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Old Sep 28, 2013 | 09:24 AM
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Default Newbe needs advice

Been searching for a C5 vert for about 6 months. Am i crazy to overlook a good deal on a 98-2000 because of the near impossibility of replacing the dreaded EBCM, if it should fail. Hold out and spend more cash for a 2001-2004,or go for it ?? Thanks for your advice.
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Old Sep 28, 2013 | 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by jtw17
Been searching for a C5 vert for about 6 months. Am i crazy to overlook a good deal on a 98-2000 because of the near impossibility of replacing the dreaded EBCM, if it should fail. Hold out and spend more cash for a 2001-2004,or go for it ?? Thanks for your advice.

Not crazy, but overly cautious? Maybe. To be sure someone will buy the 98-2000 models that are out there at some price. I bought my 99 3 years ago and no problems and I would still consider an early model if the car and the deal were what I wanted.
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Old Sep 28, 2013 | 11:43 AM
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Default Older C5

Originally Posted by jtw17
Been searching for a C5 vert for about 6 months. Am i crazy to overlook a good deal on a 98-2000 because of the near impossibility of replacing the dreaded EBCM, if it should fail. Hold out and spend more cash for a 2001-2004,or go for it ?? Thanks for your advice.
I would determine how much you want to spend first of all. I would then try to find the newest car with the lowest miles that matches my color preference etc. I have had 13 Vettes and the only one that I was dissatisfied with was because was not keen on the color. I bought it because it was a 02 Z06 with 8500 miles on it and was owned by a older lady "no kidding".

Beware, a "good deal" is not always the best way to go!
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Old Sep 28, 2013 | 10:57 PM
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You may or may not have any problems with a pre-01 car in those areas, but if you can swing a higher purchase price, there were a lot of upgrades to the C5 platform in the '01-04 model years.
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Old Sep 28, 2013 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
It's not just the EBCM. The Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) for 97 -2000 C5's are also not available.

If you can be happy with a car that potentially has no repair alternative, buy what you want.

No guarantee that the problem will occur on an early year car. But no guarantee that it won't happen once you own it. When it does, the resale value goes down the flusher. You pay your money and take your chances.
Not to hi-jack but Chuck, you have any information on the possibility of deleting the traction control bs on the C5 and the air system? Both are so annoying to me. If so please drop a line maybe some links..

To the OP, the steering wheel position sensor alone would be worth trying to hold out for a newer model. It's an unsettling feeling to be driving on the highway and have your car decide to pull to the left at 70mph.

So I think Chuck made a great point

I hope you hold out but when you do be sure to share pics of your new ride
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Old Sep 28, 2013 | 11:12 PM
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all depends on deals and condition

all else equal the 01 has a lot of perks including the ls6 intake manifold, easier to get parts for and better resale

unless you can find a nice 97-00 car for 10 grand or so i'd spend more on the later cars
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Old Sep 28, 2013 | 11:56 PM
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97 and early 98s do not have the dreaded system. Thankfully mine does not have AH.
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Old Sep 29, 2013 | 12:15 AM
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On the bright side if the parts work you can part the car out for a profit
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Old Sep 29, 2013 | 12:11 PM
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Default newbe advice

Thanks so much for all the feedback on the possible issues with the 97-2000 c5. I'll have to let all the info soak in and then make a decision. I appreciate your help.
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