I'm thinking getting rid of the '77 Vette I picked up a year ago in favor of a C5.

I have a couple of general questions:

What is "skip shift"?

Do C5 coupes have removable roofs or T-tops like C3s?

Thanks for your help!

 

Skip shift was a feature installed for fuel economy. It enabled GM to avoid the gas guzzler tax so they didnt need to pass that on to buyers. It locks out 2nd & 3rd gears in certain rmp & speed situations and makes you shift into 4th. It can easily be bypassed with an aftermarket CAGS eliminator.

C5 coupes do have removeable (1 piece) tops, Z06 doesnt.

 

CAGS (Computer Assisted Gear Selection) locks out 2nd and 3rd under certain low rpm and throttle position conditions, the intent was to keep the Corvette from being subjected to the Gas Guzzler Tax. It can be simply avoided by not changing gears at low rpm's.

And yes - the coupe had a one piece top that was available as either painted or tinted and was removeable and stowable in the cargo area of the coupe. The Z06 was based on the Fixed Roof Coupe bodystyle, and as the name implied was not removeable.

 

Yup, CAGS is generally a nuisance in my case. I buy manual transmissions because I like to CHOOSE when and where the shift lever is.

Until I get around to installing the eliminator kit, I find that I can get around the 1-4 shift if I accidentally trigger it, by simply letting the shifter back to neutral center; then going back to 2nd. If you get the 1-4 shift light, you weren't racing anyway so the detour back to neutral is a non-issue.

 

What about run flat tires? Are they just a big expense at replacement time? Do all C5s have them?

What else should a relative Vette newbie watch for when C5 shopping?

 

Watch for oil burning LS1's in 2001 and prior.

Also, read about the Column Lock Bypass.

 

All C5s came with runflats from the factory. They can get rather expensive depending on what brand you go with. The stock Goodyear ones are pretty expensive, but there are options out there. I'm running a set of the Firestone Firehawks and they cost a bit less.

Many go with non-runflats for a better ride and handling and less noise.

 

Why do we pick on the '01s, and its 2002 and earlier with possible ring problems. Corvette Action Center has a list of the recall and service bulletins under tech notes or something like that.

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZPs are all season ultra high performance run flats and will save you close to $400. over the original OEM GY EMTs. They only go about 50 miles on zp while the GYs go 200. The GY are rather noisy and hard running while the Michelin gives a much better and all season ride.

Top comes in clear lexan or hard surface painted. But yes it's known as a target top in other vehicles. Stows in the hatch area.

There was a recall for column lock issues, bypass is available, for 6 speed 97-04 and 98-00 automatics.

 

Does doing away with the run flats mean buying new wheels?

 

You use the same wheels, just replace the tires.

 

Nope.

 

NO. You can buy the same size tires in a non runflat type tire and they will work just fine with the OEM wheels.

ALSO, newer generation runflats are much better than the older C5 OEM generation runflats. If travelling distances in a C5, it may be a good idea to have runflats.

You can and should even without runflats always use Tire Pressure Sensors so you can monitor your tire pressures at all times.
All non Z06 C5's have tire pressure sensors and on board monitoring system.

 

A C5 has a Targa Top.

 

Not so. Z06 cars came with Goodyear F1 Supercar tires. Non runflats. The Z06 came equiped with a tire inflator kit in the trunk.

 

The oil burning only affected 2001 models. That was the year GM tried low tension oil rings. Most of the problems were caused by drivers running around town in lower gears and buzzing the engine above 3K rpms under a light load. Under heavy load above 3K rpms they didn't use oil or if the engine wasn't buzzed running around town. I beat the crap out of my 97 running around road courses at WOT for 80 to 100 minutes a day for 7 seasons at 10 track days per season and it never used oil.

Bill

 

Okay, I'm going to write volumes answering your questions....

Ready...??

Okay, neither am I....

And others have already answered very well

bottom line.....BUY A C5.....get the color and other configurations you like and despite possible problems...which may, or may NOT happen....you'll be so damn happy that those minor gliches won't matter!

Sh*t happens with every car. But few give the the positive returns of a Corvette.

Mine amazed me....again...just a bit ago.

 

Thanks for the clarification, Bill Dearborn.

Jet-Jock, see quote above.

 

Hmmm, maybe Bill needs to re-read the Service Bulletin:

1999 - 2002: Service Bulletin: Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption
Subject: Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption (Replace Rings and Engine Valley Cover)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 01-06-01-023A
Models: 1999-2001 Chevrolet Camaro, 1999-2002 Chevrolet Corvette, 1999-2001 Pontiac
Firebird, with 5.7L Engine (VINs G, S -- RPOs LS1, LS6)
This bulletin is being revised to add model years for the Corvette, information on the LS6 engine
and parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-023 (Section 6 -
Engine).
Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. When checked, the oil
consumption could be in the range of 400-600 miles per quart (700-1000 km/L).
On the LS6 engine only, the technician may find oil behind the engine throttle plate and in the intake manifold.
Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the piston rings and the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs -- typically manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is frequently or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.
On the LS6 engine only, the engine has a unique aluminum valley cover that has composite oil separating baffles and PCV plumbing incorporated. In some cases, the PCV baffle may not be properly sealed to the valley cover, causing oil to enter the PCV system.
Correction
On the LS6 engine only, replace the engine valley cover if oil is found behind the throttle body or in the intake manifold before replacing the piston ring. Refer to Engine Valley Cover Replacement in the Engine Mechanical - 5.7L subsection of the Corvette Service Manual.
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The new rings are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2 compression ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings in the piston ring kit should be discarded. The original number 1 compression ring and the oil ring rails should be re-used in their original positions on the piston. All pistons should be used in the same cylinder bore.
Important
Do not dress or hone the cylinder bore. Nothing should be done to change the bore finish for this condition.

Refer to the Unit Repair Manual for appropriate ring removal and replacement procedure.
The number 1 compression ring and the upper and lower oil expander rails are re-used because they are already broken in for the bore that they are in. The new number 2 compression ring is made with a very sharp edge that will break in quickly.
Changing only the piston rings noted, with no change in driving style, should change oil consumption to an acceptable level. Changes in driving style that reduce the amount of time spent at higher RPMs will also positively affect oil consumption.
In addition to the standard size piston ring kit listed below, a 0.25 mm oversized piston ring kit is available. The oversized piston ring kit should only be used in those rare instances where the cylinder bore size has been machined larger to accommodate the 0.25 mm oversized piston rings.
Parts Information
Part Number Description Qty
12568002 Valley Cover 1
88984247 Ring Kit, Piston 8
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Description Labor Time
J0250 Manifold or Gasket Intake - Replace Manifold Use Published Labor Operation Time
J1307 Piston, Rod and/or Rings -- Replace, Both Banks Use Published Labor Time
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved

 

Glad I bought a 98....