staggered wheel rim diameters was a terrible idea.
Absolutely great in depth honest review.
Entertaining also!.
What if I want to buy a car that grows in value? What if I want to buy a performance bargain, that when I step on the pedal I'm not worried about what the inside looks like? Yes, then but aC5 Z06.
Honestly they do not appreciate well at all. Mine sold 3 years ago and I could buy it back today for the exact same amount, despite all other performance cars going up 20-55% in that time. If you want an investment Corvette, there's plenty of C2's and C3's out there. A modern investment one might be a C4 ZR1. C5's and C6's were just way overproduced and aren't holding value in that way, buy them to drive them!
@@PlaysWithCars will grow, not grown. No one knows the future, but I believe these will be big money cars some day, with low miles.
@@PlaysWithCars I also believe the c3 is the highest produced corvette of all time.
20:25, dude just press the reset on the gauge controls, complaining about easy fixes makes your whole review disingenuous … the tires are not a big deal either, you can either run 255 or 275 up front or pick up another set of stock 18’s for the front, they aren’t expensive wheels
They used to not be expensive wheels. They are now because the supply has all dried up. And most of the manufacturers who make 255 or 275's to fit the front still don't make something that fits the back.
@@PlaysWithCars false, Continental, Extreme Contacts are a great tire
@@CPAJayhawk They are a great tire, we have them on our S4. Show me where you can get them in sizes that work on the original Z06 wheels right now.
@Daniel Bea link then?
@@PlaysWithCars yeah the factory rears are made by several brands… including extreme contacts, they are on my ‘02 Z
Why don’t you just sell it
I disagree, my 2002 zo6 is a great car for performance, and for the money it can't be beat. It's not a luxury car it's a serious sports cars. Want to race?
Sure! See you at the track.
Good vid but every car has its quirks. More negative than positive
man, you really do not get this car do you, do you know why they went with a titanium exhaust system? to save 35 lbs... so it wasn't made to stuff the trunk full then go rail around and work the brakes out... also, the right package has a divider, a much nicer one than you have there, there are about 100 packages for these cars, check preferred packages.. there are way too many I know but they didn't forget that, some took these right to the track so that divider was going to go anyways so why add it... see how they do it?
man, redo you window seals.. or something, they don't all leak ffs.. learn the car, how to use it.. what its for... man
Your only defense to all these comments are the front tires which sounds like it’s not an issue for anyone else except you… that says something for sure.
Read much? ABS pump, steering column, valve springs, brakes, harmonic balancer... You are a ton of money and performance ahead just buying a C6 or a base C5. The extra cost of a C5 Z06 pays for "upgrades" that don't work (like fake brake ducts to sliding calipers) or have become irrelevant (like NLA front tires for the wheel size). If you have to replace them anyway, buy a base C5 for half to start with or a C6 and replace nothing.
@@PlaysWithCars I can’t say from my personal experience I’ve had to replace anything other than the brakes. Which I definitely agree with you there the OEM brakes are not really the best. In terms of the other things I have not yet had to replace any of those unless they were done by the previous owner. I also know the c6 for sure has a nicer interior and probably a more comfortable ride overall. Now as far as getting a base C5 I disagree with certain points. Of course it’s dependent on the driver and how they use the car but the z06 is lighter, and has a better tranny gear ratio compared to the base. Now in my opinion for someone who just wants solid performance out of the box the z06 isn’t a bad option, whereas someone who wants to build the motor and really modify it the base may be better price wise for that. Then again it’s all dependent on the driver and how they use the car.
Type in the tire Size, not the model...
I did.
..you look like a younger guy, i don't know really how old you are or what experience you bring to your opinion. Frankly im surprised you can drive a manual transmission car, no offense, younger people just cant these days. Its seems you redeemed yourself at the end of your review with this car. This is a bang for your buck car. Right now prices are way crazy but I bought my 2004 z06 with 4185 miles right as covid hit and people started tuckin tails. So for 23500 I got a very good car and didnt really come to appreciate it till I sold it. This after several other vettes including 2 newer z06's and gt500s. I think if you push this car .. its gonna push back and challenge you more than you think
I've owned over 150 cars and have 6 different racing season championships (SCCA, PCA, and drag racing). When you push this car it's amazing, but it doesn't hold up without serious amounts of modifications. That's it's Achilles heel, all of the promise of performance without the details to survive it. (Brake ducts don't connect to the brakes, sliding calipers, harmonic balancer comes apart, valve springs fail, ABS module failures, oiling issues in high-g corners, weak gears in the transaxle, odd wheel sizes limiting tire options, etc). I think GM fixed a LOT of this for the C6, which is why it's a better buy, even in base model form, as a track car.
This review is a bit pretentious. The car is 20 years old. For it’s time, it was phenomenal, and even now, it’s a great buy for anyone looking to get into a performance car and not break the bank.
Take into account you can pick up a 405 hp, six-speed beast for $20k and tell me where a better buy is for the money.
Throw in some corbeau seats and upgrade your brakes.
It’s a great car. Review = Not based
Easy, a base model C6 Corvette.
If tires is going to stop you from buying this car you should be looking for a toyota prius!!
There's a thousand different ways to skin a cat!!
The question is, what can you get under $25k that is better? I can't think of a single car that's overall better value for performance
987 Cayman all day, every day. Also C6 Z51, 986 S Boxster, B8 S4, heck even C5 FRC or base and then you'll have an extra $10K to fix all the issues that are shared with the Z06.
@@PlaysWithCars I'm glad you said that because I've actually owned a 986 boxster S and found it lacking in excitement. Even the Z4 3.0 SI I owned was more exciting.
I'm still open to them and the Cayman but also worry that the maintenance and repair costs would be much more than the Z06
@@Element_y You have to take a 986 to the track to fully exploit it. It's too low HP/slow to be exciting on the street, but as a momentum car it can happily lap a road course all day long at triple-digit speeds with cornering G's that make your neck hurt. I have found maintenance to be fairly low cost, but I fully acknowledge that if you pop a motor that's going to be way more expensive to repair than an LS. That said, you can always put an LS in to the Boxster...
@@PlaysWithCars well I'd prefer something that gets my heart racing off the track. I had an E55 which did that as well, brilliant car, but I missed the coupe+manual feel. If I wanted something that required the track to fully enjoy I'd probably opt for an MX5 over the Porsche anyway.
@@Element_y if you're looking for street performance of a coupe + manual, I would buy an Audi S5 (B8.5) right now. They are the last manual Audi coupe, and the S/C V6 is a tune away from 400awhp. They are absolute rocketships are going to appreciate like the E30 M3. Unique body, rare drivetrain, otherwordly performance, low production numbers. If you can't swing that (or desire a V8 soundtrack like the Z06), the B8 S5 is also a solid choice. What's not to love about a V8, manual, AWD coupe?
On track the only Miata that can walk the 986 S dollar for dollar is the ND generation. The NA/NB simply don't have the HP, and the NC is too heavy. The ND is an amazing car in every metric on and off track.
Come on man
The transverse leaf has been a cornerstone Corvette feature since the 1960s - it was not new in the C5 by any means. If you weren't a clueless millennial poser, you would have known that. Also, the asymmetrical double wishbone and transverse leaf were designed to work together and produced remarkable results on and off the track - beating cars from Europe costing more than twice that of the C5. The leaf and shock's attachment point locations on the lower arm contribute to faster moving mass response and a reduction in the damping forces seen by the shock absorber. This produces more controlled and reliable handling when the vehicle is subjected to sustained high speed handling maneuvers over challenging road surfaces. In addition, the frame shock mounts were not designed to handle the vehicle's sprung weight. Switching to coilovers on a C5 produces ZERO benefit. But then, if you knew anything about automotive engineering, you would have known that just from looking at it. The "coilovers makes it easier to adjust ride height" excuse doesn't fly either as it's much easier on a C5 to simply turn the anchor adjusting bolt to raise or lower the car.
Tell me you know absolutely nothing about suspension design (or age and demographics there boomer) without telling me. Does the C8 have transverse leaf springs? Any other sports car made from any manufacturer? No? Did GM use tranverse leafs on their C5R race cars? Still no? Hmm, wonder why.
@@PlaysWithCars Coil overs were required for the C8 because of the newer, heavier automatic ride height control design. As for Pratt and Miller's C5R race car, they didn't just slap coil overs on the stock Vette frame. The attachment points were redesigned and further refined to achieve performance gains. A lot of engineering calculations and testing goes into production vehicles that most weekend "racers" and "hobbyists" have no clue about - let alone the ability to improve upon.
Put C6 wheels and tires on it…problem solved
Well gee wally, everyone seems to think it's a good deal. Looks like you're the problem here.dude
You basically don't know what you're talking about. Plus your droning delivery is not fun to listen to. I would suggest you go buy one of those Australian cars and cars and enjoy it.. If you don't understand your Z06 then it's not for you. No biggie…
I have an 04 Commemorative Edition Z06 and it is the performance bargain of the decade. You're talking about small items, basically nitpicking. Leads me to believe you're not well versed in buying and selling cars. I've had 83 personal cars. I'm not a Dealer. I lost money on one of the 83, because I totalled it.
I called the base C5 or C6 the preferred bargain. Maybe try watching the whole video before commenting? I also made a tidy profit selling on BaT.
Total nitpicking video.
You lost me when you compared it to a regular C5. Z06 is so much quicker.
I'm love how he's getting wound up and calls it "completely ridiculous" and then hammers it and it sounds do awesome.
Guy is driving around in people’s dream car complaining like a typical Millennial American.
You're about a decade off my man.
I drove a manual for a good while I never once used the damn parking break. To be honest it’s an annoyance to get in someone else’s manual and have to release the damn thing before taking off. Unless your parking on a hill there is no need in it. Put the damn thing in fear and turn it off, she not going anywhere.
Apparently you don't live where there's hills.