RE: Corvettes (Z06 vs Base)
For what it's worth, a base model Corvette is a MUCH better DD than a Z06. The gearing is much better for "street" driving (1st/2nd gear are way too tight, the base model's gearing is very good for it's HP output) and for highway gas mileage (my C5Z gets 5-6 LESS MPG than my FRC got). Dont think a base C5 is a slug compared to a C5Z, my FRC was an outstanding car and, at times, just as comparable as it's big brother. When it comes to NON-COMPETITION driving, I fully feel a base model is the correct choice here. The AC unit on a base model is also far better, as with a Z06 you ONLY get the digital climate control, which is annoying at best most of the time.
RE: Corvettes (Auto vs Manual)
When I was stationed in Europe, I specifically sought out an automatic Camaro Z28. For DD'ing, it's just really more comfortable, especially if you get instances of stop/go traffic. With a Corvette, it's worse, as that first gear will thump you back and forth in tight traffic and it REALLY gets annoying. LS motors also run HOT, then less revs you give a motor in traffic where you're not getting airflow, the better. My point? Getting an auto is not the end of the world, anyone that mocks you just send them my way and I'll deliver a
RE: Corvettes (what years to get, what to look for)
I could seriously TLDR you on this. Over the past two years, I've learned so much about these cars that it's sick. Competing nationally, you need to find every advantage you can get, so I've done way more legwork than you average car buyer to learn about these cars. I will narrow things down to what a DD would look for:
Years
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99-00 you had the FRC's (for fixed roof coupe). This is what I had. It's the lightest base C5 you can get, they ALL come with FE3 suspension (I will get into this later). The FRC body style is what became the "Z06". Between the 99 and 00, the 00 is a better car on a minor scale, the cats are better flowing and all aftermarket exhausts will be easier to apply, as there are NO "catbacks" that bolt up, only "axlebacks". The "catbacks" are cut and weld, as there are no flanges after the cats, and the 99 requires WAY more cutting and welding than a 00, due to cat placement and exhaust fitment. If you get a 99-00, I would look for an FRC instead of a coupe.
FRC: You can see that it clearly has a trunk
Coupe: You can see that it has a hatch where the trunk should be
01-04 no more FRC BUT these models produced 5 more hp and 15 more ft/lbs of tq due to a couple changes they made in the LS1. You CAN get these models with FE3 suspension, BUT you have to look for a Z51 model (FE3 will be on a sticker of option codes in the glovebox, you CAN NOT use VIN to ID a Z51).
FRC or 01+ coupe, cant go wrong =)
Suspensions
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I've mentioned FE3, this is a suspension package code for Chevy. In Vettes, you had the following: FE1, FE3, FE4 (there were others, but lets stick to these).
FE1: Base suspension. This does NOT mean "base model" suspension, it just means this is the lowest level of stiffness you can have. The dampers are weaker, the springs are spongier and swaybars are smaller.
FE3: (found on Z51 and FRC). Stiffer springs, bigger swaybars, better dampers.
FE4: (found only on Z06). Stiffer dampers, stiffer rear spring. Stiffer front sway bar.
If you have further questions, feel free to ask me.
