Which year c5 to get

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Nov 8, 2024 | 12:00 PM

#21

arthursc2

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2013

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JMG2

* The two slots of a 1998 (and possibly late 1997s) curve toward the rear at the bottom. (versus straight down)

What the heck does this mean?

Nov 8, 2024 | 12:27 PM

#22

JMG2

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: US

Quote:

Originally Posted by arthursc2

What the heck does this mean?

Not a model of clarity as drafted, and the epitome of minutae, IIRC, this referes to the two slots on the driver side plastic covers over the valve covers. On 1997, the slots went straight down. they revised it for the 1998 model so that near the bottom of the plastic, it had a curve more towards the rear. And in 1999, the covers only have one slot. Also IIRC, they actually made that minor change sometime during the '97 model run, so there are a lot of 97's that have that small curve.
I remember this came up "back in the day, " when people bought covers that were custom painted (and kept their originals unchanged), some people noticed a differnece in the cut out. It's super minor, theyt're interchangeable, and only a c5 uber geek would ever notice. I'm not sure why the change was made, but as far as I remember when we first noticed it, there is no benefit of one over the other (may have just been a change for manufacturing purposes).

I'm going purely from memory on this though ... and it ain't what it used to be :-).

Last edited by JMG2; Nov 8, 2024 at 12:34 PM.

Nov 8, 2024 | 03:27 PM

#23

Tokuzumi

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Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 616

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From: Alpharetta GA

The newest one you can find in the condition you expect and within your budget.

Nov 8, 2024 | 04:37 PM

#24

Tyler_RN_EMT

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Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 743

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From: Pendleton Indiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by Espi2

Found a 2002 with 110k miles on it with the right spec (black on black/vert/6 speed). Price is solid - right at 14k asking so might even have some room to negotiate. Clean carfax; recent harmonic balancer changed. Looks like a really nice car and good price. Is there anything I should be concerned with over 100k miles - most of what I am looking at is around 70-80k miles anyhow so can't imagine its an issue.

Sounds like a great deal on paper (type lol) but what I've found with any used Corvette i've bought is mileage does not at all equal condition of car when viewed/driven in person. I think any C5 or later Corvette is going to be a very relieable car when compared to other models with similar age/mileage but there is a HUGE difference in how the car is cared for from one owner to the next.... I have seen many 30k mile C5's that are complete POS and i've seen 110k plus mile C5's that are immaculate and look like the day they came out of Bowling Green. Only answer is to go look at the car and drive it in person. I would not be scared of a well taken care of 100k mile C5, but I would be very scared of a cheaply modified poorly taken care of 20k mile C5.

Nov 8, 2024 | 04:59 PM

#25

Espi2

Thread Starter

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Joined: Nov 2024

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thanks - yea, I’ve checked out a couple local ones with 60-70k miles and they looked like garbage. This one is presenting very well but I don’t have the luxury of checking it out in person unless I decide to fly in and get it. Bit of a gamble but seems like it’s a good one. All
the right mods that I want to do on own as well.

Nov 8, 2024 | 07:24 PM

#26

Elektro

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Joined: Jun 2022

Posts: 691

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From: NW OH

Before I bought my 98, I drive a 2002 convertible and 2006 z51 and they were both VERY well used. Looked nice but drove like crap. IDK what was going on with the 02 as it only had like 35k miles. The other two were also 50% more on the price than the 98, which drive great. Pick yer poison.

I would NOT buy one of these without driving it! (and I've bought two cars over the internet without issue)