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Old Aug 24, 2005 | 11:26 AM
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Default Looking at C5's. Questions.

We are beginning to look for a C5 convertible and since the color we want was only offered in 2000 & 2001, those are the years we are looking at. Are there any prevalent issues we should be aware of? I have heard about a problem with the steering column locking and two friends have had to have the rearend replaced (both on `00) due to leaking and grinding noises. Any problems related to the clutch or transmission with the 6-speed?
And one more (possibly stupid) question - does the LS1 still use the Opti-Spark?
Thanks for your help.
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Old Aug 24, 2005 | 11:32 AM
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LS1 does not use the older LT1 style opticrap. Its distributerless coil per cylinder setup. Very nice.

Only thing you need to look out for that im aware of in those years are possibly oil consumption problems, but I think that was mainly in 01. Never heard of any rear end grinding noises problems or any issues with the transmissions. Everything in my 99 is rock solid and I have owned it for over a year now.

Goodluck on your search.
P.S. what color is it that was only available in 00 and 01? cant think of any
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Old Aug 24, 2005 | 11:40 AM
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Steering wheel lock is a common problem. If not already done, the vendors on the forum sell a CLB (column lock bypass) kit (less than $100).

DO NOT have the recall for this problem done by the dealer!!!!

Your friends having the issues with the rear ends (replacement) is a new one. There IS some issues with leaky rears - very fixable (cheap).

Oil consumption is an issue on late 00's and '01's - it was a recall, so check it through the dealer to see if your's was affected.
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Old Aug 24, 2005 | 11:45 AM
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answers found here...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...7&forum_id=103
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Old Aug 24, 2005 | 01:27 PM
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No Opti-spark on the C5. Issues to look for include column lock (get a Column Lock Bypass if you want to be sure), rear differential seal leaks, oil consumption (primarily in the '01 models).
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Old Aug 24, 2005 | 06:32 PM
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Thanks for all the info.
GRUMPY - great thread! That completely covers everything I could ever think to ask.
JTS97Z28 - Bowling Green Metallic with Lt. Oak top & interior.
AC54ME - Why do you say to not have a dealer do the column lock recall? In the thread posted by GRUMPY it states that the steering wheel could still lock even with the CLB installed.
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Old Aug 24, 2005 | 08:32 PM
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cool
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Old Aug 24, 2005 | 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by duckvett
Thanks for all the info.
GRUMPY - great thread! That completely covers everything I could ever think to ask.
JTS97Z28 - Bowling Green Metallic with Lt. Oak top & interior.
AC54ME - Why do you say to not have a dealer do the column lock recall? In the thread posted by GRUMPY it states that the steering wheel could still lock even with the CLB installed.
Duckvett - GREAT color choice! Bought my '00 vert A4 this spring in SAME color combination! Absolutely AWESOME! One downside - almost NONE of the exterior trim mods & engine mods are available in that color. Just hooked up with a Corvette body shop here locally that will paint for me @ great price.

The color combo really gets a lot of looks (I can see them in my rearview mirror! LOL!)

Best of luck on your search!

Don't forget to wave!
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Old Aug 25, 2005 | 02:43 AM
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Good luck finding the right C5!
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Old Aug 25, 2005 | 06:04 PM
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Originally Posted by duckvett
AC54ME - Why do you say to not have a dealer do the column lock recall? In the thread posted by GRUMPY it states that the steering wheel could still lock even with the CLB installed.
The recall simply shuts off the fuel when a column lock is detected on a 6spd. Automatics get an actual bypass to the locking mechanism, but dealers (typically) won't install those on a 6spd for legal reasons. You can buy the kit, however, and do it yourself.

(edit) The column can lock w/ the recall installed, but is near impossible w/ the bypass kit.

Last edited by BanditDude; Aug 25, 2005 at 06:06 PM.
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Old Aug 25, 2005 | 07:28 PM
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watch out for that heavy right foot and a chit eatin' grin
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Old Aug 25, 2005 | 07:58 PM
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Good advice...but then I wouldn't expect anything less from this wonderful forum.

Be patient and the right one will find YOU!!! It took me from late March/Early April to find me new "Z". It was WELL worth the wait.
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