adam c

iTrader: (2)

I have the OEM main cat, with the flange welds opened up slightly for better flow. It has 59K on it.

speedy41

The 2002 C5 Z06 was actually named the most reliable sportscar in the sportscar category (I had the report, but who knows where it is now). If I remember correctly, it was JD power and associates.

C5Z's have alot of small issues like the power door locks failing. Mostly small stuff.

Yesterday I posted in the thread about how much HP it would take to beat a C6 Corvette with an FD, so this is for the bozo in Edmonton (Ehoh or something). I didnt even buy my z06 in Kelowna, and it shouldn't concern you where I purchased it. It is for sale on autotrader.ca right now though, it is electron blue. I am sure that since you seem like such a smart fellow you can find the ad. if not, here it is http://www.canadatrader.com/result/d...0&pgno=1&srt=1

Of course I know the damn tire sizes on the C5 Z06. They are 265/40/17 front and 295/35/18 rear, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercars. As far as my "absurd comments about tire sizes", I do not see any absurdity. So the Z06 has wider tires.....big deal, how wide are the Lotus Elise tires? Since you know everything, answer this: How much more G does an FD with wider tires pull over one with stock sizes?

I chose the Z06 over the rx-7 despite wanting an FD for almost 15 years for several reasons. I can not afford to be rebuilding motors on a regular basis, so it made my choice very simple. It is quite an insult for people to question that I even have a Z06 just because I don't own an rx-7. For your information, I searched for like 3 months for a perfect FD, and they are almost impossible to find without a history. Most have either been crashed, had a fire, or have really high miles. Also, for importing, I would have had to pay duty on the FD (6.1%), as well as modify the bumper (~1500). Those two costs make them nearly as expensive as a 2002 Z06 in the States. There is really a small difference in price when it comes down to it. Sure I paid a bit more for the Z than I would have for an FD, but I have a car that is 10 years newer, more comfortable, more reliable, and faster stock. The Z05 also gets excellent mileage. On the highway from Calgary to Kelowna, I averaged 25mpg American, 30mpg Imperial. It isn't like I was just cruising either.

As for the guy who said all of my information comes from the internet and from magazines. So what, have you seen every race between an rx-7 and a Z06 in history? I doubt it. Magazines do happen to be a fairly reliable source for unbiased information on performance. Like I said, I have actually driven both cars. The FD does not even compare to the Z06 stock, but I admit that is not what we are discussing. This can be really simple. Find time slips for a 350 rwhp FD. Everybody already knows what stock C6's and stock C5Z06's can do.

When I have money to burn, I will get an FD and put an LS1 or LS6 in it. Until then, I am really happy with my Z06, despite my love for the FD.

mdpalmer

iTrader: (24)

My opinion: C5/C6 Z06s are badass. If they were a bit smaller (as the new 'Vette appears to be by a bit) like the FD, I'd consider it my favorite "affordable" supercar. You have to admit, they robbed the FD's styling on the C5. From the side and front they bear a very strong resemblance. I still feel that the FD is one of the prettiest cars EVER I'm huge fan of the small size of the car and the very confining interior too...

I've never actually driven a 'Vette, but rode in a non-Z06 C5 with an owner who like to haul @$$. The car seems very fast and stable and it's comfortable too. The NA throttle response is pretty amazing. However, can't help but feel that the car was kind of "boaty", both in appearance (internal and external) and overall road manners... The other downer is that they ARE a dime-a-dozen (except for Z06s... don't see them as much). And sure the Vette's interior sucks, but so does the interior of pre-94 FDs (unless efforts were taken to restore it).

If it were up to me, I'd have both in my stable. I love the Rx-7 (whatever motor is in it, I'm partial to the rotary though) to death, but is (at least in my very short experience with the car) a very touchy/fragile/complex car to deal with on a daily basis. That is... until you put a LSx motor in it Good luck man.

speedy41

I agree about the interiors. The interior in my car leaves a bit to be desired, but it is much nicer than I was expecting before I bought the car. The seats should also be alot more supportive for a car that handles so well, and the stereo/climate controls are just plain ugly.

I am glad they ripped off the FD styling for the C5, because I agree the FD is the most beautiful car ever.

I love the rotaries as well. I love the power they make for the size, I just wish they were not so "very touchy/fragile/complex".

speedy41

We are talking about the C5 Z06 Corvette, 2002-2004 (2001 only had 385hp).

Here is JD Power and Associates ranking:

http://www.jdpa.com/studies_jdpower/...sp?StudyID=625

Corvette was first for initial quality in the premium sports car segment.

I don't know about the C6's handling you are talking about above, but the C5Z feels plenty agile to me. They will do over 70 mph in the slalomn as well. Here is an interesting test from motor trend:

http://www.motortrend.com/features/s..._0306_spdtest/

They do tests for pretty much everything imaginable including slalomn and 0-100mph-0

badddrx7

iTrader: (7)

Well I have a 2002 yellow Z06 AND two Rx7's. the Z06 has headers, intake, injectors, and a 125wet shot on it - 525 HP and 575 #/torque. My VR rx7 is lightened in every way, streetported and a single T04s turbo. My second one will be identical to the VR except MBM. The Rx7 is definitely BAADDDD !! but the Z06 will smoke it. My $0.02

speedy41

Man, you lucky son of a ^$#@(

Kevin T. Wyum

JD Power gives awards to whoever pays for them.

I'm glad you mentioned it being a 2002 Corvette because it's the only year the corvette engine was given the worst rating available for reliability, 1 out of 5, much worse than the RX8. Imagine that. It got 3 of 5 for it's drive system, 2 of 5 for it's fuel system, 2 of 5 for electrical, 3 of 5 for body integrity, 2 of 5 for power equipment. Sheesh, these reliability ratings make the 2002 vette look like a complete lemon. An 02 Lexus GS 430 on the other hand got 5 out of 5 on everything but 4 items and it got 4 out of 5 on those. I don't want to hear anymore BS about Corvette's being reliable, consumer reports has a far better knowledge of repair history with corvettes than anyone on this site and they say it's well below average for new cars, therefore it's unreliable, end of story goofs.

speedy41

So let me get this straight. First, you say JD power gives awards to whoever pays for them, and then you go on to say how other cars have higher ratings. If JD power sucks, maybe try to find other sources to prove your point. For your information, JD Power and Associates get their ratings via surveys. You also need to look what cars are used for. Corvettes are built to race, and that is how most are driven on a daily basis. A lexus is no race car, and is driven accordingly.

I also highly doubt the 2002's have poor ratings for their engines. They are built like a brick **** house. The 2001's have oil consumption issues, which were fixed with new piston rings and some changes to the oil passages.

If you think the rx-8 renesis is more reliable than a 350 cubic inch chevrolet motor you clearly have an apex seal floating around in your skull. RX-8's have been reliability nightmares for Mazda, as was the FD.

Is the Corvette the most reliable car in the world? NO

That said, I think it does pretty well considering the performance it is capable of straight out of the box.

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

No, first he said JD Power gives awards to whoever pays them, and then used CONSUMER REPORTS to discuss corvette reliability.

p.s. Most Corvettes are NOT raced "on a daily basis" most are cruised around by 50 year old bald guys, and then wiped down after the 5 mile trek to the corvette club meet... they see more golf courses than race courses.

ehos

If you like your Z06 so much, why are you selling it?