Dockside Chat - Dodge Viper or Z06 Corvette? VERY OLD THREAD

I have my Wellcraft Scarab up for sale and I am going to get out of boating for a couple of years to see what fuel prices are going to do. I owe almost nothing on my Scarab so when I sell it I am going to have some cash so I want to buy either a Viper or a Vette. I want to spend about $40K which means I will be looking at a 1998 or older Viper, or a 2002 or newer Corvette.

I looked at a 1999 Viper at a local dealer and he told me I wouldn't like the Viper as it rode so stiff and was uncomfortable, he suggested a 2004 Z06 Corvette which I drove because it wasn't in the show room. I loved the Corvette, it had a heads up display, 6 speed, and was very comfortable. There are so many Corvettes on the road and I want something different which is why I'm leaning more towards the Viper. I've never driven a Viper so I'm hoping someone on the forum has had the same question of which to buy.

All suggestions and comments would be appreciated. A newer Z06 or an older Dodge Viper?

Russ

There's a reason there are more Vette's on the road than Vipers, and it's not about the money.

Drive them both to get it out of your system, but there's no comparison. I personally wouldn't go the ZO6 route simply because there is no ragtop version or removeable roof panel. Whatever floats your boat in that dept.

I'd buy a regular Vette and put a blower on it before I'd go with a ZO6. Then you can have the wind in your hair and waive bye-bye to unsuspecting ZO6 owners. ;cool;

Z06.....

I am a die hard Mopar man and as much as I love the Viper... The Vette is a liveable, driveable sports car with all the gizmo's, all the performance and all the gas milage you could hope for.. My 2000 z51 6 speed Vette ran 12.70's stock an 04 Z06 in good temps with a great launch is going to run low 12's maybe high 11's on an absolutely perfect pass and then will turn around and get you 30MPG and that's NO exaderation!

Everyone I am friends with that have first gen Vipers (don't know anyone with a second gen) has spun them around at least once... No traction control and even with massive steamrollers out back, it's hard to tame the V10's torque... And if you like to get spirited in the twisties, one mistake in the Viper and you will be toast...

IMHO the Z06 is a much better driver than the Viper. If it is strictly gonna be a Saturday street cruiser, than the Viper has the cool factor, but if you and the old lady want to load and drive anymore than 50 miles. then get the Vette. Much more civil, and near about as fast or maybe faster than the '99 Viper.

the Z06...if you bring either one of those cars onto a BMW lot and want to trade it in, we'd much rather have the vette.....

currently driving an M6....thirstiest car I've ever driven....but by god the acceleration is unbeleiveable....

Dodge Charger SRT8, I have one. Get the chip put in it and man lots of torque, plus you have plenty of room for the family, very fun car.

Hey Stinger, not trying to be a smartass but were you running slicks on a track to turn that 12.7?

I had a '99 Vette ragtop with an auto and it was nowhere near that fast. No doubt the six speed is going to turn a better time provided you shift it correctly, but I've busted a few C5's with my CTS-V and never saw any test that had it in the 12's.

Z06. The Viper is a dinosaur.

Z06..... Period.... End of Story. Take both to the track stock and see which one you like. I like the Z06 with the viper in my rearview.

Either way take it to the track, you'll never be the same. Some close tracks to PA are VIR, Watkins, MidOhio. Try some HPDE schools (High Performance Driver Education).

You will still be paying the same if not more for gas. Get a hall pass from the wife for a bike instead. You'd look good on an R1.

Good luck. Let me know what you end up doing.

bellsisland - 12/12/2007 10:07 PM

Dodge Charger SRT8, I have one. Get the chip put in it and man lots of torque, plus you have plenty of room for the family, very fun car.

Don't jump on a CTS-V with that one unless you want to get your feelings hurt. ;cool;

Seriously, those cars would be much quicker if not for that automatic. I understand they're coming out with a paddle shift auto next year that's supposed to be bad to the bone, bigger engine too.

HAd Both- I want another Viper- Sure its crude, powerful and sexy, gets looks and questions everywhere. My vette did get noticed but not as much. The vette rode smoother and was easier day to day. Either is a good choice, but the vette gets expensive to repair, I can work on the Viper no problem. Just make sure it has the updated intake gaskets. easy job to do yourself. Vettes continue to lose value, the Vipers hold their own after the initial depreciation. BTW- SVS headers, roller rockers, hardened axle shafts, larger throttle bodies and open intake made the vipers best pass at 11.3 qtr with poor traction. And I did spin my vette 360 degrees even with trac control, just thankfully did not hit anything or anyone. I also work for GM now and the NEW ZO6 is the $h1T....

Personally, I would put my $$$ towards something that will be more desirable... and looks better too.... in both tops...and will go!

All New Chevy Camaro Technical Specifications:
* Corvette inspired 400-HP LS2 Engine
* 6.0 Liter Aluminum Shell Block V8
* 6-speed Manual Transmission, Widely Spaced Ratios
* Aggressive Acceleration & Efficient Highway Cruising
* Four-Wheel Vented Disc Brakes, Massive 14in. Rotors
* Sophisticated Chassis with Progressive Rate Springs
* Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
* 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels
* 21-inch Front and 22-inch Rear Wheels
* Exposed High Performance Brakes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tRFEz4zlN8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgLN_wHtRxA&feature=related
http://www.2008chevycamaro.com/gallery.html

But if choosing between the two...Z06

$40K on a used sports car. It's got to be a Z06 but you will spend less and have money left for tires, rotors, tranny cooler, oil sump, and maybe an open trailer. Put this thing on the track.

I've driven a Viper and rode in a Z06. The Viper is antiquated to me. Very powerful and fast, but REALLY basic----more basic than it needs to be.

The Z06 is flat out amazing (C6) . I can't picture any car that puts it to shame and that includes the Italian guys. Watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6EiNFiLhV0

911. They are too much fun. Newer Vettes are a dime a dozen. Love the sound of a Viper though.

I would also wait for the new camaro. But to answer your question, go with the vette. I had two. last one was a 98 C5, and it would flat out kill a viper. as someone else said, go with the regular coupe so you can take the top out and, not that it needs it, throw a custom exhaust like a b&b triflow, a programmer , and cold air intake and watch that baby screammmm

Those are the first real-life photos I've seen of the new Camaro. Looks more Mopar than Bowtie IMO.

2005 SeaCraft - 12/12/2007 6:14 PM

Personally, I would put my $$$ towards something that will be more desirable... and looks better too.... in both tops...and will go!

All New Chevy Camaro Technical Specifications:
* Corvette inspired 400-HP LS2 Engine
* 6.0 Liter Aluminum Shell Block V8
* 6-speed Manual Transmission, Widely Spaced Ratios
* Aggressive Acceleration & Efficient Highway Cruising
* Four-Wheel Vented Disc Brakes, Massive 14in. Rotors
* Sophisticated Chassis with Progressive Rate Springs
* Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
* 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels
* 21-inch Front and 22-inch Rear Wheels
* Exposed High Performance Brakes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tRFEz4zlN8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgLN_wHtRxA&feature=related
http://www.2008chevycamaro.com/gallery.html

But if choosing between the two...Z06


I agree.....look at the new Camaro...You have nothing to lose by at least looking..

Between the Viper and ZO6............Goota take the Vette....Not even a second thought :thumbsup:

Or you can get this- My new toy-

260 hp turbo
0-60 in 5.4 seconds
Handles great and not too many on the road
32k

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/krisis7/100_2326.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/krisis7/100_2328.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/krisis7/100_2327.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/krisis7/100_2324.jpg

One car for me if I had that cash the Acura NSX allot more exotic looking than the vette and viper and can compete in the performance department also

I wasn't expecting so many responses so quickly, thanks to all! I agree the Viper is a more primative ride but gosh does that
V10 sound great.

I considered the new Camero and also the new Challenger but both requires a big deposit at the local dealers and no guarantee of getting a car. I think both cars are great looking but I don't want to spend more than list price to get one.

I think I need to drive a Viper before I make a final decision but even after the pro Z06 comments I have to say the primative nature, and the fact there are few Vipers on the road still make me lean towards the Viper. One thing about the Corvette that I don't like is that they offer the Z06 with an automatic transmission, what kind of serious sports car offers an automatic transmission?

Russ

To answer your question: THIS serious sportscar offers an auto / manual gearbox... Driving The New Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

http://www.forbesautos.com/reviews/2005/ferrari/612_scaglietti/testdrive.html

ZO6's do not come with automatics.

Z06.

Vipers are great when they're someone else's. It's a blast to take on for an hour and then give it back -- especially the vintage you're considering.

Z06 is a great car you can live with and still dust 99.97% of the cars on the road.

Corvette is more livable on a daily basis. And it isn't nearly as pretentious as a Viper...

My 2008 Z06....... I could have bought either and the Z06 won hands down.


http://img468.imageshack.us/img468/6643/dsc04632smoz9.jpg
http://img468.imageshack.us/img468/572/dsc04633smsh6.jpg
http://img468.imageshack.us/img468/2530/dsc04634smqu9.jpg
http://img468.imageshack.us/img468/2673/dsc04635smzh1.jpg
http://img468.imageshack.us/img468/1653/dsc04636smer2.jpg

Whatever you get, see to it that it is a convertible.

Man if you think boating is a waste of money wait until you get into a Corvette or Viper. Registration, Insurance, depreciation and repairs will set you back quite a bit and unless you live in a warm climate you may be paying for a car during the winter months and not even get to drive it. But they are fun!

If I was looking at it from an investment standpoint I'd drop $30k on an old 911/930 and drive it for free for 5 or 6 years and then sell it for $30k when I'm done. Of course you'd be paying for repairs, insurance and registration...

ROFLOL you want to talk about expensive and unreliable in terms of a Corvette and then bring up a 911 much less a 930? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

does somebody other then chevy make cars now?

d-hlaw - 12/13/2007 12:38 AM

My 2008 Z06....... I could have bought either and the Z06 won hands down.


Man, that is one sharp looking ride you got there d=hlaw. Black is a PITA but there's no better color on that car.

I haven't driven a C6 much less a new ZO6 for a very good reason, I'd end up buying one of the damm things and that's the last thing I need right now. Are my eyes deceiving me or does your ZO6 have a targa top?

Z06 tops are Bonded on

krisis7 - 12/13/2007 10:16 AM

Z06 tops are Bonded onI don't remember the earlier ones being anything but solid.

Looks to me like they could do a convertible after a little more structural beefing. If Dodge can do it with a Viper, why not Chevy?

There is only one rag top sports car...

427 AC Cobra.

TN FREEBIRD - 12/13/2007 10:10 AM ROFLOL you want to talk about expensive and unreliable in terms of a Corvette and then bring up a 911 much less a 930? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Our local expert on anything expensive.... :roll :roll

FireFly - 12/13/2007 9:58 AM .............. If I was looking at it from an investment standpoint I'd drop $30k on an old 911/930 and drive it for free for 5 or 6 years and then sell it for $30k when I'm done. Of course you'd be paying for repairs, insurance and registration...

I bought a 911 Cabriolet (1992) with 44,000 miles in Aug of 04 for $26k, bought as a toy, not an investment... It now has 69,000 miles on it, it had the wrong CCU in it, and that was all the repairs the car has needed in 3 years. Zero other issues. I had promised myself 3 years max, and I'd buy different toy, I looked with a $40kish budget at Vettes, Vipers, Cobras among other cars (mostly muscle cars), I was most enamored with a Cobra... In the end, I decided none suited me as well as the Porsche and I'm not really tired of it yet.. So I kept it and bought my first motorcycle (a Harley) for the toy box. While I was looking at replacement possibilities I turned down $25 and $26k on my car... Although not realized, my 911 would have been a pretty good ROI. The Porsche isn't as fast as any of the ones mentioned, but according to the computer in the thing my average speed (because of where I live in NJ & FL) is like 30mph anyway, so what's the difference?

Afishinado - 12/13/2007 10:54 AM

TN FREEBIRD - 12/13/2007 10:10 AM ROFLOL you want to talk about expensive and unreliable in terms of a Corvette and then bring up a 911 much less a 930? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Our local expert on anything expensive.... :roll :roll

FireFly - 12/13/2007 9:58 AM .............. If I was looking at it from an investment standpoint I'd drop $30k on an old 911/930 and drive it for free for 5 or 6 years and then sell it for $30k when I'm done. Of course you'd be paying for repairs, insurance and registration...

I bought a 911 Cabriolet (1992) with 44,000 miles in Aug of 04 for $26k, bought as a toy, not an investment... It now has 69,000 miles on it, it had the wrong CCU in it, and that was all the repairs the car has needed in 3 years. Zero other issues. I had promised myself 3 years max, and I'd buy different toy, I looked with a $40kish budget at Vettes, Vipers, Cobras among other cars (mostly muscle cars), I was most enamored with a Cobra... In the end, I decided none suited me as well as the Porsche and I'm not really tired of it yet.. So I kept it and bought my first motorcycle (a Harley) for the toy box. While I was looking at replacement possibilities I turned down $25 and $26k on my car... Although not realized, my 911 would have been a pretty good ROI. The Porsche isn't as fast as any of the ones mentioned, but according to the computer in the thing my average speed (because of where I live in NJ & FL) is like 30mph anyway, so what's the difference?Uh, excuse me, but your '92 911 is not in the same category as a 911/930 which was mentioned in the post you referenced and that I commented on.

Should I apologize for owning and/or having experience with some of the toys you guys talk about on here or are you going to call me a pathelogical liar again while offering no lie you've caught me in? :roll

Beginning to sound like and Opti vs ETEC thread. :grin:

Al Gore (and TN) invented lies.

Dudes & Dudettes... the guy asked about a Z06 or Viper. Add some other kool rides if need be, but don't derail this thing into pissing contest. for once.

Now, that '08 Z06 is sweet as is the Yellowfin next to it. Good going! now if your lady looks half as good....you win!

Yep, but this is an air cooled vs water cooled thing, kinda like the arguments I get into with people who look down their oil stained noses at my VRod. :grin:

2005 SeaCraft - 12/13/2007 11:56 AM

Al Gore (and TN) invented lies.

Dudes & Dudettes... the guy asked about a Z06 or Viper. Add some other kool rides if need be, but don't derail this thing into pissing contest. for once.

Now, that '08 Z06 is sweet as is the Yellowfin next to it. Good going! now if your lady looks half as good....you win!Afishanerdo started it. :grin:

I already said I'd go with the Vette and he wanted to talk about his.... never mind. :bashhh:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/krisis7/soap-opera-meter.gif

You haven't sold that thing yet? Put it on here with pics.... there's an ass for every seat!

Z06, mine is a '02 with only 405hp, still impresses me evertime I drive it. There are some good deals out there now, you can get a real nice '02 to '04 with less than 10k miles for around $30k, great deal for a car that stickered in the low $50k range. I would not consider a '01, too many improvements in the '02 - '04s.
Hardest part of driving the car fast is getting it to hook up in 1st and 2nd, cannot imagine how the C6 Z06 with 505hp does it.

Russ, try a search on Autotraderonline. When I was boatless earlier this year, I knew I needed a toy of some sorts. So just for kicks I pulled up a nationwide search of brand new Corvettes. I found at least 100 brand new 2006 Corvettes for just a touch over 40K. A few phone calls showed I could buy for well less than 40. Brand new, full factory warranty, choice of colors. And the base engine puts out 400 HP, vs. 405 for the older ZO6.
With that said, I have a friend with a 2003 ZO6. Nice car but lots of tire noise in the cockpit. I test drove a 2006 LT-1 and it was far more civil with the same power.
I have driven a Viper. Awesome power but I wouldn't want to push it to its limits.
Enjoy your shopping!! :thumbsup:

endoman - 12/13/2007 4:03 PM

Russ, try a search on Autotraderonline. When I was boatless earlier this year, I knew I needed a toy of some sorts. So just for kicks I pulled up a nationwide search of brand new Corvettes. I found at least 100 brand new 2006 Corvettes for just a touch over 40K. A few phone calls showed I could buy for well less than 40. Brand new, full factory warranty, choice of colors. And the base engine puts out 400 HP, vs. 405 for the older ZO6.
With that said, I've have a friend with a 2003 ZO6. Nice car but lots of tire noise in the cockpit. I test drove a 2006 LT-1 and it was far more civil with the same power.
I have driven a Viper. Awesome power but I wouldn't want to push it to its limits.
Enjoy your shopping!! :thumbsup:

Couple things to consider, a C5 Z06 comes loaded, a 1LT C6 is pretty much optionless. no HUD no memory seats ect.. the C5 Z06 stickers much higher than a C6 1LT car and if you decide to sell in a couple years if you take care of it you will take a much smaller hit with the C5 Z06. As far as noise the C6 is definetly quieter and smoother but no C6 LS2 stock for stock is going to be able to keep up with a C5 Z06 in any meaurement of performance. The 400hp vs. 405hp is a little misleading there is a lot more to the Z06 than just the difference in HP.

Understood Mac. :thumbsup:
I agree with all your points.
I was just mentioning you can pick up a nice hot rod brand new for 40K.

MacCTD- Thanks for the advise I haven't been looking long enough to know what year Vettes to stay away from.
d-hlaw- Holy cow, Corvette AND Yellowfin, you are my hero!

I went to a dealer today that has a 1998 Viper, blue w/ white stripes and I asked to drive the car and he told me no! He said the salesman could drive it and I could be a passenger, I told him to fu$k off. Have you ever heard of a dealer that won't let you drive a car? A couple of months ago I drove a 2003 Z06 Corvette and I was impressed but I've yet to drive a Viper.

Endoman- I have been looking on Autotraderonline for both a Z06 and a Viper, I've found you can pick up either car for a lot less money on eBay. If I could find a new Z06 for $40K I would buy it now, even before I sell my Scarab.

Russ

MacCTD - 12/13/2007 4:18 PM

Couple things to consider, a C5 Z06 comes loaded, a 1LT C6 is pretty much optionless. no HUD no memory seats ect.. the C5 Z06 stickers much higher than a C6 1LT car and if you decide to sell in a couple years if you take care of it you will take a much smaller hit with the C5 Z06. As far as noise the C6 is definetly quieter and smoother but no C6 LS2 stock for stock is going to be able to keep up with a C5 Z06 in any meaurement of performance. The 400hp vs. 405hp is a little misleading there is a lot more to the Z06 than just the difference in HP.Not to start an argument, but what are you basing your performance claims on as to comparing a C5 ZO6 to a base C6 in ANY measure of performance?

viper gettin a bit old mine was a 95 good then by the way tn you is an assss

Did you pull your 54 Chris Craft with your Viper?

nope but the other dodge handled it perfectly you big asss did i mention you is an asss?

Oh, so you pulled your 54' Chris Craft with your other Dodge?

Hummm... okay. I'd love to see a picture of that, you got one?

nope ya dope i usually am the one to take the pics sometimes cant do both ya dope by the way did i mention you is an asssst

I think the reason dealers are hesitant to let you drive Vipers is the COST of PARTS! If you crack up a C5 or C6, the parts are not that expensive (non Z06's) but a new hood for a Viper GTS, actually costs more than the entire crate motor (12K hood, 10K motor) the molding process of the Viper hood has an extremely high failure rate and I beleive it was and may still be the largest thermomolded plastic automotive part out there..

TN,

My local track is at 600 is foot elevation and has decent traction.. My 12.70 runs were made with a Corsa Catback and a Breathless Ram Air intake and B&M ripper shifter (stock tires). I also ran 13.6 at the same track with an automatic 3.07 geared 95 Corvette (bolt on's) and 11's with my old pro street car.



DH-Law,

Life must be good... Blinged out ram.... C6 Z06... Yellowfin... Hope you actually have time to enjoy those toys! And I do concour with your color theme... Black :)

It's honestly amazing to me that the C6 Z06 can be had for 70K. In the grand scheme of things that price tag is very cheap for a car that holds the second fastest lap times around the Nurnbring out of any car in history (on stock tires no less). A car that is chock full of carbon fiber, titanium, big brakes, dry sump oil systems and 7 liters of aluminum goodness...

I would love to have one of those engines for my CTS-V which is basically a C5 ZO6 with a Cadillac body strapped on it... right down to the LS6 and 6 speed tranny.

There is a Chevy dealer near me who had somebody absolutely total an '07 ZO6 while on a test drive. Can you imagine? The guys at the Cadillac place actually told me about that deal, and I thought about seeing what kind of deal I could get on the engine, but never did.

Chuck Mallet, a well known Corvette tuner, offers the LS7 upgrade for my car, but as I recall it's about $35K for the upgrade. Thanks but no thanks, but that would be the ultimate sleeper. Oh yeah, he's got a CTS-V putting out over 1,000 HP. ;cool;

I would have to agree with strikerthree, the NSX is just beautiful and fun to drive. They are fast but not like the Viper or the vette, the NSX is a top speed handling car; But, you are guaranteed to get more looks than ether.

TN,

Really, I didn't realize the CTS-V had a true full frame, with longitudanal composite leaf spring suspension with magnesium front and rear bulkheads.. Don't make generalizations.. The CTS is a nice car, but aside from the engine/transmission package, it has nothing else in common with the Corvette. Now if you had an XLR I would say yeah it basically *IS* a rebodied Corvette.

The NSX won't outhandle a C6 Z06 (doubtful that it will outhandle a C5 Z06) the car is kind of "neat" being a mid engine car and one of the first production cars to use titanium connecting rods and some other good tech, but in todays world they aren't that competitive. Just look at LeMans if you want to see how Corvette's do in endurance, handling, speed... (great drivers help too!) :)

StingerII - 12/13/2007 11:44 PM

TN,

Really, I didn't realize the CTS-V had a true full frame, with longitudanal composite leaf spring suspension with magnesium front and rear bulkheads.. Don't make generalizations... Picky, picky, picky! :grin:

Well let's see you pick up four honeys and pack them into that ZO6! ;cool;

Just pick two really nice one's.. Besides one is headaches enough! :)

One is plenty. :grin:

BTW have you ever seen the underbelly of a CTS-V?

There are more Vette similarities than you might think. ;cool;

TN FREEBIRD - 12/13/2007 8:11 PM

MacCTD - 12/13/2007 4:18 PM

Couple things to consider, a C5 Z06 comes loaded, a 1LT C6 is pretty much optionless. no HUD no memory seats ect.. the C5 Z06 stickers much higher than a C6 1LT car and if you decide to sell in a couple years if you take care of it you will take a much smaller hit with the C5 Z06. As far as noise the C6 is definetly quieter and smoother but no C6 LS2 stock for stock is going to be able to keep up with a C5 Z06 in any meaurement of performance. The 400hp vs. 405hp is a little misleading there is a lot more to the Z06 than just the difference in HP.Not to start an argument, but what are you basing your performance claims on as to comparing a C5 ZO6 to a base C6 in ANY measure of performance?

Magazine tests, GM performance estimates, 0-60, quarter mile, lateral G, note I said LS2 C6s, the new C6 LS3 is right there with the LS6.

In one of the major car mags this month (Motor Trend or C&D I think)they recomend the C6 LS3 over the Z06; they said the difference that could be felt in daily driving was negligible, and the LS3 V8 was just too good of an engine to pass up. But again, for the OP's price range, it's apples and oranges.

Were *I* to spend 40K on a toy ( and I know..not the OP's question what I would do with his money)--I'd find a nice driver mid- 60's convertible corvette (NOT NCRS quality--I'd have no use for a rolling piece of a museum), but clean. A small block with matching numbers and decent mileage is in about that price range, and you have literally bought an investment that you can drive. Parts are cheap enough, and availabel from just about any Corvette only house (Mid America, Ecklers. Etc) Find one someone has dropped a new C5/C6 engine/transmission in and a rebuilt the front suspension to include rack and pinion, and you'll have a great handling investment that will definitely take you as fast you want to go. Matching numbers is nice I guess..but if it is as smooth a new C6, who cares? It will never depreciate.

And talk about "getting looks"? Where I live at least (certainly not the richest part of the world), in the summer I'll regularlysee NSX's, Ferrari's and even the occasional Lambo. Corvette's, BMW M's and pretty much everything else is seen on a daily ride to work. Seeing a mid 60's Corvette? I doubt I've seen on on the road in 2 years.Those I look at.

Had a C5 a couple of year ago.
Had more miles on the rollback than it had on the tires.
When you don't drive them much the securty system runs the battery down.
Jump start it and the damn thing thinks your trying to steal it.

vette for sure over the viper. Vipers aren't even that fast compared to other hi-perf cars.

Just to through something out, how about an 03-04 cobra? Comes with a factory kenne belle supercharger and is bad a$$. They call the car the terminator. You could pick one up for about $22-27K, put the rest of your cash in a CD or money market

Afishinado - 12/13/2007 10:54 AM

TN FREEBIRD - 12/13/2007 10:10 AM ROFLOL you want to talk about expensive and unreliable in terms of a Corvette and then bring up a 911 much less a 930? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Our local expert on anything expensive.... :roll :roll

FireFly - 12/13/2007 9:58 AM .............. If I was looking at it from an investment standpoint I'd drop $30k on an old 911/930 and drive it for free for 5 or 6 years and then sell it for $30k when I'm done. Of course you'd be paying for repairs, insurance and registration...

I bought a 911 Cabriolet (1992) with 44,000 miles in Aug of 04 for $26k, bought as a toy, not an investment... It now has 69,000 miles on it, it had the wrong CCU in it, and that was all the repairs the car has needed in 3 years. Zero other issues. I had promised myself 3 years max, and I'd buy different toy, I looked with a $40kish budget at Vettes, Vipers, Cobras among other cars (mostly muscle cars), I was most enamored with a Cobra... In the end, I decided none suited me as well as the Porsche and I'm not really tired of it yet.. So I kept it and bought my first motorcycle (a Harley) for the toy box. While I was looking at replacement possibilities I turned down $25 and $26k on my car... Although not realized, my 911 would have been a pretty good ROI. The Porsche isn't as fast as any of the ones mentioned, but according to the computer in the thing my average speed (because of where I live in NJ & FL) is like 30mph anyway, so what's the difference?

Exactly my point. Nice car btw!

Joe - 12/14/2007 6:07 AM



In one of the major car mags this month (Motor Trend or C&D I think) they recomend the C6 LS3 over the Z06; they said the difference that could be felt in daily driving was negligible, and the LS3 V8 was just too good of an engine to pass up. But again, for the OP's price range, it's apples and oranges.

Were *I* to spend 40K on a toy ( and I know..not the OP's question what I would do with his money)--I'd find a nice driver mid- 60's convertible corvette (NOT NCRS quality--I'd have no use for a rolling piece of a museum), but clean. A small block with matching numbers and decent mileage is in about that price range, and you have literally bought an investment that you can drive. Parts are cheap enough, and availabel from just about any Corvette only house (Mid America, Ecklers. Etc) Find one someone has dropped a new C5/C6 engine/transmission in and a rebuilt the front suspension to include rack and pinion, and you'll have a great handling investment that will definitely take you as fast you want to go. Matching numbers is nice I guess..but if it is as smooth a new C6, who cares? It will never depreciate.

And talk about "getting looks"? Where I live at least (certainly not the richest part of the world), in the summer I'll regularly see NSX's, Ferrari's and even the occasional Lambo. Corvette's, BMW M's and pretty much everything else is seen on a daily ride to work. Seeing a mid 60's Corvette? I doubt I've seen on on the road in 2 years.Those I look at.



Are you serious?

I was so fricken GLAD when I sent my 68 Coupe packin to someone else's home.. Old Vette's were junk when they were new and any diehard Corvette guy will tell you that... I guess I just don't get the nostalgia since I wasn't born in the 50's. Sure the old Vette's are sharp, but to drive one any amount of time, would be 40K wasted IMHO.

RussH - 12/13/2007 4:59 PM


Endoman- I have been looking on Autotraderonline for both a Z06 and a Viper, I've found you can pick up either car for a lot less money on eBay. If I could find a new Z06 for $40K I would buy it now, even before I sell my Scarab.

Russ




Russ, you may have misread my post. I was refering to a brand new 2006 LT1, not a ZO6. The LT1 is the base Vette, but it's pretty sweet.
As Mac stated, it doesn't have all the bling of the ZO6.
It's still a top line hot rod/playtoy.
And you can get one brand new less than 40K.

I went for the bling years ago, paid big bucks for options I used once, and only once.

Best of luck in your search and I hope the FIL is OK.

1LT

Not LT1... or LT-1 those are both engines...

StingerII - 12/14/2007 3:52 PM

1LT

Not LT1... or LT-1 those are both engines...



Dang it!! :grin:
I must be going senile.
I know I owned a 1970 LT-1 350/370hp (unless I got those numbers wrong too).
My inquiry into new Vettes was half hearted as I really wanted a new boat, and I bought a new boat.
I could swear every 2006 Vette salesman called them LT1, 2, 3, or ZO6.
I am 100% sure you can buy a brand new 400HP Corvette for less than 40K.

1LT is the "basic" package on a coupe I forget what the higher up packages are, I really lost interest after I stopped doing the vette thing.. I had a 68 327 coupe, 89 Z51 Coupe, 95 LT1 Coupe and a 2000 Z51 Coupe.

As much as old cars are, meh.... I bet you still wish you had the 70 LT-1, that engine alone is worth some buckaroos :)

Basically the LT-1 was the evolution of the MO302 and DZ302 which was offered only in the 1967 *unbadged* and the 68/69 Z/28 Camaro which then in 1970 also got the LT-1 which was essentially the same very high performance small block, only in 350 cubes rather than 302 cubes, but both motors sported the same high compression, "pink rods" fully radiused cranks with flame treated journals, dual plane high po intake manifold, holley 4 bbl carburator and 1.95/2.02 heads.

Not sure what current corvette prices are, I paid $45K and some change for my 2000 Millennium Yellow Z51 which was a 6 speed coupe with dual roof panels and all the options you could get (before they started the 1LT package which forced you to buy certain pre-packaged options).

endoman - 12/14/2007 7:12 PM

StingerII - 12/14/2007 3:52 PM

1LT

Not LT1... or LT-1 those are both engines...



Dang it!! :grin:
I must be going senile.
I know I owned a 1970 LT-1 350/370hp (unless I got those numbers wrong too).
My inquiry into new Vettes was half hearted as I really wanted a new boat, and I bought a new boat.
I could swear every 2006 Vette salesman called them LT1, 2, 3, or ZO6.
I am 100% sure you can buy a brand new 400HP Corvette for less than 40K.

I would be surprised if you could find a '07 new 1LT with no options for $40k, I was thinking of getting an '08 1LT with the Z51 option, which cost about $1700 and gives you lower ratio with the 6 speed, additional oil coolers, bigger drilled rotors on the brakes and better handleing suspension. The best price I could find was about $44k, which was about $4k off list.
A good place to check for Corvette prices is Kerbeck, www.kerbeck.com you may not want to buy from them but they are usually within $500 of what you can buy it from a dealer that is willing to work with you.

StingerII - 12/14/2007 6:19 PMJoe - 12/14/2007 6:07 AM

In one of the major car mags this month (Motor Trend or C&D I think) they recomend the C6 LS3 over the Z06; they said the difference that could be felt in daily driving was negligible, and the LS3 V8 was just too good of an engine to pass up. But again, for the OP's price range, it's apples and oranges.

Were *I* to spend 40K on a toy ( and I know..not the OP's question what I would do with his money)--I'd find a nice driver mid- 60's convertible corvette (NOT NCRS quality--I'd have no use for a rolling piece of a museum), but clean. A small block with matching numbers and decent mileage is in about that price range, and you have literally bought an investment that you can drive. Parts are cheap enough, and availabel from just about any Corvette only house (Mid America, Ecklers. Etc) Find one someone has dropped a new C5/C6 engine/transmission in and a rebuilt the front suspension to include rack and pinion, and you'll have a great handling investment that will definitely take you as fast you want to go. Matching numbers is nice I guess..but if it is as smooth a new C6, who cares? It will never depreciate.

And talk about "getting looks"? Where I live at least (certainly not the richest part of the world), in the summer I'll regularly see NSX's, Ferrari's and even the occasional Lambo. Corvette's, BMW M's and pretty much everything else is seen on a daily ride to work. Seeing a mid 60's Corvette? I doubt I've seen on on the road in 2 years.Those I look at.

Are you serious? I was so fricken GLAD when I sent my 68 Coupe packin to someone else's home.. Old Vette's were junk when they were new and any diehard Corvette guy will tell you that... I guess I just don't get the nostalgia since I wasn't born in the 50's. Sure the old Vette's are sharp, but to drive one any amount of time, would be 40K wasted IMHO.

Yeah, I'm serious.

Not being sarcastic, but I wouldn't want your '68 either, and as you probably found out, the market mostly agrees with me. First year of the new bodystyle, mechanical problems were the norm, even the on the production line when new. Compared to the mid 60's body lines, it's a red headed step child, value wise.

Check prices on a mid 60's, '64-'67 vettes. A basket case in multiple truckloads goes in the low 20's, a fully restored NCRS quality matching numbers could be in the high 6 figures. I've been watching them for a long time--since at least the early 90's--and say what you want about quality or anything else, they have never gone down in price. Even the newer body style like you had is starting to appreciate. And I wasn't born in the 50's either, but I do know what is attractive and can see what holds or appeciates in value.

Joe,

Actually I sold my 68 for 15 grand in pieces... Yeah first of the shark bodies and only 9938 coupes produced, of those how many are still in existance? In 68, ragtops outnumbered the coupes more than 2 to 1.

I don't care about the NCRS or NCRS resto'd Corvette's I have a few NCRS friends and I personally think they are all nutjobs.. (as in, mental) and for the most part they agree... Anyone that pays someone 180 grand to restore a 67 L88 Ragtop with original pits, primer and overspray... Yeah that makes sense!

I won't argue with buying a driver, but to me a driver would have to be on a full C5 frame with all the C5 suspension, engine, transmission etc.. The original cars just are, well, old.. Beautiful to look at and not much fun to drive, unless your idea of driving is to the local car show within 20 miles.

Having owned an 03 viper, 01, and an 02 Z06 I would say the Z06 simply because the old vipers are hotter then hell and the new vipers cost a fortune to maintain, I had lots of problems with my 03. The Z was fun and cheap to run only had 405 HP compared to 435 and 500 but it was still fun and having cruise control on a sports car is quite nice. Don't get me wrong if you have never owned a viper buy one they are fun to drive around town but long distance it sucks and the 05 or newer Z)^ has 600hp, I raced a few and they beat me by about a car length.

Holy cow, talk about resurrecting an old thread. I posted this back in 2007. Thanks for the comments HUB030 but actually I purchased a 2010 Camaro SS/RS. I eventually was able to drive a Viper from a private owner. It was a really fun car to drive but incredibly uncomfortable. I drove it for about a half hour and my back was already hurting, I can't imagine driving it for a long distance.

I was pretty sure I was going to buy a Z06 until I seen a picture of the concept Camaro. As soon as I seen it I knew I wanted it. I ordered the Camaro before any of them were even on the road. The first guy to order one @ the Chevy dealer. I waited 6+ months for it to come in. I have now had it for 17 months, I have 7,000 miles on it and I absolutely love the car. Super comfortable to drive, still get's a lot of compliments too. I ordered the SS/RS w/ 6 speed. It has the LS3 Corvette engine in it, started out @ 426HP but now I have it up to about 460HP with the add-on's I've purchased. It's not a daily driver and it goes into winter storage tomorrow.

Russ

I'd go with the Vet without a thought of the Viper in my mind. There are other options but just wanted to answer your question as asked.

The Camaros are a sweet looking car and I wanted one badly at first, but around here they are like Mustangs. 2 of them for sale on every street corner. Kind of hard for me to get excited about a car I see at every stoplight on the way home from work.
I want a lingenfelter vette.

This thread got me thinking of an old customer that I haven't seen in years, Callaway Corvette. I priced out a C16 that started at $300K+ ! :o

Their other packages seemed pretty reasonable at $20K to $24K over the cost of the car. http://www.callawaycars.com/callaway/main/contentpages/2010CallawayCorvetteLiterature.htm

They also upgrade The Camaro http://www.callawaycars.com/las/CallawayCamaroLiterature.htm

This looks fun..... http://www.springmountainmotorsports.com/

Porsche 911 Turbo...:thumbsup::thumbsup: