I have a 97 that is completely stock was thinking about selling I am the second owner the first one had it for 22 years. My question is does a stock C5 or any Corvette for that matter sell better than a modded one?

 

If you’re thinking on selling why spend money on mods?

 

Opinions vary but aftermarket parts installed by amateur mechanics add little or no value. Some of the mods have a negative effect for reliability on a well designed vehicle. Cars with performance mods are sometimes raced or abused. Besides the engine, adding more power effects the lifetime of clutches, transmissions, drivetrain, suspension and brakes. I have owned eight Corvettes and usually walk away from vehicles with mods unless they are very inexpensive, less than a proper unmolested original car.

 

If you have to ask than.................don't mod.

 

​​ you're right but I'm not sure when I'm going to sell it so I was thinking of some small mods just to make it a little more enjoyable while I have it

 

in the first place I was just starting a conversation get people's opinion one thing I've always hated about the Corvette forum or any other form it's the people who have to put those smartass answers on there light. As I said the reason I asked was just to get other people's opinions on my question

 

Stock cars are always an easier sell than a modded car.

That said, we need a little more info. Why are thinking about selling? If you decide to sell, what is your time frame (in other words, how long will you keep it)? What mods are you thinking about?

If you do some of the mods you are thinking about you may find you no longer want to sell it. On the other hand, if you really want to sell it you'll be wasting money modding it because you won't get the mod costs back.

 

For every dollar spent on mods, expect to only get a dime in return. Not a good investment.

 

as far as my eyes I was thinking about where the normal headers, borla exhaust, intake and then just maybe some appearance modifications. For the reason I want to sell just to get back into a C6 or C7 either a C6 ZO6 , Grand Sport are a c7. As far as time frame not sure maybe a month or two.

 

I think headers, x pipe and exhaust would make the car more enjoyable for you but with a tune your out around 3 grand or more. If I was planning to keep it for no longer than a month or two I wouldn't spend the money. Keep it and put it into the next vette.

 

A month or two? It'll take you that long to get those mods done!

You'll be wasting a ton of money that could be put towards the newer car you want. Just spend a fraction of that money on a professional detail and sell the car then get your C6/7.

 

Save your money for the down payment on a newer car, then.

 

I can't think of any cheap mods that made it more enjoyable to drive, for me the fun stuff was expensive but "enjoyable" depends on the owner... if I even had the thought of selling mine I wouldn't put anything into it but again that's just me

 

General appearance mods or those "performance" mods like catback exhaust, CAI, etc. are normally easily reversible and most likely would not negatively affect a selling price - in fact, they may be desired by a buyer.

I generally feel if the mods go into more teardown of the car, then the value impact will depend on documentation and who did the work.

As others have said, if you do not plan to keep the car very long, I would just enjoy it in stock form and use the money saved from not doing mods for your next ride.

 

Modding a car you're going to sell is like paying for a boob job for a wife you're about to divorce!

 

I didn't see the answer as smart *** in any way , just succinct. You asked for opinions, and got one, what's your beef?

If you want to step into a conversation among old males, you must allow for a few take it or leave it responses. I think you are perhaps just unable to see the wisdom in the answer from your perspective. I thought the answer contained sound logic, although expressed in very few ., and with a well worn choice of, words.

To me it alluded to the added cost and complexity added to a car when it is modded away from the original service and design. I believe the poster was trying to keep you from learning the hard way what everyone else was telling you, modding cars is stepping into a learning curve, and most of the lessons wind up being well paid for.

I would add another, questionable, consideration. Consider that tearing out the smog controlled parts , like adding long tube headers, would, in some sales situations, make the car less valuable, for being unable to be street legal in various other locations. Only a problem if you need to move or want to sell nationwide. California is a large car market, so often cars are shipped in from other states, mostly high end stuff or Porsches, but sometimes vettes make the trip. My car was originally from Texas, but was smog legal, so it had value above a non legal car;. I have read a few reports of guys who had to leave cars behind because work moved then to a location where their car was not legal, and it was just easier to sell the car than to try to make it comply with smog laws.

I have traveled the world as a sailor, and sailors must learn the weather for safety. Climate damage is no joke, I have seen the changes with my own eyes, I don't need outside help to know the truth. Smog controls help an imperfect device be less damaging. Given the common understanding of the science, removing the smog controls is somewhat ignorant as to the reason for the controls.

 

As others has said you won't get your money back out of mods. Should be thought of for your enjoyment only. But I personally keep all the original parts. So whenever that day comes to sell, I plan on switching most if not all back to stock. Then sell the mod parts separately. Only way you will at least get some of your money back. And several Vette owners like stock then they can personalize it their way when they come to buy. My 2 cents.

 

 

There’s no data that shows you won’t get your money back if you mod it properly.

 

A adult with plenty of mechanical experience would not ask your question.
You are accepting opinions from total strangers with unknown mechanical
experience. My smart *** answer remains..if you have the experience why
would you ask such a stupid question. Unless you have nothing else to do.
And if you have the experience you have little time to ponder the question .