Im Dreaming of a Corvette C6

[Green Peace]

I saw a brand new Saleen at the Ring two weeks ago. It didn't impress. Newer Mustang is for high school kids with rich parents and rednecks who like to cruise the local McD's. I prefer the older models. 64-69. Vettes are nice. I just can't afford one (z06) and I only have one garage atm.

 

Just as it starts to get political...Mike arrives, does a huge donut screeches the brakes and sounds air horns 'Dukes of hazzard's' stylee:p

 

Yep i agree on the classic Mustang thing someone i used to work for had a red one cant remember exact year summit like 72.

 

Absolutely mint condition...wasn't sure how much of it had actually been restored most of it was convincingly original looking!

 

What kind of image does the Corvette C6 carry in the States, how do people rate them from a personal perspective ?

 

Here they are so rare..I guess the LHD is a big factor, but it wouldn't worry me...just means i get to wipe out all the Nissan Micras coming the other way where i live:p

[Jspec Germany]

In the states, they're an icon and they're everywhere. Z06 is a bit more rare of course. Still, there are a lot of guys on SF who are selling their Supras to finance vettes. I personally love the car. It looks and drives like nothing else out there.

[Green Peace]

In the states, they're an icon and they're everywhere. Z06 is a bit more rare of course. Still, there are a lot of guys on SF who are selling their Supras to finance vettes. I personally love the car. It looks and drives like nothing else out there.

 

What you mean the Supra or the Vette?

 

I think the Supra and the Vette come under the Attention Whore catagory...

 

But in a nice way...dosn't shout 'Im richer than you' just says 'I'm a serious petrolhead' here.

 

Supras are still fairly rare here and keep their head up above the rest..the Vette's are very rare though i see one about once every two or three months if that.

 

The C5 stands out a little more than the C6 though..C6 blends in with the European backgound a little, meaning less noticable...which is a minus for anyone who wants to wave the American flag and import the Supersize lifestyle wid the extra large cupholders!

 

(oh shit the migs have been scrambled)

 

 

Seriously Corvettes are the nuts i want one...hey why dont we all do a group import...I'll start list.

 

Greenpeace x 1 Corvette C6 lol.

[Gazboy]

It does make me laugh when people compare the leaf springs to that of an ox-cart as they play with their ballpoint pens....

[Jspec Germany]

It does make me laugh when people compare the leaf springs to that of an ox-cart as they play with their ballpoint pens....

 

No doubt. Clarkson's a schmuck. The car rocks... period.

 

Si.. a.) I never supersize b.) wave it all you like, I don't mind c.) Migs suck. The Sukhoi is the only former soviet bird worth a sh*t but it's still inferior to the F-22.

[Angie]

Did anyone see the Indy 500 yesterday? They had the C6 convertible as the pace car this year. Strange colour to choose though - wouldn't be to everyones taste.

 

See HERE

[Green Peace]

No doubt. Clarkson's a schmuck. The car rocks... period.

 

Si.. a.) I never supersize b.) wave it all you like, I don't mind c.) Migs suck. The Sukhoi is the only former soviet bird worth a sh*t but it's still inferior to the F-22.

 

Hang on Mike...you were downing supersize glasses of beer last time i saw you:p

 

Yeah but bet the F22 dos'nt come with leaf spring suspension and supersize cup holders:p ....actually it prob does have the cup holders...(maybe as a $2Billion optional extra he he)

 

Clarkeson is just funny to us, he kind of represents the male shovanistic extreme right wing unpolitically correct person none of us are allowed to be anymore lol.

 

Hes well funny..but we laugh more at him than with him most of the time.

 

The Vette C6 has had a few showings on the TV Shows like 'Top Gear' and others...some reviews were more complimentary.

 

I dont think he was a great fan of the Supra either, or anything French or American...

 

He actually owned a Ford GT40 (for a bit) He dosn't take himself seriously and nothing is perfect in his eyes unless its a Ferrari and we all know how perfect they are!!!!!!! (yeah exactly)

 

I mean look at the shit cars we 'used to' make here...my favourite was the Austin Allegro in chocolate Brown ha ha.

 

Not sure if we actually make cars anymore..without outside finance or forign owned that are based here...I think the Bristol is still British...but we dont make many of em....The Bristol Beaufighter (i think it is) is pretty cool in a retro kind of way lol, wouldn't be surprised if that has leaf springs.

 

Nothing could possibly put me off a Corvette C6, especially not JC....not the plastics (they are there to make it lighter obviously) The block is said to be literally indistructably reliable..nor the leaf springs...if it had bed springs or water springs yeah but it has leaf springs so thats kind of ok lol...

 

I'm going to have to drive it..i mean im not expecting all my toys to jump out of the pram everytime i hit a pothole...if they do then obviously it is like a Silver Cross (a seriously cool pram though for the money)

 

Si

[Jspec Germany]

I know Si. I have Sky here in Germany. I don't mind JC for who he is. I just disagree with him a lot and I think it's anything not an Aston that he always seems to bash. I do like how un-PC he is. Hammond is my favorite by far. Did you say May on the F-word last week?

[Soop Dogg]

Hang on Mike...you were downing supersize glasses of beer last time i saw you:p

 

Yeah but bet the F22 dos'nt come with leaf spring suspension and supersize cup holders:p ....actually it prob does have the cup holders...(maybe as a $2Billion optional extra he he)

 

Clarkeson is just funny to us, he kind of represents the male shovanistic extreme right wing unpolitically correct person none of us are allowed to be anymore lol.

 

Hes well funny..but we laugh more at him than with him most of the time.

 

The Vette C6 has had a few showings on the TV Shows like 'Top Gear' and others...some reviews were more complimentary.

 

I dont think he was a great fan of the Supra either, or anything French or American...

 

He actually owned a Ford GT40 (for a bit) He dosn't take himself seriously and nothing is perfect in his eyes unless its a Ferrari and we all know how perfect they are!!!!!!! (yeah exactly)

 

I mean look at the shit cars we 'used to' make here...my favourite was the Austin Allegro in chocolate Brown ha ha.

 

Not sure if we actually make cars anymore..without outside finance or forign owned that are based here...I think the Bristol is still British...but we dont make many of em....The Bristol Beaufighter (i think it is) is pretty cool in a retro kind of way lol, wouldn't be surprised if that has leaf springs.

 

Nothing could possibly put me off a Corvette C6, especially not JC....not the plastics (they are there to make it lighter obviously) The block is said to be literally indistructably reliable..nor the leaf springs...if it had bed springs or water springs yeah but it has leaf springs so thats kind of ok lol...

 

I'm going to have to drive it..i mean im not expecting all my toys to jump out of the pram everytime i hit a pothole...if they do then obviously it is like a Silver Cross (a seriously cool pram though for the money)

 

Si

 

 

 

I don't think you'll find it too harsh to be honest. If it's the Z06 it might be a bit harsher. If it's not the Z06, check if it has the Z51 handling package. (You can check the build sheet inside the glove box that gives all the options on the car - there's no special code for it other than 'Z51')

 

On the C4 Corvette, the Z51 suspension was like race car stuff - it would shake your fillings out. Every few weeks you'd develop new rattles around the interior that you'd have to go round and sort out with a phillips screwdriver.

 

On the C5 the Z51 stuff seems really sorted. (Mine has it fitted) They seem to have got the car firm but not hard. It handles beautifully and you get all the feel you need from the road, but it's not harsh at all.

 

So, unless it's taken a backward step, I think you'll be ok with the suspension. It'll be interesting to hear an opinion on this from somebody who wants to like the car before they drive it. If you're disappointed with it, then I'll know the C6 is probably not what I want it to be either. (I'd really like one in a couple of years myself)

[outatime]

I've always loved Corvettes, you can't beat the big V8 and they are rare.

 

I've got first refusal on an 04 Le Mans C5 targa, I should be going to look at it this weekend. Can't wait

 

I prefer the looks of the C5, but gather the C6 is the better car. If I don't get this one I might consider a C6. Has to be a manual for me though which limits the choice a bit.

[Jspec Germany]

can't beat the big V8. Has to be a manual for me though which limits the choice a bit.

 

I agree. Only way to go. Aftermarket exhaust open a little, nothing like that sound.

[Wayney]

In terms of quality, road feel and all that I would take a C6 over a supra any day. Its just a 12 year old car against a one or two year old car.

Sure the supra can be downright faster when fitted with a single but beside that it doesn't have a lot that speaks for it.

 

Not a huge fan of American cars personally. In terms of reliability and durability the Supra has a lot to shout about son!

 

But Green Peace, is it seriously similar economy as the Supra, don't the Z-06 have a 5.7 V8?

 

It may be an aging Rockster finding it hard to cut it in a modern day MP3 and Grannet Kitchen Top Surfaces world, but its still a lot of car for the money, I'd like to see wot the Corvett will be like in 14 years time? Prob a pile of rotting metal, with Sh*t residuals, coz no one wants it, so u can't flog it on in the used car market, only fit for a scrap yard.

 

Sorry guys, the Americans build cars for America! Full Stop, which is great if you live in America, where petrol is 25p a Liter and all the roads are super smooth and straight! But for Europe, spend your money wisely, its just gotta be a 911 Turbo

[Green Peace]

I know Si. I have Sky here in Germany. I don't mind JC for who he is. I just disagree with him a lot and I think it's anything not an Aston that he always seems to bash. I do like how un-PC he is. Hammond is my favorite by far. Did you say May on the F-word last week?

 

May? F word? said a lot of F words in the last few days lol..which F word are you referring to Mike? lol

 

Hammond is ok but they heavily dramatise Top Gear these days..and viewing enjoyment (Good Telly) rules over a good balanced review.

 

Tiff on 5th Gear is the best in my opinion. I only like the older Astons (the ones that dont work lol)

 

Soop! Yep Get your point on the Z51, dont seem to be that many C6's with that option..think there is a Z55 suspension too dunno what improvements it makes.

 

Wayney....Yank Tanks have come a long way these days...Take your point on the 996 Turbo..its more than tempting, hard to find a really well looked after one under £45k but a good opportunity to test drive one thats for sure lol....The Porsche won't win hearts though:p The trouble is if i drive a Porsche i know i'll be hooked.

 

Saw a real nice 997 Turbo do a really stupid manouver on the M3 last night..cutting across three lanes dodging traffic in extreme heavy torrential rain but it seemed glued to the road with its 4x4 capability, driver did his stuff with total confidence, cool bit of driving and boy did that thing shift..but everyone was flashing him waving single finger solutes...nobody loved him..I gave him the thumbs up though lol...i admire Porsche owners who actually venture out of Chelsea and actually know how to drive em...its v rare:p

 

Let me guess, Footballer?, Lottery winner? owner of a chain of mobile phone shops? see what i mean lol

[jagman]

The Corvette wont be a pile of rotting metal in 14 years time,there isnt that much steel on them!,lots of aluminium and composite,as to residuals remember they are a cheap supercar to start with £22000 new in the US . servicing is cheap also,try a Porsche in 14 years and price a service or spares!!! build quality is the other end of the scale to the TVR

the corvette is simply the supercar bargain of the decade.-----respect due!!!

[Alex]

its just gotta be a 911 Turbo

 

And the award for most pointless comment in this thread goes to....

 

Corvettes are very well put together. There's no shake rattle or roll even in the convertible.

 

The plastic panels don't dent like metal ones.

 

Now that I've *actually experienced* a C5 I can honestly say it's the best alternative to the ageing Supra, VFM and package wise.

[Green Peace]

And the award for most pointless comment in this thread goes to....

 

Corvettes are very well put together. There's no shake rattle or roll even in the convertible.

 

The plastic panels don't dent like metal ones.

 

Now that I've *actually experienced* a C5 I can honestly say it's the best alternative to the ageing Supra, VFM and package wise.

 

Good point but the thread is about the C6 mainly ...

 

A good secondhand Porsche 996 Turbo is worth mentioning because its somewhere in the price range of a Corvette C6 (C6 made its debut in 2005)

 

I did actually drive a couple of C5's before i looked at the Green Supra..the Green Supra won me over despite wanting something different and a new experience!

 

I think i made my decision based on the experience of the actual cars i looked at so wasn't a good comparison! Had a looked at better examples i prob would of gone for it.

 

You're right though that the C5 is a good alternative to a Supra...The C6 however can be bought for as much as £45k plus and as little as £25k S/H. Insurance on the 'import' C5/C6 is more expensive i am told. As is/was with the UK/J-Spec Supe.

 

But on the subject of alternatives a good excuse to get to drive some alternatives i spose:d

[Gazboy]

Not a huge fan of American cars personally. In terms of reliability and durability the Supra has a lot to shout about son!

 

But Green Peace, is it seriously similar economy as the Supra, don't the Z-06 have a 5.7 V8?

 

It may be an aging Rockster finding it hard to cut it in a modern day MP3 and Grannet Kitchen Top Surfaces world, but its still a lot of car for the money, I'd like to see wot the Corvett will be like in 14 years time? Prob a pile of rotting metal, with Sh*t residuals, coz no one wants it, so u can't flog it on in the used car market, only fit for a scrap yard.

 

Sorry guys, the Americans build cars for America! Full Stop, which is great if you live in America, where petrol is 25p a Liter and all the roads are super smooth and straight! But for Europe, spend your money wisely, its just gotta be a 911 Turbo

 

Despite this being a supra site, the supra fanboys always make me laugh.

 

The Corvette is the aging rockster, yet you mention the 911? The 911 is only 7-8 years younger. I'd imagine in 14 years time a C5/6 will still be mint. I had a look around a 1991 ZR1 a few months ago, it was concours good and it isn't a show car, it's the owners fun car for weekends in all weathers.

 

In terms or reliability & durability the Vette is a formidable foe, for the performance you'll be pushed to find tougher.

 

Most second hand vettes sell back to mainland Europe, the Germans can't get enough of them.

 

Which bit is going to be rotting metal btw? If you scattered it's components over a tennis court I'm damn sure you wouldn't pick much of it up with a magnet.

 

5.7/6.0 economy is roughly the same if not a bit better than the Supras (for ease, check the north American road test figures for both the Supra & Vettes, it'll be in US Gallons).

 

A C6 or C5Z06 will give a 996TT a run for it's money, a C6Z06 will give it a pasting, the 'Blue Devil' is going to beast anything Stutgart has to offer with it's supercharged LS7.

 

I personaly am hankering after the RHD C7.

[Green Peace]

 

I personaly am hankering after the RHD C7.

 

C7!!!!

 

They'll have a new Supra out by then surely...I have heard they are already talking about the C7 but how long away is that going to be?..We'll be driving electric wheelchairs or walking about with zimmer frames then:p

[Gazboy]

C7!!!!

 

They'll have a new Supra out by then surely...I have heard they are already talking about the C7 but how long away is that going to be?..We'll be driving electric wheelchairs or walking about with zimmer frames then:p

 

I heard 2012, maybe sooner. If you think about it it isn't *that* far away.

 

You reckon the new Supra will be in the showrooms that soon

[Green Peace]

I heard 2012, maybe sooner. If you think about it it isn't *that* far away.

 

You reckon the new Supra will be in the showrooms that soon

 

Yeah take ya point;)

 

The new Supra MKIV was sposed to be here in 2003,2004,2005,2006....and so on

 

2012 thats 5 years away...

 

Will the C7 have Leafsprings do ya reckon?

[Green Peace]

Interesting performance figures on 1/4 mile strip recorded in a C6.

 

I was trying to google 1/4 mile times etc...and found a US Corvette forum where they all did a drag strip....

 

They have listed em in stock, External engine mods and Internal mods (Superchargers etc)

 

The stock ones seem to achieve around 12.21 to 13.6 ish....and there dosn't seem to be any noticable difference between the Tip and Manual 6 speed...the Auto 4 speed seems to be not much of a huge difference surprisingly!!!!!!!

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=1214565&page=88

[outatime]

Insurance wise, the US import C5 is £150.00 a year less than my Supra despite being worth over twice as much. There are some very competitive specialist places for LHD cars.

 

Good point but the thread is about the C6 mainly ...

 

A good secondhand Porsche 996 Turbo is worth mentioning because its somewhere in the price range of a Corvette C6 (C6 made its debut in 2005)

 

I did actually drive a couple of C5's before i looked at the Green Supra..the Green Supra won me over despite wanting something different and a new experience!

 

I think i made my decision based on the experience of the actual cars i looked at so wasn't a good comparison! Had a looked at better examples i prob would of gone for it.

 

You're right though that the C5 is a good alternative to a Supra...The C6 however can be bought for as much as £45k plus and as little as £25k S/H. Insurance on the 'import' C5/C6 is more expensive i am told. As is/was with the UK/J-Spec Supe.

 

But on the subject of alternatives a good excuse to get to drive some alternatives i spose:d

[Green Peace]

Insurance wise, the US import C5 is £150.00 a year less than my Supra despite being worth over twice as much. There are some very competitive specialist places for LHD cars.

 

Thats cool...i was told that the Import was more than the European spec one when i checked out the C5 but i spose thats to be expected...cool to hear they are cheaper than Supra insurance:cool:

[jagman]

The Corvettes -97 0n have got to be a serious alternative to the supra on all levels,not least sheer value for money-

The zo series more expensive and rarer but what cars!! with the new one over 500 bhp off the factory floor !!! at £50000 plus its gotta make the Euro supercars owners blush,they always come back with the same answers its only got x or y or z or hasnt got a/b/c -what it is --a supercar for the masses and well done to the yanks for that

for the cheapskates me and half the forum-the c5 is the one to get then add some british engineering ,heads port and polish and valves ,manifold,exhaust, suspension alterations -we have some very good companies here for that,and a supercharger conversion to around 7 psi boost total £10000 ish -

result :one of the fastest cars in the country bar none for £25000

that will be reliable,wont rust,and need a minimum of servicing

For those with the loot (plumbers/estate agents/solicitors and the ilk)the new 07 z06 seven liter monster just cannot be beaten and might mean I can get a plumber round the house on time to shake his head and suck through his teeth with "you need a new.....that will be at least £500":d

[Soop Dogg]

In terms or reliability & durability the Vette is a formidable foe, for the performance you'll be pushed to find tougher.

 

Yep - 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod engine - agricultural by todays standards, but it works and it works well!

 

Most second hand vettes sell back to mainland Europe, the Germans can't get enough of them.

 

Which could be a VERY useful thing if our wonderful govt. keep making it expensive to drive anything bigger than a 1.1 Fiesta! finding another market to offload a RHD car might be difficult - I'll just take my vette onto the continent to sell it if I have to!

 

Which bit is going to be rotting metal btw? If you scattered it's components over a tennis court I'm damn sure you wouldn't pick much of it up with a magnet.

 

 

5.7/6.0 economy is roughly the same if not a bit better than the Supras (for ease, check the north American road test figures for both the Supra & Vettes, it'll be in US Gallons).

 

As I think I mentioned before, I get early 30's on the motorway at 80ish. Around town about 21mpg

 

A C6 or C5Z06 will give a 996TT a run for it's money, a C6Z06 will give it a pasting, the 'Blue Devil' is going to beast anything Stutgart has to offer with it's supercharged LS7.

 

Yep - performance is great. But for me the exclusivity swings it. I did consider a 996, but I go to Le Mans most years and the place is FULL of Porsches. The 997 is a really great car too, I won't argue that, but it just wouldn't feel 'special' to me to drive in Europe in a Porsche.

 

I personaly am hankering after the RHD C7.

 

Me too, but I quite fancy a C6 in the meantime. I'll have to drive one sometime. How about a Lingenfelter C6? (Photographed this one in the car park at the FIA GT races a few weeks back at Silverstone) How cool does the rear of one of these look?

 

©Brian Duff 2007