Hey guys, I've been a member on ls1tech for quite some time. I have a 96 Trans am ws6 and love my car but I think i want to step up and get a c5....I've always wanted one and love the body style.

I am currently looking at like a 99-01 because money is a little tight....I was wondering what were the differences in these models? Same engine? interior? etc...What more do you get from a z06 over a standard model is it just handling package? Is there any major defects in the cars I should look for when I look at one? I have so many questions but we will just start with them lol. Thanks for the help in advance!

 

on the 2000 there was a re-call on the steering lock out, turn the key the wrong way and the car will not start. make sure that you get an auto fax report when you buy one. black match box (GINO) mine is a 2000 coupe with 21000 miles just bought it 3 wks. ago from berger chevrolet grand rapids michigan.

 

The old saying is this...
Get the newest with the least amount of miles you can afford.
2001 had a tad more HP then the 97-2000 I believe.
Mr.Bill

 

I'm Currently looking at a 99 c5 with 69k...6 speed, some z06 parts its a frc for 11,990 I'm also not sure what corvettes are worth lol

 

My worthless opinion:

I buy cars for how they look ... not as much for how they perform and certainly not for how their reliability is perceived by others.

The non Z06 FRC Hardtop was the clear choice.

 

Can't help with the price as haven't been shopping.....opinions? Yup! That many miles should have the bugs out.....A mechanic would be good, though this forum will list any problem ever encountered with the C5....Hardtop is cool... GL

 

Damn I cant stop looking at c'5s.....I have a problem!

 

Corvetteitis, yea, your infected. wait until you get one......

 

The 2001 and newer cars had the LS6 intake standard on all models and the coupe/vert had a bump of 5 hp from 345 to 350 plus the torque increased. Interior is the same, but some options in the earlier years became standard in '01. A good source for learning about the cars is the Corvette Black Book - available in bookstores.

I have a bunch of files that might help you out, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist. If you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address.

 

That is a pretty good deal if this baby is in good shape

 

Yeh, I'm going to try to look at it tommrow after work and maybe get some better pics! and vetteman Jack PMing you now Thanks!

As far as years I know it comes down to personal opinion but if a 99 is say 12k and a 01 is 16k with same mileage for example would I be better off with the 99? besides year not much drastic has changed through them years?

 

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 CA 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 vert change
• Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
• 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
• Pup cats added to all models
• 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 dia from 55 to 63 mm.
• Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability

 

You basically want an 01+.

 

The Z06 is far more than just a handling package. 02-04 Z06 also came with 405hp 400tq. It only comes in the FRC body. Has the rear brake cooling ducts. It is lighter than the base model due to a lighter titanium exhaust, windshield, i dont know what else makes it lighter. It has the well known Z06 style wheels that are 17x9.5 up front and 18x10.5 in the rear. i know the suspension is different but i cant think of what besides the springs off the top of my head. I have never driven a regular C5 but from what people say on the forum it is night and day to the Z06. I personally have a 02 Z06.

 

I did like my ws6 but am much happier with my 01 c5. You really need to take your time and get a 01 or newer, the advantage will be evident in the long run. I kept an eye out and found a completely stock, cept the nitto 555 and z06 rims, convertable with 70.000 miles for 18,500.
I'd rather buy a stock vette and add mods of my own. I trust myself to do it right instead of a stranger.

 

Don't concern yourself about price versus age. Most Vette owners take such good care of their cars that age mean little. It's mileage that counts.

And these are not cheap cars to own. Insurance is higher, premium gas costs a little more, and I'm always paying for something for it. New TPM Sensors last month. Replaced the cam position sensor about 4 months ago. Then those Goodyear Eagles seem to wear out and I have to get new rears soon.

 

Well I just got back from looking at that 99' and all I can say is WOW, car has some sort of stainless exhaust...dealer doenst know and i couldnt get under it but can anyone tell me by the tips what they think it is? car also has stainless headers sounds amazing! I couldnt beleive how good it sounded. Here are some pics, hopefully i loaded them right. Its a 99 FRC 69k miles body looks good and there is just one scrath down the left side rear fender but looks like it can buff out. Im trying to get it for 12k out the door including taxes and all. What you guys think?

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/...1-08171148.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/...1-08171215.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/...1-08171026.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/...1-08171035.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/...1-08171159.jpg

I kind of want to pull the trigger on this one!

 

I just pulled the car fax report and......not good Im actually quite pissed as the guy said it was a "clear" title.

09/23/2009 Montana
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Missoula, MT
Title #AA0175033 TOTAL LOSS VEHICLETitle or registration issued
to insurance company
Vehicle color noted as Red
05/05/2010 69,000 Arizona
Inspection Station
Maricopa County Passed emissions inspection
06/25/2010 69,505 Arizona
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Gilbert, AZ
Title #0Z01010176004 Dealer took title of this vehicle
while it was in inventory
EXCEEDS MECHANICAL LIMITS TITLE ISSUED CARFAX Advisor™
An EML title is issued when the owner discloses an odometer rollover to a DMV. Rollovers occur on vehicles with 5-digit odometers that go from 99,999 to 00,000 every 100,000 miles.

Mileage reported after this reading is potentially unreliable.

I dont understand why it was a "total loss vehicle" if there wasnt a accident report?

 

That's a nice looking 99. Price looks pretty good to me....I wouldn't worry about 69K these cars will go a couple hundred thousand if maintained properly. The exhaust looks to be a Borla maybe. If you like it, that's all that matters. And if you can get it for $12K out the door all the better.


EDIT: After you posted right before me.

Ouch, Maybe a flood vehicle or maybe stolen and recovered after the insurance paid off? I think that I'd like a lot more info or maybe just better off walking away from this one.

 

If it has a salvage title - PASS. You will never be able to sell it again for anyting of value, unless you get if for way less.

Keep looking.