I was considering getting one, but after riding in my friends 1998 Trans Am (LS1) I recognized the similarities and was afraid I would hate the interior , and I am not an interior snob. The shifter is giant, the throws are not sporty and the rest of the parts are shared across the entire chevy line. In the end I knew I would miss having a convertible roof, and that even with the awesome increase in power I wouldn't be happy.

 

I sold my S over a year ago and miss it greatly. I was behind an 08/09 in my e39 M5 and couldn't shake the feeling I was missing out. I rented and flogged a C6 Z06 and loved it - could definitely see myself owning one - but still lust after an S. Amazing how great of a car it is!

 

The C5 Z06 is a very popular track car, at least here in TX. W/ a few cooling mods, it seems to be the best late model Vette for holding up to the rigors of track use, and is relatively affordable (vs. C6's). Hard to beat the bang for the buck, although I'm not sure I'd want to live w/ one for street use. I've considered one as a (primarily) track car, but the consumables bill would be a lot higher than for my S2000.

 

Not sure why you left out the 01 and 04. For the 01 im going to guess it is a HP thing, but that is easily fixed with the money you saved form getting a 2002+. Also if you plan to modify I wouldnt even bother with a z06 unless you like the body style more then the coupe/vert.

 

What specifically are you referring to by saying not to get a z06 if you want to modify?

 

Yep I tried a C6Z and really wanted to like it but it felt like a huge car. The GT-R is probably about the same size but feels smaller from the drivers seat. If you like the s2k you'll really like the Cayman S.

 

update: i checked with my insurance, my bill will go from $650/6mo to $900/6mo so thats not a problem. I will be using it as a DD which im not afraid of because everyone said you cant DD an s2k and its actually the easiest thing ever... Im very sold on the reliability. and as far as leaving out '04 c5z06, mostly cuz the price bump but id happily take one! the '01 id consider if i got a great deal. I dont plan on modding right off the bat and i dont have a second car so it cant be in the shop for a week at a time.

 

I personally would keep the S over a cayman... i hear they drive like a dream but so does the S at a fraction of the price! only reason im looking z06 is to live some of that ls-3 power! i may hate it, i dunno, gotta try it, the price is so good.

 

LS6

C5 Corvette- LS1 5.7L
C5 Z06 - LS6 5.7L
2005-2007 Corvette -LS2 6.0L
2008+ Corvette- LS3 6.2L
2006 + Z06 - LS7 7.0L

 

I could not get used to the shifter or the driver's view. I drove a near new millenium yellow 2000 model (big deal back then) for a couple weeks as a DD. Not only do you have a poor view, but when you are actually driving the car hard it can get worse. When I'd get on the gas the rear would squat noticeably (be it the power, the suspension, or a combination), making almost the entire view of the road a bright yellow hood. I'd instrictively try to sit up while on the gas to see better and physics is working hard against you. Maybe the stiffer suspension on the z06 makes it less prone to doing that although the extra power may negate that.