Have you ever considered traing your C3 for a c5?
10-23-2014, 08:08 AM
#41
Melting Slicks
Problem here is everybody sounds like this is some kind of choice that has to be a life long commitment. Heck, I've had 20 different Corvettes over a 44 year period, and enjoyed the variety. I sold my '93 earlier this year and have my '75 convertible for sale, with the plan of getting a 2002-2004 Z06. If I want to get back into a C3 or whatever after a couple of driving seasons, I'll do it. If you could trade yours for an '01 convertible, and your idea is to get a chrome bumper project car, I say go for it! 
10-23-2014, 01:50 PM
#42
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I had both at the same time for quite awhile. We bought an '03 convertible and we really liked the car for a long time. The problem was, it did get dated after awhile and to me the C4-C7 cars just get to be used cars after some time.
It depends what you want. There's absolutely nothing comparable about them. The C5 is newer, faster, more reliable, better gas milage, the air works and is 1000 times more comfortable. Unfortunately, so is a late model Impala.
I think it depends on whether you want a vintage car or a late model grocery-getter.
It depends what you want. There's absolutely nothing comparable about them. The C5 is newer, faster, more reliable, better gas milage, the air works and is 1000 times more comfortable. Unfortunately, so is a late model Impala.
I think it depends on whether you want a vintage car or a late model grocery-getter.
10-23-2014, 02:36 PM
#43
Team Owner
I had both at the same time for quite awhile. We bought an '03 convertible and we really liked the car for a long time. The problem was, it did get dated after awhile and to me the C4-C7 cars just get to be used cars after some time.
It depends what you want. There's absolutely nothing comparable about them. The C5 is newer, faster, more reliable, better gas milage, the air works and is 1000 times more comfortable. Unfortunately, so is a late model Impala.
I think it depends on whether you want a vintage car or a late model grocery-getter.
It depends what you want. There's absolutely nothing comparable about them. The C5 is newer, faster, more reliable, better gas milage, the air works and is 1000 times more comfortable. Unfortunately, so is a late model Impala.
I think it depends on whether you want a vintage car or a late model grocery-getter.
10-23-2014, 03:46 PM
#44
Drifting
Paul, I agree with you 100%.
"Well said! I contemplated that change a couple of years ago but resisted. One of the major reasons is that I understand (to some extent) the C3s. A C5 is a complete unknown to me. And with labor rates at $130.00/hr a flaw/fix in a C5 can get expensive very quickly. That is if you can find the parts. Most C3 parts are available at the likes of NAPA."
Not to mention the electronics that could drive you into an asylum if something fails.
"Well said! I contemplated that change a couple of years ago but resisted. One of the major reasons is that I understand (to some extent) the C3s. A C5 is a complete unknown to me. And with labor rates at $130.00/hr a flaw/fix in a C5 can get expensive very quickly. That is if you can find the parts. Most C3 parts are available at the likes of NAPA."
Not to mention the electronics that could drive you into an asylum if something fails.
10-23-2014, 07:51 PM
#45
Pro
I started with a C4 (88 Collector edition), then went through two C5s (1st a black 97 automatic, then a 2002 6-speed). from there I went to my 79 (the neverending project).
I liked all of them for different reasons, but I have far more fun with my 79 than any of the above.
I liked all of them for different reasons, but I have far more fun with my 79 than any of the above.
10-23-2014, 07:58 PM
#46
Team Owner
I started with a C4 (88 Collector edition), then went through two C5s (1st a black 97 automatic, then a 2002 6-speed). from there I went to my 79 (the neverending project).
I liked all of them for different reasons, but I have far more fun with my 79 than any of the above.
I liked all of them for different reasons, but I have far more fun with my 79 than any of the above.
10-23-2014, 08:14 PM
#47
Le Mans Master
I have an 04 C5 coupe that I bought new. Anybody implying that C5s suffer from reliability issues has been misinformed. My car, with the manual trans, has been problem free for 46,000 miles. Check the C5 section of this forum and look for threads on high mile C5s. Many at well over 100k and a number over 200k without major issues. They don't turn heads like a C3 but they do everything else better.
10-23-2014, 09:41 PM
#51
Drifting
NO BUT HELL NO!!
I once owned a mint 63 split window and I sold it and my 66 427 big block to buy a brand new 77 in 1977. Worst mistake I ever made. The newest Corvette I will ever own will be a 72.
I once owned a mint 63 split window and I sold it and my 66 427 big block to buy a brand new 77 in 1977. Worst mistake I ever made. The newest Corvette I will ever own will be a 72.
10-23-2014, 09:59 PM
#53
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2018 C2 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15, '19
There's a lot of expertise with the LS engines because of their popularity in all kinds of cars. They are fast, reliable and efficient - and make tons of power Because of that, any LS based Vette is going to have a long life.
10-24-2014, 12:41 AM
#54
Melting Slicks
I say do it! I own a 78 and a 02 Z06. The Z is a blast to drive avid Grey's comments everywhere I go. Comfortable enough to drive anywhere and day enough that few can give you a hard time. I have had no issues with mine at all, wouldn't hesitate to drive it across the country tomorrow. I hear a lot of negatives here from non C5 owners, but they are great, reliable cars. If you can have both, go for it!
plus the '73 Z28 in the garage.
10-24-2014, 07:06 PM
#56
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I agree. I love the lines on my black 71 Coupe. When I was in high school in the 70's, that was THE CORVETTE. I like all vettes but the C3 is nostalgia and, in my mind, defines the name.
10-24-2014, 07:18 PM
#57
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"better". You forgot the quotes.
I've put about $7k into my engine bay and I have no problem going toe-to-toe with a C5. Only a Z06 gives me trouble. But I'm not completely done tuning my engine, either.
Once I'm done with my frame/suspension project, I'm quite comfortable saying I'd very much out-handle a C5.
So for ~$25k total investment, I'd have a 1970 C3 that handily outruns and out-turns most any C5. Someone would need to put $10+k into their C5, then, to bring it up to the "level" of my C3.
But the C5 is, hands down, more comfortable in nearly every way. Well...in every way. No nearly about it. And that's worth something.
But that's why I have another vehicle which is, itself, more comfortable than a C5.
So to the original point: Three years ago, I had a choice between a C5 with limited modifications or a C3 with pretty any modification I wanted. I chose the C3. And am happy I did.
I've put about $7k into my engine bay and I have no problem going toe-to-toe with a C5. Only a Z06 gives me trouble. But I'm not completely done tuning my engine, either.
Once I'm done with my frame/suspension project, I'm quite comfortable saying I'd very much out-handle a C5.
So for ~$25k total investment, I'd have a 1970 C3 that handily outruns and out-turns most any C5. Someone would need to put $10+k into their C5, then, to bring it up to the "level" of my C3.
But the C5 is, hands down, more comfortable in nearly every way. Well...in every way. No nearly about it. And that's worth something.
But that's why I have another vehicle which is, itself, more comfortable than a C5.
So to the original point: Three years ago, I had a choice between a C5 with limited modifications or a C3 with pretty any modification I wanted. I chose the C3. And am happy I did.
10-24-2014, 08:00 PM
#58
Pro
That is a beautiful car - as for comparing a C3 to a C5 - In my opinion, it's kind if an apples and oranges comparison. Both are great cars, but for very different reasons.
10-24-2014, 08:02 PM
#59
Today females are 200 pound and men 265 -300 .
Today's cars need more room and HP to tote around their fat occupants
Last edited by LS4 PILOT; 10-24-2014 at 08:05 PM.
10-24-2014, 08:11 PM
#60
Team Owner
Thanks Cooper,
It is now tucked away in commercial storage until April. Would I buy a C5? Yes, if I could assured the BCMs, ECMs, etc. would not malfunction. Many people say they do not, others report otherwise on reliability and the non-availability of replacements. It really makes you think. GM does NOT have replacement parts?
Just as a giggle, here is my former 1967 327/300 Powerglide coupe lined up with a C5. Guess who won?
It is now tucked away in commercial storage until April. Would I buy a C5? Yes, if I could assured the BCMs, ECMs, etc. would not malfunction. Many people say they do not, others report otherwise on reliability and the non-availability of replacements. It really makes you think. GM does NOT have replacement parts?
Just as a giggle, here is my former 1967 327/300 Powerglide coupe lined up with a C5. Guess who won?
Last edited by Paul L; 10-24-2014 at 08:19 PM.