C5 or C7
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,242
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From: not far enough from Chicago
If anybody has been around long enough to notice, styles change back and forth over the years. Its soft rounded lines for the C5, and currently sharp edge lines with the C7 and most current cars. If something seems out dated at that time, it will eventually come around to look contemporary. “What’s old is new again”
My Wife has a 370 Z. It’s outrageous the way the rear fenders flare out so wide. I can’t remember for sure, but I believe the only other car using that distinct style was a Porsche Carrera from years ago. I’m not aware of any other current car using that shape. It has the sharp lines and looks very cool. Whatever the case may be, it’s a matter of personal preference, and that’s the bottom line.
My Wife has a 370 Z. It’s outrageous the way the rear fenders flare out so wide. I can’t remember for sure, but I believe the only other car using that distinct style was a Porsche Carrera from years ago. I’m not aware of any other current car using that shape. It has the sharp lines and looks very cool. Whatever the case may be, it’s a matter of personal preference, and that’s the bottom line.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,831
Likes: 1,847
From: NJ
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Don't let the C7 guys see this thread! I'm sure they are are posting a similar thread right now, which is opposite of this one! 
Anyway, BOTH are awesome cars. I wouldn't mind having a C7 Z06 convertible some day to go along with my blown C5. 
Anyway, BOTH are awesome cars. I wouldn't mind having a C7 Z06 convertible some day to go along with my blown C5.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
OK, I own a 1998 C5 in SUPER MINT CONDITION, 20K miles, garage kept, just a couple of appearance mods.
Lowered about 1.5" on stock bolts, OEM C6 19x18 chrome wheels, spoiler professionally painted at a body shop, as shiny as the car.
In my opinion;
The best example of a C5 I have ever seen, but I may be a little bit partial.
Oh, I forgot, a C5 emblem on the steering wheel.
I went to a Chevy dealer today. I was able to put my C5 next to a C7 side by side both facing forward.
In my opinion my C5 looks superior. Just because I own a C5 has nothing to do with it.
If I wanted to I would I would buy a C7
I asked my wife if everything was the same, both new, same price, what would be the choice?
She thinks the C7 looks much better, only seeing them drive around on the street. Some people just have bad taste in things, I guess.
So, if you were given the same choice;
What would the answer be?
Lowered about 1.5" on stock bolts, OEM C6 19x18 chrome wheels, spoiler professionally painted at a body shop, as shiny as the car.
In my opinion;
The best example of a C5 I have ever seen, but I may be a little bit partial.
Oh, I forgot, a C5 emblem on the steering wheel.
I went to a Chevy dealer today. I was able to put my C5 next to a C7 side by side both facing forward.
In my opinion my C5 looks superior. Just because I own a C5 has nothing to do with it.
If I wanted to I would I would buy a C7
I asked my wife if everything was the same, both new, same price, what would be the choice?
She thinks the C7 looks much better, only seeing them drive around on the street. Some people just have bad taste in things, I guess.
So, if you were given the same choice;
What would the answer be?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,671
Likes: 1,245
From: Southern Ca
My '98 is in mint condition as well. It has 27,000+ miles on it and Ive never driven it in the rain or washed it. It's also been modified, but I've never raced it. It will be 18-years old in March and to be honest, it's time for me to move into the 21st Century. I love the car, but I also really like the C7. My wife and I have already discussed selling the C5 next spring and getting a C7. The Good Lord willing, this time next year I'll be driving a C7.
Sold mine , can't decide which model to buy , coupe , vert , Z51.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
From: Brazil IN
I'm torn between
For the price point, no way I'd get a C7. I just cannot see spending $65k on a new convertible at this point in my career.
That being said, IF I happened to move up in my career and felt I could drop that kind of money on a play toy, then I might very well do it.
I have heard some reviews by owners where there are some issues, both minor and major. And I'd have to review those first hand to see if they are really problems for ME. Assuming I can live with them, I would love to have a new convertible with all the modern conveniences. One where new ownership guarantees me the car will be loved like it needs. Where, at least for the balance of the warranty, I don't have to worry about hidden costs of unexpected problems.
I have bought a lot of used cars and a lot of new cars, and I always love the day I drive the new car off the lot. That'd be even more elated with a new Corvette Convertible.
That being said, IF I happened to move up in my career and felt I could drop that kind of money on a play toy, then I might very well do it.
I have heard some reviews by owners where there are some issues, both minor and major. And I'd have to review those first hand to see if they are really problems for ME. Assuming I can live with them, I would love to have a new convertible with all the modern conveniences. One where new ownership guarantees me the car will be loved like it needs. Where, at least for the balance of the warranty, I don't have to worry about hidden costs of unexpected problems.
I have bought a lot of used cars and a lot of new cars, and I always love the day I drive the new car off the lot. That'd be even more elated with a new Corvette Convertible.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
And given that I've already BTDT, I'm not sure it even gets past the first cut. Yeah, I know this is a Corvette forum, but it's 2015: there are a bunch of really good cars out there.
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Houston TX
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,242
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From: not far enough from Chicago
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 74
From: KcMo.
2018 C5 of Year Winner
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 21
From: Sunniest city on Earth
C5 or C7
That was from before my drivetrain rebuild... I didn't want to put the car in gear because it took a metric ton of force to get it out of fourth when my synchro key sheared off, so I had it sitting in neutral
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,242
Likes: 96
From: not far enough from Chicago
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 74
From: KcMo.
2018 C5 of Year Winner
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 74
From: KcMo.
2018 C5 of Year Winner
. Weren't you doing some other things to your car too? Or are you going to get something else? Thought I read something about that too....?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 21
From: Sunniest city on Earth
C5 or C7
Tires
C7 clutch (Monster LT1-S)
Johnny O'Connell Stage 1 suspension
Hinson short poly engine mounts
Tick master cylinder
Tick Stage 1 T56 build
Plus a couple little odds and ends
It's 110+ here for four straight months, I've been out of town a lot and I did most of the work by myself on jack stands in the garage, so the car was down for just over a year (I did nothing during the summer)
Yeah, I've considered swapping for something newer a few times and regretted not getting an 08+ Z06 instead, but I'm not buying something else any time soon; we've got a lot going on right now. At this point, I'm just tossing around ideas for later. The field is only getting better, anyways, so there's no rush, especially since these cars are pretty respectable to begin with (let alone modified).
The car is getting a Powerbond SFI race stock-drive balancer, ARP crank pulley bolt, and ATI pin kit tomorrow...the stupid thing came loose twice in a couple thousand miles and I'm done dealing with that nonsense. I'm also paying somebody else to mess with it since it's ridiculously hot and I'm quite frankly sick of tearing things down right now.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,242
Likes: 96
From: not far enough from Chicago
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,311
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From: Toronto Ontario