Need some advice, found a low mile 97 (25,000 mls.) right color, trans, # of owners,decent $, ect. However, I'm wondering if there are any major issues ( as in common out of the factory stuff ) that might be avoided by saving more money and buying one newer. Thanks in advance guys !

 

Only thing I can think of is the ebcm that might give you problems in the future. They can't be rebuilt nor can you buy a new one. But I wouldn't let that stop me from purchasing a nice 97.

 

The consensus I believe you'll get is to buy the most current year you can afford. See below for a summary rundown. This was posted by another Forum Member and I kept the info handy.


All of this information is variously collected from the Corvette Forum message board, so do not take it as absolute gospel. However, it should be somewhat close. Sources: 1,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Introduction of the Z06, which has as differences:
hardtop body style
rear brake ducting
screened inlets on front fascia, without foglights
F1 supercar tires 265-17 front, 295-18 rear, on 17x9.5 and 18x10.5 (one inch wider, respectively
new LS6 top-end with new style head design (10.5:1 compression, 64cc chamber), LS6 cam (0.525/0.525, 204/211 on 116) - 385hp
M12 transmission with shorter gearing (1-2-3 analagous to MN6 with 3.90 rear diff
Titanium exhaust system
lightweight windshield
New, stronger clutch with redesigned master + slave cylinder
Stronger rear differential (shotpeened ring gear)
Red brake calipers (otherwise identical)
Trans overtemp warning light on DIC
6500 redline gauges with special checkering + Z06 font
redesigned PCV system to help combat oil burning
Red LS6 Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's)
FE4 Z06 suspension - uprated springs, bars (30mm/23.6mm), shocks (note front spring and rear bar same as Z51)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002

Z06 Changes:
Z06 LS6 cam changed to: 0.551/0.547, 204/218 on 117.5
Less restrictive intake airbox lid
Descreened MAF
Removal of pup-cats (total with changes = 405hp)
Z06 shocks revised with less rebound for better launching
Z06 brake pads revised for better stopping (generate more dust)
Lighter, sodium filled valves w/ stronger valvesprings
higher tension rings installed to prevent oil burning problems
slight piston redesign *
clutch strength upgraded.
HUD available on Z06 (not avail '01 model year)
Wheel supplier changed to Speedline, moved from forged to cast. Weight nearly identical
Electron Blue color offered
Steel endlinks changed to aluminum

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003

Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004
· Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.

 

I have two 98's and love them both. Other than the column lock I haven't had any real problems with either of mine. As long as you do your homework and find a decent car that has been well maintained you shouldn't have any major problems. C5's are extremely reliable vehicles. I recommend buying the newest one you can afford...

 

My wife and I haven't had any major problems with the '98's and '99's we have had. We always bought extremely low mileage well cared for cars with documennted maintenance. It's all about the condition. C5's are extremely reliable vehicles and you usually get what you pay for.

 

Thanks for the insight guys, so after reading some info on the ebcm, I,m wondering if it goes bad is my only option a salvage yard, sounds like absfixer can't do the 97's. Any other options ?

 

If it is in your budget I would get a 2001 or newer, It would be worth it for the extra money, There are a lot of things that are cheaper to fix on the later year C5, ecbm, tpms to name a few, Plus you will get the upgraded motor, LS6 block and intake.
Just my 2 cents.
Mr.Bill

 

Newer IS newer!

 

The differences between 97 thru 2004 are not noticeable when you are behind the wheel on a great road with a beautiful woman.

Go for it.

 

 

Why can't you use one from a newer car and make it work??

 

I assume you're talking about the EBCM? If so, newer ones are not compatible and can't be "made to work".

To the original poster, you said right transmission. Is that manual or automatic? If it's an automatic, you wouldn't ever have to worry about the column lock isse with the 01-04. If I could afford it and found the same colors, etc I would buy the newer car. There shouldn't be a ton of difference in price for the advantages you get. However, I did own a 98 and had absolutely no problems with it.

Edit: I forgot, as Mr Bill pointed out, the tire pressure monitors and remote fobs are much cheaper on the 01-04's too.

 

 

They all look the same to me.

 

Thanks again guys these are the type of issues that I wanted to know. Just my luck the car is nassau blue (my favorite color by far) and GM stopped that after 2000. 65GGvert its a 6spd., the cars at a dealer whos asking almost $18,000 and their 4 states away. I haven't made an offer, waiting for them to e-mail some info I requested. my biggest concern is that 97 being a totally new model yr. (You know getting the bugs worked out) Here the best thing about the whole deal I showed mama the car this morning online & she said why don't you go for it. SWEET!!!

 

Not trying to sell you anything, but there's a 99 for sale on the forum, same color, both tops, some mods for the same price. I almost bought this car last year before the mods were done. Just for comparison.

PS: It also has the HUD and Z51 which the 97 didn't.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-c...or-2-tops.html

 

Plus the '01 and up came standard with some items that were options on earlier years.

 

Jack, Thanks for the heads up on the 99, I also looked that car over, problems were the milage and its in Cali. So far I'm thinking unless I can get a really good # on the 97 I should probably give up my favorite color, save some more money and buy a 2001 or newer. I appreciate everyones input, I need to get this right the 1st time !

 

If blue is what you want then get it. You won't be happy in the long run if you don't like the color.

 

Only problem with my '98 is that it's always out of gas. Get the car you want.