jimbjr

I can’t take it anymore. I have been doing work on my ’92 to try and quench my thirst for a C5. No such luck! I have seen several specials for head/cam packages and the Vette Doctor’s package just pushed me over the fence.
A complete package, from one of the premiere vette specialists, and they’re located 25 minutes from me!

What is the earliest year I should consider? The car may stay stock for about a month or 2 so I can become familiar with it, but after that it’s off to the doctors visit to be “warmed over” ;).

I normally like to stay away from the first year of production of any model (I don’t know if this is valid for the Corvette), and I want to get the most affordable year. I am interested in any major drivetrain enhancements (ie. Stronger tranny, stronger rear, stronger crank, etc…) not interested in things like cam profile since it will be replaced.

Thanks
Jim

This is the package I am talking about. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=140950
We like to thank everyone we ran into @ Carlisle this weekend
And yes our R/X 450 upper end package.Will run till the new year there is no gimmick here this is what you get You get ported cylinder heads custom camshaft, PCM programing, long tube headers, proflow+ air system, all fluids gasket bolts Before & after Dyno testing & 3 year 36000 mile warranty 6 speed cars rwhp around 400 to the ground autos around 385 This is our way of saying thanks to the corvettes of Carlisle they have been very good to us in the past & Forum members for all your surport 5850.00

BruceF

Call Dennis at the Vette Doctors and get his thoughts on any significant engine differences. If it were me, I'd look for a car with Active Handling (JL4). And that wasn't available until as an option mid-98 production.

kewlbrz

99+ C5 would give you the most enhancements.

jimbjr

C'mon guys, there is a lot of knowledge out there. Please share it.

Patman36

I too think a '99 and up would be your best bet. Active handling is very nice to have (can save your butt too). If you step up to a 2000, you get the thin spoke wheels, not the wider spoke wheels that came on 97-99 C5's. You also get HUD (if it is an option).

I think the wheels, HUD, and AH/TC are the biggest advantages for getting a 2000 and up. When it comes to suspension options to look for, I am quite partial to the Z51. I did test drive a C5 with the F45 RTD suspension and didn't really notice a difference (just my opinion ). Of course, transmission is your choice. If you like auto's, make sure it has the performance axle (more aggressive gearing) . Good luck!

Patrick :seeya

66ImpalaLT1

I have AH/TC and HUD on my '99. Other than the wheels and the availability of Millenium Yellow, there's nothing wrong with a 99.

Eric

Patman36

66ImpalaLT1,

I'm sorry man. I get confused sometimes :crazy: . Why I thought HUD came on '00's and not '99's, I don't know. You will have to forgive me... it is REALLY hot out! :D And you are right, there is nothing wrong with '99's... I hope I didn't make it sound like that. :blueangel:

Patrick :seeya

MattG

I say go for a 97-98 6-speed for your heads/cam project. The 97-98 comes with fuel injectors strong enough to handle an agressive heads/cam package while the 99-02's do not. Also the 97-98's have an adjustable fuel regulator which can come in very handy for tuning purposes.

I have had my 97 for 2.5 years now and have had VERY minimal problems with it. Mostly minor interior things that happened within the first year or so that I had fixed by warranty. I have actually seen more problems with 99-00 C5s on this forum than any other year.

Just remember, there was only like 7000 C5s produced in 97, and then after that it jumped to over 30,000. There was a lot more time spent for assembly on the 97s, whether that means anything or not, I am not sure. All I can say is that I do not regret my first production year purchase.

If you need any advice or information on heads/cam packages, feel free to shoot me an email with any questions.



[Modified by MattG, 8:48 AM 8/29/2001]

C5Longhorn

My vote would be for '99 and up so you can get active handling and HUD. With the kind of power your going to put down with the H/C package, AH could be a feature that could really save your butt sometime. Good luck.

RajunCajun2001

You can get a new 2001 CHEAP! Some dealers are offering $7K off their vettes in stock to make room for the 2002's.

jimbjr

Thanks for the input guys. I like MattG's comments on the 97-98. I will try to find a reasonably priced 99 FRC, if not I am off to the 97's.

I will be back with more quetions, I'm sure.


[Modified by jimbjr, 8:03 AM 8/30/2001]

Mopar Jimmy

I say go with a 98 b/c the later half of the year cars produced (such as mine)have active handling which is a great figure. Also, per Matt G. (who I agree with) either 97 or 98 works for him for reasons he sets forth above.

Goodluck, :D

Nitro

Shinobi'sZ

I completely agree with MattG and ordered the exact same set up as him. 97-98 have 30 lbs injectors, the same as Z06! So guess what you don't need those $800 injectors. No precats to cause you headaches (in fact the new 02's are going back to just cats, like 97-98). You can pick up a 97 for 30K, no column lock problems. My car has been to the dealer for one problem, a busted 4th gear synchro (my fault). It is the first year C5! First year body styles usually generate higher dollar values in investments (don't count the ZL-1 1972). You could pick up a 97-98 for 30K, dump 10K into it and out handle a Z06 and excellerate = to a Viper, do the math make the call, 40K for a C5 that will out perform a Z06 and Viper (Driver depending of course). All you Z06 owners and Viper owners on the Corvette Forum don't jump on this thread and start defending your cars, because I am not trying to say they aren't good. :cool: :cheers:

Scott97

I just had Heads/cam package, etc installed by Nate at www.xmotorsports.com

It F#$%ing rules!

You can view the thread and install pics here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zero...ply&id=1127991

jimbjr

I am familar with the cams and their personalities for the C4, there is even a website that has sound files that compares different cams.

Is there anything like that for a C5? I am willing to go a little more radical than what I normally here.

Thanks
Jim

jimbjr

ttt

Bleck

I believe RAT really likes his T1 hammer cam. At least, I think that's the cam he got. Posted all about it a while ago. Think he got 427 rwhp with T1, MTI stage 2 LS6 heads, shorty headers, intake, exhaust, and pulleys.

Sounds like you could get the same from the Vette doc's package plus the headers, pulleys, intake, and exhaust. But, I really don't know how much all of those add.

Sorry I can't be more helpful. Try the search function for RAT's MTI package for more idea what you can expect.

I have also heard a few people mention that the 97's aren't any more troublesome than any other year.

Oops.. Just noticed that the package includes intake and long tube headers. The headers is a nice addition, and makes the package a bargain. May want to add LS6 manifold to the package since I'm assuming you'll have a pre-2001.

What a nice guy I am - I did a search for you. Here's a thread about Tony's setup. Didn't find the one I was looking for, but this might do. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=128010



[Modified by Bleck, 11:44 PM 8/31/2001]

vette-crazy

Whatever you do buy your car right. I got a great deal on mine and I'm glad because I can see where you can spend another $15-$20k in a heart beat on a few mods. Shop and deal. By the way I love my 98. It has the active handling and it is nice when it rains.