Would You Move Up to C5/6 if You Had the Money?
05-11-2014, 07:20 PM
#21
Racer
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I've been very fortunate to be able to save a good amount that I have in a credit union, that money being earmarked for things I want versus things I need. I've been doing a lot of research on both C5's and C6's trying to educate myself on what to avoid and what to look for. I will have a second corvette someday but I don't think it would be a C5. I've read a lot in the C5 tech and general sections and although for the most part it's a great car I'm pretty sure I'd go with a C6. The biggest "issue" I've noticed about the C6 is the harmonic balancer that seems prone to failure. There's aftermarket ones that can be used though. Then again for what I'd pay for a nice '08 to '10 car I can find a very nice C3 that would need nothing. Yes the performance isn't there but my C4 provides me with all that I need and I've always loved the look of a third generation. There's no mistaking one coming down the road at you 
No matter what I decide on I do know one thing...my '94 stays in the garage. It's my first corvette, I love how it looks/drives/handles and I plan on never parting with it. Hmmm...perhaps I should scrap the idea of a C3 or a C6 and become one of those "Two C4's in the garage club".
astepup said that
No matter what I decide on I do know one thing...my '94 stays in the garage. It's my first corvette, I love how it looks/drives/handles and I plan on never parting with it. Hmmm...perhaps I should scrap the idea of a C3 or a C6 and become one of those "Two C4's in the garage club".astepup said that
but a 93-95 is putting out 405. c4 zr1 is a legit c4.
05-11-2014, 08:17 PM
#24
Burning Brakes
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St. Jude Donor'13
I like the C6's and it'd be a nice DD, but I'd need a bigger garage. I'll never sell my C3 since my dad bought it when I was born and I really like the C4. At this point I've invested past the point of sale, with parts too be put on it, plus the more I work on the more attached I get.
05-11-2014, 08:18 PM
#25
Drifting
IMO it comes down to what makes you smile when going into the garage, starting the engine, driving, and even smiling when you've closed the garage door.
For me, I want a very powerful engine, a manual tranny, moderately loud dual exhaust, and something that just impresses me every time I drive it (not others).
If I had time and wasn't concerned about amounts of currency, I'd do a frame off restomod w/a 71/72 C3. I'd put either a LS series engine and 6 speed in it or maybe a SBC w/twin turbo setup and tuned for street driving. Basically using the exterior & Interior styling of the C3 but changing all its shortcomings to be as if Chevy made that same car with todays technology and creature comforts.
If I was limited to just trading up and keeping it factory stock I'd find the cleanest lowest mileage C6 that suited my likes/budget.
For me, I want a very powerful engine, a manual tranny, moderately loud dual exhaust, and something that just impresses me every time I drive it (not others).
If I had time and wasn't concerned about amounts of currency, I'd do a frame off restomod w/a 71/72 C3. I'd put either a LS series engine and 6 speed in it or maybe a SBC w/twin turbo setup and tuned for street driving. Basically using the exterior & Interior styling of the C3 but changing all its shortcomings to be as if Chevy made that same car with todays technology and creature comforts.
If I was limited to just trading up and keeping it factory stock I'd find the cleanest lowest mileage C6 that suited my likes/budget.
05-11-2014, 08:33 PM
#26
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I like the C4's rawness, the proportions of the clean body, and short wheelbase. It's really the last of the 'Duntov' '63 pattern Vettes with standard drivetrain and performance small block. Outside of the EFI, it's a pretty simple beast with standard 'stuff' and perfect for a 'fun weekend car' to tinker with the the garage and blast around.
They are dated compared to the newer Vettes but that is not the point at all. I love driving my buddies LS3 C6, that sucker drives like a Camry but shreds the tires at any speed but I feel more at home in earlier generation C2, C3, and C4 cars.
They are dated compared to the newer Vettes but that is not the point at all. I love driving my buddies LS3 C6, that sucker drives like a Camry but shreds the tires at any speed but I feel more at home in earlier generation C2, C3, and C4 cars.
05-11-2014, 08:52 PM
#30
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks to everyone for giving your opinion here. Clearly there is no clear consensus on whether or not having the chance to "move up" from a nearly 20 year old car and its older technology to a 6-8 year old car, with more power, technology and horsepower (if that is important to you), is not all that cut and dried.
There is absolutely no doubt that I get chills each and every time that I take my 95 out for a nice long cruise, regardless of its age, worn and torn weatherstripping, and other clearly visible faults that nearly 20 years has left on her. Still, its my 1st ever vette, just like your mother is and will always be your mother, and I think after reading what everyone here has had to say I am going to take my car into my mechanic for a good extensive go over, some repairs, and maybe even get those sawblades professionally refinished so that they look much better than they do now.
I think that I'm just going to baby my baby and learn to appreciate what a special car I already have and enjoy her for many more years to come.
There is absolutely no doubt that I get chills each and every time that I take my 95 out for a nice long cruise, regardless of its age, worn and torn weatherstripping, and other clearly visible faults that nearly 20 years has left on her. Still, its my 1st ever vette, just like your mother is and will always be your mother, and I think after reading what everyone here has had to say I am going to take my car into my mechanic for a good extensive go over, some repairs, and maybe even get those sawblades professionally refinished so that they look much better than they do now.
I think that I'm just going to baby my baby and learn to appreciate what a special car I already have and enjoy her for many more years to come.
05-11-2014, 08:54 PM
#31
C5?
I have a 92 and a 99 ragtop. I like how you sit "lower" in the 92; however, I took the 99 out today for the first time since October (hey, it's Maine) and the power and comfort difference is very noticeable. But, you sit "higher" in the 99 so there is a different feel. Also, you don't need denture work when you hit a bump.
05-11-2014, 09:09 PM
#33
I am fortuniate to have a modest car collection, which includes a 1990 Vette, probaboy a 7 to 7.5 on a scale of 1 to 10, its a real nice car but not one that you would be afraid to drive real hard even in the rain.
So in reality trading it for a c5 or newer would be a step backwords, for me at least.
I will say in I could find a 84 crossfire in mint and original condition Id be highly interested in moving in that direction.
Sure the newer vetts are better, and if a driver is whats your after it might be a good way to go.
I don't know the history of sports cars all that much, but I think the c4 will wind up being the last car made that doesn't have a hood and fenders. I could be wrong.........
So in reality trading it for a c5 or newer would be a step backwords, for me at least.
I will say in I could find a 84 crossfire in mint and original condition Id be highly interested in moving in that direction.
Sure the newer vetts are better, and if a driver is whats your after it might be a good way to go.
I don't know the history of sports cars all that much, but I think the c4 will wind up being the last car made that doesn't have a hood and fenders. I could be wrong.........
Last edited by larryinalabama; 05-11-2014 at 09:18 PM.
05-11-2014, 09:13 PM
#34
Le Mans Master
Keeping the 92 and plan on adding a C4 ZR-1 in the future. I'v driven them all except the C7 and though the 5 & 6 are superior cars I'm a C4 guy. Room is also a factor, I'm already parking 6 cars so I need to figure a plan for the Z
Last edited by kimmer; 05-12-2014 at 10:00 PM.
05-11-2014, 09:13 PM
#35
Burning Brakes
for the most part I am all for high tech stuff, after seeing the C7. Both a covert and carbon fiber option and some 51 option. I don't want one, oh yeah I do have the means for one. I rather find me a one of those 500+ hp ZR1 C4. I saw one I like, but I guess they did not come in convert. The engine bay on that C4 would make the C7 engine bay cry.
05-11-2014, 09:27 PM
#36
Bought the wife her '92 for her birthday last year. She loved the thought of owning a Corvette. Later, she informed me she wanted a C3.
Given the no cost stipulation, I'd get her a '69 big block and make the '92 mine. I love that car. It fits like a glove, and the grin factor is incredible.
One day she will have her C3...
Al
Given the no cost stipulation, I'd get her a '69 big block and make the '92 mine. I love that car. It fits like a glove, and the grin factor is incredible.
One day she will have her C3...
Al
05-11-2014, 09:45 PM
#37
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Just sold my C5, I have to say it was the best beater I have ever had. Drove it for 160k miles trouble free. But I as I said sold it for a 93 ZR-1
05-11-2014, 10:02 PM
#38
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
No. No I wouldn't. I have the money and had a C6, bought a C4 to flip. Drove the thing and that was it for the C6. It sat in my garage for 4 months why I struggled to finally decide that I really didn't like it and I did like the C4. Sold the C6,, don't miss it at all.
05-11-2014, 10:05 PM
#39
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But if you do switch, I suggest an 04 or 03. 25-30k will be your price range for low mileage. Had a couple of 03's and a couple of C6's. After the C6 GS came out, the narrow body C6 fell out of favor. Here is valuable C5 link (scan pages 1-3), just in case you missed the sticky at tech: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1249213
05-11-2014, 10:06 PM
#40
Drifting
I am very fortunate to have both a C3 and a C4. I've always considered a C6 Z06 or a C6 ZR1. The new C7 is amazing as well. I love my two Vettes and would have to sell at least one of them. I'd have a space issue as well if I was to add a third Vette. I have an understanding wife but not sure if a third Vette would ever fly. I have a CTS-V which is pretty much a 4 door ZR1 that I use as my driver.
The C4 although it seems to be the Rodney Dangerfield of Vettes is truly an amazing car. I was out with my 88 today and love the way it feels and drives. The only mod is a Borla cat back....the sound, seating and handling I think is pretty damn good for a 26 yr old car. My C3 has that great carb gas smell and is archaic to drive compared to almost any car today. It has a classic style that will always turn heads. When parked together the consensus is the C3.
Yes, the C5,6 and 7 are way more advanced than our C4's. I just won't part with mine as of now. Newer generations will always advance forward....I guess I'm just an old school kinda guy!!
The C4 although it seems to be the Rodney Dangerfield of Vettes is truly an amazing car. I was out with my 88 today and love the way it feels and drives. The only mod is a Borla cat back....the sound, seating and handling I think is pretty damn good for a 26 yr old car. My C3 has that great carb gas smell and is archaic to drive compared to almost any car today. It has a classic style that will always turn heads. When parked together the consensus is the C3.
Yes, the C5,6 and 7 are way more advanced than our C4's. I just won't part with mine as of now. Newer generations will always advance forward....I guess I'm just an old school kinda guy!!
