2004 electronics in 1998?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
2004 electronics in 1998?
Curiosity more than anything.
I’ve always loved the Nassau blue that was offered in the early C5s but never wanted to deal with the limitations of the early years electronics. I have a 2004 and with the 01-04 C5s, everything just seems to work better.
How hard would it be to buy a 97-00 and retrofit the later ECU, BCM and ABS controller into the earlier body? Certainly the whole wiring could be transplanted from a wrecked vehicle, but would that really be necessary?
Again, this is more of a theoretical question. I’ve floated this idea thinking “well if my 04 ever got wrecked” but I don’t see that happening (I hope) so who knows if I’d ever get to do it.
I’ve always loved the Nassau blue that was offered in the early C5s but never wanted to deal with the limitations of the early years electronics. I have a 2004 and with the 01-04 C5s, everything just seems to work better.
How hard would it be to buy a 97-00 and retrofit the later ECU, BCM and ABS controller into the earlier body? Certainly the whole wiring could be transplanted from a wrecked vehicle, but would that really be necessary?
Again, this is more of a theoretical question. I’ve floated this idea thinking “well if my 04 ever got wrecked” but I don’t see that happening (I hope) so who knows if I’d ever get to do it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
Ehh, I’ve thought about it but a full (quality) paint job is $12000-$15000. That’s a lot to pay when overall the car looks good as-is.
I’d only ever do this swap if the 04 got totaled (pull all the goodies and throw them in a 99).
I’d only ever do this swap if the 04 got totaled (pull all the goodies and throw them in a 99).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 275
From: Wichita Falls Texas
If I was younger I would buy an older C5 and rip out all the electronics and make a good driver out of it.
There are lots of hot rods out there right now with our engines and transmissions and there are harnesses available that will run them.
Just saying. You may need all the stuff on these C5's but I don't. To heck with all the messages on the DIC that pop up. I would make a gauge setup that didn't have it. I know it could be done and not cost a fortune either.
If I was younger, but I ain't!
I think a C5 hot rod driver would be a wonderful thing!
There are lots of hot rods out there right now with our engines and transmissions and there are harnesses available that will run them.
Just saying. You may need all the stuff on these C5's but I don't. To heck with all the messages on the DIC that pop up. I would make a gauge setup that didn't have it. I know it could be done and not cost a fortune either.
If I was younger, but I ain't!
I think a C5 hot rod driver would be a wonderful thing!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
If I was younger I would buy an older C5 and rip out all the electronics and make a good driver out of it.
There are lots of hot rods out there right now with our engines and transmissions and there are harnesses available that will run them.
Just saying. You may need all the stuff on these C5's but I don't. To heck with all the messages on the DIC that pop up. I would make a gauge setup that didn't have it. I know it could be done and not cost a fortune either.
If I was younger, but I ain't!
I think a C5 hot rod driver would be a wonderful thing!
There are lots of hot rods out there right now with our engines and transmissions and there are harnesses available that will run them.
Just saying. You may need all the stuff on these C5's but I don't. To heck with all the messages on the DIC that pop up. I would make a gauge setup that didn't have it. I know it could be done and not cost a fortune either.
If I was younger, but I ain't!
I think a C5 hot rod driver would be a wonderful thing!
I’ve somewhat “de-electroniced” my 04. Electric seats are gone, HUD is gone, memory mirrors are disconnected, active handling/traction control are disabled, no tire pressure monitoring, etc.
I really like the C5 platform, but they are so loaded with buggy electronics (made worse with age). The later (01-04) years seem to be better but they still have problems at times. I’m currently chasing a “charging system fault” where everything thing is working fine (alternator is putting out clean 14.4 v at the battery and battery is full), but the computer just isn’t happy for some unknown reason. Heck, a low battery can send these things into a fit of codes! I’ve often kicked the idea around of selling the C5 for a C3, but then I drive the C5 and the performance wins out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
Don't settle. When you find "the one" you'll know it. This will increase your chances of enjoying the purchase vs second guessing yourself. I looked at around 40 Vettes before finding mine. It had 167k miles and was in impeccable condition. It now has over 300k miles and still turns heads.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
Don't settle. When you find "the one" you'll know it. This will increase your chances of enjoying the purchase vs second guessing yourself. I looked at around 40 Vettes before finding mine. It had 167k miles and was in impeccable condition. It now has over 300k miles and still turns heads.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 209
Likes: 86
From: Erie PA
Since everybody's entitled to their opinion, and since the OP asked, I would give the advice I got. If you're buying as an investment, forget it!
Just from reading this thread, I think you have 2 choices, either get the '98 and be happy, you may even get the price down a little more with negotiations, and all the problems are fixable. Or, wait and keep searching for a newer one you like.
If you already notice things you don't like about the '04, you will never be happy with it, unless you spend a ton to make it yours.
Either way, good luck.
Just from reading this thread, I think you have 2 choices, either get the '98 and be happy, you may even get the price down a little more with negotiations, and all the problems are fixable. Or, wait and keep searching for a newer one you like.
If you already notice things you don't like about the '04, you will never be happy with it, unless you spend a ton to make it yours.
Either way, good luck.
