Well...in their stock configurations, I do believe the Z06 is the better performance car. But I would never keep a 996TT stock. I'd take a Stage 2 or higher 996TT over a stock Z06.
Again, I really do LOVE the Z06, but I think the 996TT is just a better overall platform. And if I could have only one, I'd go with the P-car.

 

the vette will get you a completely different sense of driving. loved my c5 but the 996 tt is in itself a different beast. keep both if u can; that would be the best of both worlds. just be prepared to get some cheap gm plastic interior. wonderful how the supposedly venerated american classic sportscar shares the same radio with the cab i take home from work. (at least in the c5)

 

Yeah, and I'd be very scared of a modded Z06. Too many of the modded ones go boom. The only reason I havent caved is because I dont trust their ability to hold mods, and stock is boring.


What does Chevy Z06 go??????

Boom?
Creak?
whsssshhhh? (roof flying off).





I'm going to put that in my sig, that thread still has me cracking up.

 

Dez, You know my feelings on the subject of Corvettes...

I wish, just once, the bean counters would allow GM to make the ultimate Corvette. Instead of that, you're left with the Z06 and the Z1R. Both have their warts, and those warts will leave you with a lot of boom, creek, WoooShhhhh!

Mike

 

Good luck with your decision. My buddy's Atomic Z is as you describe and it is a true
track weapon...Very difficult to beat! If I could only have one (which is my current situation), then the answer is obvious. The Z is an awesome modded car and so far the
reliability of Atomic's is very good (MTI Racing in Georgia). And Dez, (Heavy) can tell you
how brutally fast thier cars are. Different cars, different feel. It takes close to $100K to have a real serious TT track weapon.

MK

 

I've had a C5 and I just sold my C6. I had the Z51, manual with all the bells and whistles. The C6 is a better car than the C5 was, IMHO. I really liked my C6 but with one big caveat. I bought my Corvette brand new, special ordered it actually. The problem was with only 15,000 miles in 3 1/2 years I had that thing into the dealership 10 times. 10 times that I can remember, it might have been more. I'm not saying that my experience was typical but I don't think it was an anomaly either. My C6 was never in for an actual engine or transmission problem but rather little nit noid things,i.e, replaced both headlight assemblies (faulty wiring harnesses), lumbar air bag failure, check engine light, roof recall, trunk release button failure, clutch sensor failure, replaced gas cap (what?) and a bunch of things I've probably repressed. Needless to say I sold her once my warranty was up. Yes, it performed very well, looked very good (imo) and got awesome mileage for a sports car. I was seriously thinking about getting a C6 ZO6 but then I remembered I was on a first name basis with the mechanics at the Chevy Dealership. I have had a 930 and I'm now the proud new owner of a sweet 02 996tt. I am sticking with the Porsche.

 

I have to disagree there... You can build a serious 996TT track weapon for the price of a C6Z06 if you're smart about it:

Suspension upgrades:
GT3 Lower control arms - $1800 for all four including shim kit
Toe link Kit - $1200 for all four
Pick your coil-overs- no more than $5K
Swaybar Kit w/adjutable drop links - $1200
GT3 Front calipers W/pads - $1800
Custom slotted 350MM rotors from Coleman Racing - $900
Das Sport Bar - $1200
Brey - Kraus Harness Hardware - $300 (Incuding anti-Sub mounts)
Pick your seats - Generally no more than $2K for racing seats/mounts

Power mods? A software upgrade, along with DVs, Wastegate springs and 5Bar FPR - $3K at the most.

Track wheels and Tires? I know how I'd go, but some want $5K wheels to beat to death on the track... That's your only "unknown.

Clean 996TTs are selling from the upper $40s to the upper $60s. I just gave the formula for a successful track car that could still be daily driver status, with $25K in upgrades. When i was shopping Z06s, I couldn't get into one for less than MSRP... So assume $70K on average, unless you're getting the Z1L package, which is $64900...

For serious tracking, The Z06 has several issues, not the least of which is the half assed oiling system. The brakes are also an issue... So if we're comparing apples to apples, you're going to need a few bucks to improve upon the Z06s ability to track... I know what my Buddy Jim paid for his LG Motorsports prepared Z06... You could buy two well sorted 996TTs for that price range... or a cup car...and have money left over.

Mike

 

Mike,
I know you do alot of tracking but your set-up is not going to be competitive with
a MTI Racing Prepped Z06 as described above. You might be able to keep up with a well driven stocker. Oh, and you are right about the new base price for
a used 996TT (Cheap, Cheap!). (I used $70K + $30K)
To your numbers add:
Good Intercoolers
Tires/Wheels == $4-5 K
Labor == Most guys cannot slap on their new suspension components $$$$
Exhaust system (you are not seriously going to run stock exhuast?)
Alignment and Corner Balance
new plugs, Coil Packs, and replace the old about to leak coolant resevoir tank,
transmission parts (??)
Clutch, flywheel etc. (you cant run stock clutch for very long).

It just gets quite pricey and there are many things you did not mention.

Good luck,

MK

 

Woodster, If you think I was refering to my car as a great example, you're wrong. It has plenty of power but needs more suspension and tranny coolers. If I sink another $10K into the car, I'd put it, with the right driver up against that MTI car.

You're correct in the exhaust swap requirement, so ad another 2K for the DGI system that I currently run. I added $5-6K for tires and wheels, and I'd certainly expect a tranny cooler and possibly front diff cooler, which combined wouldn't cost more than $2K for parts/labor...

As for "labor to install parts?" Now that my lift is functioning again, I'll absolutely do my own suspension. If I can fall into another set of scales, I'll also do my own corner weight/balancing. I used to do it myself back in the 90s, and it certainly isn't rocket science...

I know what you're saying is correct in many cases, but there are guys on this board who could pull together a competent and competitive 996TT. Tom Kerr's car is an excellent example of what I'd expect to be competitive with some of the heavy hitters out there...

Mike

 

100k in a 996 TT will destroy a stock Z06. All you need is K24's, ECU, exhaust, coilovers and a rear sway. And only a little bit of weight reduction. Especially since TT's can be had easily for mid 60's now.


Let's not forget the MTI corvette now has a 454ci motor (600+whp) and more downforce than an ACR, with less than 3k lbs with driver. Far from the norm, and prior to the addition of the aero, I could more than give it a run for it's money, went faster than it at barber when it had the 454 with no aero. And when I find the aero to match, it will be game on once again. I could probably build a car to run that fast without the aero, but I dont want to build the motor.