KSamp

Hello all, I am new to buying Corvettes and I am looking at purchasing this 2000 Corvette C5 https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used...ting=196503291 and was wondering what your thoughts on it are. I am planning on getting it as my daily driver for a little bit before it becomes a project car. And was wondering if it would be possible to do a Z06 conversion on it, since its a 2000 and not a 2001 which is when they brought the Z06 to market. Thanks!

laurent_zo6

That's a lot of miles and it had an accident.
You would need to pull the codes first to make sure there are no future expenses on the horizon. Not sure if you can upgrade to Z06 and if yes the cost and if it makes sense. Others will chime in on this am sure.
I don't know what your budget is but if you can go higher I would go for a 2001 or later car.
Make sure to read the stickies at the top of the page so you can make an informed decision when the time comes to buy.

KSamp

Yeah I looked into the accident and it was a low speed collision (Fender Bender.) Ok cool, I will definitely look into a 2001 or later if possible, I have a budget around $15,000 if that is even possible to get into one for that cheap. Thanks!

Shakeydeal

If you want a Z, buy a Z. Any Z06 conversion will be a pain in the *** and quite costly. And when you go to sell it, you still do NOT have a Z06.


Shakey

DetroitPlac

Keep in mind that MOST things that make a Z06 can be bolted onto a coupe. Springs, shocks, sway bars, exhaust, engine (heads, if 01+, that's it). Most of these parts can be bought used on here when Z06 owners upgrade.

That's what I did with my car because I specifically wanted the hatchback with Z06 performance. A Z06 body will still be lighter because of the style and thinner windows, those parts are costly near impossible to upgrade. But you can get 90% of the way there without breaking the bank over time. Still probably cheaper to just buy a Z06 first if you can find one in your price range, but it all comes down to what you want in the long run.

Black 03 Z06

Keep looking, lots of them out there.

Tony S45

Shakey is correct. You'll never make this coupe a Z06 and eventually we all sell our toys. .

Other than some one having a knife fight on the passenger's seat, the pictures show a clean, unmolested, stock, auto trans, used car. Perhaps in person, it may look better (or much worse) than the pics.

I really don't like the higher mileage. Using it a a DD will multiply the miles quickly. Every day maintenance must be followed to protect your investment. Does the seller have service records? Can you swing another type of DD and save the Corvette?

Not trying to discourage you --- it is what it is.

Perhaps you need to explain what you envision as a "project car". That may help more readers to grasp your intentions.

Vetteman Jack

I tend to agree - if you really want a Z06, get one. There are plenty out there at good prices.

~Josh

The values of C5s are pretty much bottomed out so get the one you want.

Also, it's been said countless times, buy you'd be a fool to get anything earlier than 2001 due to major parts issues (much more than just the EBCM and Steering Position Sensor).

If you plan to keep the car a long long time start out with something 2001 or newer.

naturaldisaster3

Just to give you an idea. I picked up my 98' with 26K miles in October and paid $15K. 2 owner car, no accidents. There are plenty of C5's available out there with low mileage/ no accidents within your budget. Some even have mods done if you are interested in those. I know there is a lot of talk about a 2001 or later due to the availability of parts, but I would not rule out at least looking at a 98'-2000 if it is something that you really want. Just make sure to be an educated buyer by using the Stickies, and wealth of knowledge on this forum, having a trusted mechanic look it over.

Bullitt68

You could buy my 2001 for sale in the classifieds section. Not much more than the one you listed and already has Z06 wheels and exhaust and comes under your $15k budget. Brand new tires and no wrecks. Here's the ad and good luck with your search.
2001 Corvette

Flightwriter

Hi KSamp - Building on what others have said, it pays to hold out for exactly the 'Vette you want. C5s are fairly plentiful and there are several less potentially problematic alternatives out there (including Bullitt68's above) that should fit within your price range.

And if you want a Z06, get a Z06! FWIW I looked for my 'Vette for six months, and very nearly settled for one that was the opposite of what I'd originally set out for - an automatic convertible, when I really wanted a 6-speed coupe. I worked hard to convince myself I'd be happy with the convertible (and it was a decent choice) but at the last minute I backed out as it just didn't feel right. Two days after that I found EXACTLY what I wanted less than 100 miles from home.

jjc508520

I paid $15k for my '00 with 65k miles and no reported accidents. I've since invested in computer tunes/engine bolt-ons/exhaust/seats. Its a bit much for me as a daily driver (I'm nearly 60 - plus a lot of pothole-laden roads in my area). Mechanically the car is rock-solid - but as with all these cars the interior is a bit flimsy.

Only after having gotten it and joined the forum - did I read about some of the electrical/computer items - that were changed after the '00 model year - and if they blow on an '00 will be pricey to replace.

I would have looked harder for an '02 Z06 - but these cars still demand a premium.

The '00 non-Z06 FRC still comes with some goodies - the FE3/Z51 performance suspension - a 3:42 differential - and a power steering fluid cooler..

grantv

To what degree are you wanting a Z06 conversion?
Motor; drop in an LS6.
It's an auto, all Z's had a special 6spd (deeper 1st and 2nd gears and different 5th and 6th also). Edit, thanks Josh, all gears except 4th
Auto rear is 2.73 or 3.15, so you'll need to switch to 3.43
Hatchback... nothing you can do
Weight; Z had thinner front glass, Ti mufflers among other things to drop some pounds. You could drop in a Ti exhaust and lose weight elsewhere to get the same.
Etc...

~Josh

All gears (including reverse) except 4th (direct 1:1 ratio) are different between the M6 & M12.

Tusc

First advice - Don't buy the first one you see.

Second advice - Don't buy the first one you see.

LOL

The best advice I can offer is to LURK the forums here in the for sale section. Also, be chill and wait for the right deal.

Cars from the south our midwest are typically lower cost than the same car on the west coast or the northeast.

It took me about 6 months of hunting to find mine. I had already owned one, and I test drove 3 or 4 in the buying process. I lucked into a loaded 6spd coupe with 36k miles and 8k worth of Z suspension conversion/upgrade already done for $13k. That was a screaming deal in 2012 and still a decent one today. Unicorns exist.

ALSO - get on FaceBook - there are a ton of C5 groups on there. I'm on a parts for sale page and also C5 Modified. A lot of cars come up for sale there. Some great deals, depending on what you're seeking out.

Good luck! And definitely post questions if you find one you're after.

knewblewkorvette

I'd forget about doing a Z06 conversion, just buy a Z06 to begin with. Though, finding a good Z06 for $15K or less might be hard to find.

Tusc

Who wants to convert to Z? There are better and cheaper parts to be had to far exceed Z power with a coupe.

The only benefit of the Z is the better heads and slightly better base cam. The minor weight difference or different gears in the transmission are nice, but not significant.

Headers, cam and a tune gives you a rocket ship if you want to keep it simple.