Buying a C6 Vette
Discussion
Yeah they came out in 05 with an LS2 and E40 ECU
That went through to 07 MY with an E38 ECU and then LS3 engine which is rated at 430 as you mention.
However the 30bhp difference doesnt tell the full story.
The LS2 intake sucks dogs. The heads flow about 260cfm, while the later LS3 intake is much better and the heads flow somewhere around the 320cfm range. Also the latest ones run the Tr6060 trans instead of the old t56. Basically the same box by significantly upgraded and smoother.
As usual the later model is the one to get, but you will pay for it. There are a few older LS2's around for about £25k the LS3's seem to be well north of £30k at present, which would suggest you should take a look at the early Z06 C6's which are around the same price and have even more goodies and extra's like a dry sump and 7L of joy.
That went through to 07 MY with an E38 ECU and then LS3 engine which is rated at 430 as you mention.
However the 30bhp difference doesnt tell the full story.
The LS2 intake sucks dogs. The heads flow about 260cfm, while the later LS3 intake is much better and the heads flow somewhere around the 320cfm range. Also the latest ones run the Tr6060 trans instead of the old t56. Basically the same box by significantly upgraded and smoother.
As usual the later model is the one to get, but you will pay for it. There are a few older LS2's around for about £25k the LS3's seem to be well north of £30k at present, which would suggest you should take a look at the early Z06 C6's which are around the same price and have even more goodies and extra's like a dry sump and 7L of joy.
Edited by ringram on Tuesday 6th October 09:45
Corvettes get better every time there's a significant specification change. The 430 bhp LS3 is astounding and latest auto transmissions are very impressive too. Z06 editions of the recent models are amazing performance for the money and all you have to do is ask yourself how fast you really want to drive on UK roads. Value for money is extremely good in the cheaper base models. Styling changes from one generation to another are all a matter of personal taste....
IMO the only C6 to approach with caution would be a very early 4-speed auto. Price could be attractive though so don't rule 'em out completely.
IMO the only C6 to approach with caution would be a very early 4-speed auto. Price could be attractive though so don't rule 'em out completely.
euroboy said:
Thanks for the tips so far.
My friend has a Z06 so I know what they have to offer!
My budget is around 30K - theres a lovely black one on Autotrader at the moment from 07.
I have noticed that some come with headlamp washers and side indicator repeators and some without, whilst both sellers claim them to be European spec.... are some people telling porkies?
In a word: yes! If it doesn't have headlamp washers, it isn't Euro spec (the repeaters are a less reliable guide as it's easier to retro-fit them as part of SVA). All Euro-spec cars are Z51 by default, unless the F55 adjustable suspension has been specified. Also, all C6s have the targa roof with the exception of the Z06 and ZR1. There's nothing wrong with US cars, but check the spec as Euro-spec is higher by default. Having said that, there are two different specs for Euro coupes, so factor that into the price (and make sure you get all the gizmos you want, e.g. HUD). Finally, if it's got polished wheels either make sure they're perfect or factor in the cost of new wheels at some point (as I've been unable to find anyone who can refurbish them properly).My friend has a Z06 so I know what they have to offer!
My budget is around 30K - theres a lovely black one on Autotrader at the moment from 07.
I have noticed that some come with headlamp washers and side indicator repeators and some without, whilst both sellers claim them to be European spec.... are some people telling porkies?
GW65 said:
euroboy said:
Thanks for the tips so far.
My friend has a Z06 so I know what they have to offer!
My budget is around 30K - theres a lovely black one on Autotrader at the moment from 07.
I have noticed that some come with headlamp washers and side indicator repeators and some without, whilst both sellers claim them to be European spec.... are some people telling porkies?
In a word: yes! If it doesn't have headlamp washers, it isn't Euro spec (the repeaters are a less reliable guide as it's easier to retro-fit them as part of SVA). All Euro-spec cars are Z51 by default, unless the F55 adjustable suspension has been specified. Also, all C6s have the targa roof with the exception of the Z06 and ZR1. There's nothing wrong with US cars, but check the spec as Euro-spec is higher by default. Having said that, there are two different specs for Euro coupes, so factor that into the price (and make sure you get all the gizmos you want, e.g. HUD). Finally, if it's got polished wheels either make sure they're perfect or factor in the cost of new wheels at some point (as I've been unable to find anyone who can refurbish them properly).My friend has a Z06 so I know what they have to offer!
My budget is around 30K - theres a lovely black one on Autotrader at the moment from 07.
I have noticed that some come with headlamp washers and side indicator repeators and some without, whilst both sellers claim them to be European spec.... are some people telling porkies?
The fact that the '08 models had major revisions to the steering rack are obviously of no benefit whatsoever. It was such a major improvement we even tried to incorporate them onto our GT2 car but couldn't. This just reminds me why I stopped posting on this forum. Obviously my Corvette experience is of no value to you.
Edited by mitch_ on Tuesday 8th September 12:45
Just had a look at at the current BM stock - didn't see any pre '08 Corvettes.
From my point of view dealer participation on PH is welcome especially where specialist knowledge can be shared. But I can't help recommending caution to potential buyers when they seem to be steered towards current stock. Although I've not driven the very latest Vettes all the C6s I have driven seemed absolutely fine - and the older ones are now a lot less expensive.
From my point of view dealer participation on PH is welcome especially where specialist knowledge can be shared. But I can't help recommending caution to potential buyers when they seem to be steered towards current stock. Although I've not driven the very latest Vettes all the C6s I have driven seemed absolutely fine - and the older ones are now a lot less expensive.
Given that Alex said he was looking for a manual car the one C6 I have left available is of no use to him. I'd like people here to recognise that I am first and foremost a Corvette enthusiast. When I break down our accounts line by line we make buttons out of Corvette in a year compared to our other activities, but we still enjoy being a part of it. Racing a GT2 C5R doesn't generate any commercial return for me either but again I do it because I'm an enthusiast. I have never given advice on this or any forum for personal or commercial gain and that's the way I believe it should be.
Soop Dogg said:
5 USA said:
IMO the only C6 to approach with caution would be a very early 4-speed auto.
Is there a particular reason why you say this? My 2005 4-speed auto has never missed a beat - just hoping there's not something common that tends to give trouble that I've not heard about yet...5 USA said:
Soop Dogg said:
5 USA said:
IMO the only C6 to approach with caution would be a very early 4-speed auto.
Is there a particular reason why you say this? My 2005 4-speed auto has never missed a beat - just hoping there's not something common that tends to give trouble that I've not heard about yet...However, to suggest that the early 4-speed autos should be approached 'with caution' is at least misleading if there's not any common problem with the car, and the true reason for going for a later model is simply because it's been improved.
I've found the 4-speed auto C6 to be a considerable improvement to the 4-speed auto I had in my 2003 C5, but I wouldn't suggest any sort of caution to anyone looking to buy one of those just because it's been improved upon.
Edited by Soop Dogg on Wednesday 9th September 17:54
Vet Guru said:
I wish all dealers had the knowledge and intrest in the brand like the BM boys have. Remember when it all go's wrong with sales and backup eveyone knocks on Mitch's door! Even GM when they are stuck, Mitch your always welcome on here!!
Appreciated Rob. I'm not saying I know the answers to everything, but the odds are I've driven more Corvettes than anybody else on this forum. You may well have driven more Saabs!Soop Dogg said:
5 USA said:
Soop Dogg said:
5 USA said:
IMO the only C6 to approach with caution would be a very early 4-speed auto.
However, to suggest that the early 4-speed autos should be approached 'with caution' is at least misleading if there's not any common problem with the car, and the true reason for going for a later model is simply because it's been improved.Edited by G4HKS on Wednesday 9th September 18:15
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