Question on a 97?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 829
Likes: 39
From: sun prairie wi
Question on a 97?
I'm interested in a 97 but I'm bothered by the low production number.Its 198.My first thoughts are to stay away from a first year run.And my second is at 198 have they found any bugs yet?Whats your advice on 97's?
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Sanger TX
No major problems with mine. There were a few recalls on the early production cars: rear end problem being one, should have all been taken care of, check the cars history. Any other issues should have occured by now. If its in good condition and the price is right I say go for it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 24,921
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From: Knoxville, TN
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude '03 thru '26
116k miles on my 97 that I use to drag race and autocross when I can.
106k on my 98 Pace Car
88k on our 98 vert
Nothing out of the ordinary on any of 'em...
106k on my 98 Pace Car
88k on our 98 vert
Nothing out of the ordinary on any of 'em...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 15
St. Jude Donor '06
I have a 97 #328. No major problems! I have special RPO code WD0 which meant it was a preproduction and it was delivered right to GM Tech Center Here in Warren, MI. Although they may not have had all the bugs worked out, I think the preproduction cars are (were) built with extra attention to detail seeing as these cars will be seen by the GM brass. Just my 0.02 cents...
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 848
Likes: 3
From: N.E. Phila. PA
...have had my 97 almost nine years now, and even with money
being no object, I just can't justify letting it go for a C6. It still looks
new, and (thanks to ECS) will compete with the new ZO6!
being no object, I just can't justify letting it go for a C6. It still looks
new, and (thanks to ECS) will compete with the new ZO6!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
I have not owned a 97 but I have never seen any reports of it being any worse than any of the other years as far as reliability. There are some options that were not in production yet. I think HUD and active handling were added later. The LS6 intake was added later. Wheels were changed in 2000. There are probably more changes than that but that is all I can think of. No vert for 97. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Dino84..
Go for it...these cars are very reliable for first production cars. They made less the 10,000 and a low production number like this is nice for re-sale...find out all you can about it and if it's solid go for it. Just do it man...enjoy
DenoT
Go for it...these cars are very reliable for first production cars. They made less the 10,000 and a low production number like this is nice for re-sale...find out all you can about it and if it's solid go for it. Just do it man...enjoy
DenoT
Last edited by SLPRC5; Jan 11, 2006 at 02:39 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
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Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
No first year issues with my '97. I've owned my car for 4 years and it has been relatively problem free. As a manufacturing Engineer I take a different look at first year cars. While the technology has usually changed from a previous model you have your risk associated with being an early adopter, but the car is generally built closest to the original design intent prior to all of the cost reduction initiatives. I haven't seen anything on either my car or posting here on the forum that would steer me away from buying another '97 if the right car came along. Run the carfax and PM member Sponge Vette to run the service history if you can get the whole VIN. With that information and good once over by you or a qualified mechanic you should be good to go.
Paul
Paul
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,471
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From: St. Louis Mo.
St. Jude Donor '08
I got my 97 pre owned in Dec. of 99. No major issues with it. Have done a ton of mods from cam install to redoing the interior. Drove 8 hours to Road America in Wisc, drove the snot out of it, and 8 hours home, never an issue. I have done that 4 times. The thing just seems bullit prof at least so far.
Just do your homework, check it out, and go for it. 97's can be had pretty inexpensively also. Best bang for the dollar I know of.
Hope its RED as they are all supposed to be RED
Good Luck
Tim
Just do your homework, check it out, and go for it. 97's can be had pretty inexpensively also. Best bang for the dollar I know of.
Hope its RED as they are all supposed to be RED
Good Luck
Tim
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As long as you check the car out carefully, it should be fine. They all are prone to the column lock and rear differential leaks.