Hey guys- well that Caliber SRT4 I traded the SRT6 in for didn't last long. I dumped a bunch of mods in it hoping to get it to a performance level I could be happy with. Unfortunately it fell short.
Meanwhile I was eyeing up the new Mustang 5.0, from the rags it sounds like quite a vehicle! My friend who's a car dealer found a 2009 Corvette fully loaded for whole-sale price so I quickly abandoned the idea of the Mustang.
I ended up getting a 2009 Corvette Z51 with 3LT options. It's got: 6spd M, upgraded bi-mode exhaust (adding 8hp/6tq and a mean sound!), Z51 suspension performance package, cross-drilled rotors, and heads-up display. I ended up getting it for 37.5k which isn't bad considering brand new optioned out like it is retailed for $59k. Granted not anywhere near as good of a "bargain" as a used SRT6.
This is my first V8 vehicle. Other than the SRT6 I've never owned anything other than turbo 4's. It's a world of a difference. The power/torque curve are very flat and it feels like it has power in any gear at any rpm!
The sound from the engine is simply intoxicating, especially after removing the 10amp fuse that closes the butterfly valve in two of my 4 exhaust exits (so they are always open).
The stock 6spd manual is has very short and crisp throws, though I've found downshifting to 3rd difficult over 70 even though the RPMS are safe.
Speaking of which the gearing while being shorter with the Z51 (I believe) can still hit 50mph in first! About 80 in 2nd! So needless to say 60 feels like it come one quite quick!
Overall the car feels just as- if not a hair faster than my SRT6 which would make sense- the launch probably won't be as good as the SRT's but the trap should be a few ticks higher. Some have gotten 12.0's @ 116 bone stock with the LS3 Vette. One member pulled an 11.7 @ 119 supposedly stock. I don't know whether I believe that one- though it could be a factory freak.
The fit and finish of the exterior is superb! However the interior while it looks great doesn't feel of the same quality. The seats feel a bit to squishy and unsupportive and the overall interior has it's fair share of creaks- particularly the driver door and the targa top. The latter being a known issue.
It's got a lot more legroom and headroom than the Crossfire- while the shoulder room feels about the same. The trunk of the Corvette is simply humongous! One of the reasons I was able to talk myself into getting it. The SRT6 could not carry all the gear I needed. The Corvette swallows all of it with room to spare.
Braking and handling both feel superior on the Corvette. While the Vette is much larger than the SRT6 it feels it's practically impossible to find the limits in the Vette. It always feels planted regardless of the speed of the turn. I'm assuming the Z51 performance package has something to do with that. I'd have to say the SRT6 may initially inspire more confidence due to it's driving position and size- however once you get the feel of the larger Corvette it's amazing nimble. I'm sure it's paltry 3200lbs curb weight has something to do with it as well. No outside panels on the car are bendable-door-dingable metal. It's all a lightweight composite. So if someones door hits it, it won't dent....if anything it will.....*gulp* ...crack.
Anyway I just wanted to share my initial impressions on the car. I remember an owner about a year ago that traded his SRT6 in for a Vette and was disappointed. I am not- I'm actually quite impressed and can honestly say, despite it's short-comings it's got to be my favorite car I've ever owned. The overwhelming aftermarket for it is sure to keep things fun- I'm planning: headers, cam, injectors, tune, and forced-induction of some sort (leaning towards the Procharger LS3 kit).
Chris (distantpulse) and I may meet up soon to have a showdown at a local track to see what happens. If I get smoked I'll know the modding will have to start sooner rather than later!
PS Here are some crappy 3Gs pics of the Vette:
