Differences between the c5 corvettes
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 12
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From: Los Angeles CA
Differences between the c5 corvettes
I was interested in buying a used c5 and was wondering what the differences are in the years of c5 and which one i should get. Like i heard from a friend that he thinks from 99 on that all the c5's have the ls6 intake. Not sure if that's true but i just want to know. Thanks to everyone
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,878
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From: EP Texas
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Differences between the c5 corvettes (c5forme)
Exterior and interior looks wise, all C5s are exactly the same except rims. Heads up display I think wasn't avialable till 99 if you want that. 2000 and up have the LS6 intake manifold, which is no big deal to install on an older vette, and will gain you at least 10RWHP. Some changes to active handling in the new C5s where they have a new and older program, with the system not availble in the early C5s (97, 98).
Fixed roof coupe not available before 99, other than that, I think someone may provide a link, or add to or correct any of my info above.
What you should get? I would say the cleanest and newest one you can fit in your budget of course :D Some of the later years have this oil consumption issues, but other than that, no real bad year for the C5 really.
[Modified by TexCorvette, 6:51 AM 7/18/2002]
Fixed roof coupe not available before 99, other than that, I think someone may provide a link, or add to or correct any of my info above.
What you should get? I would say the cleanest and newest one you can fit in your budget of course :D Some of the later years have this oil consumption issues, but other than that, no real bad year for the C5 really.
[Modified by TexCorvette, 6:51 AM 7/18/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 0
From: North Liberty IA
St. Jude Donor '07
Re: Differences between the c5 corvettes
I believe the LS6 intake was 2001, not 2000. Also, First Gen active handling was mid-98-2000. Second gen is 2001+.
In the end though, I completely agree with the advice.
Buy the nicest one you can afford, in the body style that you like. Go for low miles and well-maintained.
Ask the Chevy dealer to lookup the service record before you buy. It will tell you all the problems. Some are common and fixed under TSB, that's OK.
For me, it had to be a convertible, the most expensive option.
Have fun!
Tom
In the end though, I completely agree with the advice.
Buy the nicest one you can afford, in the body style that you like. Go for low miles and well-maintained.
Ask the Chevy dealer to lookup the service record before you buy. It will tell you all the problems. Some are common and fixed under TSB, that's OK.
For me, it had to be a convertible, the most expensive option.
Have fun!
Tom
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,569
Likes: 0
From: Greenville NC
Re: Differences between the c5 corvettes (c5forme)
There were engine differences in 97-98 99-00 01+, although none of them were big deals they were improvements.
Not sure when the HUD and Active Handling were added, altough Z51 suspension option was improved in 00.
The biggest difference for most people is the 00+ wheels.
Not sure when the HUD and Active Handling were added, altough Z51 suspension option was improved in 00.
The biggest difference for most people is the 00+ wheels.
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: Rochester NY
Re: Differences between the c5 corvettes (c5forme)
Just a few differences between '97 and the latest, not including the wheels. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, I'm doing this from memory. The Corvette black book details all the differences:
- HP and torque increase.
- passenger door lock was deleted starting in '00 or '01 I think
- window clips that keep windows sealed during higher speeds were relocated.
- leather seats side bolsters were redone with vinyl to prevent premature wear starting mid '99.
- HUD not available till '99.
- alternator bracket redesigned for less noise?
- radiator shroud changed from 2-piece to 1 piece.
- weather stripping in rear was redesigned to prevent water from coming in when you open the coupe hatch.
- Something with the tension in the spring in the 6-spd shifter was changed, lighter or heavier.
- headlight motor assembly changed so you can't swap out a bad plastic gear.
That's all I can remember.
Mark
400th post! :)
[Modified by MarkSee5, 9:01 AM 7/18/2002]
- HP and torque increase.
- passenger door lock was deleted starting in '00 or '01 I think
- window clips that keep windows sealed during higher speeds were relocated.
- leather seats side bolsters were redone with vinyl to prevent premature wear starting mid '99.
- HUD not available till '99.
- alternator bracket redesigned for less noise?
- radiator shroud changed from 2-piece to 1 piece.
- weather stripping in rear was redesigned to prevent water from coming in when you open the coupe hatch.
- Something with the tension in the spring in the 6-spd shifter was changed, lighter or heavier.
- headlight motor assembly changed so you can't swap out a bad plastic gear.
That's all I can remember.
Mark
400th post! :)
[Modified by MarkSee5, 9:01 AM 7/18/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,758
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth Texas
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Differences between the c5 corvettes (c5forme)
Powertrain Highlights:
1997-1998:
LS1 Engines Identical.
1999-2000:
LS1 Engines Identical (some component changes, fuel line changes, programming changes, and injector size changes) Slightly more (undocumented) HP than 97-98's
2000 - NE and CA emmissions, have pre cats
2001 LS1/LS6:
Same intake, Same exhaust manifold, Same Larger MAF Sensor, and same clutch as LS6
Different cam (actually uses the 6.0 liter truck cam) for LS1
pre cats added for all 50 states
Late 2001 LS1 has same short block assembly as LS6
2002 LS1:
Same as 2001 LS1
2002 LS6:
Different Cam, Different Valves/Springs, No Pup Cats, Higher Flow Main Cats, No MAF Screen, different clutch
[Modified by kewlbrz, 12:02 PM 7/18/2002]
1997-1998:
LS1 Engines Identical.
1999-2000:
LS1 Engines Identical (some component changes, fuel line changes, programming changes, and injector size changes) Slightly more (undocumented) HP than 97-98's
2000 - NE and CA emmissions, have pre cats
2001 LS1/LS6:
Same intake, Same exhaust manifold, Same Larger MAF Sensor, and same clutch as LS6
Different cam (actually uses the 6.0 liter truck cam) for LS1
pre cats added for all 50 states
Late 2001 LS1 has same short block assembly as LS6
2002 LS1:
Same as 2001 LS1
2002 LS6:
Different Cam, Different Valves/Springs, No Pup Cats, Higher Flow Main Cats, No MAF Screen, different clutch
[Modified by kewlbrz, 12:02 PM 7/18/2002]
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 179
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Re: Differences between the c5 corvettes (kewlbrz)
here is a partial listing of cosmetic differences helpful in identifying the different years:
mikemercury.home.att.net/identify.htm
mikemercury.home.att.net/identify.htm
