2003 Mustang Cobra vs S2000

Motor Trend is the home of wild speculation and little more. I subscribe to Automobile for a reason, it's thoroughly biased performance literature that reports only the most substantial of ruumors, and all of the important facts. (they know you don't care if the Corolla comes in a new color, you want to know if the TVR Tambora is as hardcore as the Griffith that preceded it)

Not to mention Motor Trend's Viper worship pisses me off. The snake was eclipsed by the prancing horse, and they wouldn't acknowledge it. Instead, they tried to say things like, "the 550 Maranello is less impressive when you look at the fact the the Viper nearly equals it with more base technology and at a lower price."

God, what imbeciles.

Originally posted by Polygon
All I know is that Chrysler brought back the RWD platform for a reason and it wasn’t for toting the kids to soccer.

That has been long overdue.

Actually, that really is the reason they brought it back. Daimler Chrysler wants to expand more RWD cars in North America... Hey Polygon, did you hear about the new AMG management at Mopar? They just don't know when to leave well enough alone!

Not to mention Motor Trend's Viper worship pisses me off.

Bullshit I have an article right here where they compare the new one to the Z06. All they do is whine and complain because its too hot in there and the radio doesn't get absolutely perfect frequency, and how its still a rough ride. Boohoo anyways Motor Trend has some of the lamest articles anyways. In that same magazine they compare the new Cobra, an M3, and some italian car, they don't even bother getting into performance they just whine about how much the Cobra looks cheap.

That's a very clean looking GTA, is it as clean on the inside as out?

*feels proud for starting this thread*

its a nice bird indeed!

Cobra looks cheap

Honda power!!!!!

hehe just messing, cobra is phat and fast, s2000 is very nice looking and has fair amount of pick up for being a honda.

since i dont care about racing nemore and i like good gas mileage and the fact that it is a conv. and still goes that quick i would have togo with the s2000 :)

anybody have anything to say? huh huh? thats what i though biotch

lol

Originally posted by TerminalVelocity
*feels proud for starting this thread*


Even good things happen by accident :D ;)

having said i like the S2000............ i kinda think saying this is stupid but

aren't convertables a bit girly ?

i dunno....chics dig em tho :D

Hey Monkey! The Miata made them that way! The roadster used to be a symbol of manly style. Hardcore sports car enthusiasts used to say they'd never be caught dead in a car with a functional roof. That was when we had cars like the MG TC (Layla's grandfather), Triumph TR-3's (leather flaps for doors!), AC Ace's, Daimler Darts, Jaguar XK-120's, Austin-Healeys, and other such greats. In fact, the great laments of the time were that you couldn't get a roadster version of the Lotus Elite or Datsun 240Z.

Unfortunately, now a small red roadster is seen as "cute" and has to serve a useful purpose, as well as keep out the elements and be warm in the winter, and you can't have wind in the cockpit or else it'll mess up your hair and ARGH!!!!!:flipa:

magazine already has tested the 03 Cobra with the 'minor mods'-----like 7lb pulley + headers, x-pipe, exhaust + chip------and have shown on a dyno over 500lbs of torque and over 500hp-----so I really don't know how you guys can post foolishness---when the tests have been done. We're talking about a 15psi capable roots blower. The guy with the previous Cobra post----wasn't talking trash----but the guys who dispute the claims----SURE HAVE!:eek:

Thats pretty damn good-----for a car under $40k------and those are pretty inexpensive mods------when you consider the output. A little suspension work-----and the precious Z06----will be pushed to the limit----no matter how much more that Cobra weighs-------especially since that massive torque is available at 3500rpm----and with the minor mods-----thats over 500rwtq available----that kind of low end power----does offset the extra weight considerably.

Originally posted by Octagon
The Miata made them that way! The roadster used to be a symbol of manly style. Hardcore sports car enthusiasts used to say they'd never be caught dead in a car with a functional roof.
I didn't think of it that way, but you're on to something. The OG cloth tops required a rugged individual to drive them... as they didn't seal out much of the elements and required constant tuning. The ladies weren't too fond of that. Now things have changed, and the roadsters have easy-to-operate tops, hands-off engines and lighted vanity mirrors (I know I'll get it for that last statement :D )

I am out in Los Angeles where the Ricer Revolution began. Had plenty of opportunities to line up with S2000s. Nice cars, those Hondas. They are always sprinting in and out of traffic. Reminds me of when I was 16 and sprinting in and out of traffic in my 1991 MR-2 Turbo.

I was surprised no '03s showed up to take part in this thread. Current mods include:

MagnaFlow Cat-Back
DiabloSport DiabloChip
Amazon Racing Stage 1 Air Filter
MagnaFlow Tru-X w/ High-Flow Cats

I am putting down a multiple-dynoed average of 420 RWHP SAE and 428 RWTQ SAE to the wheels. The only reason I have not been to the strip is because I need driveshaft safety loops. HPMs in next month.

Even with the poor track conditions at LACR, I expect sea-level corrected mid-12s.

Full exhaust (LT headers, x or h-pipe and cat-back) and intake (cold air, throttle body) work will net you 460-475 RWHP SAE and depending on piping (2.5" vs. 3"), 460-475 RWTQ SAE.

The addition of a 2.80" upper pulley, 4 lb. lower pulley and performance chip should net you close to 500/500. NGK/DENSOs and a fuel pressure regulator can only help.

My vote? S2000 in LA traffic. S2000 to capture the attention of the cutie in the next lane. Cobra overall. The clunky T-56 makes me feel like a NASCAR driver.

I know what you mean about the T-56, lol. Be sure and post when you get times for that bad boy. Should be really awesome when you slap a couple more of the things you don't have yet onto it:) ...

switch the shifter to the 5.0 shifter-----will defintely make it easier to move around that 6 speed.

You don't need to rev the hell out of s2000. Drive one. if you can't, look at a dyno graph.... FLAT torque from low revs. They are very easy to launch and drive around town or down the drag strip. Few big lumps of american iron get a flat torque curve without really low peak figures or lack of overall 'grunt'. Remember VTEC gives a cam profile for both low and high revs.
S2000 makes 110 Nm per litre, a good OHV like a LS6 makes around 85Nm per litre, ford quad cams are doing well now though.
So it's is the undisputed king of NA 2 litre cars .... but its still only 2 litres... anything bigger is going to be faster, easier. Its unfair to compare it to cars with engines twice the size. Although many are not that far ahead of the s2000. Anyway if you scaled up a S2000 engine to 5.0 or 5.7 litres it'd make like 700hp and over 450-500lb ft torque, thats how much more efficient the engine is.
Then again the cost of insurance, fuel and servicing... 5 litre mustang.... 2 litre honda.... do i need to comment?

Theres no replacement for displacement but there is something better.... boost... I have a 660 ft lbs ... any questions?

Originally posted by Self
I'm just trying to figure out how it can have an estimated time of 12.2 with 360 hp and a curb weight of 3600+ lbs...I mean the Corvette Z06 with 405hp is hard to drive to anything better than a 12.4. I mean there's more to a quick time than weight and hp, so I know it's possible, I'm just wondering...

Figures i've seen are around 1440kg or about 3000 lbs, maybe a shade more a shade less. Depends on who you ask.

How about traction? 4WD cars on street rubber hook up like their on slicks

I agree with street racer...I feel like I'm covered in a thick shroud of dirt after voting for a post 70's FORD.:bandit:

NO ONE SHOULD FEEL DIRTY FOR VOTING FOR A FORD.THE O3 COBRA IS A NICE CAR AND IS REALLY FAST.THE HONDA IS A NICE CAR BUT FOR WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT ITS NOT A RACE FOR THE MUSTANG.MY CAR TIPS THE SCALES AT 3665LBS. SO ITS NOT LIGHT.IT CAN RUN LOW 12S WITH THE PRO-50 SHIFTER THAT I HAVE AND NOTHING ELSE.IT WILL PULL .91GS IN THE SKIDPAD SO ITS NOT A BAD HANDLING CAR.I AM A FAN OF THE IMPORTS BUT HAVE NOT FOUND ONE THAT FOR THE MONEY IS WORTH BUYING OVER THE COBRA.HEY VENOMGTR HOW MUCH DID YOUR CAR COST?MY CAR DYNOD AT 381HP TO THE WHEELS SO ITS REALLY MAKING 440HP AT THE FLYWHEEL.NOT BAD FOR $34000

That is why I voted for it. I really have never been a fan of the new Fords. They are gaining respecr in my eye for throwing more power into their machinery as of late.

I respect Ford for the fact that they've finally pulled their collective heads out of their collective asses and decided to develop thoroughly modern small cars and performance machines.

HOWEVER! At the moment, only the PAG (Premier Auto Group) has any good ideas in its styling department (Ian McCallum is a genius) and that division is losing money like crazy (Jaguar alone reported a 500+ MILLION dollar loss this year) because of poor marketing and bad product decisions (Jaguar X-type, Lincoln Aviator, purchasing Land Rover, the Jaguar F1 team, canceling the lovely F-Type). In general, Ford is still in trouble.

Their recovery plan isn't too pretty either. Right now, they've teamed up with GM to develop a modern six-speed automatic tranny for front drive sedans.

GM and Ford are both dying atm, Crystler is still sinking, pulling themselves up some with redesigned trucks and compacts, but overall it looks like the imports are winning here. In my debate though, the cobra still wins hands down. Only thing it lacks is styling, naimly the interior *exactly the same as normal stangs* and how the slight body changes arnt cutting it for me. If I got one, I would make it look like a cobra R

thats the mistake ford is about to make. The new Cobra design----is just breath taking----hands down better looking than an 03 Viper-----people think the new Viper looks so great----but its because they are blinded by the horsepower. The new Viper---is a design 'bust'. They need to go back to the 92-94 styling. The Viper is turning into a styling car from the way far future. Its definetely not sexy at all----more importantly---its turning into a car that looks like it has an aftermarket, obnoxious styling kit. the styling on that car needs to return to the 92-94 roots. Car may have power and handling----but definetely, not the taste to match.:confused:

Originally posted by Self
I'm just trying to figure out how it can have an estimated time of 12.2 with 360 hp and a curb weight of 3600+ lbs...I mean the Corvette Z06 with 405hp is hard to drive to anything better than a 12.4. I mean there's more to a quick time than weight and hp, so I know it's possible, I'm just wondering...

There are plenty of guys running very low 12s in their Z06s on www.corvetteforum.com On average, I'd say new drivers run mid-12s, and anyone with any experience runs 12.1-12.3. You have to remember, most magazines test the cars with full tanks, factory spec air in the tires, and no powershifting. A guy on the forum (I can't remember his username) has ripped off quite a few 11.9X sec passes in his bone stock '02. You also have to remember the car tops out at over 170mph, as well as handles and brakes better than many supercars.

There really is no comparison to the Cobra (though it is a great bang for the buck car.)

The S2000 is like a grown-up Miata...fun to drive and not a bad weekender, but it doesn't have the brute force the Cobra does and it looks like a girl's car (IMHO). I still wouldn't mind having either:)

the curb weight on the standard vette is about 3250lbs & the Z06 is about 3156lbs. Defintely not 3,600lbs as has been stated. The Z06 times are prettyoff da hook. I'm sure an experienced shifter can rip off just under 12s. Some of you guys don't take into account that a car's suspension as well as traction---in particluar effectiveness of its differential---have a tremendous effect on what times a car can post as well as its handling ability. The Z06 is easily capable of impressive times with its overall package. With a gear swap----the Z06 easily gets under the 12s

Yeah, Ford always puts gears that are waaay too tall on their RWD cars... swap em out for 4.10s and you'll see much better times :D

Same with the Z06, it's geared for 180+mph! Compare that to a Skyline, then match the gear ratios and see where you get.

Boost is not a replacement for displacement, and it's not better. There's absolutely no reason why you can't have both, and you'll get a lot more power supercharging a 6 liter V8 than you would supercharging a 2.6 liter inline 6.

Originally posted by DeViL

Best keep dreaming Dodge doesn't exactly seem interested in making the Charger again. Yeah there was a concept but that didn't go too far. I have a feeling they are going to make something though with that new Hemi.

Yeah, they brought back the RWD platform again for a reason. All the sedans will have an option for that beast later next year. I think there will be a revival of one of the three big ones Charger, Challenger, Cuda. I can't wait to see what they pull out.

I can't wait to see the production GTOs. Those were one hell of a car. I wonder if they will bring back the Judge?

Umm, Polygon? Why would they bring back the nameplate for a Plymouth variant of a Dodge product if they were bringing back said Dodge product? The 'Cuda and the Challenger were the same car underneath. Now, if the line-up went Demon, Challenger, Charger, then it would be correct.

Although I like the idea of it going SRT-4 Neon, Razor, Challenger, Charger.

you guys are forgetting that the 03 Cobra is Supercharged V-8, and the 03 S2000 is NA 4cyl. So the cars aren't compareable.

I think that the argument that the cars aren't comparable wore out a LOOOOOONG time ago. S2000's are great cars. Mustangs are *sic* great cars. Both are fast. Neither is fast in the same way. Drag racing an S2000 is silly. Autocrossing a Mustang Cobra, perhaps less silly. Either way, we're pretty aware of your statement.

At least we were about four pages ago.

By the way, welcome to AF. :angel:

For whatever it's worth, my following view is myopic because I own an S2000 and I don't drag it and never will drag it. Accordingly, I agree that "Drag racing an S2000 is silly.", as stated above.

On the other hand, I do track my car on road race courses and do so as much as two weekends per month in season. I run it on power courses like Road America and technical courses like Gingerman, Grattan and Waterford Hills among others.

If I'm lined up on the grid for the start of a session and there is a Cobra, even modifed, I'm not at all nervous. If there's a Z06, I'm damn nervous because a fairly good driver can beat my S even on a technical course. If there's a ZR1, I'm a lot less nervous than the Z06 evokes but still nervous. If there's a Viper, I only speculate on what turn it's going to leave the course because I have not yet seen anyone that can drive it well. That doesn't mean that it can't be driven well. It's just that I have yet to see it driven well.

There are a lot of other cars that make me nervous like suspension-modified M3, Elise, Exige and most 9xx Porsche, but I've stuck to US brands to be consistent with the majority of comments in this thread.


Like I said, for whatever it's worth.................

Yeah I'm sure you could do that with your 95Z. BUt there is still a diff between the two...Not to mention the weight difference between the two cars in roughly 500 pounds more on the Cobra. The Engine is totally different. MOst CHEVY guys forget to realize that the engine is 71 Ci. smaller than your godly ls6, ls1, or lt1. God Forbid Ford put the 5.4 Supercharged thats in the lightning in a CObra. Of course Chevrolet should be used to smaller engines kicking there azz. Remember the Fox Body 5.0 litre. To be fair put a Fox body 5.0 litre up against a 80's model Rs Camaro. Same size engine and yet the same result. the Mustang stomps it. HEll put the Mustang Fox up against a Iroc-z or even and lt1 or ls1. Ask the Fox body owners, they are the least bit worried about Camaro's and Firebirds. THey love to play with the vettes.....!!!!!

I dont like 2 seaters, too cramped, mustang all the way.

dont like 2 seaters, too cramped, mustang all the way.

I dunno Corvettes are pretty comfortable for just a 2 seater.

the cobra may be on the fat side with extra 500lbs---but, put an aftermarket k-member---which will allow about 1inch and 1/2 move back of the engine----and that car completely handles differently. I know you were saying that a modified mustang doesn't make you nervous----but if you really looked at some of the suspension mods----you'd realize that a modified stang----can give any of the supercars a run for the money. Aftermarket stang suspension technology----is in no way running behind the competition. Because the stang wears the blue oval---and doesn't run the turns well in stock form---doesn't mean it can't amaze you.

Originally posted by Ponyboy95
Of course Chevrolet should be used to smaller engines kicking there azz. Remember the Fox Body 5.0 litre. To be fair put a Fox body 5.0 litre up against a 80's model Rs Camaro. Same size engine and yet the same result. the Mustang stomps it. HEll put the Mustang Fox up against a Iroc-z or even and lt1 or ls1. Ask the Fox body owners, they are the least bit worried about Camaro's and Firebirds. THey love to play with the vettes.....!!!!!

actually a late 80's GTA trans am with the TPI 305 (5.0) would give a 5.0 fox body stang a run for it's money. Both cars ran low 15's stock. Oh, and this is not even mentioning the GTA's with the 350 tpi. They ran mid to high 14's stock. Also, I've yet to see a stock 4.6 liter stang smoke any stock Z28 made in the last 10 years. (LT1's and LS1's) A completely stock '97 LT1 Z28 coupe runs 14.1's in the 1/4. A completely stock GT of the same year can't even break into the 14's in stock trim. So, last time I checked Chevrolet is not exaclty used to having their azz kicked by ford's smaller engines. Unless you are only talking about the '03 cobra, which chevy currently has no competition for anyways seeing as how production of f-bods has come to an end. Basically, f-body cars have been faster than mustangs since their arrival in '67. Chevy finally had to throw in the towel due to the recent mustang fad which has killed their sales.

you sure won't see a stock Gt kick any Z28s ass. Simply put the 5.7 in the Z28 makes more power----but even more so---its runnin 3.42 gears vs. the stock 3.27s on the GT. Thats the simple explanation. If both the GT & Z28 was swapped out for 4:10s---that would be an interesting sprint. I'd still think the Z28 would would win that one.

I wouldn't call the mustang sales 'the recent mustang fad'-----because since 1984---Ford has been kicking the F-bodies ass in sales. Thats nearly 20 years. I dont think (2) decades---qualifies as a fad. Sounds like a loyal customer base.

you actually mean to tell me you haven't noticed the mustang fad taking place in the last 5 or so years? Sure they have been selling well for years, but seriously, modded stangs are popping up everywhere lately. I guess it's because they sound so good, and they are very pretty cars, not to mention extensive aftermarket backing. Maybe it's just me, but I have noticed a big mustang movement in the last 5 years. Hell, my little brother comes home from high school every day talking about his friends and their mustangs blah blah blah.... Ask any 16 year old kid what american V8 car he would rather own, a '02 GT or an '02 Z28, and I gaurantee he will choose the GT despite the Z's better performance.

They've gotten cheap. Simple as that, MadZ.

A Stang is a cheap car, ever since it sprang from mother Falcon in 1964 1/2, they've been cheap cars. Hell, the Fox platform was a shortened Fairmont. The SN95 still used Fox ideas. For better or worse, Stangs haven't changed much since 1979. Plus, they're cheaper to insure. A Camaro is racer material from showroom floor. Mustangs can and often are optioned out as little more than the American equivalent of a FF Eclipse. All the flash, none of the performance.

Also, the Camaro languished too long with no marketing or significant "style" update. It simply got to be an "old" car. They aren't the greatest cars to live with day to day, and they are easy for Troopers to spot in traffic. It's a bummer, because sometimes I find myself thinking "If I see one more fucking 5.0 Fox body I'll puke."

:( We need more V8 choices. At least one more from each company.

Chevy - Chevelle
Ford - Torino
Dodge - Charger

That would be nice....oh well I wish right?

Originally posted by MadZ


actually a late 80's GTA trans am with the TPI 305 (5.0) would give a 5.0 fox body stang a run for it's money. Both cars ran low 15's stock. Oh, and this is not even mentioning the GTA's with the 350 tpi. They ran mid to high 14's stock.

You have to be kidding, the 305 ran mid 17's and 18's stock the 302 was far superior, the 305 was GM's biggest mistake, actually the 267ci was bad too but the 305 is close behind that one, a guy I know has a 305 Firebird, and he ran 18.64 on his first run and then 18.79 on his 2nd run he ran against a 2000 v6 stang, I watched the stang's times come up on the board, and when the bird's times didn't come up right after it I thought his car had broken down then Finally he came in 18.79. The 350 tpi is a different story though it is a good engine.

get your facts straight before you come on here and look like a dumbass. You are talking about a TBI 305 firebird. Yes, the TBI 305's suck, I should know, I used to own a '91 bird with a TBI 305. Actually it ran a 16.4 stock. The "TPI" 305 is much different than the regular throttle body 305. The TPI had just that... Tuned Port Injection. Should I draw a picture for you? It was considered a H.O. engine and made approx. 50 more hp than the TBI 305. All GTA's either had a TPI 305 or a TPI 350.

The tbi firebirds were early 80's which came with crossfire throttlebodies I know that the guy I saw race had a late 80's early 90's model firebird not early 80's I never said he had an early model he had the tpi, and those were his times. The long stroke and small bore of the 305 was what made it so slow it didn't build power quickly at all even if the early 90's ones had 50hp more the design of the engine was bad they lagged really bad off the line.

Don't forget about the TTA's either. Those were some impressive birds in their own right, and definately could roll with any fox bodied mustang...

when you mentioned about the mustang fad being from the past 5 years-----you made no mention about the 'modded stang' being in fad. You stated the 'mustang fad'. Its a play on words---but I am being very topic specific.

sorry, I should have been a little more clear.

Yes, the TTA, forgot all about it. turbo V6=smoked fox body stang.

Originally posted by 76_cobra
The tbi firebirds were early 80's which came with crossfire throttlebodies I know that the guy I saw race had a late 80's early 90's model firebird not early 80's I never said he had an early model he had the tpi, and those were his times. The long stroke and small bore of the 305 was what made it so slow it didn't build power quickly at all even if the early 90's ones had 50hp more the design of the engine was bad they lagged really bad off the line.

The TBI was standard all the way through the '92 models. They didn't stop making them when the TPI came out. My firebird was a '91 and it had TBI. TPI was an optional package from the factory. Are you saying your friend is running 18.xx times with a stock TPI 305 engine? There must be something seriously wrong with his car. I know 305's aren't the best engines around, but my TBI equiped bird was able to run a 16.4@83mph. Your friend's should be running low 15's at least. Unless he put the TPI intake on a non-H.O. 305 that was originally a TBI. confused yet?:D

That could have been the case I don't know all he told me was that it was a 305 tpi he kept bragging about how fast it'd be I bekieve it was an 88 firebird it was also an auto.

that thing is tyte

any plans to modify the engine ?

Amuse does some good things or so i heard :o

Hey I think I have the whole topic covered and a good experienced opinion:) I own a 91 corvette with a 388ci small block putting out 475hp at the rear wheels, with my custom nitrous kit it puts out 575 1st stage and 745 second stage :) the car is ausome and fun and pretty reliable, but it is loud and it can break and when it does like any other vette it becomes expensive!!!! :( Now here's the interesting part my other car is an 03 cobra now isn't that interesting? it has a cold air intake and minor custom exhaust modifications on the dyno it has 365 rear wheel horsepower!! the car is incredible and it's totally reliable even on long out of state trips and it doesn't draw attention like tickets:) And best above all it beats a Z06 corvette hands down on power. The Z06 only puts out 325hp on the dyno with 600.00 cold air and 2000 dollar exhaust!!! Chevy's figures are a little off i think with the 405 rating :( I hate to admit it but the mustang cobra is a better all around purchase.
Especially when i only paid 29,988 for the mustang with 400 miles on it:))) from the poor sap that couldn't afford the payments:))). So buy the mustang and build the vette, that way youll have both for the cost it would be to bring the Z06 to the true 405hp rating chevy gives it. Good luck and happy driving to both GM and Ford

Originally posted by mechanic69
The Z06 only puts out 325hp on the dyno with 600.00 cold air and 2000 dollar exhaust!!! Chevy's figures are a little off i think with the 405 rating :(

Was this something you saw first hand? Or read some place? Cause there is such a thing as Factory Freak cars and Factory Lemons...

I hightly doubt the Z06 only puts 325hp, they would a recall on the cars like Ford did with the 99? Cobras.
If you can show me proof of several Z06's making on average 325hp, some 80hp from the stock numbers... then i'll believe it.

most cars suffer from a 15% loss of power from the crank to the rear wheels------thats what a dyno run reflects. So he is right on the Z06 power numbers. Many Z06 power numbers reflect the same dyno figures. What a lot of you guys never equate----is that what makes the Z06----so fricken fast-------is its lack of weight compared to other cars. The Z06 numbers on the dyno are accurate. And don't give me this freak thing. Yea you are right-----cause DOHCs assembled at the Romeo Ford plant---tend to make more power than the Windsor Ford plant DOHCs---because they use different parts------but all Z06s are assembled at the same Chevy plant----so that variable goes right out the door. Trust me-----the Z06 wouldn't be so fast----if it had the Cobras 3650 weight. Everyone tends to think the Z06 is 405rwhp------and boy is that so wrong!

Sorry, i thought everyone knew factory hp ratings were at the flywheel.
The numbers are right on, and I've noticed the cobra's tend to transfer the power to the rear wheels better and with less loss. I own a vette, I'm not trying to down them I'm just saying GM isn't really trying to get the Z06 to where it should be:(

Hey Vortech, have you heard of any mods coming out for the 03 cobra?
Theres not much out there i can find. I'm kind of scared to just go experimenting with it. Any help would be appreciated thx.

With a 15% power loss in the drivetrain, the rwhp should be at 344-345, not 325 for a manual. GM automatics are supposed to have a 20% loss, which would give it 325hp...

I still think something is wrong with those numbers...

In response to the 15 percent thing it's just a rough guide not an exact figure. Some cars transfer the power better than others. The Z06 trying to balance itself in the 50 50 weight dept. transfers the power poorly. I'm being honest I'll try to attach a dyno sheet to show you on my next post. I just need to open the dyno program and print one of the cars out.
I'll dig up the best figure I have on one.

Originally posted by mechanic69
Hey I think I have the whole topic covered and a good experienced opinion:) I own a 91 corvette with a 388ci small block putting out 475hp at the rear wheels, with my custom nitrous kit it puts out 575 1st stage and 745 second stage :) the car is ausome and fun and pretty reliable, but it is loud and it can break and when it does like any other vette it becomes expensive!!!! :( Now here's the interesting part my other car is an 03 cobra now isn't that interesting? it has a cold air intake and minor custom exhaust modifications on the dyno it has 365 rear wheel horsepower!! the car is incredible and it's totally reliable even on long out of state trips and it doesn't draw attention like tickets:) And best above all it beats a Z06 corvette hands down on power. The Z06 only puts out 325hp on the dyno with 600.00 cold air and 2000 dollar exhaust!!! Chevy's figures are a little off i think with the 405 rating :( I hate to admit it but the mustang cobra is a better all around purchase.
Especially when i only paid 29,988 for the mustang with 400 miles on it:))) from the poor sap that couldn't afford the payments:))). So buy the mustang and build the vette, that way youll have both for the cost it would be to bring the Z06 to the true 405hp rating chevy gives it. Good luck and happy driving to both GM and Ford

I think you have a lemon and you should sell it off now, hahah. Seriously though, my cousins LS1 Camaro dynoed at 309rwhp, and my best friend's LS1 Camaro dynoed at 304rwhp, and my father's C5 Corvette dynoed at 327rwhp. Those are just a few...I've seen more than one Z06 dyno at over 350rwhp. We all know GMs hp figures are off...But they're LOW, not high. So you definitely have a one-off car it sounds like. Nothing to be done about it though, I suppose. Also, more info on your nitrous system? Wet? Fogger? What size fuel jets are you running? Also, what size injectors? I was having problems with leaning out up top, but with my "fragile" motor I can't afford to have ANY fuel problems so I upgraded my injectors very quickly. What kind of times do you pull with that?

Originally posted by vortech
most cars suffer from a 15% loss of power from the crank to the rear wheels------thats what a dyno run reflects. So he is right on the Z06 power numbers. Many Z06 power numbers reflect the same dyno figures. What a lot of you guys never equate----is that what makes the Z06----so fricken fast-------is its lack of weight compared to other cars. The Z06 numbers on the dyno are accurate. And don't give me this freak thing. Yea you are right-----cause DOHCs assembled at the Romeo Ford plant---tend to make more power than the Windsor Ford plant DOHCs---because they use different parts------but all Z06s are assembled at the same Chevy plant----so that variable goes right out the door. Trust me-----the Z06 wouldn't be so fast----if it had the Cobras 3650 weight. Everyone tends to think the Z06 is 405rwhp------and boy is that so wrong!



Ok, so you think the Z06 is only fast cause it weighs 3116lbs? Now a Camaro SS with its 330hp LS1, runs a 13.7 in the 1/4 mile with its 3400+lbs butt... I doubt the Z06 with minus the 300 odd pounds will run almost a full second faster (12.8).

Apparently you believe the GM motors are underrated. If the LS1 is making 330hp, with a 15% loss through the T56 would be near 280rwhp. Now lets look at my friend BlkCamaroSS, in his sig his more or less stock LS1 SS is making over 300rwhp (307 to be exact). Now, with a 12% increase in power thats about 350hp at the crank give or take...(353 to be exact). Hardly overrated I'd say.

Ok with that said... explain to me how the Z06 with just 325rwhp thats 25 more rwhp according to BlkCamaroSS's car and minus 300lbs from the SS stats... that the Z06 still runs its high 12 second pass down the 1/4. It takes more than just 25rwhp to bust down a full second...

And, 50/50 weight distribution is as good as it gets. The best anybody can get period... it'll always give you the best of both worlds under hard acceleration/decceleration and when you hit the twisties. But we know that...

I just want some clear proof that the Z06 is as bad as you say it is... cause apparently the rest of the world disagree's... and frankly I dont blame them.

Proof please, all I ask...

Ok... End Rant.. :D

i agree with redneck on this one. the zo6 got to have more than 325 to the crank. they are amazing machines and not even that expnsive only about 10k more than the cobra which imo is more than worth it for what you get.


also IMO the 350 small blocks like ls1 or ls6 are among the best engines out there the only egine i would take over it is the 345 hemi wich is more expensive.