Swapping from C5 to C8?
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Jul 22, 2019, 11:40 AM
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 197
Likes: 55
From: LA (lower Alabama)
Disclaimer - Just my opinion:
I think comparing a C5 to a C8 is a bit like comparing a '57 Chevy to a modern car, although that analogy is a bit extreme. The C5 (and the C6) hold a place in the auto enthusiast world that is different from a C8 market. I bought my C5 because I like Corvettes, I like the body style (much different from C7 or C8), and I like to personalize it. There is a huge market for people who personalize their C5 (and other cars like it). I don't see there being many options to personalize a C8, other than how you order it, and what's the fun in that? Maybe the aftermarket grows with the C8, but what is there left to do to it? Wheels? Air freshener? Floor mats? stickers? Leather wrapped cup holder? Are you gonna buy a C8 and upgrade the cam? Headers? Coil over suspension? Word is you can't even tune the C8, the ECM is said to be locked from the factory. And even if it wasn't, who are you going to turn loose on that high-tech tune? Hopefully I'm making a point here, but I just don't see that the C5 is capable of being compared to a C8. Now obviously, there are some people who are considering moving on and getting the C8, but for many of us, the C8 probably can't fill the void that some of us have to just tinker with our car, upgrade this and that, personalize it mechanically and cosmetically, and see if we can't ultimately build our own personal version of what GM "should have built just for me." The C5, to me, is the perfect blend of old school and high tech. Now with that said, I like the C8 a lot, but I love my C5 Z06. I love it so much that most of the time I drive it (not as often as I'd like), it's almost a spiritual experience. A lifetime of building and restoring multiple cars has brought me to this particular automobile. Maybe it won't be as fast as a new C8, maybe it will. Maybe I'll grow out of it someday and want something else. To me, that doesn't really matter. To me, it's a package that includes my excitement when I upgrade something and feel the results, then sit back and see what "I've done." Successfully making payments on a new C8 won't give me that same satisfaction. Maybe I am a member of a diminishing population of automotive enthusiasts who still want to actually be able to work on their car and make it different and better. I understand why GM built the C8: their marketing team determined they could sell them to people. Just my opinion, have an awesome day and go somewhere in your C5 today.
I think comparing a C5 to a C8 is a bit like comparing a '57 Chevy to a modern car, although that analogy is a bit extreme. The C5 (and the C6) hold a place in the auto enthusiast world that is different from a C8 market. I bought my C5 because I like Corvettes, I like the body style (much different from C7 or C8), and I like to personalize it. There is a huge market for people who personalize their C5 (and other cars like it). I don't see there being many options to personalize a C8, other than how you order it, and what's the fun in that? Maybe the aftermarket grows with the C8, but what is there left to do to it? Wheels? Air freshener? Floor mats? stickers? Leather wrapped cup holder? Are you gonna buy a C8 and upgrade the cam? Headers? Coil over suspension? Word is you can't even tune the C8, the ECM is said to be locked from the factory. And even if it wasn't, who are you going to turn loose on that high-tech tune? Hopefully I'm making a point here, but I just don't see that the C5 is capable of being compared to a C8. Now obviously, there are some people who are considering moving on and getting the C8, but for many of us, the C8 probably can't fill the void that some of us have to just tinker with our car, upgrade this and that, personalize it mechanically and cosmetically, and see if we can't ultimately build our own personal version of what GM "should have built just for me." The C5, to me, is the perfect blend of old school and high tech. Now with that said, I like the C8 a lot, but I love my C5 Z06. I love it so much that most of the time I drive it (not as often as I'd like), it's almost a spiritual experience. A lifetime of building and restoring multiple cars has brought me to this particular automobile. Maybe it won't be as fast as a new C8, maybe it will. Maybe I'll grow out of it someday and want something else. To me, that doesn't really matter. To me, it's a package that includes my excitement when I upgrade something and feel the results, then sit back and see what "I've done." Successfully making payments on a new C8 won't give me that same satisfaction. Maybe I am a member of a diminishing population of automotive enthusiasts who still want to actually be able to work on their car and make it different and better. I understand why GM built the C8: their marketing team determined they could sell them to people. Just my opinion, have an awesome day and go somewhere in your C5 today.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
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Very smart advice.
No Hostility Be Happy
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 10,082
Likes: 7,398
From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
The C8 has grown a ton on me in the last few months. It's not that I can't afford it it's that I don't want to.
I like cheaper cars that I can play around with and beat on a little and be guilt free about it. Not abuse, but have fun with at my leisure.
I have had way more expensive cars than my C5 and I always just baby them and feel bad about doing anything to them. I know if I bought a C8 I would be pissed off at the payment and feel bad about modding it. I'm like Tim Allen, I like to build things. I'm the polar opposite of DDaryl.
Kudos to Government Motors for keeping the price down on the "regular" model!
I like cheaper cars that I can play around with and beat on a little and be guilt free about it. Not abuse, but have fun with at my leisure.
I have had way more expensive cars than my C5 and I always just baby them and feel bad about doing anything to them. I know if I bought a C8 I would be pissed off at the payment and feel bad about modding it. I'm like Tim Allen, I like to build things. I'm the polar opposite of DDaryl.
Kudos to Government Motors for keeping the price down on the "regular" model!
No Hostility Be Happy
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 10,082
Likes: 7,398
From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
LMAO this isn't 1984 anymore.
I have two very late model cars in my driveway right now from two different large brand names that are first year. No substantial problems at all.
Now maybe if you said no first year Chevy's I'd be more inclined to agree.
That's a joke people, calm down.
I have two very late model cars in my driveway right now from two different large brand names that are first year. No substantial problems at all.
Now maybe if you said no first year Chevy's I'd be more inclined to agree.
That's a joke people, calm down.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
LMAO this isn't 1984 anymore.
I have two very late model cars in my driveway right now from two different large brand names that are first year. No substantial problems at all.
Now maybe if you said no first year Chevy's I'd be more inclined to agree.
That's a joke people, calm down.
I have two very late model cars in my driveway right now from two different large brand names that are first year. No substantial problems at all.
Now maybe if you said no first year Chevy's I'd be more inclined to agree.
That's a joke people, calm down.
seems to me the C 7 Z's had their share of issues ?????
No Hostility Be Happy
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 10,082
Likes: 7,398
From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I actually know someone that lemon lawed a C7 Z07 I think it was. Not even sure if he was a member here but it wouldn't surprise me.
Aside from that, I think the C6Z it going to be the king of the hill in Corvette world for a very long time. Especially for those that use, abuse, and modify their cars for serious performance.
I think of all the Corvettes the C8 is going to be the slowest to be littered with performance mods.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
I actually know someone that lemon lawed a C7 Z07 I think it was. Not even sure if he was a member here but it wouldn't surprise me.
Aside from that, I think the C6Z it going to be the king of the hill in Corvette world for a very long time. Especially for those that use, abuse, and modify their cars for serious performance.
I think of all the Corvettes the C8 is going to be the slowest to be littered with performance mods.
Aside from that, I think the C6Z it going to be the king of the hill in Corvette world for a very long time. Especially for those that use, abuse, and modify their cars for serious performance.
I think of all the Corvettes the C8 is going to be the slowest to be littered with performance mods.
