At least you're in the right spot
Mine was on a T/A. Actually the water pump went first and started to leak, which in turn f'd up the Optispark since it was right below it. 
Want a C5
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Want a C5
I think i'm going to start looking around. I've seen several cars that look like good deals. I was lurking at C4's but just like the overall styling of the C5. It seems more modern. What do I look for? When did the LS motors start coming in them? Do the LT's have issues with the optispark like in the Camaros? It will not be a daily driver, just a weekend/nice day car. I'm starting to really like the modern muscle. The old stuff needs too much attention. I've got a couple to look at and both are interested in swapping me for this
I dont know what to look for, i'll be doing some reading here the next couple of nights. Not looking to mod, race or do anything dramatic with the car. I'm handy with a set of tools but no expert. I can follow directions pretty good. I dont mind a little work. Nothing major though. Thanks in advance for help with this.
I dont know what to look for, i'll be doing some reading here the next couple of nights. Not looking to mod, race or do anything dramatic with the car. I'm handy with a set of tools but no expert. I can follow directions pretty good. I dont mind a little work. Nothing major though. Thanks in advance for help with this.
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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The LS1 came out in the '97 model year - a new engine for the C5 generation. And the LS1 does not use the OptiSpark distributor - thankfully. I have a lot of Word files that discuss the C5, as well as a Corvette Buyers Checklist. If you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: @ work in South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '08-'11-'12
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Home of the VOLS ! Knoxville, TN. Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15, '16-'17-'18-'19
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Outer banks North Carolina
I'f you are looking at c-4s and c-5s drive both of them and it will quickly narrow your choices down by 50%! C-4 guys, Please don't take offense at my remark as I owned seven c-4s in a row before I bought my first c-5! I still like the c-4 but if it's one or te other the c-5 wins hands down as an every day driver and part time racer.
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Verdad Gallardo
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: In Central TX
I looked at both.....road in a C4 and ruled them out. It took me several months before one turned up that filled the bill for what I wanted. Went out of town to pick it up, it was as advertised. What a pleasure to drive. It took me back to when I was somewhat "into cars". I had to get the mods that I would have done back then. Now it's fixed the way I want it even if it's something of a garage queen. I don't street race, or put it on a track so maybe the money is just a waste. It hasn't been out of the garage for a while, just snoozing while the battery tender keeps it ready.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
No offence taken. I did the same thing 6 years ago when buying my first Vette. Drove several C5’s and a half dozen C4’s. I liked the C4 style and cockpit interior.
I flew 1,000 miles away to get the one I wanted and then drove it home. I’ve put over 90,000 trouble free miles on my 95 over the past 6 years as a year round dd (btw I drive in the rain on a daily basis for six months every year … never had any opti-spark issues).
But now the C5 lines are starting to appeal to me and so I may soon make the switch. The style is just a very personal thing as is color.
This is how my car looks now with 126K on it.
I flew 1,000 miles away to get the one I wanted and then drove it home. I’ve put over 90,000 trouble free miles on my 95 over the past 6 years as a year round dd (btw I drive in the rain on a daily basis for six months every year … never had any opti-spark issues).
But now the C5 lines are starting to appeal to me and so I may soon make the switch. The style is just a very personal thing as is color.
This is how my car looks now with 126K on it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
One guy with a 98 flaked on me. The other with a 99 wanted way to much cash to go with my car for a car that had a CE light, radio did not work, drivers seat was wore, needed new tires and smelled like a pack of soggy cigarettes. I'm going to take it to Daytona for the Turkey Rod Run and see what happens.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Keep in mind that the <2001 C5s have failure-prone EBCMs (electronic body control modules) that are not currently available, new and are not repairable.
I just thought I'd throw this out there before you buy. 2001-2004 C5s have units that are easily repaired and are available new as well.
I just thought I'd throw this out there before you buy. 2001-2004 C5s have units that are easily repaired and are available new as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
One thing that helped expedite it was people not driving them and the seal dried up on the water pump.
Sometimes we create more problems by not driving them.
Last edited by RetiredSFC 97; Nov 15, 2011 at 02:40 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,332
Likes: 46
From: Bowling Green KY
That's a nice looking camaro, no doubt, but you will not go wrong with a C5 Vette! I owned a 91 vert...nice car, sold it and bought a 01 vert. It's a VERY Nice Ride! I've never looked back!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 46
From: Springfield IL.
Oldtimer
I have a 77 T/A, 59,000 miles, that I've owned 32 years. Didn't even get it out of the garage this year. I wouldn't trade it, but I wouldn't trade my vette for another one either. After buying the vette this year, my wife said, you won't ever drive the T/A anymore. To be honest, I haven't even started it. The C5 is the BEST car I've ever drove. All the C3s I drove didn't drive any better than the T/A, and rattled a whole lot more. Didn't care for the gauges, and the way the C4s seats are. I'd sell the Camaro outright and then look for a vette, then you can buy what you want.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
I have a 96 coupe and an 04 vert and really like them both. The 04 is a better car and drives much better but at least IMO the 96 is more fun to drive. The 04 is more refined and more comfortable while the 96 is rough and "in your face" if you catch my drift.
