I've been interested in buying a c5 Corvette and know that 01-04 is preferred. But other than the ebcm issues on the pre 01s is there any reason to not consider one of those?

​​​I think my goal would be to buy a 03 because it seems like that may be the best year. But I would like to hear first hand experience on the others. but some issues I hear about the 99-02 is oil consumption due to faulty piston rings. Have any of you experienced this? I don't really want to buy my first fun car and have to tear into it due to issues.

Also Curious to see what your experiences are to modding/ adding power to an automatic. I don't plan to go crazy mainly just headers, cam and exhaust. ( feel free to recommend some other decent upgrades ) and I don't plan on tracking the car alot or beating it up. Just want something that goes when I want... More than stock lol
​​​​ but I'm wondering if I would have to do anything to the automatic transmission to make it withstand daily driving with modest modifications

Thanks in advance for your help I'm really looking forward to be a part of the forum and the community
PS if there's anything else that you think I should know please let me know
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Here is my personal experience, though keep in mind that individual experiences may vary.

My first C5 was a 1999 model that I purchased with 92,000 miles on it. Like any car of its age and mileage, it required some maintenance. I went the extra mile by replacing all of the fluids (brake, differential, automatic transmission, coolant, and power steering), sway bar bushings, tie rod ends, and various other components. There was one instance when the car left me stranded, but it turned out to be a simple fix: I needed new battery cables. Additionally, I had to replace the radiator cooling fan at one point. Towards the end of my ownership, I decided to upgrade the car by installing Dynatech headers and a tune, which resulted in an impressive 25whp gain for an automatic car. I did not encounter any Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) issues, and with a good tune, the automatic transmission performed better than some critics suggest. I eventually sold the car because I desired a manual transmission and a newer model.

My second C5 was a 2003 model with only 34,000 miles on the odometer. I followed the same maintenance routine as with my 1999 C5, changing all fluids and wear-prone components. This car didn't present any major issues.

In general, a good rule of thumb when considering a C5 Corvette is to seek the newest and lowest mileage vehicle that fits within your budget. The C5 platform is excellent, with a robust aftermarket community, and many GM parts are still readily available. As long as you exercise common sense and perform regular maintenance, C5 Corvettes are known for their reliability.

Best of luck with your search, and I hope this information proves helpful!

 

As far as the automatic transmission you have to accept it’s a 4l60e and you will not know how it has been treated it most cases. They can live a respectable amount of time under stock or mild power upgrades. The “ if” is if it hasn’t had hard down shifting from OD to 2nd gear. If I were buying a car with mileage say above 75-80k I’d just plan on eventually having to have it freshened up with new clutches etc.

If the car belonged to a little old lady/man who just cruised the speed limit on their way to car shows or the new balance outlet then you may get to 150k. It’s kinda pot luck. I bought a A4 car that was stock and 94,000 miles. The transmission started slipping bad right at 101k.

 

I can see you have done your home work. Job well done.

As for the automatics they generally hold up well. They were durable in all the models used.

They only weakness was 3 gear but otherwise they do well.

Most autos were not abused and cars in very good clean stock condition should be a good unit.

I know a lot of guys bolting on super chargers around here and they are not seeing failures or such.

unless you are doing an over the top engine the Auto should be fine.

 

I’ve been abusing my A4 transmission since it was new. Car has been through numerous HPDE, autoX, and dragstrip runs. Have headers, intake, cats, Xpipe, RPM diff with 3.73 gears, 3200 stall and trans cooler. Knock on wood, never a transmission problem. Mines a 2004 BTW.

 

The C5 is a really good generation when it comes to the Corvette - still respectful handling, power, ergonomics and fuel efficiency. Note that there are some parts that are no longer available new but either the used market or aftermarket can help out most of the time.

My 2003 was an A4 - did not have a bit of trouble from it on a stock car - just a catback and Blackwing in terms of mods. As with any used car, I would highly recommend you have a qualified tech give the car a thorough check over to ensure all systems are a go.

 

I think in the long run you will find the autos to be more durable or less abused than most manuals.

Manuals are often driven harder, down shifted more and usually see more advanced modified engines with more power. This is hard on the clutch and coupler. Autos absorb much of the drive line shock.

The auto if you change the fluid is is going to give you a decent survivability. It absorbs more abuse too.

This was not one of GM's fragile transmissions.

Also they have less aggressive gears so it is a little easier on the engine in many cases. Most of the Auto cars are owned by older people who are corvette club members and the worst thing they do is drive in a parade.

 

Yeah... One must be familiar with the C5 to answer 'all' those questions... Stay here and read read read.

 

You’d be surprised the wear and tear a homecoming queen’s *** can put on your tonneau cover - my old C4 used to go through hell - and now that the trend is to vote in a fat one out of sympathy or whatever it’s only gonna get worse!

 

I was told years ago that the downshift from OD to 2nd gear was very hard on the 4L60E. So I try to manually downshift it if I really need max passing power on a 2 lane. Even with the LS7 in it for over 50,000 miles, it is still there, almost 140,000 miles, all original, with tweaked tuning. Don't know if the manual downshift helps, or not. But you'll look for a long time before finding someone with an over 500whp 427 with a stock 4L60E thats traveled as far as mine. All I've ever done is change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles. NOTE!!! If you put really sticky tires on the car, it will probably shorten the trans life. Also, try to stay with stock diameter, or maybe even 1/2-3/4" smaller diameter rear tires. YMMV......

 

IDK if it makes any difference, or not, but the 2000 model has the "hottest" non Z06 factory cam ever installed in the LS1. It has .500" lift, and about a 1.5° tighter LSA than any other year LS1 Corvette or Fbody. In fact, with that .500" lift, you can't run 1.8 rockers without changing the valve springs first. FWIW......

 

Welcome to the forum! I think you are the right track as far as model years to look at. There were several updates done to the car over the run. The newer car has more power, and there a several parts that are cheaper and easier to find than on the early year C5s. As such the newer C5s are worth more.

As far as modding is concerned, the C5 is a great platform. If you're going with an automatic, I would limit your search to cars with the performance axle option. This has a rear diff gear ration of 3.15. This will make a big difference over the 2.73 that comes standard with the A4. Either way, the stock $L60E will be absolutely reliable up to around 450 wheel horsepower. You can get lucky if you push beyond that, but you're probably living on borrowed time. As far as performance mods for the street, it's hard to beat an A&A supercharger kit. This will give you an easy 500RWHP. Unfortunately, you will want to look at aftermarket transmission options at that point. When I had mine installed, 3rd gear shredded on the dyno. The advantage to a supercharger is that (unlike a cam swap) the car is still great on the street. You can drive the car like normal (with normal fuel economy) and it is smooth and docile just like if the car was stock. However, if you want it to, the car will go like a bat out of hell. It's the best of both worlds. Smooth and sensible for when you're in traffic, but a beast for when you want to fly.

My number 1 piece of advice for you is to get a pre-purchase inspection done on ANY C5 before you buy it. Good luck with your search.

 

@grinder11 I did NOT know that. My first C5 was a new off the floor black 2000. All I did to it back then was a ram air and Borlas. I never abused that one. Tracked it once and did a few baby 1500 rpm launches and was getting 109.52 mph trap speeds which maths out to 370hp. At the time my friends were referring to it as a 'factory freak.' Now I know! THANKS for this detail!

OP - as soon as anyone mentions a cam...... I presume the car will be driven at least somewhat fun. Those 4L60Es are fancy computer controlled 700R4s. Keep the fluid flushed and especially be selective when engaging a tuner and find someone with a LOT of experience. I almost feel like you want to talk to a builder because cams nudge into the want to change converters and that selection alone and then in combo with a cam is going to change the car's dynamic or has the potential to greatly.

As with anything, if you keep a spare 3k on hand for if you nuke it then no worries.

I also have to offer this - the newer year ANY brand cars with six, eight and ten speed automatics are AMAZING vehicles which offer performance and comfort in one. If you have the financial option then I absolutely suggest you drive a few cars with better transmissions like those. I have and I don't think I could ever be happy with a 4-speed auto in a sports car ever again. Not that I was - I run sticks - but the only automatic setup I would consider in the future would be a 6 or 8 speed auto for certain. While you are in the selection phase you have tons of options for which direction to go.

 

Sounds about right, the same as me. Mine was an A4. With no cats, a 3.15 diff, with OEM exhaust manifolds, Flowmasters, and an LS6 intake, I hit a 109.97 trap. I call it 110mph!!

 

I've been blessed to have had 3 Vettes at different times, an '04 A4 Coupe in 2005, an '09 A6 Vert C6 in 2010 and now an '03 M6 Coup since last January. For me the '03 M6 is the most fun to drive and had the best look, but the '09 C6 with a modded manual NPP-switch on the dead-pedal was so boss (wish that was an easier add-on for C5, but it can be done). I also like the '03 more than the '04 for reasons other than the shifter due to it having all the Anniversary Package options.

On both C5s I added Corsa Sport Cat-Backs & stereo upgrades, Projection Headlights and various comfort/appearance upgrades (always modding!). I'm attaching a "Best C5 Chart" that I screen-grabbed somewhere, as well as my '03 sticker showing the options that are unique, thus I would recommend a 2003 Anniversary Edition. Wishing you good hunting on your new beast!