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:

 

VERY SHARP i love white Vettes I had a white 76 w/blue interior , got swiped and wrecked (totaled) I was sick for a month ...Congrats on your new ride ,,,,,,


Howard.

 

I'm in love... haha.

That looks fantastic buddy. Let me know when you and Chris showdown I will bring my down and see what I can do. .

 

Lookin sharp there Glen Daddy! Congrats! Before I ever even considered owning a 6, I had my heart set on a black or yellow vette. Let me know when you guys want to get down there.

 

Love the car man and that is a great price!

i almost went with a z06 instead of the srt when i was looking.

i had a corvette before and have always loved them.

that is cool that a simple pull of the fuse keeps your exhaust butterfly open all the time. i am on the corvette forums too.

 

Sharp looking car especially with red and black interior. Good luck!

 

once in awhile I get the bug...then I realize the cost...I can enjoy two cars for the price of one...so, I stayin' put....but, I will always like vettes...

 

congrats love the vette...ready to shake it down. Headers, tune, and cam will easily be in the 11.5's. Just have to be able to drive it.

 

I'm thinking more in the line of long-tube headers, cam, heads, procharger @ 6-8psi, injectors, tune, and stlicks. 10's @ 125+

However my mod path is a bit more expensive- close to 10k.

 

10K.........????? Are you sure about that??????? I wanted to do some work to mine in "04...and it was more than that....glad I sold it...I had 40K in it and would have had 55K in it by the time I was done...and again, afraid to take it anywhere of fear of getting hit, or vandlized...no one has bothered the SRT...just onlookers wondering what it is...but it is the path you choose...good luck and have fun...I'm thinkin' twin engine XF...anyone????

 

40k in mods?! If so why in the world would you get rid of it?! You must have been running 8's!

 

I am waiting for the C7 Corvette to come out before I would consider.... Great car mind you, but I'm waiting for some shape/body mods... C7 "does it" for me....

 

2014 I hear. By that time I'll be ready to trade again! lol I've read it's going to be a 5.5L 8 (down from 6.2) but produce 10 more hp 440.

PS- Update- The corvette is the only car I've ever owned I enjoyed MORE than the Crossfire!...and it's still stock! Cain't wait to visit East Coast Supercharging in NJ!

 

I have a buddy with a supercharged LS3 Vette...right at 800 rwhp and pulls harder from 150 - 180 than my SRT6 does from a dead stop! Insane and less than 10K in mods.

Have fun with that new beast!!!

 

vettes are cool but there are too many on the road. if i had the money i would go with a viper all the way

 

Nice! I wonder what Doc did to his with 40k invested?!...or maybe I read that wrong (did that include the cost of the car?)

 

I am not sure where he spent the $$$ but 800rwhp Vettes in Dallas are more common than SRT6s!!!

 

I agree with you there about "exclusivity". However the Vette is going to be my daily driver for 3 out of the 4 seasons of the year and is much more livable than a Viper. The Viper is really stripped of any creature comforts including traction/stability control, it louder, harsher and emits lots of hot air in the footwells while driving. It's far from civilized however I love the Viper though- always have, just not for a daily.

 

Then he's full of it, 2005 and up LS3 can handle about 650 rwhp on stock bottom end and factory fuel system. To go 800 you need a forged motor, if you build yourself $5000, upgraded fuel system $2000. Supercharger kit $5000, headers long tubes another $1700 not to mention twin disc clutch or built auto $1000-3500. The best yet is you can't even drive 800rwhp on the street unless you mini tub it.
Already been there

 

2002 have anti locks and no footwell heat issues pipes run under rockers. Livibilty not great comfort is a vet all the way that's why they are so popular with old people. power seats traction control dual climate ac select-a-ride.... You can supercharger you vet if you do the work yourself for about $7000 (supercharger and ARH longtubes racing cats) then another 500 for tuning. If you stick with 550-570rwhp you will be fine and no motor issues. Install is a **** though, removal of steering rack to key the crank or go further like I did and do the cam bolts also. It is not a user freindly set up for work, but if you decide to do it A&A corvette kits are very good or you can use ECS superchargers in NJ for a kit or install. If you decide to do it yourself I can walk you through all of it