Help with decision on corvette purchase.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 105
Likes: 9
From: Detroit MI - Michigan
Thanks for all the info so far. I am going to print out those codes and items to be aware of. I had no idea they had this many issues. Im alittle nervous on purchasing one now. I am leaning toward the z if it checks out or just waiting couple more months and finding another low mileage z. As it would put me closer to performance goals. I like the price of the 97 base wish it was a z51atleast but i think by the time i add heads and stuff to bring up the performance i will be close to the z price maybe a hair under. Are 2005 and 2006 c6 have same problems. I heard of the differential issue is that about all. There is a 2005 with 65k for 17000 obo by me it is a z51 auto.
Last edited by Bird69jay; Aug 20, 2017 at 09:44 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 768
From: jefferson texas
I guess its really re-hashing some of the comments by other members above but: #1, Read the stickies carefully. #2, Don't jump into anything without doing your homework, as in vehicle history, maintenance and a thorough inspection by someone/shop who specifically knows these (C5's) cars. #3, Avoid modded cars (not talking about shifters, catbacks etc), heavily modded cars are a very risky investment. Avoid cars that have been tracked. They may work out, but there is a substantial chance of problems. Try to find a nice clean and highly maintained stocker. #4, In buying specialty cars like a C5, or what have you, having the patience of an oyster is a virtue. Take your time, be critical and fussy. Be willing to travel for the right car. A lot of Corvette owners are extremely fussy and proud of their cars but are moving on to something else, those are the cars you want to check out. Just my opinion, but I avoid any car with any deferred maintenance issues. Deferred maintenance of any kind sets off all kinds of alarm bells to me. You really don't have to settle, if you are wiling to take your time and search widely you will find that there are a fair number of very minty C5's out there to be had. Good luck on your search, C5's really are a terrific car, if you choose wisely.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 105
Likes: 9
From: Detroit MI - Michigan
I was just looking up info on the zo6 it shows it had a long bock replaced at 30k in 2013 by 2nd owner. First owner had it from2004 for to 2008 2nd owner had from 2008 to present. It is a comparative edition. Beautiful car does that mean i should stay away. History shows all maintenance was done at same dealer purchased at as well as long block. If it was replaced with an actual ls6 long block should i keep intrest and try and low ball or just move on. Why would it need long block replaced that early it shows it had coolant checked a/c serviced water pump replaced radiator hose clamp replaced and oil and filter changed. At that time. Also with new long block why would you need oil changed. Thanks for all the replys i appreciate the feed back. Btw the c6 was lowered today ro 16500 and 97 base to 12500.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 768
From: jefferson texas
I was just looking up info on the zo6 it shows it had a long bock replaced at 30k in 2013 by 2nd owner. First owner had it from2004 for to 2008 2nd owner had from 2008 to present. It is a comparative edition. Beautiful car does that mean i should stay away. History shows all maintenance was done at same dealer purchased at as well as long block. If it was replaced with an actual ls6 long block should i keep intrest and try and low ball or just move on. Why would it need long block replaced that early it shows it had coolant checked a/c serviced water pump replaced radiator hose clamp replaced and oil and filter changed. At that time. Also with new long block why would you need oil changed. Thanks for all the replys i appreciate the feed back. Btw the c6 was lowered today ro 16500 and 97 base to 12500.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 711
Likes: 76
From: Atlantic Pa
agreed ,it may be a fluke .. but why take the chance ?theres too many well cared for low mile cream puff ones out there that didn't have the engine replaced
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
whats the year/mileage on the c6? maybe borrow the $ for that one, thats a lot of car for 16.5
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
There's tons of low mileage garage queens in the hands of private owners. For the most part, these cars have been treated like royalty, but never raced, and rarely driven, as they are the 3rd-up vehicle, and the owner cannot, or will not DD them. I know, because I have one. My tires are 5 years old, and still have the nubbies, as I have had steadily worsening back issues. If you want to some day supercharge your car, why pay full retail, when there's pristine C5s that the older owner has pampered, who always wanted a Corvette, and finally can afford to buy, and modify to their taste. Be patient, and you can find a 500+ HP car that's never been abused.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 105
Likes: 9
From: Detroit MI - Michigan
C6 is a 2005 with 65k a4 z51. It says it has aftermarket exhaust and zr1 wheels new tune up altenator and battery and dual air intake. It also says it needs tires has no accidents clean title no dents has couple scratches.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10,247
Likes: 888
From: Hickory NC
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '17 thru '26
I guess its really re-hashing some of the comments by other members above but: #1, Read the stickies carefully. #2, Don't jump into anything without doing your homework, as in vehicle history, maintenance and a thorough inspection by someone/shop who specifically knows these (C5's) cars. #3, Avoid modded cars (not talking about shifters, catbacks etc), heavily modded cars are a very risky investment. Avoid cars that have been tracked. They may work out, but there is a substantial chance of problems. Try to find a nice clean and highly maintained stocker. #4, In buying specialty cars like a C5, or what have you, having the patience of an oyster is a virtue. Take your time, be critical and fussy. Be willing to travel for the right car. A lot of Corvette owners are extremely fussy and proud of their cars but are moving on to something else, those are the cars you want to check out. Just my opinion, but I avoid any car with any deferred maintenance issues. Deferred maintenance of any kind sets off all kinds of alarm bells to me. You really don't have to settle, if you are wiling to take your time and search widely you will find that there are a fair number of very minty C5's out there to be had. Good luck on your search, C5's really are a terrific car, if you choose wisely.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 105
Likes: 9
From: Detroit MI - Michigan
Thanks that is exactly what i am going todo. I am either going to buy a low mile c5z or save for few more months and try and find a low mile c6 i can talk myself in and out of each for diffrent reasons.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,764
Likes: 375
From: Central Florida
Is the long block in the "z" forged? If it is... that's the one for safe 10's, otherwise you are better off with a C6 as it would take less to get to 10's.
I blew up my 50k motor with a base A&A sc kit, went forged 383 and then blew trans. There is no "safe" 10 second C5 unless it is forged with drive train built for it IMO if you are going to drive it hard at all.
If I did it over I would look for an already built car off this forum, the mods are almost free and you can look at the old post of the selling member and get a feel for how they treat and drive their car. My 2 cents
It cost a lot to double stock HP and be safe. Cheaper if you do the work but still....
Good luck
Funny you posted while I was typing......slooowly
I blew up my 50k motor with a base A&A sc kit, went forged 383 and then blew trans. There is no "safe" 10 second C5 unless it is forged with drive train built for it IMO if you are going to drive it hard at all.
If I did it over I would look for an already built car off this forum, the mods are almost free and you can look at the old post of the selling member and get a feel for how they treat and drive their car. My 2 cents
It cost a lot to double stock HP and be safe. Cheaper if you do the work but still....
Good luck
Funny you posted while I was typing......slooowly
Last edited by Forcedvert; Aug 21, 2017 at 10:01 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
bird there are so many ultra low mi garage pieces of any yr it isnt even funny so take your time
Ones that have been modded a lot usually have the **** driven out of them, too. I mean noone buys one and never romps on it but you dont want one thats abused.
Id welcome a car with a new longblock long as it was a warranty GM thing not a rebuilt. 40k can be nothing or used up.
Find the guy whos purchase was his retirment gift to himself, sunday driver etc.
Ones that have been modded a lot usually have the **** driven out of them, too. I mean noone buys one and never romps on it but you dont want one thats abused.
Id welcome a car with a new longblock long as it was a warranty GM thing not a rebuilt. 40k can be nothing or used up.
Find the guy whos purchase was his retirment gift to himself, sunday driver etc.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 105
Likes: 9
From: Detroit MI - Michigan
Yeah thats what I am going to look for a garage queen that wasnt beat the hell out of. I am kinda torn between the c5z and a c6. I like diffrent attributes of each. I have enough money to go for c5z and prob just short on c6 but I can always wait for winter and aee what pops up. I prob only gonna run low 11 with car prob need the power of a high ten car to get me there though. But i will actually only be racing it couple times ayear with a couple buds just to see what our cars do. It will mostly he a weekend driver and take to some local shows and stuff. I want to get a nice one as i plan to give it to one of my sons later on. Thanks for all the help. I am so on the fence on the c5 with long block replaced I may call today just to find out the details. I will post what they say.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 105
Likes: 9
From: Detroit MI - Michigan
I called on the c6 i mentioned earlier it says 65k on the ad but when i got vin and ran an auto check it says it had158k in2013. Car doesnt look like it has that many miles but doesnt mean it doesnt.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 711
Likes: 76
From: Atlantic Pa
Sounds a bit optimistic on your racing . On either car you better Figure on atleast 4 grand and getting into that engine and a list of mods to achieve low 11 or high tens in either car that's if your a good driver
