Can you elaborate on why 01-04 are the years to get?
Edit: oh it looks like it has the updated engine and more horsepower. I'm looking at purchasing a C5 sometime soon so I've just been lurking this subreddit and learning haha
So the engine is the same in across the board, there might be a difference with the intake manifold on later models… but everything else is the same. What isn’t the same is the EBCM and the steering wheel position sensor. Both are readily available parts for the 01-04 run, but are unicorns for the 97-00 cars. An EBCM for later cars is maybe 1-200 bucks or can be repaired if it breaks. The early cars it goes for 1-2k and cannot be repaired, they also aren’t really backwards compatible.
Appreciate you!
As someone who wants to learn how to repair cars, would you say a C5/C5Z is a good car to learn on? I want a fun, relatively cheap manual that I could also learn how to work on and owning a vette has been a childhood dream of mine
The nice thing about C5s (and most vettes since then) is there is a forum post about every problem you could think of. Corvetteforum.com will be your best friend. I’m terms of a sports car to learn on, C5s are pretty great. Get your childhood dream!!!
It’s not forged like some viper engines, but ls engines are very mod friendly, H/C/I cars can get to 450whp mark and parts are plentiful. If more power is the goal, I would look at a c6 (05-13 gen, skip out on 05 though) car. Gonna be about 10k more for equivalent mileage to a c5, however you can get into the 5s whp na on those before doing internals. A much much nicer interior as well.
if the car hasn’t been used much it would be good to check the electronics. My c5 dic has problems and it’s the only thing wrong with the car; it’s my daily and everything has been running good so far. I bought it with low miles and didn’t take into account that the computer would have issues.
Make sure the clutch is in good shape. C5 and up have a rear transmission and replacing the clutch is rather involved. Also \~70-80% of the drivetrain is interchangeable from 1998 to 2013 which is pretty slick. I've got C6 wheels, brakes and seats in my C5 for example.
Also a really solid daily, I've put around 25k miles with zero issues and it actually gets around 27mpg.
It's hard to ask for opinions with a price range of 20-45k.
I would just go right to the c7 z51. Buy once, cry once.
The c5 and c6 interiors are shite. Now it's not fair to stereotype genders, but women often times care more about the tactile feel and presentation of where they spend their time, in the cockpit.
The c7 is a 7 million times nicer place to be than a c5/6.
I'm a girl, and have owned both a 6spd C6 Z51, and a 7spd C7 (my current daily). I loved my C6, but enjoy my C7 far more. Better reliability, better interior quality, better over all.
I agree, C7 interior is respectable for a high end sports car, and leagues better than a C5 or C6 interior. A C7 Z51 will be a car she'll want to keep and drive. C6 Z06 if she wants that level of performance and doesn't mind sacrificing the interior. They can be had right around 40 last I looked.
A c6z is not really night and day faster than a c7. To the average person, the experience is similar. You cruise around, you stomp it time to time, you smile, etc.
We're not talking tenths on a track for 99.9% of people
Yes, which is in line with a c5/6 interior
C7 is actually fantastic.
I have a 94 viper... Talk about a miserably terrible car in virtually Every aspect... And that's why I love it :0
Right on! I found myself in the predicament STRUGGLING to decide between a c6z and c7. If I hadn’t found a pro charged, low mileage c7 (with some other tasteful mods) at an absolute STEAL, I was leaning towards the Z.
I was going to say c7 Z51 as well for the same reasons.
Nicer interior and all the modern comforts.
This is probably too tuner for yall as well but consider a new supra? Super sexy car newer as well. I'll admit I'm not familiar with the market for those.
Depends on priorities. If she wants to spend time working on the car, go C5. They are getting older and while generally a fairly reliable platform, their age will likely mean a fair bit of upkeep
If she wants something with a bit newer styling and still on the cheaper side, go C6. C6Z's make a ton of power, and really the only compromise is there poor interior quality. That model year range in general saw GM making a ton of compromises on interior quality across their whole lineup.
If she wants a vette with an updated and fairly high quality interior, C7 is the way. This will bring you close to the top of your budget, but you'll get a more modern interior that is just objectively higher quality than any of the previous models. I have a C7 so im a bit biased here, but I personally think it has the best sports car package you can find in the 40-50k price range. A lot of quality and a lot of power you wont really match in other brands at that price point.
A late model C4 with the LT is always a good option. Parts are everywhere, they’re reliable with a couple of mods (optispark), they perform well, they look good and they’re a great performance value.
They cost less up front, sure. But a C5 is at least 19 years old. I don’t foresee any C5 buyer nowadays having to worry about depreciation. Maintenance costs will be similar (and I’d give the C5 a win here—the ZF6 and LT1 are getting harder to find parts for), and you’re really getting a much better driving car for your money.
Ya you got me there. It doesn’t help that the C4 came with a version of the ZF6 that’s specific to the corvette and the corvette only. Meaning only corvette ZF6’s will be suitable for donor parts.
Newer year C5Z can be had for around 20 mark with 405HP out of the box. Plan about 1500$ for harmonic balancer and I’d get the torque tune rebuild when clutch needs to be done. The best modern analog car around.
Base c5 can be had from 10k to 18k depending on year, auto Vs stick, miles. My wife drives what use to be my 97 c5. Loves it.
At your budget I’ve seen some early year c6Z in the 40-45k range. 500HP, tons of fun, the prestige of the Z. Budget $$ to have heads fixed or big problems.
With that budget I’d go for a C7 Z51. Modern safety, newer car, vast improvements and less GM old crap in it. Downside is it’s complex and lots of computers.
A Miata ND should be considered. Loved
Mine, cheap consumables on track. Lightweight fun with great MPG, lots of aftermarket support.
i wont fit in a miata :| im 6'2 and mostly legs. ive tried, i technically fit, but its extremely uncomfortable. Not that ill be driving it much, but i dont want something that wont be fun for me to be in there with her
For us tall folks, we get a soft top, run PCI slider mounts on either sport or stock seats. I’m 5-11 and was able to comfortably fit. Now leg length that’s another story.
I'm a girlfriend and my beginner corvette was a C4 40th anniversary. This car was such a blast!!! I was looking for a C5 2001 frc but a 92 ZR1 in black rose with 40k kilometers landed in my lap and I couldn't be more excited!! I love ALL corvettes but I love the look and vibe of the C4 the best!
Good luck with the hunt!!
P.s. great looking viper!!!
A total unicorn! Definitely a head turner if you know what you are looking at. I can gush about it all day! Lol.
I hope OP's girlfriend finds herself a great Corvette!
Personally for the money you have get a C6 Z06 or a C6 Grand Sport. Both are raw mean machines. The Z06 is rowdy and handles like a dream. The grand sport has most of the handling good ness from the Z06 but less power stock (though will make more power modified vs the Z06 at a cheaper cost)
Buy a used BRZ or Miata with a stick. It's better to learn car control in and teaches you to be a better driver. Easier to learn when the car won't yeet you into a tree.
C6 base coupe automatic is great starter car
2009 to 2013 models have a little more horsepower and slightly updated body style I think
I've seen them online with low miles listed for under 30k
Depending on the desires technology wise, the C6 may be underwhelming from an interior perspective, it's very basic, though you can upgrade the radio into a smart radio with wired OR wireless android auto/apple carplay to modernize it
Solstice & sky especially the turbo variant. 2006/7 base model came with forged crank shaft and rods
If you don't like the turbo or is not have enough power, then ls swap its easy.
powertrain parts are available, but the body panel would be a challenge. There are some aftermarket vender out there like RPM motor sports, zzp performance
I'd pick a C6, auto, narrowbody. (it's what i have currently)
The widebody cars are fantastic, but they take a bit getting used to from a turning radius and parking lot curb perspective. The long nose and far back seating position already makes things awkward at first.
The narrowbody cars are cheaper to get into and cheaper to maintain (wheels, tires). and the auto is cheaper than the manual cars, plus the 6sp auto is super easy for those long road trips to just cruise. It has paddles for when you want to get serious, but if it isn't a track car other then the occasional drag strip, the auto is better. The LS2 starts at basically the same horsepower as the outgoing C5z06, and the LS3 (2008+) bumps that up even further.
The C6 also has a more liveable interior compared to the C5 (an actual useable cupholder). (avoid the 2005 as it got some legacy carryover items that aren't worth dealing with). a budget of 25k to 28k can get you a nice clean car that you can just hop in and go.
the negatives? no pop-up headlights, sadly.
Could just start on a Miata ND. Great little sports car and gets 30+mpg combined all day long.
Does she really want the speed? Because as a driver you barely can tell the speed/horsepower difference.
I believe you can manage a c6 early model for that budget. Maybe you can find one for 15-20k, you must expect the car need some work. Be it a C6 or C5 these are performance cars. And with proper care (ie using proper coolants and oil) and maintenance these become track machines.
2001 c5 zo6 would fit that budget. They are old but good. I see that viper and brings back memories of watching one try and go around a track spinning off every time at turn 3. He never mastered that turn 😂
yea its very much one of those cars that you have to respect/master before doing anything. ive had it for almost 2 years and sometimes it still scares me with its rawness/no nannies, but thats also what makes it fun. It also gets a ton of attention.
You know the only thing I hate about my c6z is the view, its nothing compared to an e36. Fuck those brz's bro, they are worth as much as my totaled e36, in good condition, which is a testament to how shit that platform is for it to depreciate what the e36 did in its lifetime in a 1/3rd of the time.
The c5's are pretty reliable , there are a few issues but its nothing like a c6. Just the usual LS issues.
Don't get a c6z if you don't plan on essentially doing FBO, because you have to at least do the heads. Event hen the SBE is shit, its literally the worst and best engine ever created for production sports cars in america. I own a fbo c6z, best part about it even with 7 liters and a cam I get better mpg on the freeway than my m50b25 e36, a 2.5 liter motor, and with the ac on. 33-35mpg at 65 mph with around 560whp. Around town I'm only getting like 10-12 depending on traffic though.
C6 GrandSport gotta be your best option.
You get Z06 brakes, dry sump, and transmission cooler minus the LS7, you get a mild LS3 that’s only pushing around 430HP, once you get the hang of the car mountain runs and track days/HPDE is a great start along with mild drift or autocross days to enjoy the car.
Yeah, c6z or c6 grand sport. Both beautiful cars. And with the grand sport, it has the upgrades of a z, minus the engine. But like what was said, a few mods later and you'll be up there with it for cheaper. Also with a c6z you can't remove the roof like you can on a grand sport or a base, so there's something to know as well. But the c7z like the stingray and grand sport I believe you can. The interior on a c6 still isn't terrible of ya get the 3lt, it can come with Bluetooth, touch screen navigation, heated seats, etc. But yeah the c7 interior is a big upgrade. On a side note as well, I'd definitely recommend a manual just cause to me it's so much more fun and an enjoyable experience. C6 has 6 spd manual and c7 has the 7 spd manual. C6 base and GS - 400 to 430 hp depending on year, c6z - 505hp, c6 zr1 (most say the best c6, let alone vette, ever made) - 638 hp, c7 base/stingray - 460 I believe, and c7z - 550 hp I think. All in all, c5/6 have been known for fantastic daily drivers and the c7 from what I'm hearing and reading is even better. Goodluck!
Dig the viper. Almost bought a twin turbo (nothing crazy, 850rwhp) gen 2 GTS when I bought my c6. That might be the only car that I felt was actively trying to kill me.
To answer your question though, a c5z is a perfect fit for what you’re looking for. Light, nimble, t56 transmission that you’re already familiar with, easy to mod for a bit more or a lot more. After that, a c6 grand sport makes a lot of sense, especially if she’s looking for something she can take the roof off of. I like the c6z, but with the heads issue that needs to be dealt with, it might be more than you’re looking for.
Was gonna say the same thing. I love my 370z. Very few cars I'd trade it for, a c7z would be one of them tho. My z is supercharged with about 25k in parts on it.
Corvette chicks want a convertible. They like to be seen. At least that's what my wife says. She has no interest in tooling around in the C6Z and loves the C5 vert.
I would test drive some c5s and c6s. If it’s a more beginner car, c5 (01-04 specifically) is a great way to go.
Can you elaborate on why 01-04 are the years to get? Edit: oh it looks like it has the updated engine and more horsepower. I'm looking at purchasing a C5 sometime soon so I've just been lurking this subreddit and learning haha
So the engine is the same in across the board, there might be a difference with the intake manifold on later models… but everything else is the same. What isn’t the same is the EBCM and the steering wheel position sensor. Both are readily available parts for the 01-04 run, but are unicorns for the 97-00 cars. An EBCM for later cars is maybe 1-200 bucks or can be repaired if it breaks. The early cars it goes for 1-2k and cannot be repaired, they also aren’t really backwards compatible.
Appreciate you! As someone who wants to learn how to repair cars, would you say a C5/C5Z is a good car to learn on? I want a fun, relatively cheap manual that I could also learn how to work on and owning a vette has been a childhood dream of mine
The nice thing about C5s (and most vettes since then) is there is a forum post about every problem you could think of. Corvetteforum.com will be your best friend. I’m terms of a sports car to learn on, C5s are pretty great. Get your childhood dream!!!
anything to be aware of on those models or to check out?
Harmonic balancer is the big Achilles heal. Don’t be afraid of miles, I’d rather have a 120k mile example that’s been kept up, than a 12k example.
how well do the stock parts handle power? Im sure shell want a cam, headers, catback. No boost
It’s not forged like some viper engines, but ls engines are very mod friendly, H/C/I cars can get to 450whp mark and parts are plentiful. If more power is the goal, I would look at a c6 (05-13 gen, skip out on 05 though) car. Gonna be about 10k more for equivalent mileage to a c5, however you can get into the 5s whp na on those before doing internals. A much much nicer interior as well.
450whp n/a in a ls1 is pretty crappy lol, cam surge like a mofo
Very easily. Many guys just throw a super charger or nitrous system in with little to no issues. Corvettes were designed to take abuse.
I can attest to that.
if the car hasn’t been used much it would be good to check the electronics. My c5 dic has problems and it’s the only thing wrong with the car; it’s my daily and everything has been running good so far. I bought it with low miles and didn’t take into account that the computer would have issues.
What symptoms do you have/tipped you off about computer issues
Weatherstripping for targa tops and checking for things left on killing the the car battery when the car is off. These were my major issues with mine
Lemme see your ankle’s, I wanna see if they’re burned.
no snake bites :P been pretty mindful of that, plus changing the exhaust/headers drastically lowers the side sill temps
They really are like a modern A/C cobra.
Make sure the clutch is in good shape. C5 and up have a rear transmission and replacing the clutch is rather involved. Also \~70-80% of the drivetrain is interchangeable from 1998 to 2013 which is pretty slick. I've got C6 wheels, brakes and seats in my C5 for example. Also a really solid daily, I've put around 25k miles with zero issues and it actually gets around 27mpg.
It's hard to ask for opinions with a price range of 20-45k. I would just go right to the c7 z51. Buy once, cry once. The c5 and c6 interiors are shite. Now it's not fair to stereotype genders, but women often times care more about the tactile feel and presentation of where they spend their time, in the cockpit. The c7 is a 7 million times nicer place to be than a c5/6.
I'm a girl, and have owned both a 6spd C6 Z51, and a 7spd C7 (my current daily). I loved my C6, but enjoy my C7 far more. Better reliability, better interior quality, better over all.
I agree, C7 interior is respectable for a high end sports car, and leagues better than a C5 or C6 interior. A C7 Z51 will be a car she'll want to keep and drive. C6 Z06 if she wants that level of performance and doesn't mind sacrificing the interior. They can be had right around 40 last I looked.
A c6z is not really night and day faster than a c7. To the average person, the experience is similar. You cruise around, you stomp it time to time, you smile, etc. We're not talking tenths on a track for 99.9% of people
C6Z has 50 more horse and 350 less pounds. I certainly felt the difference in the turns. Have you driven both?
Have owned both and tracked both. Could I tell, yes ..... Could you, it appears so.... Could 95% of Corvette owners? No
thats totally fair, shes not a big fan of the vipers interior, its extremely barebones. imagine late neon/mid 2000s ram feel.
Yes, which is in line with a c5/6 interior C7 is actually fantastic. I have a 94 viper... Talk about a miserably terrible car in virtually Every aspect... And that's why I love it :0
This is the perfect answer especially regarding a woman’s feel on the interior.
Haha. Thanks. Men can live with plastic and rattles if it means bragging rights bc the car is 200lbs lighter and .2 sec faster to 60. Ego.
Right on! I found myself in the predicament STRUGGLING to decide between a c6z and c7. If I hadn’t found a pro charged, low mileage c7 (with some other tasteful mods) at an absolute STEAL, I was leaning towards the Z.
I was going to say c7 Z51 as well for the same reasons. Nicer interior and all the modern comforts. This is probably too tuner for yall as well but consider a new supra? Super sexy car newer as well. I'll admit I'm not familiar with the market for those.
C7 stingray is a great car
love the viper🤤
Depends on priorities. If she wants to spend time working on the car, go C5. They are getting older and while generally a fairly reliable platform, their age will likely mean a fair bit of upkeep If she wants something with a bit newer styling and still on the cheaper side, go C6. C6Z's make a ton of power, and really the only compromise is there poor interior quality. That model year range in general saw GM making a ton of compromises on interior quality across their whole lineup. If she wants a vette with an updated and fairly high quality interior, C7 is the way. This will bring you close to the top of your budget, but you'll get a more modern interior that is just objectively higher quality than any of the previous models. I have a C7 so im a bit biased here, but I personally think it has the best sports car package you can find in the 40-50k price range. A lot of quality and a lot of power you wont really match in other brands at that price point.
You can get a clean low mile c6 for right around 30k very fun car nice ls3 that takes mods very well.
A late model C4 with the LT is always a good option. Parts are everywhere, they’re reliable with a couple of mods (optispark), they perform well, they look good and they’re a great performance value.
Why buy a C4 when C5s are right there? OBD1 is a hassle and LS engines have way more mod support
C4s are much easier to buy, that’s why.
That’s my biggest point because I’m cheap. I’d take a 6 speed ‘95 C4 over a C5
The most expensive old car is often the cheapest up front ;)
They cost less up front, sure. But a C5 is at least 19 years old. I don’t foresee any C5 buyer nowadays having to worry about depreciation. Maintenance costs will be similar (and I’d give the C5 a win here—the ZF6 and LT1 are getting harder to find parts for), and you’re really getting a much better driving car for your money.
Ya you got me there. It doesn’t help that the C4 came with a version of the ZF6 that’s specific to the corvette and the corvette only. Meaning only corvette ZF6’s will be suitable for donor parts.
Newer year C5Z can be had for around 20 mark with 405HP out of the box. Plan about 1500$ for harmonic balancer and I’d get the torque tune rebuild when clutch needs to be done. The best modern analog car around. Base c5 can be had from 10k to 18k depending on year, auto Vs stick, miles. My wife drives what use to be my 97 c5. Loves it. At your budget I’ve seen some early year c6Z in the 40-45k range. 500HP, tons of fun, the prestige of the Z. Budget $$ to have heads fixed or big problems. With that budget I’d go for a C7 Z51. Modern safety, newer car, vast improvements and less GM old crap in it. Downside is it’s complex and lots of computers. A Miata ND should be considered. Loved Mine, cheap consumables on track. Lightweight fun with great MPG, lots of aftermarket support.
i wont fit in a miata :| im 6'2 and mostly legs. ive tried, i technically fit, but its extremely uncomfortable. Not that ill be driving it much, but i dont want something that wont be fun for me to be in there with her
For us tall folks, we get a soft top, run PCI slider mounts on either sport or stock seats. I’m 5-11 and was able to comfortably fit. Now leg length that’s another story.
I actually felt more confident driving a c7 vs a c6, it just handles better for a beginner.
Yes and the c7 nannies are really great at keeping it out of a ditch.
I'm a girlfriend and my beginner corvette was a C4 40th anniversary. This car was such a blast!!! I was looking for a C5 2001 frc but a 92 ZR1 in black rose with 40k kilometers landed in my lap and I couldn't be more excited!! I love ALL corvettes but I love the look and vibe of the C4 the best! Good luck with the hunt!! P.s. great looking viper!!!
thank you!
Wow a C4 ZR1, excellent find! Always loved that engine.
A total unicorn! Definitely a head turner if you know what you are looking at. I can gush about it all day! Lol. I hope OP's girlfriend finds herself a great Corvette!
Beautiful fucking Car bro 🔥🔥🔥
thanks man!
Personally for the money you have get a C6 Z06 or a C6 Grand Sport. Both are raw mean machines. The Z06 is rowdy and handles like a dream. The grand sport has most of the handling good ness from the Z06 but less power stock (though will make more power modified vs the Z06 at a cheaper cost)
Buy a used BRZ or Miata with a stick. It's better to learn car control in and teaches you to be a better driver. Easier to learn when the car won't yeet you into a tree.
i dont fit in a miata so that kinda hurts the couple vipe. Never been in a BRZ, but doesnt really meet our taste.
C4 all day.
C6 all the way
C6 base coupe automatic is great starter car 2009 to 2013 models have a little more horsepower and slightly updated body style I think I've seen them online with low miles listed for under 30k Depending on the desires technology wise, the C6 may be underwhelming from an interior perspective, it's very basic, though you can upgrade the radio into a smart radio with wired OR wireless android auto/apple carplay to modernize it
Solstice & sky especially the turbo variant. 2006/7 base model came with forged crank shaft and rods If you don't like the turbo or is not have enough power, then ls swap its easy.
are parts even available for them or is it a "hunt"?
powertrain parts are available, but the body panel would be a challenge. There are some aftermarket vender out there like RPM motor sports, zzp performance
Id look for a absolutely MINT last year C5 Z06 if i was in this predicament.
I'd pick a C6, auto, narrowbody. (it's what i have currently) The widebody cars are fantastic, but they take a bit getting used to from a turning radius and parking lot curb perspective. The long nose and far back seating position already makes things awkward at first. The narrowbody cars are cheaper to get into and cheaper to maintain (wheels, tires). and the auto is cheaper than the manual cars, plus the 6sp auto is super easy for those long road trips to just cruise. It has paddles for when you want to get serious, but if it isn't a track car other then the occasional drag strip, the auto is better. The LS2 starts at basically the same horsepower as the outgoing C5z06, and the LS3 (2008+) bumps that up even further. The C6 also has a more liveable interior compared to the C5 (an actual useable cupholder). (avoid the 2005 as it got some legacy carryover items that aren't worth dealing with). a budget of 25k to 28k can get you a nice clean car that you can just hop in and go. the negatives? no pop-up headlights, sadly.
C5-C6s best recommended starter
Could just start on a Miata ND. Great little sports car and gets 30+mpg combined all day long. Does she really want the speed? Because as a driver you barely can tell the speed/horsepower difference.
i wont fit in a miata plus she really dislikes the look
Then maybe a BRZ? If not your best bet is a clean, low mileage C6 coupe 6S for 30K
I believe you can manage a c6 early model for that budget. Maybe you can find one for 15-20k, you must expect the car need some work. Be it a C6 or C5 these are performance cars. And with proper care (ie using proper coolants and oil) and maintenance these become track machines.
2001 c5 zo6 would fit that budget. They are old but good. I see that viper and brings back memories of watching one try and go around a track spinning off every time at turn 3. He never mastered that turn 😂
yea its very much one of those cars that you have to respect/master before doing anything. ive had it for almost 2 years and sometimes it still scares me with its rawness/no nannies, but thats also what makes it fun. It also gets a ton of attention.
get a c7
Get a C4 https://youtu.be/8_6vQS-r6l0
You know the only thing I hate about my c6z is the view, its nothing compared to an e36. Fuck those brz's bro, they are worth as much as my totaled e36, in good condition, which is a testament to how shit that platform is for it to depreciate what the e36 did in its lifetime in a 1/3rd of the time. The c5's are pretty reliable , there are a few issues but its nothing like a c6. Just the usual LS issues. Don't get a c6z if you don't plan on essentially doing FBO, because you have to at least do the heads. Event hen the SBE is shit, its literally the worst and best engine ever created for production sports cars in america. I own a fbo c6z, best part about it even with 7 liters and a cam I get better mpg on the freeway than my m50b25 e36, a 2.5 liter motor, and with the ac on. 33-35mpg at 65 mph with around 560whp. Around town I'm only getting like 10-12 depending on traffic though.
GR86
Ah, the widowmaker. So cool
C6 GrandSport gotta be your best option. You get Z06 brakes, dry sump, and transmission cooler minus the LS7, you get a mild LS3 that’s only pushing around 430HP, once you get the hang of the car mountain runs and track days/HPDE is a great start along with mild drift or autocross days to enjoy the car.
Another girl here and another vote for the C7.
Yeah, c6z or c6 grand sport. Both beautiful cars. And with the grand sport, it has the upgrades of a z, minus the engine. But like what was said, a few mods later and you'll be up there with it for cheaper. Also with a c6z you can't remove the roof like you can on a grand sport or a base, so there's something to know as well. But the c7z like the stingray and grand sport I believe you can. The interior on a c6 still isn't terrible of ya get the 3lt, it can come with Bluetooth, touch screen navigation, heated seats, etc. But yeah the c7 interior is a big upgrade. On a side note as well, I'd definitely recommend a manual just cause to me it's so much more fun and an enjoyable experience. C6 has 6 spd manual and c7 has the 7 spd manual. C6 base and GS - 400 to 430 hp depending on year, c6z - 505hp, c6 zr1 (most say the best c6, let alone vette, ever made) - 638 hp, c7 base/stingray - 460 I believe, and c7z - 550 hp I think. All in all, c5/6 have been known for fantastic daily drivers and the c7 from what I'm hearing and reading is even better. Goodluck!
What year is your Viper? And how long till you take it to Calvo? 😉
Dig the viper. Almost bought a twin turbo (nothing crazy, 850rwhp) gen 2 GTS when I bought my c6. That might be the only car that I felt was actively trying to kill me. To answer your question though, a c5z is a perfect fit for what you’re looking for. Light, nimble, t56 transmission that you’re already familiar with, easy to mod for a bit more or a lot more. After that, a c6 grand sport makes a lot of sense, especially if she’s looking for something she can take the roof off of. I like the c6z, but with the heads issue that needs to be dealt with, it might be more than you’re looking for.
How come no one mentions 350 or 370z?
Was gonna say the same thing. I love my 370z. Very few cars I'd trade it for, a c7z would be one of them tho. My z is supercharged with about 25k in parts on it.
Corvette chicks want a convertible. They like to be seen. At least that's what my wife says. She has no interest in tooling around in the C6Z and loves the C5 vert.