1997 corvette
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 1
From: Hercules CA
but jokes aside, congrats on you purchase, just a warning you will hear people say that the earlier model can be problematic, but as a 98 owner i can personally tell you that its really not as bad as people say it is.
just make sure that you have no codes popping up and there is TONS of help here in the forum. good luck and enjoy !
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,279
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
The 97 was the first year for this model. The early years do have some problems, the
parts are hard to come by. But, It seams to me that it is possible the later years have a higher percentage of failures. That is my personal feelings. They are all good cars no matter the year. they are used cars and you never know what you will get
parts are hard to come by. But, It seams to me that it is possible the later years have a higher percentage of failures. That is my personal feelings. They are all good cars no matter the year. they are used cars and you never know what you will get
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,251
From: Brighton MI
Congrats on your '97...welcome to the club! 
As with any used car, your experience will be directly related to its age, mileage and how it was cared for by previous owners.
As has been stated, you will find a ton of info here on CF about all C5's and what issues are unique to the earlier cars.
I have had mine for three years and I have fixed a few minor things, but no real issues to speak of.
Save the wave
As with any used car, your experience will be directly related to its age, mileage and how it was cared for by previous owners.
As has been stated, you will find a ton of info here on CF about all C5's and what issues are unique to the earlier cars.
I have had mine for three years and I have fixed a few minor things, but no real issues to speak of.
Save the wave
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,211
Likes: 4,575
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Welcome
This will give you information about each of the C5 model years: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../#.Uqths9JUfTo
This will give you information about each of the C5 model years: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../#.Uqths9JUfTo
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
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From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 948
Likes: 100
From: Lehigh Valley PA
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Where do I start?
What color is yours? Mine is artic white and they only made 1.341 in that color. I bought road and track magazine and the corvette magazine from that year that go into all the details of how special that year was.
Hope you have good luck!
Last edited by 57gman; Dec 13, 2013 at 10:49 PM. Reason: Left out a very important piece of information
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 948
Likes: 100
From: Lehigh Valley PA
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Oh and the best IMO, Edmunds voted the 97 corvette the 5th best corvette of all time! Check it out on the web. Obviously before the C7 came out! 6th isn't so bad.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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The '97 is a fine car. Hopefully you checked it over carefully or had a trusted mechanic check it over for you before you purchased it just to make sure everything was in order. Check this thread for some useful information:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ion-files.html
Congrats on your new car and hope you have many trouble free miles with it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ion-files.html
Congrats on your new car and hope you have many trouble free miles with it.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 2
From: Waterloo IL
I bought my '97 ten years ago with 10,xxx miles. It's a daily driver now with 265,xxx miles. Oil sending unit quit working, replaced air conditioning unit, suspension at 200,xxx miles, manual transmission at 260,xxx miles. I have a vararam cold air intake and ARH headers with a borla exhaust. I haven't had to do anything to the engine except keep the oil changed with Mobil 1. I take it to the drag strip a couple a times a year and autocross a few times a year also. I love my Vette. Congrats on your purchase, I believe you will love it too!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,211
Likes: 4,575
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
I bought my '97 ten years ago with 10,xxx miles. It's a daily driver now with 265,xxx miles. Oil sending unit quit working, replaced air conditioning unit, suspension at 200,xxx miles, manual transmission at 260,xxx miles. I have a vararam cold air intake and ARH headers with a borla exhaust. I haven't had to do anything to the engine except keep the oil changed with Mobil 1. I take it to the drag strip a couple a times a year and autocross a few times a year also. I love my Vette. Congrats on your purchase, I believe you will love it too!