So, I have never participated in any of the every-five-year caravans due to work (teacher, so at the worst possible time to get away) but I am newly-retired and looking forward to the 2024 Caravan (Atlantic region). However, I'm now contemplating taking what will be a 25-year old '99 C5 on a multi-day, 2,000+ mile road trip. It's been on such long trips before but . . . well, it will be a 25-year old car.

The car
1999 C5 convertible, auto, 88,000 miles.
I've owned it since 2010 when it had 30,000 miles on it so I've put 58,000 in 12 years (about 5,000/year, but I won't put 12,000 on it by the time of the caravan, probably only 3-5k)
Major repairs/mods:
Transmission replaced at 72k-ish miles with a Race Proven Motorsports (RPM)
Plugs/wires at 46k
Alternator, water pump/tstat done within last 2-4 years
Suspension - 2010 Z06 shocks in 2012 at 44K miles - shocks were take-offs with about 5k on them at the time; Z06 sway bars with metal links
K&N FIPK air intake
Z06 Titanium exhaust
Two wheelsets - Magnesium Sports with Continental all seasons (new - probably only 1500 miles on them); Z06 wheels with Continental summer tires (less than 8,000 miles)
Brakes - rotors at 67,000, pads at 70,000 (did not like the pads put on with the rotors at 67K)
Fuel guage - it does do the flip to empty sometimes, but I have learned to live with it as dropping the tanks and replacing the sensors/sending units would be expensive and no guarantee that it won't happen again in a couple of years. I do use Techron every few fill-ups and that seems to help. It will go two-three years without happening and then a period where it happens a few times in a row. I've found that when it happens, if I just keep driving it flips back on when the tank(s) get to about 3/8. If I stop and restart the car it is back to normal. Only happens when the tank is between a little less than half and 2/3 full and I've been driving for about an hour or more.

It runs and drives great, never had a serious problem except for the transmission dying 500 miles from home, but it will be a 25-year old car and there are some of those problem points for C5s where there are no longer parts/fixes available (EBCM!) I would, of course, prep it with fluid changes/flushes, check the brake rotors and pads (but expect they should still be good), clean/reoil or replace the K&N filter, and other obvious maintenance items. Have been thinking I need to do the fuel filter - I suspect it is still the original as I haven't done it since I've had the car (I do have a fuel filter on the shelf just waiting for the need).

Just looking for suggestions/wisdom on other things to check, replace, upgrade over the next two years until the Caravan. Especially wondering whether new shocks would be a good idea. TIA!

 

I would have the car inspected at either a dealer or a shop that does corvettes before the trip like you are planning.

 

You and I have the same car except mine is Pewter Metallic with black top. I am at 75K.
I just took mine on a 1400 mile trip without a hiccup. I found it to be very comfortable for a long trip except dealing with the headlights of all those SUVs during night driving.

I would check the harmonic balancer for slippage. If it is good, I would take a white shoe polish marker and make a single line across where the inner section meets the outer section. That way you can periodically see if has started to slip. Mine was changed at 40K.

See picture.

How old are your tires?

 

How'd you get the camera in there?

 

If you're maintaining the car as it should be, there should be little else to worry about. Before a long trip, I verify tires and belts are good. Fluids are topped off if needed and a fresh oil change if the change will be needed before my return.

I have 305k on my Z06 and would not hesitate going on a multi thousand mile trip. I've driven straight through from Michigan to Florida on several occasions. Each leg is 19+ hours. So far (knock on wood) the only repairs on my journeys was a burnt out turn signal bulb and a sucked up plastic bag. Is there risk, absolutely. There is risk in taking any vehicle at any age. One thing you'll have to your advantage is you'll be travelling with a group of people so if you do have issues, someone will likely be willing to help.

While you travel, keep an eye on your gages and do a quick once over while stopped for gas or the night. Be vigilant but don't overthink it or you won't enjoy the trip. You know your car and will likely detect if something isn't right and be able to check it out.

 

From my perspective. We buy these to drive them.
after I had to put in a new torque tube assembly, i said hell with it. My car is a high mile, modded car
I drove from Milwaukee to Lacrosse. Stayed 2 days. The out to Des Moines. Kept a pace of around 105 mph. And never looked back. These are American made cars. Not sputnik. Anything for the most part you can get along the way.

 

I have thought this as well. My go is just make sure oil is good at beginning of year, battery and tires. I already know my brakes are good. The car is for sure capable of making the trip.

 

You seem to be taking good care of the car. You should be able to do this trip with no issues at all. As mentioned, you'll be with a group, so there will be plenty of help if something does go wrong. Change your fluids, and make sure your tires, and battery are good. Your shocks are getting pretty old, but they shouldn't be so bad that you would be stranded by them. If they feel good, then you should be fine. Enjoy your trip!

 

As long as maintenance is current, and no problems otherwise, that trip shouldn’t be a problem.

 

K9Leader, I am thrilled to hear you are considering driving with the Atlantic Caravan in 2024. It just so happens I am the Captain for the Atlantic Region. I plan to drive my 2004 Z06 on the trip, so I will follow exactly what you and others have described. Update the wearables, good tires and brakes. New wiper blades, since many of us don't look to drive in the rain, we forget to replace them.
For some prospective, I was the Captains the previous 3 caravans and we have at at least ONE car from each generation on the journey. Imagine doing the drive in a C1 or a Mid Year!! I am also working on having a GM Certified Tech taking the drive with us and having him available for any roadside assistance needed.

As extra piece of mind, it doesn't hurt to join Triple A or your favorite road side assistance program for the time you are on the trip. I recommend the C6 and newer crowd to update their On Star, but us C5 guys don't have that option.

Another tip, bring both of your key fobs with new batteries. Keep your everyday key in your pocket and place the extra key somewhere else that is normally not in your car. Such as your luggage when in your hotel. This is will help avoid locking your keys inside the car. This exact scenario happened to a friend in Lime Rock and his wife made the drive from New Jersey to Connecticut with the extra key!!!

Drop me a PM with your email address and I can add you to my email caravan information list!

Thanks
Zipity, aka Jeff

 

I’ve never heard of this caravan. Sounds fun. I might have to take off work for this. 2024?

 

check out www.corvettecaravan.com. then from the three lines on the top right of the screen, choose your state for more details. If your Captain does not have anything populated on the site, reach out to me as I may be able to help.

I was the National Chairman for the last Caravan in 2019.

 

I'm planning on going! My car was actually owned by the leader of the 2014 Caravan from Florida. I couldn't go in '19, but I will be there in '24.

 

Just few people and cars show up, to have fun!

I will say get your Hotel reservation early, it fills fast, if you are in Club, reserve a block of rooms is what I do, so we are all together.