I've begun my search for my first Corvette ever a C5 And would appreciate any help you guys might be able to offer me on some simple questions. I'm looking to spend right around $20K so I'm gonna be in the market for a '97-'00 model.

First off what do I get standard on all C5's (model yr '97-'00)?

What options do you guys consider must have's for the '97-'00 model yrs?

The C5 coupe model has the removeable targa top right? Do they come with both a glass top and a color matched top or just one or the other?

From my browsing it seems that HUD is a attractive option for most. How useable is this feature with daily driving? Does it ever become a nuisance instead of a helpful feature?

Traction control - is this standard on all C5's?

Active Handling - is this standard on all C5's? What's the diff. between the traction control and active handling?

What does Z51 suspension add over a standard C5?

From my experience it's always been best to avoid purchasing the first model yr of any car due to time being needed for the glitches to be worked out. Would this hold true for avoiding the first model yr C5 - 1997?



Thanks for the help! And if you have any good links for some basic info I'd gladly appreciate it!

-David

 

This site should help with some of your questions

http://www.jakelatham.com/c5/misc/differences.shtml

 

I wouldn't buy a Vette without the HUD, active handling (this may be standard) or 3.15 rear-end (if you are buying an automatic).

 

Great stuff WW. That oughta give him something to study on.

Let me see if I can add to it, the coupe comes with a body-colored removable roof panel as standard equipment; a translucent plastic panel is an option, or the buyer can select both tops as an option. The coupe's rear window opens like a hatchback. Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate controls, fog lamps, sport seats, four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, a driver information center, remote keyless entry, stainless steel exhaust with chromed quad outlets, retractable headlights, Bose speakers, 6-way power seats with leather upholstery, extended-mobility (run flat) Z-rated tires, traction control with Active Handling (2000 and later), and cast alloy wheels. The coupe comes with a parcel net and luggage shade.

1997 Corvette options-
Memory Package
Power Passenger Seat
Sport Seats
Floor Mats
Body Side Moldings
Removable Roof Panel Blue Tint
Dual Removable Roof Panels
Dual Zone Air Conditioning
Security Shade
FE3 Sport Suspension (Included With Z51)
F45 Selective Real Time Damping, Electronic
G92 Performance Axle Ratio - 3.15:1
MN6 Six Speed Manual Transmission
Fog Lamps
Stereo System Delco-Bose with CD
Remote Compact Disk Changer
Front License Plate Frame
Z51 Performance Handling Package

What options do you guys consider must have's for the '97-'00 model yrs?

I'd personally want the performance axle ratio, chrome or polished wheels (rather than the painted "wagon wheels" that were standard on the 97-98's), active handling, a CD (preferably the changer) and the HUD.

The C5 coupe model has the removeable targa top right? Do they come with both a glass top and a color matched top or just one or the other?

Standard is the painted top. Upgrade to the clear top or both tops was optional.

From my browsing it seems that HUD is a attractive option for most. How useable is this feature with daily driving? Does it ever become a nuisance instead of a helpful feature?

Can't say. I don't have it. People that do swear by it.

Traction control - is this standard on all C5's?
Yes

Active Handling - is this standard on all C5's? What's the diff. between the traction control and active handling?

No, active handling is not standard. The Active Handling system activates when there is a significant difference between how the driver intends for the car to corner and how the car is actually cornering. Working together with the ABS and traction control systems as needed, it automatically applies any of the four brakes to help correct the situation. In other words, it's and anti-skid system, not just something to keep you from skidding due to brakes.

What does Z51 suspension add over a standard C5?

Stiffer shocks and springs, larger anti-roll bar and the 3:15 performance axle ratio if you're driving an automatic.

From my experience it's always been best to avoid purchasing the first model yr of any car due to time being needed for the glitches to be worked out. Would this hold true for avoiding the first model yr C5 - 1997?

Not particularly. C5's have always been very reliable, from day one. I'd be much more particular about mileage, owner abuse and "Corvette glitches" which affect all years (column lock, "rocking" seat and fuel gauge problems).

Links:

The BEST source of information is right where you are now, the Corvette Forum.

beyond that:

www.corvetteactioncenter.com
www.corvettemuseum.com

 

With all the great information above there is little else that I can add. So how about I just go with Welcome to the forum and good luck in your search. You've come to the right place for Corvette knowledge

Paul

 

Thanks WW!


Great info!





So the Coupe (model with the removable targa top) has a seperate trunk from the interior of the car? And the FRC (hardtop) model is a typical hatchback car (like a LS1 Trans Am), right?

So which of the two (coupe and FRC) would have more storage space? I would assume the FRC would have more room since it has an open hatch so you would be able to store more stuff (if you ever needed the room it'd be nice imo). And I would imagine the coupe would have a tiny little seperate trunk, right?

Thanks!

 

1999


FRC "Fixed Roof Coupe" aka the hardtop, becomes available. All FRC's are MN6 (6-speed) cars with the Z51 suspension package, and are about 60lbs lighter than coupes.



Wow that would make my shopping easier! I want a 6spd for sure and the Z51 suspension package too! 60lbs lighter too nice

 

Aren't the FRC's suppose to be the cheaper C5 model too?

 

Thanks JACKAL0PE!!!

 

The FRC has a traditional trunk - the coupe is a hatchback, with quite a bit more space in the back, though both are open from the passenger compartment.

 

Ah, so I had it backwards. So the coupe definitely has more room with it's hatchback.


It seems the FRC and Coupe have a different style rear glass panel. I actually don't know if I care for the FRC more "straight/short" rear window compared with the coupe's "long/slanted" window design.

Hmm...more decisions...

 

The FRC's have cool lines to them. I prefer the coupe though, I love being able to remove the top...being in IL, I did not want a vert, not enough time to enjoy it...coupe is quiter...warmer.

if you want a good rear axle stock, then I would go for the 6speed (coupe or FRC) all 6 speeds come with a 342 gear stock..

if you get an automatic make sure you get the 315 gear..I believe it's option G92,,,otherwise you'll be stuck with a poopy 273 gear.

good luck

 

Welcome to the forum. If you can swing it, I would go with a '99 or '00 C5 simply due to the availability of some nice options (HUD and active handling) those years. The coupe does come with the targa top. Standard equipment included the painted top, but you could get as an option either the glass top or both tops. My must have options would be the HUD, active handling, and sports seats. Good luck finding the right car for you.

 

Does this sound like a good deal?


2001 Chevrolet Corvette
Price: $22,990

(edited) - 56k miles

2 dr, 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANS, BLACK LEATHER SEATS, CONVERTIBLE GLASS ROOF, POWER WINDOWS , POWER LOCKS, AM/FM W/CD,




Sounds pretty good to me...

 

My biggest decision right now is color. I'm down to two different choices - white or yellow. I just can't decide. I love the clean look of a white C5 but the yellow just screams "look at me" and I just can't decide which one I like better...

 

I have a 97 White C5 with 32K miles in the for sale section if you interested. I have had it for 2 yrs with no problems what so ever. I really like the yellow too. Good luck with your purchase.

 

Got a link?

 

Nevermind I found it.


Looks nice and if I were looking for an auto I'd be really interested - but I really would like a 6spd so I'll have to pass.

Thanks though!

 

Could someone toss up some examples of what they would consider typical prices for a C5?

For instance pick a yr within my price range ('97-'00, max budget $23K) coupe or FRC model and list an overpriced C5 example, high priced, average priced, good price, bargain price.


So say I found a '99 Coupe with 50K miles 6spd stock, hud, white, ect. for $20K - would this fall into a good price category or what?

 

Welcome to the Forum ...and good luck finding the right new ride!