Mark,
You can certainly get a lot of after market horsepower for the difference between the cost of a new ZO6 and a standard C6.
I think the ZO6 is much more than just a higher horsepower C6 though.
It has a lot of road race style upgrades that make it a pretty good value for $20K above the regular C6. Things like the aluminum frame, the magnesium engine cradle, the big brakes, the larger wheels and the carbon fiber parts.
A lot of this stuff can be purchased aftermarket but other things can't. I doubt you could get it all installed for $20K even if it was available. Plus, on the ZO6, it's all covered under the factory warranty.
I think a factory ZO6 will hold it's value on the used market better than a modified C6. For my money I would much rather buy a used ZO6 than a used C6 with after market upgrades.
You make some excellent points there. :thumbsup:
After all you can buy the CF pieces, the wider tires and rims and the body kit. Without engine mods, you'll be somewhere around that additional $20k mark when you're all finished with the installs.
Unless you're going to seriously track the car, the aluminum frame is a waste of money on a street car. Even some of the road racers are still running steel frames for one reason or another?
So why buy factory performance?
A factory warranty:dancer01:
You don't have to touch it to make it go fast and look good. It does that out the door:thumbsup:
Frankly, there are dozens of C5/6's out there, that will absolutely hand the new Z's thier arse:lmao:
Some are a beast to drive, maintain and reliability goes out the window on some

And unless you have it done by one of the reputable shops (no DIY's) you'll not have a warranty either!
And every one of them will loose money on resale.
About the only real benefit is:
1) You can pay as you go (all paid for when it's done-no car payments as large as my house payment

2) You have the satisfaction of doing it yourself or at least spec'ing it out.
3) you can go fast with the top off or down:thumbsup::rofl1:
Other than that? Strictly personal satisfaction.
Resale value of the Z? That remains to be seen? Not sure how it's going to hold up for the long run $$ wise?
In resale $$, the factory stock car is almost always a better investment. So if you just want to go out and "buy" HP right from the dealer, the Z is definately the way to go:thumbsup:You get (for the $$$) HP, styling, with the factory warranty.