I always thought the aftermarket c5 headlights looked odd. The pop-up was iconic to corvettes, and lets be real...do they REALLY slow the car down THAT much? Who the hell does night racing anyway? Otherwise his c5 is awesome!
98 is good until you EBCM goes out and your ABS and Active handling don't work any more. Try to find an EBCM for 97-00 cars. CAN'T. And they are non-repairable. Get an 01-04.
Toys4Life C5 you can get them repaired. There are several companies that do to so not that big of a deal. Of course I’d rather that not be an issue tho
The headlights are too low down on the hood for fixed lights that project out from the body. In order for it to look right the top of the headlight housing should be on the same plane as the highest point of the fender arch or be recessed further into the body.
totally agree. I love flip up lights. They are important though, my buddy had his hood lift on a run and it could have been a much worse day than it was.
The headlights and go to make me slow down at night if I'm not driving and when they put a shorty antenna on the same weight is stupid I leave my electric antenna on I did put 19in wheels all the way around
The only thing I disliked about this video, and I'm a 2002 Z06 owner, is that you say you fixed the "horrible" aerodynamics of the c5 with those fixed lights. Yes, at night there is SOME loss of aerodynamics with the flip up lights, but it's minimal for a car of that design. honestly it's iconic that for 51 years the corvette had flip up lights. It's a part of our heritage. I'm all for evolution, but honestly if you are the right driver and have a few right mods, the aerodynamics are not going to be that much of an issue on the c5.
Replacing the stock seat belts and seats with sparco seats and harnesses got me a second a lap on the track, because I no longer had to "hang on" to the wheel in corners due to poor lateral bolstering on the stock seats. When they hold you in tighter, and you just have to use your hands to steer, not hang on, you go faster.
@DJEddieXZ I didn't take out the airbags for more speed. I took out the drivers airbag only because the stock steering wheel is terrible, and I wanted a good steering wheel. With a cage and harnesses, airbags become a moot point anyway.
@gdevilpt I didn't just decide "lets take out the airbags." The stock steering wheel is terrible. You can't get a good aftermarket wheel that uses the airbags, and I wanted a better, smaller, 3-spoke wheel. Once I installed the cage and harnesses, a drivers side airbag is nearly useless anyway because your head can't physically hit the wheel. I left the passenger airbag in though.
Having the 2012 GS, I find the Magnetic Ride Control on Sport-mode fixes that mushy ride. Pulling the fuse (or adding a switch) keeps the NPP open all the time for more growl. (I added a switch so to not terrorize the neighbors). Nice review.
@nathanp2007 I was just an off-the-cuff example. In the future, I'm sure I'll end up with a low-boost blower or low-PSI TT kit, just because I know myself and I"ll want more power eventually. Right now though, it's set up pretty nice and I intend to keep it just like that for a while.
@StuRaz Correcting myself on this one: I just found the window sticker for our test car and it had the magnetic ride control that's new for 2011. That's why there weren't any leaf springs.
@maxmk8 Nope, sorry, I haven't had any of those problems. I changed the rims to fit the larger brakes. I switched out the headlights while they were still working, and I've never had any of those other problems.
Bender Rodriquez I know what the lights are for, it's pretty obvious. As far as the wheels, we all have different opinions on what looks good so I shouldn't comment on his taste
c5's aren't that good looking on camera but they look alot better in real life. its weird but i guess the main difference is you really see how sleek it is. if that makes any sense
@lfsracer79 The Corvette comes with a factory staggered stance. My car came with 17's and 18's. A new Corvette like the Grand Sport comes with 19's and 20's. So when I got new wheels for my car, I went with the modern size. Plus, it's not about the diameter of the rear discs as much as it is about the width of the caliper. My wheels, big as they are, only clear the rear brake caliper by about 1.5 mm
Did this dude just say a c5 corvette with low miles cost $15k in 2010? Lmao it's 10 years later now and it's actually at those prices now but not in 2010.
My only gripe about Matt's car is the noise, which is purely my opinion, but it's to damn loud. A Magnaflow cat back would be plenty for me (again just my opinion). Aside from that I love the Matt.
Hey Matt! I just met you today actually at Super Car Sunday. You are awesome my friend, really enjoyed meeting you, especially because I'm a big fan. I did get a chance to see your Vette and man, was I impressed. Looks even better in person, love some of the suspension work you have done (Anti-roll bars, etc). All in all it was an awesome experience and hope to see you more at cool car events such as today's. Thank you.
try racing at night with those headlights up....it's fucks up the drag co-efficient more than you think, just because everything else is so streamlined. they're like parachutes, the front of the car gets light and you can barely steer. They do look ricey, but if you want to drive fast at night they're really your best choice. perhaps they could pop out a little less
You know you don't lose very much gas mileage with those lights on at night I probably get one mile an hour less at a hundred miles an hour with my lights on at night just saves me tickets
@jimman1209 It's more important to ask WHY I have large wheels on my Corvette. I will only change the wheels if it improves the performance of my vehicle, not detracts from it like most normal big rims. When I upgraded my brakes to the much larger Stoptech units, the stock wheels wouldn't fit over the 6-piston calipers. So i found someone to make me a custom set that won't only fit the calipers, they would be lighter than stock with a bigger footprint for more grip. Lighter + More grip = win.
Soundwise - That C6 is absolutely music to my ears when he punches the throttle. C5 a little annoying for me unfortunately. Still a beautiful car though. Except for the headlights. Everyone hates the headlights. lol
@Orlando14407 1) my car rides better than stock. and 2) you didn't pay attention. The point was to see if the modifications I've made to my car align with the upgrades that GM has made to the Corvette over the last 10 years. Many of them do, including the lights, bigger brakes, improved suspension, increased horsepower with better sound, and larger wheels and tires.
@rtardbox I'm not from LA. I'm from New York, and I moved here a year ago. And I worked at Foot Locker, selling shoes, from when I was 13 until I was 19. My parents were pretty well off, but that doesn't make me spoiled. They didn't buy me my car. I earned that car fair and square.
@JortvV With the roof stored in the trunk, you still have more available storage space than a Lamborghini Gallardo or Ferrari F430. With the roof installed on the car (or left at home entirely), you can fit 4 sets of golf clubs no problem. I've gone on weekend trips in the car with the roof stored back there.
@YankiEBubbAAussiE They are both in production at the same time, not just different years. The Z06 has a 7.0L normally aspirated V8 making 500 horsepower. The ZR1 is a 6.2L Supercharged V8 making 640 horsepower. There are some other differences in suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics as well, and the ZR1 costs about $25,000 more than the Z06.
Matt's "Spot On" regarding the C5. Being a lover of NO payment's, this is my 3rd C5, and its great fun(-roof), very reliable and inexpensive to own/operate! I'm not sold on the p/u head light issue vs improved aerodynamics?? Additionally, the car is very SAFE! I hit a tree doing 130mph. The car was destroyed, but I lived. I replaced it 2yrs later with my 3rd C5.
@TheSmokingTire I like your show, I normally think American car shows are crap, but your show is quite good. I have watched a few now and have been impressed. Keep up the good work. Pete from England
@ArmedZagi the stock clutch, transmission, and rear end will handle about 500 hp no problem. Any more than that, you definitely want to do the clutch and the diff fluid. Beyond 600 or 650, you want to look into an upgraded transmission as well. The diff should be fine as long as you're not drag racing the car.
@MRchapterfour08 I got the car new when I was 18, and plan on keeping it forever. It made sense that, since I was never going to sell it, I would try to build the best drivers car I could, while still retaining some level of practicality and 100% of the reliability. I succeeded.
Just picked up a 2004 Z06 recently and stumbled across this video. I can't believe that ten years ago you could get a low mileage C5 for $15k! They are more than that now and probably won't go down for ones in good shape. Hope you still have it like you promised!
it depends on one major thing: the roof. Do you like driving with the top off, like I do, or not? If you like the removable roof, you can get more power out of the regular C5 plus that price difference in modifications. But if you're planning on leaving them mostly stock, the Z06 is faster.
Great video SmokingTire, and nice objective comparisons. Love your videos, Matt, and have always wanted to see your corvette which you mention so often. I didn't realize you guys already made a video of it!
@Idoloish That's not true. A fully-loaded Grand Sport will just about nudge the base price of the Z06. Base-for-base, the Grand sport is about $12k cheaper than the Z06.
@bbyevoviii If you think Corvettes aren't built to handle, you're the one missing a lot. Corvettes handle very well from the factory, but mine was old and I wanted to improve on it, which is why I did the full coilover suspension and big swaybars with the chassis stiffening half-cage. I can now sustain over 1g lateral acceleration in my car, which is on par with modern supercars. It corners flat and fast, and is very predictable on corner entry as well as exit.
@bsl3216 I've owned my Corvette for 13 years. Bought it brand spanking new from the dealership in 1998. Other than a dead battery in 2004, the result of the car sitting for too long, not a single thing on my Corvette has ever broken. Not a window switch, nor a drivetrain component, nothing.
@69mrbrightside691 did he lower it on the stock leaf springs or install a coilover suspension? If he lowered it on the stock springs, that would have a lot to do with it. That makes it look better, but perform much, much worse.
Matt, your Corvette really is totally awesome!! Watching this makes me want to tear up Stunt Road right now lol. Thanks for all of your videos and for being awesome!
@MOPARfulSRT4 If you need the back seat, go with the Terminator, but if you can do without it, the front seats are roomier in the Corvette, especially for tall people.
@1999sebring some people like pop-ups, and some people don't. There is a reason that the C5.R racing car didn't use them though: terrible aerodynamics at night. The pop-ups cause massive front end lift at high speed, drastically affecting the car's stability at night. They are also not very bright. My headlights, pulled right off the racing car, don't have that problem. They also use HID bulbs, which are far brighter than the stock headlights.
@EatmyDust1311 Thaddeus, our assistant, was doing some driving that day. It's important to let your helpers drive the cars. I've re-done as far as the heads, and the clutch. The bottom end is 100% stock.
@MFraze14 I wouldn't do it. The Z06 has a fixed roof in order to keep the chassis rigid with that much torque. I'm sure you could find a body shop to do it for you, but I would probably advise against it.
2:40 my favorite view of the c6 😍😍 I saw this video years ago! Almost when it first came out. I don't know why but I've always had a thing for the corvette c6 grandsport! Especially when its in torch red or velocity yellow 😍 I know the z06 and zr1 is far better but there is just something about that grandsport!! 😍😍 This is coming from a c7 z06 owner!
Good comparison and a lot of great info. I love seeing you open those American heros up on a windy road. From an Aussie who use to live in the L.A area, it's great to sit back and check out the scenery again and dream about owning on e of those beauties. You guys wouldn't believe what we have to pay for them here. Thanks for the vid!
@buttnut1080 definitely doesn't handle as well as mine does, and it's not as fast in a straight line either. But it does have newer electronics, navigation, satellite radio, and a full warranty. so it could go either way.
I always thought the aftermarket c5 headlights looked odd. The pop-up was iconic to corvettes, and lets be real...do they REALLY slow the car down THAT much? Who the hell does night racing anyway? Otherwise his c5 is awesome!
98 is good until you EBCM goes out and your ABS and Active handling don't work any more. Try to find an EBCM for 97-00 cars. CAN'T. And they are non-repairable. Get an 01-04.
Literally almost everyone that has one and races, does night racing.
sgfreak96 it’s mainly for weight they save somewhere around 50lbs ish
Toys4Life C5 you can get them repaired. There are several companies that do to so not that big of a deal. Of course I’d rather that not be an issue tho
The headlights are too low down on the hood for fixed lights that project out from the body. In order for it to look right the top of the headlight housing should be on the same plane as the highest point of the fender arch or be recessed further into the body.
"I will never ever sell it." - the guy who sold it last year
Gotta admit he did keep it for a while though.
He's a Jew
KpopNiDontStop he kept it since he 1998
Sometimes you just gotta move on
Bone head
HOw mucH?
I just purchased my 1st corvette today.... 2011 torch red Grand Sport Corvette
Thanks Matt for this video.
How much did you pay for it?
2011 C6 GS sells for 25000 6 Speed Texas low low miles
Those headlights kill the cars vibe, screw the aerodynamics
agree, lift up lights are more sexy
totally agree. I love flip up lights. They are important though, my buddy had his hood lift on a run and it could have been a much worse day than it was.
Plus, they disturb airflow during the day when you do 98% of your performance driving, just to better the aerodynamics at night for 2%. No way.
Those headlights are badass
The headlights and go to make me slow down at night if I'm not driving and when they put a shorty antenna on the same weight is stupid I leave my electric antenna on I did put 19in wheels all the way around
"Best wheel money can buy" *gets new wheels because these kept cracking*
Unfortunately they kept cracking bc of the large wheel lip. Reduced the strength overall i think
"I'll never ever sell it ever."
Recently sold his Corvette.
life and people change, I have, It's called growing up.
Matt now drives a Focus
@@bobhope4288 little baby betas change i've been a dominate alpha since i jumped out of the womb and haven't changed since
“Side burn” Matt, shit this was ages ago. Thanks for keeping up the good work Matt. And Zack.
sorry, but the headlights are ugly and not aerodynamic.
C5's will always be the best Vettes in my book. I wouldn't trade my 5 for any 6. Or 7!
krocialblack agreed. Not even for the C8 which lost manual option.
Idk man. C6 to me is literally just a better c5. C6 was the peak of corvette imo
C5s are booty
The only thing I disliked about this video, and I'm a 2002 Z06 owner, is that you say you fixed the "horrible" aerodynamics of the c5 with those fixed lights. Yes, at night there is SOME loss of aerodynamics with the flip up lights, but it's minimal for a car of that design. honestly it's iconic that for 51 years the corvette had flip up lights. It's a part of our heritage. I'm all for evolution, but honestly if you are the right driver and have a few right mods, the aerodynamics are not going to be that much of an issue on the c5.
Your car sounds sweet. I have the 2001 coupe and it's so nice just the way it is I don't want to do anything to it except maintain it perfectly.
Car sounds sweet? No offense man, but he just said that he had one, didn't say there was anything particularly special about it.
aiGeis May be you misunderstand where I'm coming from, As a corvette owner I think there is something special about owning and enjoying a 2002 zo6.
Replacing the stock seat belts and seats with sparco seats and harnesses got me a second a lap on the track, because I no longer had to "hang on" to the wheel in corners due to poor lateral bolstering on the stock seats. When they hold you in tighter, and you just have to use your hands to steer, not hang on, you go faster.
I'd say this video has aged pretty well. I was watching a video about the c7 before. I still think the c5 is a good place to modify from.
@DJEddieXZ I didn't take out the airbags for more speed. I took out the drivers airbag only because the stock steering wheel is terrible, and I wanted a good steering wheel. With a cage and harnesses, airbags become a moot point anyway.
"And I will never ever sell it ever " damn Matt
The Jew sold this car
@gdevilpt I didn't just decide "lets take out the airbags." The stock steering wheel is terrible. You can't get a good aftermarket wheel that uses the airbags, and I wanted a better, smaller, 3-spoke wheel. Once I installed the cage and harnesses, a drivers side airbag is nearly useless anyway because your head can't physically hit the wheel. I left the passenger airbag in though.
Having the 2012 GS, I find the Magnetic Ride Control on Sport-mode fixes that mushy ride. Pulling the fuse (or adding a switch) keeps the NPP open all the time for more growl. (I added a switch so to not terrorize the neighbors). Nice review.
who makes the switch for the NNP?
G RUCE I would also like to know
@SagaraSouske not a problem. the car is legally registered in South Carolina.
The grand sport still has transverseleafsprings
Lol I was looking for someone to mention this, what a dumbass
Great review! been waiting for some more footage of your vette. respect!
Sounds like Matt is just fluffing his Vette
@DJEddieXZ yes, the smaller wheel makes the steering feel more precise, and you don't have to turn your hands as far to make the car do what you want.
10:53 "& I'll never ever sell it...ever" Then sells it in 2016.
@nathanp2007 I was just an off-the-cuff example. In the future, I'm sure I'll end up with a low-boost blower or low-PSI TT kit, just because I know myself and I"ll want more power eventually. Right now though, it's set up pretty nice and I intend to keep it just like that for a while.
Let me start by saying I like the video. I do not get how the headlights improve aerodynamics unless your racing at night.
Think about popup headlights, they cause drag. It isn't much but he has a valid point.
@jjpg2000 I'm actually correcting myself here. The 2011 Grand Sport we tested has the magnetic suspension, not leaf springs.
C5 looks like an NSX in the front lol
Hah, I thought late model Mitsubishi GTO, but I see the NSX now too!
@StuRaz Correcting myself on this one: I just found the window sticker for our test car and it had the magnetic ride control that's new for 2011. That's why there weren't any leaf springs.
those wheels are still ugly... 6:16
@maxmk8 Nope, sorry, I haven't had any of those problems. I changed the rims to fit the larger brakes. I switched out the headlights while they were still working, and I've never had any of those other problems.
those headlights kill me, and the wheels aren't all that nice.
(some angles from the front it looks like a NSX with those lights)
Can't stand the head lights
+Stanton Getridge Those headlights are function over form, I agree they're ugly. But those wheels are really nice, what are you talking about?
Bender Rodriquez I know what the lights are for, it's pretty obvious.
As far as the wheels, we all have different opinions on what looks good so I shouldn't comment on his taste
Stan G Hre forged wheels would have been better! And i would have kept the pop up headlights tbh.
@silverdragon9388 No, I was looking at the window sticker of our test vehicle, which was $69,495.
Matt, i know you reviewed that Trans Am, but man it would be awesome for you to get an LS1 Trans Am to review. Hope someone lets you soon!!!
@426rwhpC5 I use Pfadt's coilover system and swaybars.
Sorry, Matt ... your mod vette doesn't sound nearly as good as the newer Grand Sport
@PijnigeR yes, I have the full Pfadt coilover suspension, including the swaybars.
never really realized how sexy matt's C5 is
c5's aren't that good looking on camera but they look alot better in real life. its weird but i guess the main difference is you really see how sleek it is. if that makes any sense
Khalif Jones It does I have a c5 and it looks great on camera only at certain angle but in person I can appreciate a lot more!!!!!
c6 still looks better and u can also upgrade it and make it even better than matt`s c5
@lfsracer79 The Corvette comes with a factory staggered stance. My car came with 17's and 18's. A new Corvette like the Grand Sport comes with 19's and 20's. So when I got new wheels for my car, I went with the modern size. Plus, it's not about the diameter of the rear discs as much as it is about the width of the caliper. My wheels, big as they are, only clear the rear brake caliper by about 1.5 mm
Did this dude just say a c5 corvette with low miles cost $15k in 2010? Lmao it's 10 years later now and it's actually at those prices now but not in 2010.
@champ1193 the car is legally registered and insured in South Carolina.
My only gripe about Matt's car is the noise, which is purely my opinion, but it's to damn loud. A Magnaflow cat back would be plenty for me (again just my opinion). Aside from that I love the Matt.
@peepod2727 yes, I had a Corvette specialist do all the work on my car, B &A Motorsports in Mamaroneck, NY.
I must have bad taste. I think his headlights look cool, but I seem to be in the minority!
joecugo 😂
@moonrider99 the car is legally registered and insured in South Carolina.
This is totally biased. You want a real review have someone else drive your car.
thank you cause you are so right
Hey Matt! I just met you today actually at Super Car Sunday. You are awesome my friend, really enjoyed meeting you, especially because I'm a big fan. I did get a chance to see your Vette and man, was I impressed. Looks even better in person, love some of the suspension work you have done (Anti-roll bars, etc). All in all it was an awesome experience and hope to see you more at cool car events such as today's. Thank you.
Go back to the stock headlights those things are dumb
try racing at night with those headlights up....it's fucks up the drag co-efficient more than you think, just because everything else is so streamlined. they're like parachutes, the front of the car gets light and you can barely steer. They do look ricey, but if you want to drive fast at night they're really your best choice. perhaps they could pop out a little less
Well considering the fact that the Corvette was designed for that, it wouldn't have much effect at all. And I also have one so, no problems here.
You know you don't lose very much gas mileage with those lights on at night I probably get one mile an hour less at a hundred miles an hour with my lights on at night just saves me tickets
@@DanielRicany k
I need somebody to fix my car little things I had a stroke 7 years ago I need C6 rotors put on my frog lights wired to the key my car lowered an inch
@jimman1209 It's more important to ask WHY I have large wheels on my Corvette. I will only change the wheels if it improves the performance of my vehicle, not detracts from it like most normal big rims. When I upgraded my brakes to the much larger Stoptech units, the stock wheels wouldn't fit over the 6-piston calipers. So i found someone to make me a custom set that won't only fit the calipers, they would be lighter than stock with a bigger footprint for more grip. Lighter + More grip = win.
Soundwise - That C6 is absolutely music to my ears when he punches the throttle. C5 a little annoying for me unfortunately. Still a beautiful car though. Except for the headlights. Everyone hates the headlights. lol
@Orlando14407 1) my car rides better than stock. and 2) you didn't pay attention. The point was to see if the modifications I've made to my car align with the upgrades that GM has made to the Corvette over the last 10 years. Many of them do, including the lights, bigger brakes, improved suspension, increased horsepower with better sound, and larger wheels and tires.
The worst aftermarket add on by far are those goofy ass front fender white stripes.
Those are stock w grand sports
@VMIRB That was the entire point of the episode, to find out how my upgrades have aligned with GM's.
Poor aero dynamics wtf if anything you made its worse
Lance Wink He means at night when the lights are up, us C5 guys call them night time speed brakes...lol!
Id dint know you ment at night
.29 Is still great today
This is classic, so glad I found this gem. -Guy who was researching C5 vs. C6 GS
New Vette is better hands down.
@rtardbox I'm not from LA. I'm from New York, and I moved here a year ago. And I worked at Foot Locker, selling shoes, from when I was 13 until I was 19. My parents were pretty well off, but that doesn't make me spoiled. They didn't buy me my car. I earned that car fair and square.
those headlights are ugly man I understand but you can do better
@JortvV With the roof stored in the trunk, you still have more available storage space than a Lamborghini Gallardo or Ferrari F430. With the roof installed on the car (or left at home entirely), you can fit 4 sets of golf clubs no problem. I've gone on weekend trips in the car with the roof stored back there.
c6 still looks better and u can also upgrade it and make it even better than matt`s c5
It does not look better than a c5
@dhs012 the company is called ProFormance industries out of New Rochelle, NY
Headlights and wheels are horrible.
@YankiEBubbAAussiE They are both in production at the same time, not just different years. The Z06 has a 7.0L normally aspirated V8 making 500 horsepower. The ZR1 is a 6.2L Supercharged V8 making 640 horsepower. There are some other differences in suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics as well, and the ZR1 costs about $25,000 more than the Z06.
Headlights are discusting and hids are not cool looking
Matt's "Spot On" regarding the C5. Being a lover of NO payment's, this is my 3rd C5, and its great fun(-roof), very reliable and inexpensive to own/operate! I'm not sold on the p/u head light issue vs improved aerodynamics?? Additionally, the car is very SAFE! I hit a tree doing 130mph. The car was destroyed, but I lived. I replaced it 2yrs later with my 3rd C5.
Man what happened at 130mph causing you to lose control and hit a tree?
Small world, I was driving my 2002 zo6 on a rainy night and hit a tree then slid into
a pasture it was one hell of a wreck but I didn't get hurt.
Honestly it looks a little ricery.
@TheSmokingTire
I like your show, I normally think American car shows are crap, but your show is quite good. I have watched a few now and have been impressed. Keep up the good work.
Pete from England
your corvette sucks lol
@TheItalianPerson modern corvette clutches have a moderate throw effort and very good feel. same goes for the Cadillac CTS-V.
10:35 that overrun gave me goosebumps. Awesome corvette Matt
@ArmedZagi the stock clutch, transmission, and rear end will handle about 500 hp no problem. Any more than that, you definitely want to do the clutch and the diff fluid. Beyond 600 or 650, you want to look into an upgraded transmission as well. The diff should be fine as long as you're not drag racing the car.
@MRchapterfour08 I got the car new when I was 18, and plan on keeping it forever. It made sense that, since I was never going to sell it, I would try to build the best drivers car I could, while still retaining some level of practicality and 100% of the reliability. I succeeded.
Just picked up a 2004 Z06 recently and stumbled across this video. I can't believe that ten years ago you could get a low mileage C5 for $15k! They are more than that now and probably won't go down for ones in good shape. Hope you still have it like you promised!
@AlexanderBlueAvenue a low mileage, well cared for C5 is totally reliable as a daily driver.
it depends on one major thing: the roof. Do you like driving with the top off, like I do, or not? If you like the removable roof, you can get more power out of the regular C5 plus that price difference in modifications. But if you're planning on leaving them mostly stock, the Z06 is faster.
@awdrifter3 they cause major front end lift at high speed. and they aren't very bright.
Great video SmokingTire, and nice objective comparisons. Love your videos, Matt, and have always wanted to see your corvette which you mention so often. I didn't realize you guys already made a video of it!
@Idoloish That's not true. A fully-loaded Grand Sport will just about nudge the base price of the Z06. Base-for-base, the Grand sport is about $12k cheaper than the Z06.
@bbyevoviii If you think Corvettes aren't built to handle, you're the one missing a lot. Corvettes handle very well from the factory, but mine was old and I wanted to improve on it, which is why I did the full coilover suspension and big swaybars with the chassis stiffening half-cage. I can now sustain over 1g lateral acceleration in my car, which is on par with modern supercars. It corners flat and fast, and is very predictable on corner entry as well as exit.
@bsl3216 I've owned my Corvette for 13 years. Bought it brand spanking new from the dealership in 1998. Other than a dead battery in 2004, the result of the car sitting for too long, not a single thing on my Corvette has ever broken. Not a window switch, nor a drivetrain component, nothing.
@SSC3034 My car will be at SEMA this year in the Optima Batteries Corral
@TheSmokingTire It's impressive how these simple modifications can get this machine from a stock 290-310 rwhp to the current 420rwhp.
@69mrbrightside691 did he lower it on the stock leaf springs or install a coilover suspension? If he lowered it on the stock springs, that would have a lot to do with it. That makes it look better, but perform much, much worse.
It's kooks headers, a trick flow X pipe and GHL race exhaust
Matt, your Corvette really is totally awesome!! Watching this makes me want to tear up Stunt Road right now lol. Thanks for all of your videos and for being awesome!
@dhs012 I put about $30k into it on top of the $49k purchase price of the car (in 1998 dollars)
@MOPARfulSRT4 If you need the back seat, go with the Terminator, but if you can do without it, the front seats are roomier in the Corvette, especially for tall people.
@1999sebring some people like pop-ups, and some people don't. There is a reason that the C5.R racing car didn't use them though: terrible aerodynamics at night. The pop-ups cause massive front end lift at high speed, drastically affecting the car's stability at night. They are also not very bright. My headlights, pulled right off the racing car, don't have that problem. They also use HID bulbs, which are far brighter than the stock headlights.
@EatmyDust1311 Thaddeus, our assistant, was doing some driving that day. It's important to let your helpers drive the cars. I've re-done as far as the heads, and the clutch. The bottom end is 100% stock.
@MFraze14 I wouldn't do it. The Z06 has a fixed roof in order to keep the chassis rigid with that much torque. I'm sure you could find a body shop to do it for you, but I would probably advise against it.
@SagaraSouske it would cost much more to do a roof conversion on a Z06 than it would cost to beef up a base car's engine.
@bobbywestwood they are called driving shoes.
@herpnut It's a Sparco, I can't remember which model specifically.
2:40 my favorite view of the c6 😍😍 I saw this video years ago! Almost when it first came out. I don't know why but I've always had a thing for the corvette c6 grandsport! Especially when its in torch red or velocity yellow 😍 I know the z06 and zr1 is far better but there is just something about that grandsport!! 😍😍 This is coming from a c7 z06 owner!
Good comparison and a lot of great info. I love seeing you open those American heros up on a windy road. From an Aussie who use to live in the L.A area, it's great to sit back and check out the scenery again and dream about owning on e of those beauties. You guys wouldn't believe what we have to pay for them here. Thanks for the vid!
@TheSmokingTire It has both, the magnetic damper is connected to the leaf rather than conventional dampers that have been used before it.
Matt it would make my life to meet you. It's my birthday and luckily, I see smoking tire. Great subconscious birthday gift !
Matt Farah has acheived the absolute bar at which the automobile journalist should be defined. Love your old school shit I hope others do too.
@adamkawwaff Sure, you could do that. Plenty of options for the C6 as well.
@buttnut1080 definitely doesn't handle as well as mine does, and it's not as fast in a straight line either. But it does have newer electronics, navigation, satellite radio, and a full warranty. so it could go either way.
@ChampGts2000 my SVT Raptor 6.2L, or whatever press car we've got that week.
Really enjoyed the video! I own a c7 myself but I LOVE all corvettes! Just subscribed. The twisties is my real passion.
I love my C5, bought mine my 04 with 15k miles and in one year have put another 11k miles and countless smiles on my face.