The regular C5 has plenty of performance and is the pinnacle of the General Motors hierarchy. With the 5.7 liter, LS V8 motor the C5 sees 345 hp and an impressive 365 lb-ft of torque. In today's day and age where anything less than 600 horsepower seems subpar, this might sound demoralizing. But with a curb weight of 3,300 lbs, the C5 achieves 60mph in less than 5 seconds. This gives its contemporary Porsche 997 911 a run for its money. However, if that doesn't appeal the C5 Z06 surely will. In production from 2001 to 2004, the Z06 sees power rise to 405 bhp and an equal amount of torque. This brings the sprint to 60 down to only 4 seconds. The Z06 competes firmly with the likes of the 911 Turbo and the Ferrari 360.

A harder track-focused car this modified Z06 could end up in your garage.

What Is The C5 Z06?

According to 1320Video, an Automotive YouTuber, this Z06 isn't for himself. Instead, this forms a giveaway along with a $10,000 prize to promote the channel's merchandise store. A black Z06 with only 17,000 miles since new this car makes an appealing prize. The C5 generation of Corvette ushered in the new millennium with a more curvaceous design than the previous C4. Already an American icon this era of Corvette continued as the pace car for the Indy 500. However, in a racing guise, the C5 entered the legendary GT1 class. In production from 1997 to 2004, the C5 is a relic from an incredibly exciting era of performance cars. On the verge of digitization and increased environmental regulations, this Corvette is one of the last truly analog cars.

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Chevrolet's naming schemes on their performance cars often get confusing. With acronyms like ZL1, ZR1, SS 1LE, and Z06 it is easy to get lost. For the Corvette, the Z06 sits at the top of every Corvette's specification list. The Z06 model usually launches in the second half of a Corvette's lifespan. The C8's all-new Z06 launches in the latter half of this year, ready for the 2023 model year and the Corvette's 70th anniversary. This more powerful model sees power increased to 670 horsepower. It takes its inspiration from the C8 race car. The C5 Z06 did the same, making it more track-oriented with shorter gearing lending itself to accelerating away from a corner faster. Although a 911 GT3 car rival the Z06 is not.

How Is This Z06 Modified?

Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06 interior
1320video

With most C5s now on their third, fourth, perhaps even tenth owner fairy few are in prime condition. According to Classic, an aggregator of used car prices, the regular C5 moves from $24,209 and the Z06 sells for $4,000 more. Costing less than a base Dodge Challenger which starts at around $30,000, most C5s have landed in the hands of those who can't afford to maintain them. Don't let the General Motors parts bin interior fool you the C5 has always been an expensive car. Back in 1997, the model retailed for $37,495 adjusted for inflation in 2022 this comes to $64,813.97.

But this Z06 has led a lucky life staying in immaculate condition. The leather on the seats is free of scuffs or stretch marks, just as one would expect with a lightly used car. The wheels are in a gunmetal gray. Offsetting the darkness of the exterior comes the occasional red highlight. The checkered flag and embossing on the seat all match the bold red engine cover hiding beneath the hood.

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However, 1320Video isn't quite satisfied with this dominant-looking exterior and respectable power figures. With a minor ECU remap and the fitting of a Procharger supercharger, this Z06 sees power increased to 482 bhp. Still not an earth-shattering figure but more than enough to get the Corvette squirming under acceleration. The team at Procharger commented that the nearly $8000 kit comes with everything that a C5 owner needs to install this blower. They continue to claim that an owner can install this over a weekend. No visits to the workshop mean that an enthusiast won't have to live without their car for a month. 1320 also change the wheels on the Corvette to a set of ten-spoke 18-inch wheels by CCW. In a bright silver, they lighten up the exterior of the car. These wheels perfectly match the silver quad tailpipes at the rear.

How Does A 500 Horsepower Z06 Drive?

Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06 front
1320video

The YouTuber praises the sounds of the car. They specifically note the Procharger whine which penetrates the cabin. A raw sound when coupled with the aggressive growl of the V8 and the rough exhaust note this C5 is surely a true driver's car. When going for their first drive, the YouTuber says, "You can hear the blower right away". Joining the road the car accelerates hard to the limit. With a manual transmission, any more power and the C5 wouldn't be easily driven. Impressively, when not undergoing performance driving the C5 seems quiet and well put together. In other words, living with this car might not be as hard as a 500-horsepower Mustang from the same period.