97 vs newer; active handling
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 11
From: Santa Rosa California
97 vs newer; active handling
I'm considering a 97 c5, but of course it doesnt come with active handling. Has active handling made a large enough impact on your driving experience that you recommend I wait until I find a newer one?
I just lost a bid on eBay for a 99 with 91000 miles because my internet froze last second and I couldn't get my final bid in. Lost by $100 and the winner won the car for $11,700. Been looking for months for a black/black auto in that price range/condition.
There's a few 97's, but that active handling thing is really making me think.
I just lost a bid on eBay for a 99 with 91000 miles because my internet froze last second and I couldn't get my final bid in. Lost by $100 and the winner won the car for $11,700. Been looking for months for a black/black auto in that price range/condition.
There's a few 97's, but that active handling thing is really making me think.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
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From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
Active handling can save you in certain situations. I had it kick in a few times.
You are better off looking at 2001s and up. There were a lot of improvements made in 2001. I would not buy the first model year of any car and that includes corvettes.
You are better off looking at 2001s and up. There were a lot of improvements made in 2001. I would not buy the first model year of any car and that includes corvettes.
CF Community Team
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I had a 98 with the early AH and presently have an 02 with 2nd gen AH. To me it's not a significant enough difference to be a factor in deciding on a purchase. Go with the best car for the money redgardless of year.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,558
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From: Yorktown Va
OP: Get what you can afford. I have a 98 coupe and love it! No problems at all
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 407
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From: San Antonio Texas
I have a 97 and love it. Do I throw it around any? Yes, but I know how to drive and wont be visiting any ditches anytime soon. If you are a confident driver with some skill then I wouldnt worry about AH.
By the way; my 97 has had NO issues. The previous owner is also a member of CF (still very active) and the only issue he had was column lock and the fuel sending unit.
By the way; my 97 has had NO issues. The previous owner is also a member of CF (still very active) and the only issue he had was column lock and the fuel sending unit.
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Safety Car
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From: Santa Fe TX
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Killarny MB
I have only had my AH activate on my once since owning the car. Unless you expect to be in terrible weather, or are driving in situations where you could loose control, it should not be a make or break on the deal.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 813
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From: N E area of state Kansas
I wanted it in mine. It has kicked on a few times, but had it not I could hav prolly still saved it with ease. It does add some piece of mind. As far as big improvments in 01, that is hogwash. You got the ls6 intake, which is better, and a reworked ah system. that is it. Some options became standard, but my 99 has all the options I would have wanted. Nothing came out in 2001 that was a "must have." It was a 99 for me, since that was the year I graduated and I wanted to ahve the HUD.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
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From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Valdosta GA
Back on topic, the active handling does provide peace of mind and has saved me on occasion. Don't know if I would have been able to save myself without it but why worry either way. I would say that if you can get one with it, why not add a little extra protection.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7,727
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From: Twilight zone
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Lotta words,mostly due to the Z06 model being introduced where there were significant changes.
Hardly a game breaker
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Washington PA.
I have a 97 with the selective ride and no AH. I don't know what it is and I don't miss it. I still love to drive it though, and like someone said earlier if you know how to drive just keep it pointed between the ditches and you'll be fine.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,558
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From: Yorktown Va
Yea, more power...
A few $$ for an LS6 intake would take care of that.And 2nd gen AH.....
That's about it.
Last edited by tomurphjr; Jun 26, 2009 at 02:29 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
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From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
For example, the 2001s and up have stronger rod bolts. Important if you have plans to mod your motor. The drivetrain is also stronger. Again, kind of important if you plan to add more power to the car.
Link:
http://www.media.gm.com/division/che..._kit/index.htm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7,727
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From: Twilight zone
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
^There is really quite a bit more that was changed than mentioned in the article. I just linked that as an example since the OP was most interested in the AH feature.
For example, the 2001s and up have stronger rod bolts. Important if you have plans to mod your motor. The drivetrain is also stronger. Again, kind of important if you plan to add more power to the car.
Link:
http://www.media.gm.com/division/che..._kit/index.htm
For example, the 2001s and up have stronger rod bolts. Important if you have plans to mod your motor. The drivetrain is also stronger. Again, kind of important if you plan to add more power to the car.
Link:
http://www.media.gm.com/division/che..._kit/index.htm
I would have to concede those two points...
On the other hand,I would not call the previous generations "insufficent" in that regard
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
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From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
(AH wasn't available until mid 1998 production).Like others have said, AH has also saved me embarrasment a time or two. It all depends on how hard you plan on pushing the car.