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I am purchasing a C5, need some help!!!!

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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 03:24 PM
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Default I am purchasing a C5, need some help!!!!

Hi,

I have been looking around a for a 97-99 C5 for the purpose of a track car. I have never owned a vette and wanted some help from you guys. I have locally found 2 vettes, which would you buy?

1) 1999 FRC, 74,xxx active handling, 6 speed black on black $16,000.

2) 1997 Targa, 6 speed, 138,xxx miles tranny/clutch changed at 100K and runs pretty good, not as clean as the 99. $11,300.

I figured that I am yanking out the seats, and suspension anyways for the track. So the only thing the 99 has on the 97 is the mileage. I thought i would save that $5k and spend it on other mods.

Has anything significant changed from the 97 to 99 that would make you stay away from a 97? All inputs appreciated.
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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 03:27 PM
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I'm no help but good luck on the purchase...I am interested in watching you turn it into a track only car!
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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 03:47 PM
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if its a track only car get the cheapest one you can find.
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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 03:48 PM
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For track purposes you will probably be happier with the FRC.

Last edited by Mudvayne387; Oct 29, 2007 at 03:50 PM.
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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 03:52 PM
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for a track car make your choice , the frc will be a little stiffer ,

oak
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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 04:07 PM
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How can one tell if a car has the Z51 package? is that different that the car with the squigly marks under it? what does the z51 package give you? Is the 3.42 LSD rear standard on all the manuals or just the Z51?
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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by alpha6164
How can one tell if a car has the Z51 package? is that different that the car with the squigly marks under it? what does the z51 package give you? Is the 3.42 LSD rear standard on all the manuals or just the Z51?
all 99/00 FRCs are M6 and Z51

all M6's are 3.42
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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by alpha6164
How can one tell if a car has the Z51 package? is that different that the car with the squigly marks under it? what does the z51 package give you? Is the 3.42 LSD rear standard on all the manuals or just the Z51?
All manuals have 3.42 rear ratio.

For 1997 Z51 included stiffer springs, and stabilizer bars. To check if this is on the car, look for code (Z51) on sticker under one of rear well panel lids in the back inside of the car (there are 3).

The FRC includes Z51. FRCs are 12% stiffer, also lightest by 80 lbs.

The Car with the squigly marks under it is traction control, there is a light on the dash that comes on when you disengage it by using the button on the console. Your DIC (Driver's Information Center) on the dash should aslo say something like "TRACTION CONTROL OFF". Active handling was not availiable until mid-1998. Traction control controls the throttle, active handling selectively applies individual brakes.

No significant changes in basics. Clips added to hold door window glass better during high speeds in 1998. Steering made more sensitive and less likely to wander in 1999.

Last edited by Oldvetter; Oct 29, 2007 at 04:33 PM.
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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve Doten
all 99/00 FRCs are M6 and Z51

all M6's are 3.42
Thank you for the above. Sorry for the ignorance but when you say M6 you mean manual? So does a manual 97 have a 3.42LSD?
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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by alpha6164
Thank you for the above. Sorry for the ignorance but when you say M6 you mean manual? So does a manual 97 have a 3.42LSD?
Yes all Manuals have 3.42's including the Z06.

97 is good for something such as bigger injectors. If you are going to rip the motor out I would do the 97 if your not do the 99.
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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Wicked C5
Yes all Manuals have 3.42's including the Z06.

97 is good for something such as bigger injectors. If you are going to rip the motor out I would do the 97 if your not do the 99.
Thats the problem, knowing me at some point I a gonna probably wanna build the motor. Two years ago i bought stock toyota supra and now its putting down 900wh: at 32psi This will be a track car, so i want make an N/A track monster
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