Looking for first C5(C4 guy)
Thread Starter
Florida turtle advocate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,280
Likes: 6
From: Gulfcoast Salvage Englewood, Fla
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Looking for first C5(C4 guy)
I know there are good and better years for C4s but I'm trying to get educated on C5s before I buy one...Besides the pricing advantages of the early ones what are the changes from one year to the next and what might be the downsides of certain years??....Thanks guys....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 0
From: Lutz FL
2000 and up got the ls6 intake manifold and also 2001 was the z06 model vs '99 & 2000s hardtops. There is lots of little changes but nothing substantially different to make you get one year c5 vs another. They all have pretty much the same quirks, leaky battery, rocking front drvier seat, column lock problems, etc. etc.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Sauquoit NY
I had a 97 C5 for my first Vette. It had some issues left over from the previous owner, but after i had them fixed it was a very nice car. It had about 31,000 miles on it when i traded it. I had it for two years and traded it in for a 03 Creampuff ( C5 ) with 6700 miles on it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
This link on one of the other Forums has some useful specification sheets for each year:
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/index.html
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/index.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 0
From: Lutz FL
Originally Posted by 37coupe
They all have pretty much the same quirks, leaky battery, rocking front drvier seat, column lock problems, etc. etc.
I had the rocking seat in the 97 but not in the 03 so far...
I had the rocking seat in the 97 but not in the 03 so far...
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,509
Likes: 240
From: Coconut Creek FL
Get the newest low milage unit you can find in your price range...then drive it like you stole it!
I love my 97 - it is a great machine, don't let the early model C5's scare you...though it does not have HUD or Active Handling, it is a great performer...best of all, its PAID FOR!
I would recommend Torch Red...
I love my 97 - it is a great machine, don't let the early model C5's scare you...though it does not have HUD or Active Handling, it is a great performer...best of all, its PAID FOR!
I would recommend Torch Red...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 5
From: Plainfield, IL
Heads Up Display and power telescoping steering started in 99 and I believe active handling became available on some late build 98's. As you may or may not know the hardtop (fixed roof coupe) became available in 99 and 00 then onto the Z06 in 01.
Hope this helps,
JT
Hope this helps,
JT
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
2001 was the model year with the most changes...
Increased horsepower
Improved algoritmns for Active handling
New larger diameter MAF for increased airflow
Ability to enter Competition mode while moving
Increased horsepower
Improved algoritmns for Active handling
New larger diameter MAF for increased airflow
Ability to enter Competition mode while moving
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,175
Likes: 237
From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by Automag928
There is lots of little changes but nothing substantially different to make you get one year c5 vs another.
There's a lot less change between 1997 and 2004 on the C5s than there was (for example) between 1989 and 1996 (same number of years) on the C4s.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
If you can, get an 01 or newer..HUD became standard, the LS6 Intake manifold was standard, 2nd generation Active Handeling and a few other goodies. Check that link for the Corvette Action center above, it's got some good info.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,219
Likes: 1
From: Somerset Co, NJ
Like everyone's saying above, shop around, and see what you like best! The only big differences in C5's are the Z06's versus the coupes, 'verts/FRC's..
I'm a very recent C4 convert, I sold my C4 in Nov, and bought my '00 FRC 2 weeks ago!
always liked the C5, but never drove one, let alone even sat in one, they are incredible, the difference is just amazing.
I agree, look for the newest one that you can afford. I personally like the Z06/Hardtop look, so I found an '00 Fixed Roof Coupe (FRC) Hardtop. A Z was a little outside my price range, so I went for the FRC with low miles, in the color I want! Check those posted links for the differences between years.
Be patient, it took me awhile, but I found what I wanted, at the price I could afford. Good luck!
I'm a very recent C4 convert, I sold my C4 in Nov, and bought my '00 FRC 2 weeks ago!
always liked the C5, but never drove one, let alone even sat in one, they are incredible, the difference is just amazing.
I agree, look for the newest one that you can afford. I personally like the Z06/Hardtop look, so I found an '00 Fixed Roof Coupe (FRC) Hardtop. A Z was a little outside my price range, so I went for the FRC with low miles, in the color I want! Check those posted links for the differences between years.
Be patient, it took me awhile, but I found what I wanted, at the price I could afford. Good luck!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
Remember that some of the 01 model years had an oil burning problem, and that the 01 and up vette went from 345 hp to 350, along with a change in tq, 360 auto, and 375 with the mn6. Check whats in your price range like others have said, but also see what they have warranty wise on them. We were able to get ours with a great ext. warranty on it! Just my .02
Justin
Justin
2018 Grand Sport
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 755
Likes: 21
From: Tarpon Springs Florida
Originally Posted by rws.1
2001 was the model year with the most changes...
Increased horsepower
Improved algoritmns for Active handling
New larger diameter MAF for increased airflow
Ability to enter Competition mode while moving
Increased horsepower
Improved algoritmns for Active handling
New larger diameter MAF for increased airflow
Ability to enter Competition mode while moving
I love it....
Let Me Bignofi That For U
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 415
From: I Lack Boundaries
St. Jude Donor '15, '17
Originally Posted by byte_me
Get the newest low milage unit you can find in your price range...then drive it like you stole it!
I love my 97 - it is a great machine, don't let the early model C5's scare you...though it does not have HUD or Active Handling, it is a great performer...best of all, its PAID FOR!
I would recommend Torch Red...
I love my 97 - it is a great machine, don't let the early model C5's scare you...though it does not have HUD or Active Handling, it is a great performer...best of all, its PAID FOR!
I would recommend Torch Red...
I bought an 04 C5 two weeks ago with 8k miles on it.
My reasoning for the 04 was that it had the cumulation of all the previous years C5 enhancements and fixes.
And like byte_me's post - buy the newest car you can afford with the lowest mileage.
I however recommend Magnetic Red II
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,941
Likes: 1
From: Central CA
Originally Posted by Daffy427
Looking for first C5(C4 guy)
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,360
Likes: 4,582
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Originally Posted by BrightRed C5 SWFL
Any year C5 is a good buy. 97-04.
As long as it was well cared for and not in any accidents.
Active Handling was available since late in the '98 model year. My '98 has active handling, that was my only requirement. HUD can be added.
