When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Ok, I just couldn't wait until next summer, and I found a pretty good deal on a C5 that checks all the boxes for me, short of being a Z06. So I'm headed out on a 6 hour drive to go buy my first Corvette in about 20 years. The last one I had was a 1988 coupe with an automatic. This one is a late C5 with a 6 speed.
I believe it's at stock ride height. I'm going to trailer it home because I don't trust the tires, and it is known to have steering wheel lock and EBCM issues. I have a trailer with a dovetail and ramps, and I will take extra boards to get the backs of the ramps up some. Any other ideas for loading this car without damaging it, and hauling it without damaging it?
Finally home safe and sound!
Okay, so what it is: a 2004 Commemorative Coupe, and that Lemans Blue might just be the prettiest Blue I've ever laid eyes on! It is an MM6 car, and it also had Z51 from the factory. It's not even close to stock. I believe it has an MGW shifter, and it has Corbeau seats. It has what I currently think are factory C5Z wheels, painted black. It has Wilwood 6-pot calipers in the front. It has quite not stealthy Corsa exhaust, which is barely helpful in constraining the melodious sound of a very stout cammed LS2 swap, with long tube headers.
Needs a pair of back tires, needs the LMC5, needs the EBCM redone, and it will probably need a clutch in a few thousand miles. I can handle all of this. It also needs the ignition switch redone so it Springs back better from the start to the run position, and the headlights act kind of funny going up and down (electrical, not mechanical. )
Congrats on getting a C5 Vette. Depending on the year, I would be VERY concerned about the EBCM issues. Be aware that the EBCM design changed part way through the C5 run. The older style is no longer made, can not be repaired, and used examples are VERY expensive and hard to find. If it is an older C5 this would be a deal breaker for me. You want to get an LMC5 to deal with the column lock issues. I would recommend that you read all of the sticky posts at the top of this forum, and at the top of the C5 tech. I hope everything turns out well for you.
If the ramp angle is too steep you can back the rear truck tires up on ramps or blocks. That will lower the back of the trailer and decrease the ramp angle. You could also just crank up the tongue jack to accomplish the same thing.
I prefer to tie down the vehicle by the wheels or suspension instead of the frame. That way the tie down straps aren't getting stressed or yanked as the car moves on its suspension. I have some nice over the tire ratchet straps that work well.
The LMC5 will take care of the column lock and you can get the ECBM module rebuilt.
Make sure you take lots of photos and post them up!
For minute I thought it was June 30th already, that is Corvette Day, its official birthday, but it is awesome as this is YOUR Corvette Day. Congratulations!! Take lots of pictures and post em up!
Finally home safe and sound!
Okay, so what it is: a 2004 Commemorative Coupe, and that Lemans Blue might just be the prettiest Blue I've ever laid eyes on! It is an MM6 car, and it also had Z51 from the factory. It's not even close to stock. I believe it has an MGW shifter, and it has Corbeau seats. It has what I currently think are factory C5Z wheels, painted black. It has Wilwood 6-pot calipers in the front. It has quite not stealthy Corsa exhaust, which is barely helpful in constraining the melodious sound of a very stout cammed LS2 swap, with long tube headers.
Needs a pair of back tires, needs the LMC5, needs the EBCM redone, and it will probably need a clutch in a few thousand miles. I can handle all of this. It also needs the ignition switch redone so it Springs back better from the start to the run position, and the headlights act kind of funny going up and down (electrical, not mechanical. )
I found it on Dallas Craigslist, and it's showing 101K on the odometer. It's a clean title car. It likely hasn't had the easiest life, but it is still quite solid and stout.
Ok, I just couldn't wait until next summer, and I found a pretty good deal on a C5 that checks all the boxes for me, short of being a Z06. So I'm headed out on a 6 hour drive to go buy my first Corvette in about 20 years. The last one I had was a 1988 coupe with an automatic. This one is a late C5 with a 6 speed.
I believe it's at stock ride height. I'm going to trailer it home because I don't trust the tires, and it is known to have steering wheel lock and EBCM issues. I have a trailer with a dovetail and ramps, and I will take extra boards to get the backs of the ramps up some. Any other ideas for loading this car without damaging it, and hauling it without damaging it?
I think you'll see a tremendous difference between an '88 and any year C5. Every generation should be different from the previous one, but the C5 made a BIG difference in what buyers expect from their Corvette's.....
Thanks for the pics, and the additional info. I think you got a pretty great car there. That's a solid list of mods, and the EBCM is not that big a deal on an '04. You seem to have a pretty good plan moving forward. The car looks great! Personally, I would consider doing something with the rims, but that's just my personal taste. Any idea what kind of HP it puts down?
Previous owner said that owner before him built the car. He had it for about a year and a half and I guess he started freaking out over the steering column issue and decided to sell. He said the guy before him said it dynoed at 452 to the wheels. Based on my limited experience with anything over about 280 HP, I have no reason to dispute the 452 number - sure felt like it to me!
Yesterday I got it off the trailer, and I ordered the LMC5. I also got a great start on making a spot for it to live in the carport. My Honda Civic will remain relegated to parking outside.
today I will return the trailer to its owner, and I may start digging into the ignition switch.
I'm not a fan of the black wheels. I do like the C5Z wheels though. I may have them refinished back to silver, or I've always thought bronze looked good with blue.
I'm not a fan of the black wheels. I do like the C5Z wheels though. I may have them refinished back to silver, or I've always thought bronze looked good with blue.
That would have been my thoughts exactly. 452HP is very respectable. The car should be a lot of fun. Do you plan to track it, or is it going to mainly be a street car?
We have a couple of dragstrips within an hour or so of my house, but the closest road course is probably Hallett, which is a 6 hour drive. I'm much more a road course fan than drag racing, so in the end I will likely just drive it on the street more than anything.
You have have an excellent power level for street driving. If you like road courses, you might want to give AutoX a try. All you really need for that is a big parking lot, and some cones. Not as good as real road coarse work, but still fun. Definitely keep us updated on how things go with the car.
Congrats! I see a huge smile somewhere in the reflection of that sweet ride - Enjoy!
Originally Posted by vinco
We have a couple of dragstrips within an hour or so of my house, but the closest road course is probably Hallett, which is a 6 hour drive. I'm much more a road course fan than drag racing, so in the end I will likely just drive it on the street more than anything.
Heck yeah, loads of fun right there, wake up the neighbors, scare the kids, delight the ladies
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
Today is Corvette Day!
