I'm THINKING of maybe selling my '99 A4 coupe and getting a 6-speed C5 roadster. I know the power figures are 345/350 for the early LS1 and after the LS6 goodies in '01, at least for the 6-speed, the rates are 350/375. Is there a noticeable performance difference in the two?

Keep telling myself to hold off for a 2001-2004 car to get the LS6 engine upgrades for the LS1. Am also aware that the later in the C5 generation I go, the more bugs, etc. will be ironed out. But, if a low mile, minty pre '01 roadster comes up for sale .......

 

 

There is a slight performance increase in the '01 and later cars, but in all honesty, not enough to worry about if you find a really nice pre-'01 car. Obviousy the Z06 model has better numbers.

Here are some numbers that were posted here on the forum compiled from various auto magazines. You can believe them or not - up to you.

1997 Chevrolet Corvette 4.7 13.3
1998 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 5.1 13.5
1999 Chevrolet Corvette Hardtop 4.8 13.3
2001 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R 3.5 10.3
2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 4.6 13.0
2001 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 4.8 13.1
2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 4.1 12.5
2002 Chevrolet Corvette (Lingenfelter 427 twin turbo) 1.97 9.24
2003 Chevrolet Corvette (50th Anniversary) Manual, 4.9 13.4 (R&T Aug. '02)

 

Aside from the difference of 5 peak HP, the newer LS1s have a bit more power under the curve. It is something you could easily reproduce or surpass.

 

Doesn't look like much of a difference between the two. Obviously, I'd want to get the newest version I can find, but if a nice early C5 comes along, no reason to pass up. It will be hard to give up my '99 coupe, though. At 47K miles, it runs perfectly, not a single problem and is a blast to drive. Will be tough to give up. Hmmmn, a roadster might look real nice in the garage next to the coupe .........

 

I have a roadster now. Don't know how I did without one for so long. Never again. Sell the '99 or keep it. Just get the roadster.

 

Most serious owners corrected problems as they went along in any year C5. My 2000 LS1 has had a few hiccups but all is good now!

Been a while since I could claim stock!

 

Well - I bought my '99 FRC and didn't think so much about the little power difference at the time. Now... a couple years later and full exhuast + H/C/I + nice suspension setup... well I guess you can say that initial power difference doesn't really affect me anymore lol.

I say go for ANY year C5 - the power difference can easily be worked out and then you'll have a C5 Vette that performs very well

 

Bugs? What are these bugs you speak of??

Any good example will be a great ride.

 

some of the unpublished things

the 2002+ LS6 block has better oiling and coolant gallies

all 2002 to 2004 LS1 or LS6 were the same LS6 block

2001 LS6 had some minor oiling issues. consumed a bit too much oil, but that is the way it was

Any would be good

 

I test drove a few 2001+ MN6's before I got my 97 A4, it was cleaner than the newer ones and is fast enough for me... for now. If you want a roadster get the most for your money.

I spent 1,300 on small repairs (oil sender, new wiper motor, new climate control display, exhaust hung up and made even, oil change, and new tires since I bought the 97 I wanted and I am still $500 under the cheapest C5 I could find.