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Thread: Reasons NOT to get a C5 Z06

  1. #1

    Default Reasons NOT to get a C5 Z06

    OK, since several of you have owned and/or raced these, please give me the compelling arguments/facts against owning one for DD and autox duties, with very occasional HPDE use (twice a year). It would be run on street tires, no HoHo's for me.

    Mainly, I'm wanting to know about major mechanical issues and significant consumables, along with how they serve as DD cars. (remember, I DD an STR NC, so I'm not scared off by stiff suspension and low clearance.)

    Go!
    Polished Turd Racing

    Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."

  2. #2

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    Do it! Do it now!!!!

  3. #3

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    Never owned one but I'd price out what tires and brakes cost. You also got to ask yourself "Do I have enough chest hair to own a Z06?"
    "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." Haruki Murakami

  4. #4
    Chassis Designer
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    I have a friend with one for sale. It's not exactly stock though.
    2002 Mazda Miata LS Silver 6speed. Racing Beat Dual Exhaust, HDHCHTDD roll bar, Racing Beat Front Sway Bar, Whiteline end links.

  5. #5
    Chassis Designer
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    2002 Mazda Miata LS Silver 6speed. Racing Beat Dual Exhaust, HDHCHTDD roll bar, Racing Beat Front Sway Bar, Whiteline end links.

  6. #6

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    Consumables will cost way more than an NC, especially tires. No more cheap $500 a set RS3's for you. Also the interior is pretty dated if you can live with that for a daily. From the few times I've had a chance to drive one the car actually didn't feel "large" like the C6Z06 which is a good thing. Insurance may go up a bit and maybe a bit more expenditure on gas. I would not think that it would be fun to race one on street tires.
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  7. #7
    Team Cheap Bastard
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    It was too single purposed for my liking...point and shoot in AX. Tires are $$$. Car is fairly reliable for what it is, but it's no one-size-fits-all MX-5.

  8. #8

  9. #9
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    I've driven ALOT!! Of c5 zo6s when I used to work at a performance LSX shop.... If I was not going to swap a lsX into my Miata I would own a c5zo6 the ls6 is a great motor.. My last LS motor dynoed 442rwhp and 420rwtq with well over 100k miles and never skipped a beat ever! I will swear by LSX motors till the day I die... BUY IT!!!

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bigsrturbo View Post
    I've driven ALOT!! Of c5 zo6s when I used to work at a performance LSX shop.... If I was not going to swap a lsX into my Miata I would own a c5zo6 the ls6 is a great motor.. My last LS motor dynoed 442rwhp and 420rwtq with well over 100k miles and never skipped a beat ever! I will swear by LSX motors till the day I die... BUY IT!!!

    Ohh yeah!!!! And then let me co-drive it with you!!! Woohoo!!!!

  11. #11

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    Gas wouldn't really cost more, they actually get pretty good gas mileage, high 20's on the highway without much work. Miatas aren't exactly great. C5z's are a lot of fun, my uncle has one with basic bolt ons, it's no slouch and handles well. I agree the interior looks old as balls though.

  12. #12

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    Keep in mind that Wortham has does nothing to his accept Koni Yellows and it trophies at Nationals. Not many mods needed to be competitive.

    I have really enjoyed autocrossing the few that I have.

  13. #13

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    Do it! Do it now!!!!

  14. #14

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    Ozcop, DeaneY, BobN and NealB can help convince you.
    Last edited by wrx74; 05-09-2013 at 11:29 AM.

  15. #15
    Driver
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    Do it!!!!!

  16. #16

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    Everybody does it. I just did it and I'm ready to do it again.

  17. #17

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    What they said - do it. You have the car and throttle control to do very well in one of these. They are solid cars, and the chronic issues are well documented, and all fixable by the mechanically inclined. Tires and gas are really the only expensive consumables. All the other hard parts (brakes, wheel bearings, seals, clutch) are not far from NC prices. Try to budget in a diff rebuild, as they get weak after a few seasons. Great cars for the $, you will not find another car with as much aluminum, magnesium and other trick design built in for any price.

    This is a car that will always feel fast, small track, big track, highway etc. And will effortlessly pull a tire trailer. That's a good feeling :)

  18. #18

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    Feels like you are driving a boat. It does not go where you really want it to in comparison to a sportier car.

    It will overheat if driven hard on the track. First water and oil. You can fix it with a radiator and oil cooler. Only to find the diff and transmission will overheat.
    M3 is always the answer.

  19. #19

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    Quote Originally Posted by ken o View Post
    Feels like you are driving a boat. It does not go where you really want it to in comparison to a sportier car.

    It will overheat if driven hard on the track. First water and oil. You can fix it with a radiator and oil cooler. Only to find the diff and transmission will overheat.
    What he said, I liked mine ok, it was fast and all, but I felt like I was driving a plastic GM piece of junk, and mine wasn't even ragged out.
    92 Piss Yellow:1.6L GT2560 @ 11psi 196rwhp 700/450 Koni Race
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  20. #20

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    Quote Originally Posted by jrj512 View Post
    Everybody does it. I just did it and I'm ready to do it again.
    +1
    Bobby

    RED RULES!
    90 Miata, 04 Rubicon, 05 Boxster

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