Impressions
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 545
Likes: 384
From: southern rural MI
Impressions
I've had my first Vette, a 2000 Convertible for a month now and its been long enough to make some initial impressions.
I love the sound when first starting up
After fluid changes to the manual tranny and differential, its shifts very, very nice.
Handling is better than expected. Tight and predictible
The more I look at upgrades, add-ons, I remember that I admire all the stock pieces and will leave it mostly stock. Everything's in perfect shape so why change anything?
The stock LS1 motor makes more than enough power for my old chassis. I mean, I don't even think I've hit redline and it just "pulls" through every gear
Gas mileage is impressive. Mostly in the low 20's, just driving around some backroads
I found out my driver's seat (Sport Seats) has a problem with the bladders inflating. I ordered a kit to replace. Super easy to remove and break down
A couple of small issues, the rear hatch has to be lifted up to stay and the convertible cover doesn't stay up at all. I see gas struts for the rear hatch (is there a good replacement for the Stabilus units?), and is there a way to adjust the convertible cover so it stays lifted?
Other than that, wow! What an automobile!
RPG
I love the sound when first starting up
After fluid changes to the manual tranny and differential, its shifts very, very nice.
Handling is better than expected. Tight and predictible
The more I look at upgrades, add-ons, I remember that I admire all the stock pieces and will leave it mostly stock. Everything's in perfect shape so why change anything?
The stock LS1 motor makes more than enough power for my old chassis. I mean, I don't even think I've hit redline and it just "pulls" through every gear
Gas mileage is impressive. Mostly in the low 20's, just driving around some backroads
I found out my driver's seat (Sport Seats) has a problem with the bladders inflating. I ordered a kit to replace. Super easy to remove and break down
A couple of small issues, the rear hatch has to be lifted up to stay and the convertible cover doesn't stay up at all. I see gas struts for the rear hatch (is there a good replacement for the Stabilus units?), and is there a way to adjust the convertible cover so it stays lifted?
Other than that, wow! What an automobile!
RPG
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,222
Likes: 796
From: Fort Myers Beach Florida
Welcome to my world. Enough power and performance out of the factory. No need for bolt on accessories or loud exhaust. I replaced the vert hatch struts readily available on Amazon. Drive it, have fun, it doesn't need to be a money pit.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 611
Likes: 415
From: Sarasota, Florida
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2019 C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
I've had my first Vette, a 2000 Convertible for a month now and its been long enough to make some initial impressions.
I love the sound when first starting up
After fluid changes to the manual tranny and differential, its shifts very, very nice.
Handling is better than expected. Tight and predictible
The more I look at upgrades, add-ons, I remember that I admire all the stock pieces and will leave it mostly stock. Everything's in perfect shape so why change anything?
The stock LS1 motor makes more than enough power for my old chassis. I mean, I don't even think I've hit redline and it just "pulls" through every gear
Gas mileage is impressive. Mostly in the low 20's, just driving around some backroads
I found out my driver's seat (Sport Seats) has a problem with the bladders inflating. I ordered a kit to replace. Super easy to remove and break down
A couple of small issues, the rear hatch has to be lifted up to stay and the convertible cover doesn't stay up at all. I see gas struts for the rear hatch (is there a good replacement for the Stabilus units?), and is there a way to adjust the convertible cover so it stays lifted?
Other than that, wow! What an automobile!
RPG
I love the sound when first starting up
After fluid changes to the manual tranny and differential, its shifts very, very nice.
Handling is better than expected. Tight and predictible
The more I look at upgrades, add-ons, I remember that I admire all the stock pieces and will leave it mostly stock. Everything's in perfect shape so why change anything?
The stock LS1 motor makes more than enough power for my old chassis. I mean, I don't even think I've hit redline and it just "pulls" through every gear
Gas mileage is impressive. Mostly in the low 20's, just driving around some backroads
I found out my driver's seat (Sport Seats) has a problem with the bladders inflating. I ordered a kit to replace. Super easy to remove and break down
A couple of small issues, the rear hatch has to be lifted up to stay and the convertible cover doesn't stay up at all. I see gas struts for the rear hatch (is there a good replacement for the Stabilus units?), and is there a way to adjust the convertible cover so it stays lifted?
Other than that, wow! What an automobile!
RPG
This is also supported by gas struts.
I replaced my trunk and tonneau cover struts by purchasing them from C&S Corvette.
They also have instructional videos.
Good luck and enjoy the ride. Pictures are always nice of the car too. 👍
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 776
From: Göteborg, Sweden, Europe
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I've had my first Vette, a 2000 Convertible for a month now ....
[...]
A couple of small issues, the rear hatch has to be lifted up to stay and the convertible cover doesn't stay up at all. I see gas struts for the rear hatch (is there a good replacement for the Stabilus units?), and is there a way to adjust the convertible cover so it stays lifted?
Other than that, wow! What an automobile!
RPG
[...]
A couple of small issues, the rear hatch has to be lifted up to stay and the convertible cover doesn't stay up at all. I see gas struts for the rear hatch (is there a good replacement for the Stabilus units?), and is there a way to adjust the convertible cover so it stays lifted?
Other than that, wow! What an automobile!
RPG
you should find your set reference here :
https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...trut-time.html
bit more difficult from Europe...
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 371
Likes: 223
From: Charlotte, NC
I have the same issues with my trunk lid and tonneau cover. Both are easily fixed with regular parts store units. My trunk lid still requires me to push it up, but the tonneau cover stays up nicely now.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Good review of your ownership experience so far. Hope you get things sorted out and continue to enjoy the car.
