As a c4 owner, I am not all too familiar with c5's but am looking at a 97, 66000 miles. Any pros and cons and anything I should look out for? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

The C5 made improvements throughout the lifecycle of the car, oil passage changes in 98 (I think), five more HP in 01. A nice 97 should be a great car. Do some research for local market value & condition of the car. I don't think GM built a "bad" C5.

Do you know how to show codes on the DIC after a test drive?

 

get a c5 you will know instantly you have upgraded

 

I have one... it needs TLC like any other Corvette... but I'm happy with it.

 

 

I have a black 97 with 90k miles on it and love it. It runs like a top. I would suggest getting the newest model with least mileage that you can afford but as with all cars, research research research. Find out everything you can about the car and have it looked at by a competent mechanic. Talk to the previous owner, carfax, etc.

Good luck. I had an 89 before the 97 and the C5 is a big leap forward.

 

had a 86 vette bought in 98 sold to my nephew in 2004. had 29000 mi. when i bought it had about 40000 mi. when i sold it. very nice car, really loved it. bought red 2000 frc in 2004 with 7400 mi. the 86 rode nice, ran good, but the c5 is so much more refined. if yu want to drive it easy on the road 32 mpg is not a problem. the c5 is one hella car. after having a c5 i have no desire to own any other. the c4 is agreat vette but c5 is all of a c4 and more. ride, handling, power, and i love the looks of my red fixed roof coupe.

 

Have had my 99 coupe for 3 plus years. I have had a few minor problems ( steering lock-headlight motors) nothing major. I still love this car. I'm sure if you get one you will love yours too. Enjoy- Marc

 

I just made the change this spring to a 98. What a difference. I found this somewhere to just give you an idea of what has what.

1997
* Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
* All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler
* 97-00 C5 LS1's produce 345 HP @ 5600 RPM and 350 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM.

1998
* Convertible becomes available
* Active Handling becomes available late in year
* The two slots of a 1998 (and possibly late 1997s) curve toward the rear at the bottom. (versus straight down)

1999
* 26# injectors substituted for 28#
* Fuel pump revised to reduce noise
* FRC "Fixed Roof Coupe" aka the hardtop, becomes available. All FRC's are MN6 (6-speed) cars with the Z51 suspension package, and are about 60lbs lighter than coupes.
* HUD introduced
* Only one line in driver's side fuel rail cover (no fuel return line?)
* Power telescoping wheel becomes an option
* Steering hardware changed to combat wandering
* Door sill trim plates added

2000
* Millennium Yellow available
* "Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
* Pup cats added to all models for LEV emissions requirements (5hp loss relative to 97-99)
* Steel swaybar endlinks instead of plastic on Z51 equipped cars
* Z51 swaybar diameters grow (25.4/21.7 to 28.6/21.7 to 28.6/23.6 (note: new rear same as Z06)
* No keyhole on passenger side doorhandle
* Passenger airbag 'off' switch added to console (light by TC/AH button)

2001
* Return to 28# injectors for all models.
* Second Generation Active Handling
* Nassau Blue discontinued
* Alternator 'clutch' pulley added on A4 cars
* New soundproofing + foam in all cars
* Smaller keyfob
* Electrochromic dimming rearview and driver's mirrors
* Lighter AGM battery
* Thickness + Material in Convertible change
* Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + Convertible
* 85MM MAF with integral temp sensor (versus 74mm with separate plug for IAT)
* LS1 cam profile changed to: .500/0.500, 198/208 on 115.5LSA (From: 0.472/0.479, 202/210 on 117)
* All Corvettes now have the LS6 intake manifold
* All Corvettes now have the LS6 engine block (windage passages in block), which includes a beefier oil pump.
* LS1 changes result in new output of 350 HP @ 5200 RPM and 375 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM (MN6)
* Hardtop/FRC discontinued
* Stronger synchros in all transmissions
* Exhaust manifolds revised (5hp regained) - thin wall cast replacing SS manifolds
* Metal valvestem caps (late year)
* Torque Tube changed from metal-matrix composite to aluminum alloy 6061, increased in diameter from 55 to 63 mm.
* Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability
* Introduction of the Z06, which has as differences:
* Hardtop body style
* Rear brake ducting
* Screened inlets on front fascia, without foglights
* F1 Supercar tires 265-17 front, 295-18 rear, on 17x9.5 and 18x10.5 (one inch wider, respectively
* New LS6 top-end with new style head design (10.5:1 compression, 64cc chamber), LS6 cam (0.525/0.525, 204/211 on 116) - 385hp
* M12 transmission with shorter gearing (1-2-3 analagous to MN6 with 3.90 rear diff
* Titanium exhaust system
* Lightweight windshield
* New, stronger clutch with redesigned master + slave cylinder
* Stronger rear differential (shotpeened ring gear)
* Red brake calipers (otherwise identical)
* Transmission overtemp warning light on DIC
* 6500 redline gauges with special checkering + Z06 font
* Redesigned PCV system to help combat oil burning
* Red LS6 Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's)
* FE4 Z06 suspension - uprated springs, bars (30mm/23.6mm), shocks (note front spring and rear bar same as Z51)

2002
* Z06 Changes:
* Z06 LS6 cam changed to: 0.551/0.547, 204/218 on 117.5
* Less restrictive intake airbox lid
* Descreened MAF
* Removal of pup-cats (total with changes = 405hp)
* Z06 shocks revised with less rebound for better launching
* Z06 brake pads revised for better stopping (generate more dust)
* Lighter, sodium filled valves w/ stronger valve springs
* Higher tension rings installed to prevent oil burning problems
* Slight piston redesign *
* Clutch strength upgraded.
* HUD available on Z06 (not avail '01 model year)
* Wheel supplier changed to Speedline, moved from forged to cast. Weight nearly identical
* Electron Blue color offered
* Steel endlinks changed to aluminum

2003
* Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's

2004
* Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.