'97-'00 owners step on in...
09-20-2011, 05:05 PM
#21
Le Mans Master
I think it is funny about the traction control and abs part. Considering I have a 72 with a zz454 in it that dynoed at 440/500 and it is still riding on the stock 15x8 tires with the stock suspension i think my 00 will be fine without abs or traction control. i wish my Ls1 had the power and torque my 72 has. then it might actually need all those bells and whistles
09-20-2011, 05:13 PM
#22
Team Owner
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Zero problems with my 1999 6 spd Coupe 
09-20-2011, 05:27 PM
#23
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Well I have a 2000 with 63K and minor problems (seat rock, fuel gage, turn signals) which all can be fixed pretty simply. I have not noticed the "dumping" on early models as stated, but I have taken advantage of updating those pieces that were improved like the LS6 intake, Torque Tube/Driveshaft, etc. from the newer models. So given that there seems to be other problems with oil burning, fuel tanks, etc. with the newer, then maybe starting with the older models and adding only the "good" upgrades may be a better route. OK... a stretch but it sounded good. A C5 is still a C5 and better than not a C5!
09-20-2011, 05:34 PM
#25
Race Director
My current C5 is an 01; my previous C5 was an 00. Both are great cars. I don't think anyone would argue the point that ANY C5 assuming it was well taken care of would probably bring many miles of enjoyment to a new owner. That being said, there are several advantages to buying a later model C5. Here are some of them:
Comes with LS6 Intake
Revised LS1 block design (same block as the LS6)
2nd generation active handling
Competitive driving mode can be engaged while moving
The EBCM can be repaired and warrantied for $50 - $200 vs well over $800 IF you can find the part on the earlier models
Better weather stripping design
Larger MAF
Improved cam
LS6 Clutch in base cars
More durable transmission internals (blocking rings made of carbon instead of paper)
Stronger driveshaft
I'm sure there are more but that's all I can think of at the moment.
I don't see the 97-00 cars get "dumped on" at least not by the more knowledgeable members. The advice given in the many "should I buy this C5" threads that come up generally depend much more on the condition of that specific car than what year it is...
Given the choice between an early and late model C5 that are in identical condition at similar prices it's a no brainer, you go with the newer one. Would anyone actually buy the unimproved version of a product that did not have the benefit of refinements made after four model years of real world production testing when they could get the improved version for the same price?
I don't think anyone who knows what they are talking about would say that the early C5's are bad cars or (dump on) them. But there WERE improvements made to later models.
Whatever year you have... SMILE! You're driving a Corvette!
Comes with LS6 Intake
Revised LS1 block design (same block as the LS6)
2nd generation active handling
Competitive driving mode can be engaged while moving
The EBCM can be repaired and warrantied for $50 - $200 vs well over $800 IF you can find the part on the earlier models
Better weather stripping design
Larger MAF
Improved cam
LS6 Clutch in base cars
More durable transmission internals (blocking rings made of carbon instead of paper)
Stronger driveshaft
I'm sure there are more but that's all I can think of at the moment.
I don't see the 97-00 cars get "dumped on" at least not by the more knowledgeable members. The advice given in the many "should I buy this C5" threads that come up generally depend much more on the condition of that specific car than what year it is...
Given the choice between an early and late model C5 that are in identical condition at similar prices it's a no brainer, you go with the newer one. Would anyone actually buy the unimproved version of a product that did not have the benefit of refinements made after four model years of real world production testing when they could get the improved version for the same price?
I don't think anyone who knows what they are talking about would say that the early C5's are bad cars or (dump on) them. But there WERE improvements made to later models.
Whatever year you have... SMILE! You're driving a Corvette!
Extremely well put.The amount at which a car depreciates per year decreases as the car ages. Consequently, the marginal price difference between a 10 year old car and a 14 year old car is not going to be the same as the marginal price difference between say a 4 year old car and an 8 year old car.
To the OP: with you being a completely informed buyer, given 2 equally used cars, same mileage, options, history, etc., a 2000 and a 2001, would you buy the 2000 for the same price or maybe $1000 cheaper???
09-20-2011, 05:37 PM
#26
Race Director
09-20-2011, 05:45 PM
#27
Le Mans Master
I'll agree that there are a couple of areas that might cost a bit more to fix on an older C-5. TPS, some of the key fobs and then there's the EBCM,,,does anyone have any statisics on the failure rate on the EBCM?
It seems to me there are more failures on the newer style of EBCM than older ones. I may be mistaken. I've got over 90,000 on my 2000 and have had no major problems. I replaced the batteries in my TPMS. My key fobs still work OK, with a new battery. I had a seat rock and it is fixed.
One time I had a problem with traction control, it turned out to be a brake line, not the EBCM, although I bought an EBCM off CF as part of the trouble shooting.. some one else later bought it from (with a small profit for me )...
Most people here post in praise of their current model,,, and newer,,, over older models because it makes them feel a bit better knowing they might have something worth a few buck more...
If some parts replacemnents are a bit problematic, that just adds to the experience. Yeah, if I were to buy another C-5 it'd likely be a newer one just because the number of available cars that would fit my desire is much larger. Until then I'll enjoy my 2000 vert until something makes it unfeasable to keep.
It seems to me there are more failures on the newer style of EBCM than older ones. I may be mistaken. I've got over 90,000 on my 2000 and have had no major problems. I replaced the batteries in my TPMS. My key fobs still work OK, with a new battery. I had a seat rock and it is fixed.
One time I had a problem with traction control, it turned out to be a brake line, not the EBCM, although I bought an EBCM off CF as part of the trouble shooting.. some one else later bought it from (with a small profit for me )...
Most people here post in praise of their current model,,, and newer,,, over older models because it makes them feel a bit better knowing they might have something worth a few buck more...
If some parts replacemnents are a bit problematic, that just adds to the experience. Yeah, if I were to buy another C-5 it'd likely be a newer one just because the number of available cars that would fit my desire is much larger. Until then I'll enjoy my 2000 vert until something makes it unfeasable to keep.
Last edited by Phanni; 09-20-2011 at 05:48 PM.
09-20-2011, 07:47 PM
#30
Melting Slicks
:
Very true, all c5s from 97-2004 had some issues, but I love my 2000 coupe wouldnt part with it. 
LOL, it's all good try not to take this forum thing to seriously
.
Personally I'd wet my pants with the thought of driving without the EBCM. How those Viper guys drive without TC and ABS is beyond me. I have an 01 which is prone to burning oil. They all have issues. The 03-04s have very well documented fuel system issues. Potentially MUCH more dangerous than not having an EBCM. So it's pretty much a toss up LOL.
-Alex
. Personally I'd wet my pants with the thought of driving without the EBCM. How those Viper guys drive without TC and ABS is beyond me. I have an 01 which is prone to burning oil. They all have issues. The 03-04s have very well documented fuel system issues. Potentially MUCH more dangerous than not having an EBCM. So it's pretty much a toss up LOL
.-Alex
Very true, all c5s from 97-2004 had some issues, but I love my 2000 coupe wouldnt part with it.
09-20-2011, 08:52 PM
#32
Melting Slicks
The only problems I had with my 97 was the oil pressure sending unit, water pump, and the external rear view mirrors mysteriously having their spring break in the middle of the night. Other than than at 100k miles, I still had the original brakes and clutch and it ran like clockwork. Amazing car!
09-20-2011, 09:39 PM
#33
Tech Contributor
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just google that part # for the EBCM...you'll find it was not limited to corvettes...there are thousands of them around from other GM products, as well as many other computers on the car....nothing to worry about my friends.
Reminds me of chicken little, "the sky is falling"
Reminds me of chicken little, "the sky is falling"
09-20-2011, 09:48 PM
#34
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I owned my '00 for 7.5 years before I sold it in June 2008. Yes, I had a few problems, but overall it was a great car. I missed the car from the moment the new owner drove off in it and in many ways still do. Nothing wrong with getting an early C5 - as with any car you just have to check things over carefully before buying.
09-20-2011, 10:51 PM
#36
Le Mans Master
1998 with 140,000 miles. Only problems: one headlight gear, one oil pressure sensor, and one radiator overflow/fill plastic tank. Most reliable car I have owned.
09-20-2011, 11:01 PM
#37
Drifting
Bought my 99 in June and love it, it was the exact car I wanted(under 50kmi 6-speed, Torch Red/Black interior) mint condition, only problem was a rocking drivers seat which I fixed for $20 and came with about 5k in mods for the price cheaper than a comparable 01+. Plus I have an LS6 manifold/injectors, LS6 cam and heads sitting in my WS6's engine I'm putting on for free(putting bigger cam/heads/intake in my WS6)
09-20-2011, 11:28 PM
#38
Burning Brakes
Well, I have had my 98 for 2 years now and just went over 150K! Am not sure of past repairs and wouldn't be surprised if the engine had been repaired as this car looks and runs like she just stepped out of the show room floor. When I meet up with other vettes they are surprised that she is a 98. Taking care of my car is therapy though, and my only problem was a bad knock sensor and my need to mod!
I LOVE MY 98! Maybe just wish I had a HUD display, but that can be added later!
I LOVE MY 98! Maybe just wish I had a HUD display, but that can be added later!
09-20-2011, 11:43 PM
#39
Melting Slicks
I too have noticed the stay away from pre-01 cars posts but never really checked to see if it's the same few people every time or a general consensus. I wanted an FRC, didn't want to shell out for a Z06 priced car so that left me with either a 99 or 2000 model. Been waiting for the hammer to fall ever since
. I think some owners of newer cars would understand the OP's and other early owners thoughts if every time a problem was posted that dealt with an 01-04 car someone popped in to say, You should have bought pre 01 and you wouldn't be having that problem. 
. I think some owners of newer cars would understand the OP's and other early owners thoughts if every time a problem was posted that dealt with an 01-04 car someone popped in to say, You should have bought pre 01 and you wouldn't be having that problem.
09-20-2011, 11:53 PM
#40
. It's a machine, things will break. You have to pay to play.