The BEST Corvette Generation for the Money in 2024!
If your considering buying a Corvette this year, make sure you get the most Corvette performance for your money!
*************************************************************************************************
Any purchase made by clicking one of the links below (even if you purchase a different product) helps support the channel - Thank You!.
As an Amazon Associate I earn commission from qualifying purchases.
🔥 C5 TUNE-UP PARTS & BELTS
* C5 Copper 20k Mile Spark Plugs: amzn.to/3VIM4xK
** C5 Iridium 80k Mile Spark Plugs: amzn.to/3TKuNlj
*** GM Spark Plug Wires: amzn.to/3U1LABC
**** MSD Spark Plug Wires: amzn.to/3PPQM9s
***** Main Serpentine Belt (Alt & Pwr. Steering): amzn.to/3JoebeB
****** Shorter AC Compressor Belt: amzn.to/3PRCQvt
🔥🔥 HARMONIC BALANCER/DAMPNER JOB - Parts & Necessary Tools**
1. Harmonic Balancer that is on MY C5: amzn.to/38BxKAL
2. LS1 & LS6 Harmonic Balancer Puller: amzn.to/3l9IYjp
3. LS1 & LS6 Harmonic Balancer Installer: amzn.to/3IIYewG
4. LS1 & LS6 Flywheel Holder for torqueing balancer bolt: amzn.to/3ToNr1q
5. LS1 & LS6 ARP Balancer Bolt: amzn.to/42QPgcj
6. LS1 & LS6 GM Crank Bolt: amzn.to/3lbrJy5
7. Timing Cover Seal (GM 296-02): amzn.to/49huqW4
8. Seal Puller (Crank seal in timing cover): amzn.to/4cB7KSJ
9. Seal Installer (Good to have, but not 100% required): amzn.to/3TL3c3h
🔥🔥🔥 Exterior Products on My C5 Corvette:
*Stainless 3.5" Exhaust Tips: amzn.to/3npnItN
**AmeriLite Front C5 Turn Signals: amzn.to/40jU73p
***Spoiler King Low Rise C5 Spoiler: amzn.to/3Gb3x9F
⭐C5 & C6 Shock Upgrade! - (Uses C6 Z06 Shocks!)
* Front: amzn.to/3Hs2Ol8
** Rear: amzn.to/3NoSyOc
*** How to install C6 Z06 Shock Video: • C5 Corvette Shock Upgr...
⭐⭐ Essential TOOLS for your Garage!
1. Motive Power Brake Bleeder - C5 & C6: amzn.to/48r7xOy
2. Floor Jack : amzn.to/49DHQeD
2. Jack Stands 16-3/4" Tall (Decent): amzn.to/3x60hqk
3. Jack Stands 23-13/16" Tall (Great): amzn.to/3x7Kqrf
4. OTC Fuel Pressure Tester: amzn.to/3T1lhv0
5. C5 (all) & C6 base models only - Aluminum Lifting/Jacking Pucks: amzn.to/3qVyxn6
6. C5 (all) & C6 base models only - Rubber Lifting/Jacking Pucks: amzn.to/3nzDGiC
7. Stant Cooling System Pressure Tester: amzn.to/3A28XjP
8. Adapter - Expansion Tank to Stant Pressure Tester: amzn.to/41ORCXF
9. Battery Tender Junior: amzn.to/3ig4Gk1
10. Jumper Cables: amzn.to/3OMSUMZ
11. Good Multimeter: amzn.to/377apXq
12. Great Multimeter: amzn.to/3F0fLju
13. Injector (Noid Light) Test Kit: amzn.to/3xoVl3T
14. Floor Jack Crossbeam : amzn.to/3T1TXg1
⭐⭐⭐ Scan & Tuning Related
* EXCELLENT TUNING BOOK - Engine Management/Advanced Tuning: amzn.to/39PkCZw
** Entry Level Scan Tool: amzn.to/4cB7Ae9
*** Mid-Range DIY Scan Tool: amzn.to/43HPP8C
****Best DIY Scan Tool -OTOFIX D1 Lite Advanced. Bi-directional: amzn.to/3T3ATOs
⭐⭐⭐⭐ C5 & C6 Full Synthetic Oil and Oil Filters!
* Mobil 1 5W-30 Synthetic Oil: amzn.to/3LZGAsW
* Castrol Edge 5W-30 Synthetic Oil: amzn.to/46LBZT9
* Fram Ultra Synthetic Filter: amzn.to/48SPMsL
* WIX Oil Filter: amzn.to/3wlW5Xn
🏁 Apparel / Garage Banner:
*Sweet C5 Corvette T-shirt: amzn.to/3iF1M8A
**Missing 10 MM Socket T-shirt: amzn.to/3IN3em1
***C5 Corvette Garage BANNER: amzn.to/3qeC3Le
****C6 Corvette Garage Banner: amzn.to/3NSXXwO
💺 Amazon C5 Seats: amzn.to/3nYciKA
*Sunshade - Save you interior!: amzn.to/43s1vv8
** Front Air Dam Kit (3 Piece for C5 Corvette): amzn.to/3EEhATh
*** Lloyd Mats for C5: amzn.to/3tIIgOY
🏛️ C5 and C6 Corvette Storage/Winter Covers**
* C5/C6 Batman Cover - Indoor storage: amzn.to/3QztdSM
** C5 Higher Quality Cover: amzn.to/3S92rCa
*** C6 Higher Quality Cover: amzn.to/3QkSwXM
Indeed! As a 2008 C6 LS3 Z51 owner with over 100000 miles, I will recommend it. My right foot also concurs. Thank you again.
Right on!
Definitely. I have a 2009 with 107K and I STILL love driving it. Overall it has been very reliable and the only issues I had were the same issues pretty much everyone else had: poorly designed harmonic balancer. I replaced it with an ATI Superdamper and no more worries. This is a great car because it is the last of the lighter weight Corvettes, it’s last with the simplest small block design (no variable valve timing, no direct injection, etc), but they started upping the power over the 400hp in the base models in this generation.
@@ColeJ34 You & Carbo will probably get another 100K out of those LS3s!
I hope so. It’s been a great car so far. I’m not worried about the car running for a while longer. My concerns at this point are these: I don’t hear anything, but I’d imagine my suspension bushings should probably be swapped out at this point and I need to find someone to take that on. I’m not much of a wrench turned (only brakes) and my work takes a lot of my time. I also wonder about the condition of the bushings in the tunnel, but I already know what that job entails. So if I do that, I don’t care what condition they’re in: they’re getting replaced along with the clutch while it’s out of the car. But that’s really it. Nothing has really given me any immediate reason to worry; I’m just considering the wear on items with miles and keeping the car fun to drive.
Well I just bought a 2008 C6 LS3 that makes me feel good!
That goodness you feel just gets better and better the more familiar with the car you've just bought, if you've anything like me. My C6 was, and is, my first Corvette, and it's been a learning experience. The car is far more capable than I am. This is the first car that I've had that's been like that. It'll do stuff speed-wise and handling wise I'm not ready to do. I've had many sports cars over the years, and have found their limits pretty quickly. I don't know where this cars limits are yet, and it's never blushed at things that scare the crud out of me. I want it to stop, it does. I want it to corner, ,it does. I want it to go, it will. I know guys with Z06s and so far I've been able to keep up on the street. The track may be a different story, MAY be, but so far when we get the group together with C5s, C6s, C7s, & C8s, I am not the slowest one.
one year ago on April 14th i bought my 1999 C5 Hardtop with only 18k miles for $23k. 100% bone stock exactly what i was looking for. low VIN under 250. best bang for the buck !! timeless classic design. it looks as modern as it was back in the 90’s. love the interior layout, except for the quality of the basic seats.
ive been a C7 owner for 1 month and i have a procharger kit waiting in my garage for next weekend.... i love this car so much
I have a C7 grand sport 2019 , I’m entertaining putting a pro charger kit on mine. Also, I’d like to know how yours turns out, enjoy !
@johannesvanhoek9080 ill deffently make some videos on my channel when i finish the install
Make sure its got the updated valve springs!
The C7 is the best corvette ever made.
I had a very low mile c7 with a acs super charger and I think it messed up the rings 😅 it kept popping out the oil seal and it wasn’t fun to replace it. IMO if you’re gonna boost it MAKE SURE you keep the boost low, the tune safe, and make sure to get a really good catch can setup to let the system breath. Look up ring land failure on the c7’s it’s a thing 😅.
Thx for the affirmation. In December 2022 I bought a 2008 C6, LS3, 6M, 1LT with two options, old man chrome wheels (which were perfect because I was just a few months from 70) and NPP exhaust. Had 51k miles. Paid 23,500. Loving it!
My C5 has the "old man" wheels as well. Nice looking, durable and easy to clean!!!!!!!!!!!
I love C6 But I own a very correct very low-mile C3 convertible. At the end of the day, all Corvettes are cool.
Absolutely agree,that's not even in question (:-)
Except the 80s-90s
@@fartdonkey8290nah. C4 zr1s are pretty cool
@@fartdonkey8290 I think they all have some redeeming features
In 2020 I bought my Katech C6Z06 550whp, 39k miles for $36k. Hard to beat the LS7 torque curve and power to wt ratio on that car.
Agreed!
He adds c5 zo6 but not c6z06???
My two cents, both C5, and C6 are excellent values for the Buck, but if you have a few more bucks, it’s C6, if you have a few less bucks it’s C5. I’m saying this before I finish the video. Now let’s see how the video lines up …
Bought my first ever corvette yesterday at 20 it’s a (ls1 c5 2000 82k miles 6speed) and I’m loving every last second of it it really does break necks all over town and handles like a dream🙌🏽😂
Congrats man! Picked up a 95 C4 LT1 3 years ago and the car is a blast. Even the C8 guys will look.
As the original owner of a 2013 Grand Sport I can say it’s the best looking best handling Vette I’ve ever owned. Had a 95 C4 & a 99 C5 as well.
No brainer here. I haven’t even watched this video and it’s the C5.
Not its actually the C6 LS3
C6 is a wannabe c5
C6 Z06 owner here. But all vettes are awesome ☺️
Any C6 works. I want to collect all of the C6s. Zr1, Zo6, Grand Sport, and a z51 convertible.
I own 2 C5 convertible Rare Color Combo UNICORNS. 2001 & 2002. To me, they feel like a real driving experience. The low profile esthetic and the last pop up head lights to me has a timeless body lines look. I break necks every time I take them out. Easy to upgrade radio, muffler, HP etc and a body kit on the C5 looks exotic as hell. !! Anyway great video brother 👍
I sold my C5 and went with a C7 3LT z51. Biggest factors were the reliability problems I had with my C5 (constant ignition issues, oil leaks, and the cheap China replacement parts that kept failing) Second factor was the creature comforts of the 3lt package. Driving the C5 was fun and engaging, driving the C7 truley makes the C5 feel slow, which I didn't think was possible. Great stuff as always!
I feel good with my 2008 Vert!had it since new and it never fails to put a smile on my face! The NPP exhaust make all the right noises and doesn’t when I want quiet!
Another excellent video…not sure why the C6 ZO6 was missing in the analysis? You had the C5 ZO6 on the list?? Just a quick highlight on “The Experience” note… The first year C6 ‘05 was the first & last year, which came with the 4-speed. When one get’s after it, you feel (“the experience”) the kick-down that puts you in the back of your seat. The ‘06 6-speed & up does not give one the same experience of packing a punch, but in trade it does rifle through the gears quicker.
C6 Z06 might not be on the list because of price. You can get a C7 cheaper.
Because c6 z06 kicks ass
Great video full of valuable information! Thanks a ton! I enjoyed a 2011 C6 LS3 (Base) for 4 years and would definitely recommend in the future
C4 Corvettes are the perfect entry level Corvette for young people to start off as you can get a lot of car for very little money. Here in Canada, you can't even get a C5 for less than 20grand no matter how many miles it has, and C6, C7 forget about it. You can still get an all original C4 sub 100k easily for 15k or less. Yes they have their quirks but they're still a blast to drive and still turns lots of heads!
I agree 100%!
Thank You Sir ,u just made my dream of owning a Corvette ,close than i thought possible and i dig the C6 LS3
I’m the underdog here. 92’C4 riding Nashville
My 93 was like strapping on an F16. It always made me feel good.
I love the comprehensive guide video on the Chevy Corvettes. Wow. I ain't no expert on Corvettes, but, I get it. Besides I love all 8 Generations of Corvettes.
How about an ease of maintenance video for the different gens. I'm inclined towards the C4, up to '91 for this. Anyway, good video. Thanks for sharing!
TFL , KUDOS! Your spots are always so well thought out & explained. I had a C4 back in the 90s, always wanted one more vette, and found a clean crystal red '08 Z51 2 yrs ago. The C6 is a performer & just has a timeless beauty. EVERYwhere I go I get comments. Love the C7, probably my favorite gen by an eyelash. A guy in the gym parks his 7 right by mine most mornings, & my sister has a beautiful '01 C5. Thanks for this great info!
Thanks! 👍
I love my 634RWHP 2003 C5 ZO6. I bought it a little over 2 years ago nearly stock and made a ton of upgrades to it, now I have it the way I want it, I'll never sell it.
Never say never.
Thanks for no long intro video footage. Getting to the point fast while sorting a lot of data. I would lengthen the time your very good conclusion charts stay up on the screen (flash by a little fast). Generally, a very rare KZhead video that values the viewer’s time! Liked and subscribed.
Appreciate the feedback and the Sub!
Bought my 1986 corvette when I was 20 still own it with 18000miles I am now modifying it hope it works out love the car it was a giant in its day compared to today's standards
😅
C5 is the prettiest in my humble opinion. At least from an exterior standpoint.
I just bought an 09 ls3 Corvette, and I'm very happy I did!
C6 GS 6MT NPP exhaust here, love it! Once I’ve addressed brakes, cooling and added a bucket seat and 5 point harness, it’s very competent on the track.
Bought my first Corvette back in January (2024). 2010 C6 coupe 2LT, manual transmission with
great vid! as an engineer, I really appreciate the analytics and the effort! you gained a vettehead sub as well! By the way, you forgot to mention we want them all it doesn’t matter! haa
Appreciate the feedback and Thanks for the sub!
Nice work! 100% agree!
Glad to hear it!
Great video and a great channel! As a fellow KZheadr (M&M Dynamics...RC only), I appreciate what you're doing. Nice Arrma banner! I own a C5Z (Speedway White) and I'm on the fence for a newer vette. Looking at a Ron Fellows Z06 or C7GS manual only in white. Curious why you didn't include the C6Z's in your video? Marshall
I was trying to review the most common models/generations that the vast majority of people would be likely to buy. C6 Z06s prices are relatively high as compared to models on this list and range widely, and in the scheme of things they're fairly rare & there's that cylinder head issue that has been discussed to exhaustion that a lot of people confused by. Plus I had to draw the line somewhere. Next year I probably will, sounds like an awful lot of people are interested in it and make no mistake it is a badass ride there is no doubt!
Amazing comprehensive review especially the numbers.
Glad you liked it
Your analysis seems very accurate, great work 😁👍
Appreciate that, thank you!
I have always owned Mustangs but I'm moving back to the USA on the 29th and I think it's time to get a Corvette)) thank for your info and you got a new sub from me ...
Thank you & welcome home!!
Great vid! I still want a C7 GS though. I will have one, oh yes, I will. 😂
You should!
Owned 8 Vettes, 2 64s, one Built L88, one 468 boosted, 79 L82 stock ,81 built & boosted, 93 stock, ,98 built 2X, boosted, 07 Z06 repaired, 14 Z51 stock so far. I loved each one. I put 140,000 miles on the 98, the 07 Ron Fellows i saved from salvage, the 2014 I bought 5 years ago with 5,000 miles. The incrememtal improvement from C5, to C6 to C7 is significant. . The C7 really surprised me. I loved the C6 Z06, what could be better? Well the C7 Z51 w/Mag Ride is better. It drives, Stops, turns, goes and rides better than anything before. I had a tune to stop the DOD stuff to reduce wear and tear on the valve train. Mag Ride is a must have. It is incremental but in ways you can tell. Not 90 to 92, more Like 90 to 95 as a rating. All I need now is Cam, Pistons, Rods, Boost and front wheel EV Drive. I would be done. My own C7 AWD Hybrid.
Appreciate your first hand experience and commentary!
Outstanding presentation. Very articulate and well-researched. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm feeling pretty good with my 2012 Grand Sport . It's a blast to drive
Thanks for the info, I’m not spending any more than 25K so this confirms what I was already thinking , C5 Z06 2002 or 2003, or C6 2008 or09. Great job thanks again.
I have a C5 Z06 and you can probably save some money with that option but I'd probably prefer the nicer, quieter C6 that has more storage and a better motor for a little more.
C5Z looks so much better than a base C6. Plus you would have to live with the worlds sh*ttiest cobalt steering wheel lol.
I really had no idea that the C7 was so impressive. Great video.👍
Thanks! 👍
Just picked up a c5 2000 FRC, 1/2000 for that year. 54k miles bone stock. So excited to break this beauty in.
NICE!
I've owned and modified: 1990 C4 'vert 2004 C5 Z16 2009 C6 Z06 (still own) I really think that if you can tolerate the pop-up headlights and PlaySkool interior, the C5 (especially Z06) cannot be beat for the price. I really miss my Z16 with a cam that made 420rwhp/400rwtq.
Tire technology has come a long way since the C4, so handling and skidpad can be easily improved.
C5 6speed owner here. I did HCI, Exhaust, and clutch. c6 wheels & new touchscreen stereo. Pretty happy for the money and time spent. Maybe down the road a newer generation? I really like the c5 looks!!
Thanks for the video
Glad you liked it!
C4 ZR-1 for life !!!!
Well done!
Thanks
Listening to your analysis, I would agree to your overall assessment. I too have come to a similar conclusion and am looking for a C6 with the LS3 engine, but the prices listed on most of the national sites, using a 1000 mile radius from Chicago, the least expensive listing as of today is at $26k, and that one had an accident in the car history. Most are in the $29- $35k range. Now maybe the time of year has to do with pricing being higher as warmer weather means dealers upping their price.
Bought a 2013 Grandsport 3 days ago, best decision ever😂
I really like the muscle cars of yesterday. I own a 04 Corvette, 79 vette, and a 2019 Camaro Ss. Dodge did a nice job with that retro to the old body style of yesterday’s muscle cars. I would like to see a retro of a 80-82 vette with today’s tech and LS engine. They could not produce that car fast enough.
As a disclaimer to my posts on 4th. gen frames vs. later generations (4th & 5th) I have owned 4th Gen. Corvettes in the past. Six years ago I sold my last 4th. gen Vette and bought a 5th gen. (2004) which is a very good vehicle. However, missed the 4th gen. and bought a 95 base coupe. That Vette's suspension is now set up with ZR1 rear sway bar, new Bilstein Shocks, all Poly Bushings in key suspension components, drilled and slotted Power Stop Barkes. Bosch fuel injectors, Iridium spark plugs, 8MM wires. This Vette performs. Keep in mind, if you are a long time "Vetter" this is a HOBBY to all of us who appreciate and understand these vehicles. All Corvettes are COOL you just need to know your own price point.
Another stellar Corvette video. Solid advice on performance. Your pricing analysis seems low. Here in Western Pa one cannot find those prices probably due to the start of driving season. Private owners offer much better prices as expected compared to high overhead dealers. For an old guy like me, who is a highway cruiser, any of these models would exceed my needs.
As a kid dream, I bought my first Vette a year ago; a 2012 GS convertible with 13,5K miles, one owner. Never driven yet a C5 nor C7 to compare those, however I've enjoyed every rides in that C6. I concur that your second place runner-up can be a great pick budget/performance wise. To date, I keep enjoying every sorties in that Grand Sport!
99 Red FRC 1 owner for an undisclosed amount bought from a franchise Ford dealer in California. I freakin love it! My 2016 C7 Z06 Z07 3LZ Laguna Blue Auto Vert is a real sweetheart.
Pop Up Headlights factors into my equation 😁
I’d say c6z06 but they just made a huge jump in price as well the c6zr1 are becoming I feel the best corvettes ever made that where manual. All around the car was perfect with round taillights corvette signature was that until the c7 came out. A lot of guys hate the rear of the c7 and I’m still not a huge fan of it or the c8s.
Bought a 2011 C6 Base with 41k miles for $26,000 last October. Absolutely the best bang for the buck. Came with both roof panels too.
That is a sweet deal! I love it when you get 2 roofs! Happens once in a while.
Wow that’s a great price! I got my 2009 base 4lt with 58k miles for $30k in September of 2023. I felt the price was fair since it had every option. I also didn’t mind since I plan on keeping the car for a long time. The performance is something else!
Another great video! I thought the C5Z might be #1, but that LS3 is hard to beat. 😊 Any reason why you didn’t include the C6Z? That might have changed the outcome!
Thank you!! I had to draw the line somewhere and C6 Z06 is going to be low production and Mid 30k and up in price. Damn awesome car though!!
@@Toys4Life Yes, I’ve heard it’s a beast! It sure sounds good!
C6 GS Convertible 6 speed manual transmission here. Love it!
Good choice!
I loved this video, and I love my supercharged c5z at the end of the day if you have a vette you’re a winner
Well I suppose there's a couple of Camaro people that are okay too.... 😂
@@Toys4Life true that
LS3 C6 is the obvious winner. You could add LT headers and a tune to it and it'll surpass the LS7 power numbers. That said, if money is an issue I prefer the C5 because its a very budget friendly car for both purchase price and car insurance. You could also mod the C5 LS1 to reach the C7 stock numbers and still be under the price of the C6. It also has pop-up headlights which is just frigging cool. The C7 is my favorite model of modern Corvette because it looks aggressive, has better looking headlights than the C6 IMO and still can be had with a manual transmission (unlike the C8 so thanks for that GM).
I’d love to know where ypu got those quarter mile times. I’ve seen stock ls3s do way better then 12.4.
I agree - it can be done 4 sure. The important thing is I went with the same methodology for each generation and didn't cherry pick the best times for any of them. This way we know what the DIFFERENCE is between models/generations. I used Road and Track, Motor trend, Car and Driver as sources as well as the list below as inputs. Is my number 100% correct? NOPE. But it is my best objective number that a buyer of a C6 LS3 should reasonably expect to be able to hit. Showroom Stock LS3 (2008 - 2013) 11.718 @ 119.94 - AndrewZPSU - 08 M6 - (2586) 11.806 @ 118.82 - Gmrulz - 08 A6 Z51, NPP - (3478) 11.974 @ 116.98 - Proney - 08 M6 Z51, NPP - (4652) 12.058 @ 122.05 - AndrewZPSU - 10 A6 NPP - (5051) 12.100 @ 115.19 - Odin - 09 A6 2.73 npp - (4325) 12.102 @ 117.60 - Dingrao - 08 A6 - (3561) 12.127 @ 116.59 - Pettvette - 08 A6 - (4278) 12.159 @ 115.59 - Old Goat - 09 A6 2.73 - (3708) 12.167 @ 117.15 - DarkOctane - 08 A6 NPP - (6310) 12.167 @ 116.54 - Vinsane112 - 08 A6 2.73 - (2740) 12.173 @ 117.59 - Marcho Polo - 08 A6 Z51 2.73 npp - (7213) 12.186 @ 117.72 - Hardhattg - 08 M6 Z51 - (2686) 12.201 @ 114.07 - DerekSDickens - 08 A6 2.73 - (7061) 12.237 @ 112.86 - 940CACC - 08 A6 - (2871) 12.244 @ 117.83 - 74Vette - 08 M6 - (4617) 12.305 @ 116.51 - JBrunoJC6 - 08 A6 NPP - (6722) 12.400 @ 116.36 - RandyDank23 - 08 A6 - (6059) 12.262 @ 115.22 - Oklahoma - 08 A6 - (3765) 12.276 @ 118.66 - EZ28 - 08 M6 Z51 NPP - (3247) 12.355 @ 117.47 - Bain - 08 A6 NPP 2.73 - (2755) 12.357 @ 116.94 - TNorman - 08 A6 NPP - (4227) 12.408 @ 116.11 - XtremeChubbles - 08 A6 Z51 - (6589) 12.409 @ 114.70 - Jschindler - 08 M6 Z51 NPP - (2132) 12.419 @ 116.15 - JTorchz06 - 09 A6 Z51 NPP - (3185) 12.412 @ 115.38 - HOXXOH - 08 A6 F55 - (2478) 12.428 @ 116.67 - Pea-Jay - 08 A6 - (4448) 12.494 @ 115.54 - 1.8T - 08 M6 Z51 - (2310) 12.500 @ 115.53 - Shane Fap - 08 A6 - (6298) 12.514 @ 116.73 - SK360 - 08 A6 2.73 - (6283) 12.552 @ 114.70 - Larry R - 08 A6 2.73 - (4054) 12.600 @ 114.12 - Beefcake - 08 A6 - (2875) 12.658 @ 114.99 - PhillyLS1 - 09 M6 - (3151) 12.668 @ 113.61 - CFP40 - 08 A6 NPP 2.73 - (2828) 12.689 @ 112.07 - Bfppt1 - 10 A6 - (5300) 12.747 @ 114.31 - Detoxx03 - 08 M6 NPP- (4057) 12.828 @ 113.20 - C6David - 08 A6 NPP - (6854) 13.354 @ 110.78 - M453W - 09 A6 NPP- (5708) 13.428 @ 109.32 - Dan Wendling - 09 A6 NPP - (4032)
C6 Z06 all the way!!!!
Had my C5 base 3 years now, lil upgrading as things go out and really brought it to be a fun car, and apparently faster than C7 base's.
Hi I'm in the market to get a c5 or c6 however I'm considering doing modifications in the future so I was wondering what you guys recommend. Is it worth to save a couple of thousands to get a base c5 and spend the extra on mods or is it still better getting a c5 z06 or an ls3 c6 then modding it and if at that point the difference is only marginal. Thank you so much!!
How much horsepower are you looking for and what will you be using the car for 98% of the time?
@@Toys4Life Thank you for responding,. I saw your video on the supercharger so maybe max around 500, and this would be a second car to just go out in on the weekend and maybe go canyoning in.
Cheapest way is to get a 2001 or newer coupe and supercharge it. Manuals probably are a little tougher than the automatics for durability. You don't need a cam headers or any of that to get 500 horsepower. 2001 and newer have more durable parts in the drivetrain.
@@Toys4Life Awesome! Is there a certain mileage to stay away from or as long as its been maintained it should be fine?
For me, it was a toss-up between the C6 Grand Sport and the C7 Grand Sport. I utlimately chose the latter, but I still love to see a sharp 6 GS. If I'd gone with the C6, I'd be eyeing the C7 all the time, too. I just need to legitimize owning two at the same time ... but my better/smarter half won't go for that 😂
Fellow C7 GS owner here, only thing I’d give to the C6 GS is probably reliability. The LS3 is a simpler engine with less technology that can go wrong. All other metrics, C7 hands down. Personally, I think the C7 is a much better looking car as well. C6 is a beautiful car though, just a little less exotic looking which I prefer in the C7
I just bought a 06 corvette with 30k miles , bought a new ATI harmonic balancer. Mine had a slight wobble so wanted to take care of it right away. The fastest car I ever owned was a dodge neon with a whopping 150hp lol I’ve never owned a rear wheel drive and especially with this much hp and performance so I’m a little nervous to drive. Any tips for a newbie?
Yes, practice slides and recovery in a safe place to try to rewire your brain for the how a front engine RWD respond when being pushed past their limit. Find a local autocross group and take a class or 2 and run a couple of events - time and money well spent IMO. Enjoy and be safe.
Don't stand on it in corners and you will fine or you will be facing the opposite direction in road ask me how I know
@@Toys4Life will definitely look into this , thanks for the advice.
@@castlegarage6969 simple but very good knowledge to know lol glad I could learn from your experiences
@Triptoons ha yep have had alot of fun in mine ..and if your into modding there are lots of stuff to do..the toys for life dude explains best years and why not that it matters now..but he knows his stuff
My 2011 6 speed gear jammer is sweet. 24800 miles. Supersonic Blue Metallic. oh Baby. Fan the motor , and it it rip.
I've been looking hard for a blue or anniversary red '03 coupe. Everyone I've seen shows evidence of odometer rollback. I hate rewarding liars. One even claimed to have under 10,000 miles. The discoloration and wear on the driver's seat didn't appear true to the claim. And the prices are 23-33 grand for the models typically claiming over 40,000. The grace of the C5 is the one I'm willing to sacrifice my investment. But I'm discouraged. And I can't go flying around the country only to walk away from the car having wasted time and money.
Keep looking - sooner or later. I agree, flying somewhere to look at a car would be a huge bummer if it was not exactly as advertised!
I just bought a c6 Z06 and I suspect if that was in the contention it would be close to the top.
I have a bunch of videos of my 2004 Corvette on my channel. I loove my car. Loads of fun. Handles well, plenty of speed and 6 gears.
Just scored a 2000 manual red c5 just hit 60k miles for 11k 🏁🏎️
I talked to one of the original C4 engineers about the flexible chasis. He said the C4 was originally designed to have a C3 type T-top. 90 days before production the bean counters said the T-top was too expensive and to redesign to eliminate it.
Damn that sucks. A T-Top LT1 would have been HOT
The other version is that they wanted an open roof like some of the European cars. Either way- not good to change something like that so deep into the chassis development!!
I enjoyed the video very much, I have a 2019 C7 GrandSport , With just 5000 miles on it, I love it ! you have a new subscriber? 👍
Awesome, thank you!
I think your rigidity claim on the C4 is not correct in comparison to its handling. If anything, it is hard to make it mess up. My C8 can't make a left hand turn without fishtailing the C4 does it just fine.
www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-tech-performance/639703-just-how-flimsy-are-c4-frames.html
@@Toys4Life right. because a cf thread is the be all end all. the stiffness of the frame without the targa in is crap. with it in, no issues. if you are tracking the car you may choose (as with a later gen) to put a harness bar in. that helps. not necessary though. personally id say if you have a budget of 15k for a c5 manual buy it. it may be high miles but they are solid. but a guy who has 5k, will do great with a manual c4. and wont be upset if he kisses the wall without any insurance running on track.
Good points. The cf is an excellent resource though, tons of great info.
@@Toys4Life I have two C4s and a C8. An 86 Convertible. A 91 ZR1. A 2021 Stingray with Z51 coup. I've never noticed any rigidity issue with the 86. Droning and learning the temperament of the Doug Nash yes. It sits higher as well, but I never loose a corner. Shockingly planted compared with the C8, but nowhere near the power. Floor it and it goes straight. Floor the C8 and it twitches and the rear goes one side or the other. I haven't had the ZR1 long enough to get a good feel of its handling. I will say when I pull out of the driveway at an angle you can hear a popping above you. I don't care for the looks of the later model C4s compared with earlier except the ZR1 which sits lower and is wider. I like to stress cornering because it pushes a car and it is fun. I have a 1/2 mile stretch of road with great s curves that I test on. I haven't taken any of the Corvettes to it. I use it for test driving cars I'm considering. To date the best two cars have been the Audi e-tron GT which reached 88 mph on the curves and the second best was a Volvo V60 recharge running in continuous AWD which reached 78. My Jaguar F Type R convertible didn't do as well because it is a harder car to handle, but what a fun car. When I get a chance I will see how the Vettes handle it and will see if I notice any rigidity issues. I also test drove a Giulia QV in Denver and I expect that to kick it well. Thanks for the link.
You shouldn't have included C5 Z06 if you weren't going to do the same for the other models. Looking at straight bang for the buck, I think C5s are probably the best. I wouldn't buy one, though, nor would I buy a C7, each for different reasons. C5s are a bigger, slower, clunkier version of a C6. C7s not only have that variable valve timing, which is okay, but it also has that cylinder deactivation thing, which is not okay. Leaving the C6, which is also objectively the best looking of the 3. I say that not because I have a C6 Z51, but because I'm right, of course. ;-) Thanks for the video & all the work that went into it.
What's the going rate for a c6 LS3 now?
25 -30k ish....Depends on where you are in the country, year, milage options.
I bought a supercharged 03 Z06 ( 585 RWHP) in 2012 for 25K. I could sell it today for what I paid for it back then. I truly enjoy embarrassing newer Vette's when bumping into them for the occasional roll race.
Indeed 😄
Love my c5 vert, but that c6 z51 makes me jelly. Zoom zoom
Yup, LS3 cars are a sweet spot for modern performance without all the bat $hit crazy electronics and built in obsolescence found in new cars today. After owning several, including an early '23Z, I went back to a very low mile '18 M7 Z06...That's my sweet spot.
Best for the buck on my end is a C5 Z06.
Why are we immediately eliminating the NA C6 Z06 while the C5 Z06 is in every calculation? I stand to say that the C6 Z06 has a fair fight in this argument - it certainly costs more than a C5Z, but the performance gains are not unnoticed.
I love 99% of the C6 Z06!! Lots of guys have asked this. I will include it next year. For this year, I eliminated it due to the relatively high price, the fairly high price variability (vs. the others) and a big reason was the confusion surrounding the valve issue - kzhead.info/sun/a8atorVwoaetiXA/bejne.html & kzhead.info/sun/hJV9gMiErp5poa8/bejne.html
A pro charged C4 will run you 15-20k as the car can be found for 7-10k in great condition, it's going to keep up fairly well with the C7 and it's going to cost 1/6 the price. Unless your going to the track, planning on running up to 140+ on the highway your best bang for the buck is a modded LT1, a C4 ZR1 or a C5/C5 z06. For the price of a ZR1 C7 you could likely find a rare C4 like a Callaway or liffenger which will certainly keep up with the C7, the sledgehammer would go right by it but that's a 400,000 dollar C4.
My friend did get a Callaway C6 with the 606hp for 29,000 dollars but that was a very lucky buy, that's also a great bang for buck if you can find it that cheap.
id say theres different levels for different price points. Under 30k C5Z all day, Over 30k C6Z all day, Over 40k c8z51
Transmissions ? Manual automatic? Most z06 manual correct ?
IMO, whichever one you prefer. Don't let anyone tell you what transmission you should buy. If you are rarely stuck in traffic, a manual shines. If you daily drive in a major city, auto shines.
Think you for your input .
Very cool video! As of 4/18/24 there is not a single 2009 Corvette in the state of MD with less than 100,000 miles, manual, for less than 33,000. I would love to have the 2009 that you selected, but does not appear to exist anywhere for that price 200 miles from here...
There is a black 08 manual convertible with 27k miles for $27K in my neck of the woods. Have not seen it in person - any interest? Maybe we could work a deal? www.cars.com/vehicledetail/5d218fbc-89a1-4778-9394-0e1f52e20bf7/
@@Toys4Life thanks. Not exactly what I'm looking for.
I have had a 2001 LS1, A 2008 LS3, A 2009 ZO6, A 2018 LT1 GS, A 2023 non-Z-51 LT2-Then funnest was my 2009 Zo6, I had to sell my 23 model due to health. If I could have 1 back it would be My Z06!
I don't doubt that a bit, hopefully you'll be able to grab another one in the future!
Love the C6 LS3 but I would for with the C5 Z06 because of the pop-up and down headlights. That’s what all Corvette should have.
man this is interesting. I currently own an 08 ls3, but I feel that my c5 was a better bang for the buck, the c6 was twice as much but I have yet to feel as though its twice car. I would still be driving my c5 if someone didnt crash into me
That's extra fair coming from a guy who has the C6 LS3, appreciate your feedback!!
If you’re going to compare all of the buying options across the three generations, you really should include all of the trim levels. You include the Z06 in the C5 generation but failed to do so for the C6 and C7…not to mention the ZR1 and Grand Sports too. It’s fair to exclude the special trim models (e.g. anniversary and other cosmetic special editions) since they don’t offer much, if any, performance gains but excluding the Zs and GS is leaving out the best of these generations. My personal opinion is that the C6 Z06 is probably the best performance bargain and it still has a lot of room to be even better.
Appreciate the feedback!
Can any year C6 be supercharged with no risk of damage?
No car can be super charged without risking damage.
@@Toys4Life Tushé. Let me rephrase. Do you know which year of C6 would be the best for supercharging 😂?
Best would probably be the LS3s because they have lower compression. Same thing with the C5, LS1 is a little better in my opinion as it has less compression than the LS6 for supercharging. Both will work but you probably need to be more careful with the LS2 as it has more compression. Purpose built supercharged engine tend to have lower compression than high performance naturally aspirated engines. This is because you're adding a ton of boost, starting out with super high compression isn't as important and it can be counterproductive in the big picture.
C6 with round taillights is the best looking
The C6 from the rear looks amazing indeed.
Whered you get the corvette american flag banner in the backround?
amzn.to/3vT4oKd
Do you think the c5 is going to go up or down in price?
I hope down cuz I want one!
I hope up because I have one.
I absolutely think & know the C5 with low miles un molested good condition are trending up. People are really starting to respect & look at the exotic timeless lines & stance of a C5.
Looks to me like all of the Corvettes are coming down from CRAZY prices.
C4 is the best budget friendly. Take an early year car and drop a hot 383 stroker sbc in it. You'll embarrass many newer cars and won't have a huge investment.
Most important metric: Pop up headlights. C7: Has no pop up headlights C6: Has no pop up headlights C5: Has pop up headlights Winner: C5
Sounds good, see C5 Z06 for you!
I love your vids and your max jack review solidified my buy. so im not criticizing at all. and i love your fiero. eliminating the c4 for chassis reasons is not very sound. for 95% of hpde drivers will never reach a level where a c4 (with the targa installed) will be a limiting factor. not even close. same goes for the brakes. ive never understood these types of vids. ofcourse the answer is going to be dictated by ur budget. a manual trans c4 can be picked up and taken to the track for under 5k all in, and that includes a brand new set of rt660's with brand new trackday pads. one of mine was 3k all in to hard track days, with new 660,s and it won time attack. if you have the money buy the newest one u can. but "bang for the buck"?? cant agree with u on tossing a manual trans c4, esp a z51 car.
I agree it can be a heck of a fun car but definitely much more hands-on than the average person can handle. I might buy one at some point because you're right, you can pick em up cheap, make them fast and it's not the end of the day if something bad were to happen, hopefully it doesn't. I would probably beef up that chassis one way or another though if it were me. It's all good sir I appreciate your constructive comment!!
@@Toys4Life Great reply, I was thinking the same thing. However I've had my C6 ZO6 for years now. I've been thinking of going c7 or C8, but every time I get in that ZO6 and hear that LS7, I reconsider my buying options. Speaking of c4, I was thinking of getting one of those also, possibly as ZR1, or as One of you guys said here, get the newest c4, if not the ZR1.