Need some help
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Need some help
In the past I have driven an older corvette, a 5.0 Mustang and I am now in the market for a C5. I have located 2004 c5 Vette, it has a stroker motor and a 3 stage clutch...the car is built for speed. I am really looking for something to use on the weekends with my wife, since our kids are getting older. Is this car too much, never having had a car with a built motor such as this and don't want "Too Much" car for weekend drives out of town and to lounge around town in?
The car is an 2004, midmiles for $18,500, car looks and sounds amazing....is this a good deal?
The car is an 2004, midmiles for $18,500, car looks and sounds amazing....is this a good deal?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 58,490
Likes: 1,811
From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I wouldn't want it unless I could get a parts list with it and know and talk to the guy who built it. The trouble with buying a car that is "built for speed" is that normally it's been rode hard and put up wet!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,115
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From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Stroker motor ????
Just pass on this speed monster and look for a nice older stock coupe or convertible. You'll thank your self every time you get into the car on the weekends. 
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
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If all you are looking for is a nice car to go out on a cruise with your wife, then I would look for a stock one.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
Keep looking and don't give up. This car sounds like it might be kind of tempermental for your real needs.
A stock 'Vette is plenty of "scary-fast" in stock format for cruising with the wife and daily driving. You two are going to love this car but don't start with something that has been built for racing.....it could dissuade you from joining us permanently.
Yer gonna love it......mark my words.
A stock 'Vette is plenty of "scary-fast" in stock format for cruising with the wife and daily driving. You two are going to love this car but don't start with something that has been built for racing.....it could dissuade you from joining us permanently.
Yer gonna love it......mark my words.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 62
From: New Madison Ohio
..Just bought me a 98 Coupe after selling my 84. I was looking for one that wasn't modded. I agree with the majority, if you looking for a cruising car, stay stock. I don't regret buying mine. The guy did tell me it has a Z06 hot cam, but that was what he was told. I have yet to have it verified by someone who knows.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 10
From: Bay Point California
I say buy a nice stock one. A very nice stock one. Get the color you want too. There are alot of them out there. Be picky. And don't ask what we think you should pay! Please! Do your homework. That's what most of us did.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
Still 438 at the wheels.. Thats an impressive amount of street power. And no further spending needs done if you ever planned to do mods anyway.. Just depends on what you want. Just a weekend cruiser, go for stock. If you are into the power and performance, it is a pretty good deal, but only if its in good shape and well maintained. Just ask to test drive it and see if the manners are what you consider streetable.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 22,703
Likes: 798
From: Hillsborough NC
NC Events Coordinator
In the past I have driven an older corvette, a 5.0 Mustang and I am now in the market for a C5. I have located 2004 c5 Vette, it has a stroker motor and a 3 stage clutch...the car is built for speed. I am really looking for something to use on the weekends with my wife, since our kids are getting older. Is this car too much, never having had a car with a built motor such as this and don't want "Too Much" car for weekend drives out of town and to lounge around town in?
The car is an 2004, midmiles for $18,500, car looks and sounds amazing....is this a good deal?
The car is an 2004, midmiles for $18,500, car looks and sounds amazing....is this a good deal?
Still 438 at the wheels.. Thats an impressive amount of street power. And no further spending needs done if you ever planned to do mods anyway.. Just depends on what you want. Just a weekend cruiser, go for stock. If you are into the power and performance, it is a pretty good deal, but only if its in good shape and well maintained. Just ask to test drive it and see if the manners are what you consider streetable.
As for drivability, I have a similar car, but with even bigger power. It is not much fun to drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic, but no stick is really. On the open road it is tremendous fun.
The only thing I'd add to the above is to take it to a shop that does a lot of Corvettes and have them do a look-over.