Parts availability
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Parts availability
Im getting close to looking for a c5, maybe a c6, but money will probably keep me in the c5 market. I had an 01 briefly and loved it. I know to look for an 01 or newer because of the ECBM issue. I saw a post about a lack of replacement parts. If that's true can you tell me what to expect. I'll be buying a 10 year old car and storing it in the winters so I may still have it when it's 20 yrs old too. Anything I need to know? Appreciate your thoughts. This is a great forum.
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There have been several threads that talk about the lack of availability of parts for the C5.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...rts+production
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...rts+production
As time goes on, things will only get worse - unless the aftermarket steps up and begins making some of these products - which is just might should the demand be strong enough.
There is still the used parts route that you can go, and many do. I've bought some used parts that are in like new condition for a fraction of the cost of new ones.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...rts+production
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...rts+production
As time goes on, things will only get worse - unless the aftermarket steps up and begins making some of these products - which is just might should the demand be strong enough.
There is still the used parts route that you can go, and many do. I've bought some used parts that are in like new condition for a fraction of the cost of new ones.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Columbia SC
Corvettes are like Mustangs, parts will be available forever. I have a number of classic cars which are not in the normal mainstream so when I bought each one I bought as many NOS parts as I could find. I have rooms full of parts. When I bought the C5 there were only a few parts I bought to keep on hand like hood insulation since I could get them from the dealership and avoid $100 shipping costs.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: . New York
Definitely cannot agree with this statement with respect to complex electronic parts in the later year C4's, C5's and soon the C6's. The early model cars ( C2, C3 and earlier C4's) had mostly mechanical parts that are relatively easily reproduced so yes, they will be around for a long time. Those earlier cars also lacked the sophistication of anti-lock brakes and Active Handling that the later cars have.
The electronic parts are another issue. Things like the EBCM are not likely to be copied unless GM is willing to open up the design diagrams and related info and I suspect that is NOT going to happen. As the electronic parts fail, the replacement parts are likely to be "used" parts that have not yet failed. More and more otherwise useable cars will be parted out because a critical electronic part has failed and a replacement can't be found.
The electronic parts are another issue. Things like the EBCM are not likely to be copied unless GM is willing to open up the design diagrams and related info and I suspect that is NOT going to happen. As the electronic parts fail, the replacement parts are likely to be "used" parts that have not yet failed. More and more otherwise useable cars will be parted out because a critical electronic part has failed and a replacement can't be found.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
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Figure there's something on the order of 250K C5s and I'd have to think that someone will fill the gaps. It'll probably be hella expensive, but it will happen.
At least...that's what I'm holding on to
At least...that's what I'm holding on to
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From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
[QUOTE=8VETTE7;1580809174]Definitely cannot agree with this statement with respect to complex electronic parts in the later year C4's, C5's and soon the C6's. The early model cars ( C2, C3 and earlier C4's) had mostly mechanical parts that are relatively easily reproduced so yes, they will be around for a long time. Those earlier cars also lacked the sophistication of anti-lock brakes and Active Handling that the later cars have.
The electronic parts are another issue. Things like the EBCM are not likely to be copied unless GM is willing to open up the design diagrams and related info and I suspect that is NOT going to happen. As the electronic parts fail, the replacement parts are likely to be "used" parts that have not yet failed. More and more otherwise useable cars will be parted out because a critical electronic part has failed and a replacement can't be found.[/QUOTE]
This is so true..it's getting worse...I'll be posting up my recent saga with an almost futile search for a PCM for my '97....car has been down for a month...think of it as another addition to the growing list of parts GM no longer offers....and this part is far more critical to running the vehicle
The electronic parts are another issue. Things like the EBCM are not likely to be copied unless GM is willing to open up the design diagrams and related info and I suspect that is NOT going to happen. As the electronic parts fail, the replacement parts are likely to be "used" parts that have not yet failed. More and more otherwise useable cars will be parted out because a critical electronic part has failed and a replacement can't be found.[/QUOTE]
This is so true..it's getting worse...I'll be posting up my recent saga with an almost futile search for a PCM for my '97....car has been down for a month...think of it as another addition to the growing list of parts GM no longer offers....and this part is far more critical to running the vehicle
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