GT350 vs 2004 Z06

[Hack]

Interesting to read the comparison. The C5 Z06 has a minimalist look and at 3100lb is lightweight. Driveline components are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.

Similar to you I've thought about trading down with an interest in reducing consumable costs; was thinking an earlier vette or BRZ or similar. After mulling it over for awhile I came to the conclusion my car has already depreciated somewhat and the savings wouldn't be worth giving up such a competent machine that is nearly perfect for the track right out of the box. Plus winding out that engine is so much fun.

Instead I found a solution to making the GT350 feel like a featherweight like the S2000; leased a Scat Pack Challenger widebody for my daily and now the Gt350 feels like a lightweight hunkered down track specialist

Oh well, so much for reducing the cost of consumables since the Challenger is a gas hog and loves to roast the rear tires .

Best of luck with the new ride!

I bet after the Challenger the Mustang feels light! Challengers are really nice road cars, though. I totally understand why you would get one as a daily driver.

I think the GT350 is definitely a better GT car and a better daily than the Z06. It's also more competent in stock form on track (assuming you have the transmission and rear differential coolers). I also think the GT350 is easier to drive on track. The Z06 has more potential on the track than the GT350, but you will have to do aftermarket upgrades to get there.

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[DekiDoo]

I bet after the Challenger the Mustang feels light! Challengers are really nice road cars, though. I totally understand why you would get one as a daily driver.

I think the GT350 is definitely a better GT car and a better daily than the Z06. It's also more competent in stock form on track (assuming you have the transmission and rear differential coolers). I also think the GT350 is easier to drive on track. The Z06 has more potential on the track than the GT350, but you will have to do aftermarket upgrades to get there.

The GT350 competes with a 1LE Camaro on track, the Z06 is in a different league.

 

[Hack]

The GT350 competes with a 1LE Camaro on track, the Z06 is in a different league.

Yup - in the Z06 in stock form 70 degrees ambient temperatures two laps pushing about 70% and it overheats. GT350 you can run all day 80-90% effort at 80 degrees no problems at all.

Definitely a different league.

My opinion is that the GT350 is head and shoulders better than the 1LE Camaro.

 

[thehunterooo]

WOAHHHH hold on there.

 

[Laststandard]

Yup - in the Z06 in stock form 70 degrees ambient temperatures two laps pushing about 70% and it overheats. GT350 you can run all day 80-90% effort at 80 degrees no problems at all.

Definitely a different league.

Well, you're also dealing with a 15 year old cooling system. Didn't you have to add coolers to your GT350 anyways?

My opinion is that the GT350 is head and shoulders better than the 1LE Camaro.

That just, like, your opinion man, but at 15-20k more you'd think it'd be a little faster around a track

 

[Hack]

Well, you're also dealing with a 15 year old cooling system. Didn't you have to add coolers to your GT350 anyways?

I am pretty sure that it has nothing to do with the age of the cooling system. I've researched a fair amount online and everyone says they need a better radiator. They've been saying that for years. Just look up what the normal cooling system temperature is on a C5 'vette. Even sitting in traffic idling they get very warm.

So - I'm only talking about a radiator to keep the engine coolant and oil temperatures under control. On the GT350 you will never have a problem with engine coolant temperature and it comes with a factory engine oil cooler.

I didn't even get into transmission and rear diff coolers for the Z06. I think it will need those as well.

Not a huge deal, but if you are comparing stock GT350 to stock Z06 - even a stock tech pack GT350 will scorch a stock 2004 Z06 on the road course - unless you only consider one lap. Then I think it might be close.

That just, like, your opinion man, but at 15-20k more you'd think it'd be a little faster around a track

I'm not sure how exactly they compare on track. I assume they are very close. The GT350 makes more power, so it will pull on the straights at a minimum.

I might be a tiny bit biased.

 

[thehunterooo]

V6 1LE > GT PP2
SS 1LE > GT350R
ZL1 > Ford GT

 

[Hack]

What I really like about Ford V8s is the power keeps building as the revs go up. The LS6 hits you hard at low RPM, but then power seems constant as the engine revs out. It makes me feel like something is wrong. Just doesn't have the exciting feeling of the Ford engine for me. Still good, but not great.

 

[TDC]

Where are the pics Hack?

Little by little you'll plug the holes in reliability and when done have an amazingly agile track weapon.

 

[Hack]

Where are the pics Hack?

Little by little you'll plug the holes in reliability and when done have an amazingly agile track weapon.

Ugghh, I have to find a new image hosting service. Sorry about that. Will try to post them soon. I want to take some photos of the Z06 next to the 944. It's surprising how similar in size they are.

Yes - I completely love the chassis on the Z06. Mag reviewers always say about modern cars "it hides its weight well". It's a lot better not having the weight in the first place compared to having to find a way to hide it.

I really hope at some point car companies use modern technology to make cars lighter rather than continuing to add more weight every year.

 

[ALUSA]

The GT350 competes with a 1LE Camaro on track, the Z06 is in a different league.

He is comparing it to a C5 ZO6! 400 hp ls1. Not C6 not even C7 lol

 

[MaskedRacerX]

He is comparing it to a C5 ZO6! 400 hp ls1. Not C6 not even C7 lol

405HP LS6

 

[DekiDoo]

He is comparing it to a C5 ZO6! 400 hp ls1. Not C6 not even C7 lol

I'm an idiot lol sorry for the confusion

 

[Hack]

I'm an idiot lol sorry for the confusion

No worries. I know most of us talk about the very newest offerings out there rather than also looking at older cars.

Even though the C5 Z06 only has 405 hp, it's not that different in power to weight compared to the GT350. The Mustang has a slightly better power to weight, but not huge.

 

[Strokerswild]

There's a gray C5 Z that I see once in a while locally that makes me drool every time I see and hear it. Obviously has aftermarket exhaust and one snotty cam, and fast.

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