Some C5 corvette questions
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: Abilene Tx
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
From: Elkton Md
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,447
Likes: 24,807
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Hey Jeff: I've got some Word files that might help you out. If interested, PM me your e-mail address and I'd be glad to send them to you. And good luck in your search for a C5 - I think you will really like the difference compared to the other Vettes you've had.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 429
Likes: 11
From: Orlando, FL
Some items of interest that need to be checked out when inspecting a potential C5.
1) look under the rear of the car at the left side of the differential, use a flash light. Check for the common leaking seal where the axle enters the differential housing. If it's leaking there will be black crap all over.
2) Check to see that the oil pressure gauge is not pegged out to the max. The sending units don't last long on these cars and they are hard to get to.
3) Check to see if the parking brake will hold the car on an incline, another common problem.
4) Check the operation of the headlight motors by turning the headlights on and off. The plastic gears are commonly stripped.
5) If you are allowed, pull the battery out of its mounting location and look for evidence of any acid leaks that have reached the computer and wiring just below it. Very common and very damaging.
6) Check the seats for rocking fore and aft. There are little rubber bumpers that deteriorate quickly and should be replaced with nylon. Not that big of a deal but annoying while driving.
7) I'm sure there are more common issues that others may chime in on, but if you do nothing else check the stored trouble codes, these will alert you to issues that may not be apparent just by looking. Click here for instructions and print off the codes to take with you. This can also be a great bargaining chip if codes show something needs to be fixed.
Good luck with your search and I hope this helps.
1) look under the rear of the car at the left side of the differential, use a flash light. Check for the common leaking seal where the axle enters the differential housing. If it's leaking there will be black crap all over.
2) Check to see that the oil pressure gauge is not pegged out to the max. The sending units don't last long on these cars and they are hard to get to.
3) Check to see if the parking brake will hold the car on an incline, another common problem.
4) Check the operation of the headlight motors by turning the headlights on and off. The plastic gears are commonly stripped.
5) If you are allowed, pull the battery out of its mounting location and look for evidence of any acid leaks that have reached the computer and wiring just below it. Very common and very damaging.
6) Check the seats for rocking fore and aft. There are little rubber bumpers that deteriorate quickly and should be replaced with nylon. Not that big of a deal but annoying while driving.
7) I'm sure there are more common issues that others may chime in on, but if you do nothing else check the stored trouble codes, these will alert you to issues that may not be apparent just by looking. Click here for instructions and print off the codes to take with you. This can also be a great bargaining chip if codes show something needs to be fixed.
Good luck with your search and I hope this helps.
Another great post. Thanks for all the help.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I have to stay under $30k. I've seen a few '05's in this range so I think about any decent milage C5 should be doable. I think I'm leaning toward an '02 from the above description of the different models. I'm not sure about a Z06 though because I would like an auto. My last 2 vehicles were 6 spds and I'm tired of shifting.
Best of luck with your search
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
This might help.
C5 Yearly differences in models
1997
• Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
• All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler, xx, xx, ??
• 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)
C5 Yearly differences in models
1997
• Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
• All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler, xx, xx, ??
• 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)
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 429
Likes: 11
From: Orlando, FL
Well, I'm getting closer to the biggest deal of my life. Should know tomorrow or Tue. I've been beating myself up over 2 different types of vehicle. My choices right now for the vette are either an '02-'04 auto coupe/vert or '02-'04 Z06, the other vehicle I'm contemplating is a '05 Dodge SRT-10 quadcab. The truck can seat 6 so my whole family can enjoy (I have 4 kids). I hit the Autotrader yesterday and I kid you not there were over 150 '02-'04 vettes nationwide under 20k. I know not all of them are legit but even if you cut 10% due to selling or scam ads you still have 135 out there. That is alot of vettes for sale and most are low mileage. I mean an '04 Z06 for 21k....
I can't believe how much knowledge this one thread gave me to make an educated decision.
Jeff
I can't believe how much knowledge this one thread gave me to make an educated decision.
Jeff