C3 to C5
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
C3 to C5
Hey guys. I'm certain none of you here have ever heard of me. I come from C3-land.
Here's my story:
I'm 17 and I own a white 1981 that I use for my daily driver (minus winter). It has a brand new GMPP 350 crate engine rated at 290 but dynoed at 315. It's pretty quick. I've done quite a bit of work (interior, trans, exhaust, motor, etc.) and it's really a pretty nice car. No major problems apart from a little bit of rust on one body mount, but that's no big deal. The frame is solid all around.
I was just looking for some input from all of you C5 guys. I'm considering selling my Shark come spring and possibly buying a C5. I want more performance out of my C3, but I know that for the money I'd have to put into it to get it to perform like a STOCK C5, I could easily have just bought one outright.
How do you guys feel about your C5's? Have you made any modifications to them? Anybody use them as their daily drivers (minus winter)? How is the comfort of it (my C3 is brutal every day)? Good power stock? Handling?
All input is really appreciated!
-Dave
Here's my story:
I'm 17 and I own a white 1981 that I use for my daily driver (minus winter). It has a brand new GMPP 350 crate engine rated at 290 but dynoed at 315. It's pretty quick. I've done quite a bit of work (interior, trans, exhaust, motor, etc.) and it's really a pretty nice car. No major problems apart from a little bit of rust on one body mount, but that's no big deal. The frame is solid all around.
I was just looking for some input from all of you C5 guys. I'm considering selling my Shark come spring and possibly buying a C5. I want more performance out of my C3, but I know that for the money I'd have to put into it to get it to perform like a STOCK C5, I could easily have just bought one outright.
How do you guys feel about your C5's? Have you made any modifications to them? Anybody use them as their daily drivers (minus winter)? How is the comfort of it (my C3 is brutal every day)? Good power stock? Handling?
All input is really appreciated!
-Dave
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 5
I absolutely love my C5...
I've had a Mustang and an 11sec Camaro, but I'll take the C5 over them any day. It has it all...timeless looks coincidentally inspired by the C3, performance, handling, comfort, fun-to-drive and good fuel economy to boot!
But damn, 17 with a Corvette!!!
Impressive, yet scary!
I've had a Mustang and an 11sec Camaro, but I'll take the C5 over them any day. It has it all...timeless looks coincidentally inspired by the C3, performance, handling, comfort, fun-to-drive and good fuel economy to boot!
But damn, 17 with a Corvette!!!
Impressive, yet scary!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Puerto Rico
mine is an 02 A4 and is my DD, it's great for daily driving except for the runflats, where I live the streets are pretty rough and the runflats are too hard for me, but other than that a great DD y put around 75miles a week, since the university is pretty close
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
I absolutely love my C5...
I've had a Mustang and an 11sec Camaro, but I'll take the C5 over them any day. It has it all...timeless looks coincidentally inspired by the C3, performance, handling, comfort, fun-to-drive and good fuel economy to boot!
But damn, 17 with a Corvette!!!
Impressive, yet scary!
I've had a Mustang and an 11sec Camaro, but I'll take the C5 over them any day. It has it all...timeless looks coincidentally inspired by the C3, performance, handling, comfort, fun-to-drive and good fuel economy to boot!
But damn, 17 with a Corvette!!!
Impressive, yet scary!
Any car will do 100 and can get you killed. I know the responsibility that comes with owning a high performance car.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 5
Just remember that when the punk rolls up next to you reving his engine
Enjoy the C5 you will
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
17 and already owning a Vette. Good for you. I was 21 when I first bought my first vette (a '61 in '65). I've had 50 cars so far (3 vettes) and my C5 is right up there with the best of the best. I call it my Cadillac with OMPH!!! You will not be dissapointed.
I'm thinking that one day, long after most of us are gone, you will be driving a C10. Won't that be sumtin?
I'm thinking that one day, long after most of us are gone, you will be driving a C10. Won't that be sumtin?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 1
From: Somewherebetweenhereandthere
I did the C3 to C5... I had a 78 White/White Vette!!! It was an awesome car, I really wanted to redo the entire vette and make it a awesome DD... But... I got deployed and thought about the time I don't have to restore an older car, and the money I would spend on the C3 to get it to where I wanted it was the same as a C5!!
Needless to say I sold my 78 to a guy that would restor her, and then bought my current Z06!!!! I have never seen the new one yet, but my brother has driven both cars quite a bit and says there is no comparing the 2!!! He was actually scared to drive it!!!
Oh and I know you are 17 but I am married to my high school sweetheart... She LOVES the new Z06!!! She liked the 78 because I loved it, but hated it cause it smelled, was rough, and had poor gas mileage!!! She really liked riding in the Z!!! THe only bad thing is she is scared of the power now cause she told my brother to get on it and when he did she said never again!!!!
see modds below
Needless to say I sold my 78 to a guy that would restor her, and then bought my current Z06!!!! I have never seen the new one yet, but my brother has driven both cars quite a bit and says there is no comparing the 2!!! He was actually scared to drive it!!!
Oh and I know you are 17 but I am married to my high school sweetheart... She LOVES the new Z06!!! She liked the 78 because I loved it, but hated it cause it smelled, was rough, and had poor gas mileage!!! She really liked riding in the Z!!! THe only bad thing is she is scared of the power now cause she told my brother to get on it and when he did she said never again!!!!
see modds below
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Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 66,409
Likes: 2,061
From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
Hey guys. I'm certain none of you here have ever heard of me. I come from C3-land.
Here's my story:
I'm 17 and I own a white 1981 that I use for my daily driver (minus winter). It has a brand new GMPP 350 crate engine rated at 290 but dynoed at 315. It's pretty quick. I've done quite a bit of work (interior, trans, exhaust, motor, etc.) and it's really a pretty nice car. No major problems apart from a little bit of rust on one body mount, but that's no big deal. The frame is solid all around.
I was just looking for some input from all of you C5 guys. I'm considering selling my Shark come spring and possibly buying a C5. I want more performance out of my C3, but I know that for the money I'd have to put into it to get it to perform like a STOCK C5, I could easily have just bought one outright.
How do you guys feel about your C5's? Have you made any modifications to them? Anybody use them as their daily drivers (minus winter)? How is the comfort of it (my C3 is brutal every day)? Good power stock? Handling?
All input is really appreciated!
-Dave
Here's my story:
I'm 17 and I own a white 1981 that I use for my daily driver (minus winter). It has a brand new GMPP 350 crate engine rated at 290 but dynoed at 315. It's pretty quick. I've done quite a bit of work (interior, trans, exhaust, motor, etc.) and it's really a pretty nice car. No major problems apart from a little bit of rust on one body mount, but that's no big deal. The frame is solid all around.
I was just looking for some input from all of you C5 guys. I'm considering selling my Shark come spring and possibly buying a C5. I want more performance out of my C3, but I know that for the money I'd have to put into it to get it to perform like a STOCK C5, I could easily have just bought one outright.
How do you guys feel about your C5's? Have you made any modifications to them? Anybody use them as their daily drivers (minus winter)? How is the comfort of it (my C3 is brutal every day)? Good power stock? Handling?
All input is really appreciated!
-Dave
The only mods on my car are the Corsa Touring exhaust and a K&N filter w/Z06 air box lid.
I am in Iraq at the moment, but when I am home I drive my Vette everyday, I think they are meant to be DRIVEN not sitting in some garage. I understand why the guys that live in northern and eastern states store them in the winter, but if you live in a state where can drive it everyday, you should.
I find my C5 to be very comfortable, most comfortable ride I have ever had. I have the F55 suspension and keep it in tour mode until I hit the highway. Even with the run-flats most seem to hate, I get a nice ride.
You have a lot of HP junkies on the forum, nothing wrong with that, but IMHO the C5 has more power than you will EVER use on public roads.
You will LOVE your C5 when you get it. Just be advised that parts and maintenance are much more expensive on a C5/C6 than other Vette generations. You also want to buy the latest model C5 you can afford ('01 or newer is what you should shoot for) Peace
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 534
From: PNW Cougar Country WA
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
C6 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
It's no contest. C5 in every way IMO, even with all it's little switch etc glitchs. The ride, the DIC, and the looks plus i love my HUD. Use it all the time. Best to be picky, low miles is usually a plus, and everything should work well. If it looks really clean in ALL respects it's probably been taken care of but have a dealer check out the servicer record with the Vin.
Last edited by NOWUCME; Oct 16, 2007 at 12:58 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
From: Eagle River AK
St. Jude Donor '10, '13
I currently own both, and I would agree there is nothing like the C5, although as stated the C3 "Has that certain something" and she is a damn good-looking car! But a little rough for a daily driver. I have considered selling her to put that money into my C5, but just can’t seem to do it - she is my first. :o
I would say unless you are really attached to the 81, I would go ahead and sell her and get a C5, for a daily driver it can’t be beat. You’re young enough, and have your whole life ahead of you - you can eventually get another C3 down the road. Just my .02$
Good luck on your decision.
I would say unless you are really attached to the 81, I would go ahead and sell her and get a C5, for a daily driver it can’t be beat. You’re young enough, and have your whole life ahead of you - you can eventually get another C3 down the road. Just my .02$
Good luck on your decision.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
You guys all rock. I kind of got "banned" from the C3 section for posting this same thing there. I think a C5 might be the way I go come spring. I've got all winter to decide. We'll see what happens.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
As some have stated The C5 is a modern sports car with allot of bells and whistles. I like it beucase of all the extra goodies you get with it but if your more into the raw classic american iron stick with the C3.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Love my C5. Having owned two C3s in the past, I can tell you there is a night and day difference between the two generations - as there should be. My advice is to just go and test drive a C5 - you will immediately see the benefits.