C5: First test drive
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Navigator
Joined: Apr 2014
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C5: First test drive
took an 04 C5 for a spin other day.
I thought it would have had a bit more power. not sure if it was partially due to it being a limpy automatic and not being in ideal rmp range to feel the most from the car.
I should notice a difference with a stick along with some mods to get it up at the 400 hp range right?
I like the look of the C5 but want something that's going to move me fast to like 75. the car felt closed in enough so a fix roof just wouldn't work for me.
I thought it would have had a bit more power. not sure if it was partially due to it being a limpy automatic and not being in ideal rmp range to feel the most from the car.
I should notice a difference with a stick along with some mods to get it up at the 400 hp range right?
I like the look of the C5 but want something that's going to move me fast to like 75. the car felt closed in enough so a fix roof just wouldn't work for me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
took an 04 C5 for a spin other day.
I thought it would have had a bit more power. not sure if it was partially due to it being a limpy automatic and not being in ideal rmp range to feel the most from the car.
I should notice a difference with a stick along with some mods to get it up at the 400 hp range right?
I like the look of the C5 but want something that's going to move me fast to like 75. the car felt closed in enough so a fix roof just wouldn't work for me.
I thought it would have had a bit more power. not sure if it was partially due to it being a limpy automatic and not being in ideal rmp range to feel the most from the car.
I should notice a difference with a stick along with some mods to get it up at the 400 hp range right?
I like the look of the C5 but want something that's going to move me fast to like 75. the car felt closed in enough so a fix roof just wouldn't work for me.
Up until your last statement, I was going to suggest going with a Z06.
Only option I know is to do some motor work. Headers and CAI would be first, then C5 Z06 intake, Cam, Heads, etc.
There is a guy in the Z06 forum with a blown motor. Might want to speak with him about what shape the Heads, Cam, and Intake are in. That is about the only difference engine wise between the C5 LS1 and the LS6
Adding the Z06 Heads, Cam, and Intake would basically give you 405 HP as opposed to 350 HP. Would also up the torque and torque curve.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 590
Likes: 57
From: Aurora Colorado
The perception of power would be dependent on what you are use to driving when comparing.
These C5s tend to be under geared in the axle gearing-- somewhat--- in my opinion. GM wanted a 172 MPH top speed Corvette. And a Corvette that can get 30 MPG. But still--these C5s will do low 13s @ 108/110 MPH in the quarter -stock.
But perceptions can be misleading--if the RPM is kept below 3K on the test drive.
These C5s tend to be under geared in the axle gearing-- somewhat--- in my opinion. GM wanted a 172 MPH top speed Corvette. And a Corvette that can get 30 MPG. But still--these C5s will do low 13s @ 108/110 MPH in the quarter -stock.
But perceptions can be misleading--if the RPM is kept below 3K on the test drive.
Last edited by phoneman91; Aug 7, 2014 at 12:45 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 389
Likes: 1
I just bought a 04 w/ a M6 ... it's my understanding the drive by wire throttle is most of the lazy acceleration.. And I agree, you would expect the throttle to be sharper.
the Corvette of westchester cow booster is supposed to cure that.. Of course, I sent 2 PM's that they never replied too.
I'm 5-8 and yes they are claustrophobic....
the Corvette of westchester cow booster is supposed to cure that.. Of course, I sent 2 PM's that they never replied too.
I'm 5-8 and yes they are claustrophobic....
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2014
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makes sense. the last car I drove that I felt moved out pretty good was a mazdaspeed 3. this car pulled like crazy from what I remembered. it was stock. you had to hold on to the wheel good or the thing could get away from you. just a different experience there.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 505
Likes: 4
From: Colfax WI
I would try another C5 Auto just to be sure, that is not my experience, but we all have different expectations. I just know I step on it and slam my wife in the seat and get a very nasty look saying "was that really necessary" 
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 485
Likes: 90
From: '97 Coupe & '07 Coupe in Allentown, PA
An automatic C5 can be fixed by ditching the 2.73 rear differential for a 3.42 or 3.73 ratio. Add a high stall torque converter at the same time. The seat of the pants acceleration will be totally different.
The 2.73s are only good for mpg so that the stock car could avoid the gas guzzler tax.
The 2.73s are only good for mpg so that the stock car could avoid the gas guzzler tax.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 4
From: Lawrenceburg KY
The main reason they don't feel fast unless you really get on them is gearing - the automatic C5's IIRC can have either 2.73 or 3.15 gears and there is a huge difference in feel between the two. You have to get the car up over 3000 RPM or so for it to start making decent power, which makes it really civilized unless you hammer it. Even the Z06 has relatively long gearing compared to an import and is gentle and slow if you keep the RPM's low.
Summary: Gearing matters a lot, C5 autos can be geared pretty damn long so they will feel slow.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 258
The first c5 I ever drive was an auto vert. It felt like a DOG.
At the time my toy was a h/c/i mustang on 11 psi ( s-trim ); so even the stick cars felt 'ok' but they feel totally different than that auto vert. Comparitively I also drove a c5z which was actually a total riot.
That said turbo cars always feel stronger as they spool up and have a nice tq curve ( I daily an srt4); it'll make a auto c5 feel lazy. Honestly the mazdaspeed car is likely faster than a auto c5 anyhow.
At the time my toy was a h/c/i mustang on 11 psi ( s-trim ); so even the stick cars felt 'ok' but they feel totally different than that auto vert. Comparitively I also drove a c5z which was actually a total riot.
That said turbo cars always feel stronger as they spool up and have a nice tq curve ( I daily an srt4); it'll make a auto c5 feel lazy. Honestly the mazdaspeed car is likely faster than a auto c5 anyhow.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Southeast Va.
Never mind, I just looked it up. This is from Car and Driver: "We also were impressed with the Speed 3’s acceleration over the term of the test. In our initial instrumented runs, we recorded 0-to-60 mph in 6.2 seconds and the quarter-mile in 14.5 at 98 mph. With 40,109 miles on the clock, 60 came up in 6.1 seconds, the quarter in 14.5 at 99 mph."
And you say you think the one you drove was stock? Are you sure you drove a C5? Because a "stock" C5 should just embarass a "stock" mazdaspeed 3.
And you say you think the one you drove was stock? Are you sure you drove a C5? Because a "stock" C5 should just embarass a "stock" mazdaspeed 3.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
There's probably some nonlinearity in the fly-by-wire throttle, where 50% pedal is only 30% or so throttle. Eventually you learn to hit the sweet spot between "c'mon already" and "whoa!!", but until then it can make a C5/A4 feel sluggish around town compared to a car biased the other way.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 901
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From: Palm City Fl
My first corvette and the now wife's DD is a 99 A4 coupe. I now have an 02 supercharged Z06. I used to not care for driving the 99 as it was, as you said, sluggish. Seemed like everytime I wanted to accelerate it would shift and bog. I have since put Kooks LTs/ high flow catted X pipe/ LS6 intake/ CAI/ and and ECS mail order tune. Gotta tell you, I love driving that car now. If I had done those mods prior to buying my Z06 I might never have felt the need. If you want to get to 75 mph fast, it does.
I am sure ECS changing the shift points helped greatly but, I am truly impressed with the performance now. I look forward to driving it now and love the not having to shift gears in town. It does have 315 rear. Truly love the car now 
I am sure ECS changing the shift points helped greatly but, I am truly impressed with the performance now. I look forward to driving it now and love the not having to shift gears in town. It does have 315 rear. Truly love the car now
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 258
Never mind, I just looked it up. This is from Car and Driver: "We also were impressed with the Speed 3’s acceleration over the term of the test. In our initial instrumented runs, we recorded 0-to-60 mph in 6.2 seconds and the quarter-mile in 14.5 at 98 mph. With 40,109 miles on the clock, 60 came up in 6.1 seconds, the quarter in 14.5 at 99 mph."
And you say you think the one you drove was stock? Are you sure you drove a C5? Because a "stock" C5 should just embarass a "stock" mazdaspeed 3.
And you say you think the one you drove was stock? Are you sure you drove a C5? Because a "stock" C5 should just embarass a "stock" mazdaspeed 3.
Given the platform I'm sure the MS3 felt livlier. A tune alone will put those @ 310whp. Enough to 'embarrass' as you'd put it a stock auto c5
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
The Speed3 feels fast because it's a tiny death box. 
Get an '01+ Z51 coupe with the M6. If you think the Speed3 is fast, then buy one and chase my tail lights on a backroad somewhere.
Don't worry, I'll wait for you at the end.
<edit>
2010 Mazdaspeed 3 0-60 mph 5.4 Quarter Mile 14.0
2001 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 0-60 mph 4.7 Quarter mile 12.9
No, the Mazda isn't faster. Unless the auto is a serious dog according to 0-60 times and 1/4 mile. I can also assure you the Speed3 can't touch the C5 in ANY category other than MPG.
Get an '01+ Z51 coupe with the M6. If you think the Speed3 is fast, then buy one and chase my tail lights on a backroad somewhere.
Don't worry, I'll wait for you at the end.
<edit>
2010 Mazdaspeed 3 0-60 mph 5.4 Quarter Mile 14.0
2001 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 0-60 mph 4.7 Quarter mile 12.9
No, the Mazda isn't faster. Unless the auto is a serious dog according to 0-60 times and 1/4 mile. I can also assure you the Speed3 can't touch the C5 in ANY category other than MPG.
Last edited by 66dts-v; Aug 7, 2014 at 02:14 PM.
Thread Starter
Navigator
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comparing the front wheel drive manual with the rear wheel auto probably isn't going to feel the same anyway. yeah man that thing felt like a freakin juiced up go-cart. I remember ripping it open getting on the hwy and was like holy ****.
I would want the stick and wouldnt be looking for an auto. im feeling if I had tested a stick it would have been a different experience. I just happen to have driven by this place and saw the car there otherwise I wouldn't have bothered even driving the auto for a test drive.
its also hard to drive a car for the first time for 25 min and only take it one exit up on the hwy and expect to have figured out everything the car has..ahaha especially with my current ride being a ford edge sport.
again , just was a first impression. thanks for responses all interesting stuff.
EDIT: are there gear changes that can be made with the 6 speed as well? which i may not need anyway pending feeling for the car as stocked.
I would want the stick and wouldnt be looking for an auto. im feeling if I had tested a stick it would have been a different experience. I just happen to have driven by this place and saw the car there otherwise I wouldn't have bothered even driving the auto for a test drive.
its also hard to drive a car for the first time for 25 min and only take it one exit up on the hwy and expect to have figured out everything the car has..ahaha especially with my current ride being a ford edge sport.
again , just was a first impression. thanks for responses all interesting stuff.
EDIT: are there gear changes that can be made with the 6 speed as well? which i may not need anyway pending feeling for the car as stocked.
Last edited by MAlife; Aug 7, 2014 at 02:53 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,170
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From: Yuma CO
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
I agree with all of the comments on gearing. It makes an immediate difference you can't miss unlike other mods that might give you this much, or might give you that much, depending on this, or depending on that....... You drop two ratios in the rear end and you are going to think somebody bolted a rocket booster to the car. Absolutely the best dollar-for-dollar HP/acceleration mod you can make!!!
I've had both auto gear ratios in C5's and I can guarantee from your description, you drove a car with the 2.73 differential ratio. My current car has the 3.15's. Major difference and it would be even better with the 3.42 ratio!!! As mentioned above, having the shift points adjusted makes a great deal of difference as well. Gets rid of that feeling that just as you want power and step on the gas, it up-shifts and bogs. (Also, you can just drop the gear selector one notch, out of OD, and get the same result which is what I do.) Shift it manually and you control the shift points!!
Oh, and by the way, the claustrophobic feeling goes away very quickly. I had been out of a C5 for a while when I got this one and didn't remember it being so tight inside. After a few days, it felt just as roomy as I had remembered. You'll acclimate, don't worry! 
DSTURBD
I've had both auto gear ratios in C5's and I can guarantee from your description, you drove a car with the 2.73 differential ratio. My current car has the 3.15's. Major difference and it would be even better with the 3.42 ratio!!! As mentioned above, having the shift points adjusted makes a great deal of difference as well. Gets rid of that feeling that just as you want power and step on the gas, it up-shifts and bogs. (Also, you can just drop the gear selector one notch, out of OD, and get the same result which is what I do.) Shift it manually and you control the shift points!!
Oh, and by the way, the claustrophobic feeling goes away very quickly. I had been out of a C5 for a while when I got this one and didn't remember it being so tight inside. After a few days, it felt just as roomy as I had remembered. You'll acclimate, don't worry!
DSTURBD
