Help with buying a 97 or 98?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg, NY
Help with buying a 97 or 98?
I currently own an 89 and would like to buy a C-5, 97 or 98. As I am looking I see a considerable price difference between the two model years. Are there any significant differences? What should I look for? Can anyone give me a laundry list of recommendations or a checklist. Are there any inherent problems with the model years? What options are a must? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 18,016
Likes: 0
From: sebring florida
Re: Help with buying a 97 or 98? (89 Bob L)
you might want to ask if the previous owner has installed the column lock bypass kit. mine locks up but it's easy to defeat but lately I've been hearing of lock-ups occuring while driving at speed.
to my knowledge, there really isn't much difference between the two years, aside from no verts in '97. I bought my '97 in august of 01 (68k miles) and haven't had any problems (96k miles currently)--just changed out the tranny fluid to redline (6 speed), upgraded the rotors/pads (oem's still had life, I just wanted better), changed the airbox and exhaust. :steering:
to my knowledge, there really isn't much difference between the two years, aside from no verts in '97. I bought my '97 in august of 01 (68k miles) and haven't had any problems (96k miles currently)--just changed out the tranny fluid to redline (6 speed), upgraded the rotors/pads (oem's still had life, I just wanted better), changed the airbox and exhaust. :steering:
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster CA
Re: Help with buying a 97 or 98? (Red Gump)
I bought my '97 in august of 01 (68k miles) and haven't had any problems (96k miles currently)--just changed out the tranny fluid to redline (6 speed), upgraded the rotors/pads (oem's still had life, I just wanted better), changed the airbox and exhaust. :steering:
2 :cool: Red Gump
I bought my 97 in June of 01. Just replaced the clutch with a Z06 clutch @ 87K. I did the redline thing about 2 months ago. I think all of the earlier, pre-2K C5's respond better to after market mods. See sig for mods, HP and TQ figures. For just a couple of $K I have near Z06 performance and run wheel to wheel with the 01 Z06's, (385 HP). Not bad for an old lady. :)
I have heard, I have no evidance to support, that 98's seem to be more prone to problems in the electronics then the 97's.
Best of luck finding what's right for you.
:cheers:
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Plano Texas
Re: Help with buying a 97 or 98? (89 Bob L)
I bought my '98 almost 2 years ago now and haven't ahad any significant problems with it. Then again, to this day I only have a whopping 28K miles on it but again, no problems this far. It's a nice car and I have truely enjoyed it. Get what appeals to you and you'l be satisfied.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,074
Likes: 1,558
From: Poway CA
2025 C1 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (stock)
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (stock)
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
Re: Help with buying a 97 or 98? (Lil Red)
I agree with the above posters.. I got my 98 three years ago. Not a single problem; I'm super happy with the car.
The only thing I wish is that I had active handling. None of the 97's had it, and only some of the 98's. It later became standard equipment (in 2000 or 2001)
Buy the cleanest/lowest mile car you can afford. It's a buyer's market now!
Good luck,
The only thing I wish is that I had active handling. None of the 97's had it, and only some of the 98's. It later became standard equipment (in 2000 or 2001)
Buy the cleanest/lowest mile car you can afford. It's a buyer's market now!
Good luck,
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 133
Likes: 15
From: TX
Re: Help with buying a 97 or 98? (89 Bob L)
Either one would be great. Just look for a good well taken care of car.
As for me the one option if getting an automatic is to look for the performance gear option (3.15) . :cheers:
As for me the one option if getting an automatic is to look for the performance gear option (3.15) . :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,927
Likes: 3
From: Glendale NY
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18- '19
Re: Help with buying a 97 or 98? (89 Bob L)
Bob
I purchased my first Corvette last March, a 1998 torch red coupe with 54,000 on it. In a little over 9 months I put an additional 15,000 on it. Not much difference between '97-'98. In 1999 there were 4 or 5 more options available. I did the steering wheel colume lock replacement even though I didn't have a problem (didn't want to take a chance) The sensor in the steering colume went bad, that's a common problem. The sensor tells the computer what position the steering wheel is in for the traction control. Other wise the car is very reliable. I wouldn't be afraid to jump in it tomorrow and go cross country. I changed to Bridgestone Pontenza S-03 Pole Position NON-RUN FLAT tires. It's like driving a different car. I had to get a tire plug kit, compressor, and a low profile jack, just in case. The Z06 is the same way. Good luck in finding what you want Bob Richardson :steering:
I purchased my first Corvette last March, a 1998 torch red coupe with 54,000 on it. In a little over 9 months I put an additional 15,000 on it. Not much difference between '97-'98. In 1999 there were 4 or 5 more options available. I did the steering wheel colume lock replacement even though I didn't have a problem (didn't want to take a chance) The sensor in the steering colume went bad, that's a common problem. The sensor tells the computer what position the steering wheel is in for the traction control. Other wise the car is very reliable. I wouldn't be afraid to jump in it tomorrow and go cross country. I changed to Bridgestone Pontenza S-03 Pole Position NON-RUN FLAT tires. It's like driving a different car. I had to get a tire plug kit, compressor, and a low profile jack, just in case. The Z06 is the same way. Good luck in finding what you want Bob Richardson :steering:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17,901
Likes: 18
From: Elko, Nevada
Re: Help with buying a 97 or 98? (89 Bob L)
Usually when there is a first year model with a completely
new redesign, I would wait until the next year of production
so they can work any kinks out. But suprisingly for GM and
Chevy the 97 had no serious 1st year issues or recalls.
I bought my 98' Arctic White Coupe brand new Dec 12,1997.
5-years and 64,000 miles later it's been a dream with just a
few issues.
***Fuel Sending Unit
***Column Lock
***Seatbelt TSB
Not much in difference between a 97 and a 98. Body Side Moldings,
both tops, auto vs. manual, memory packages, sport vs standard
seats(including power passenger) and what type of suspension are
options that came on both and you will need to decide which you like
and dislike.
:cheers:
new redesign, I would wait until the next year of production
so they can work any kinks out. But suprisingly for GM and
Chevy the 97 had no serious 1st year issues or recalls.
I bought my 98' Arctic White Coupe brand new Dec 12,1997.
5-years and 64,000 miles later it's been a dream with just a
few issues.
***Fuel Sending Unit
***Column Lock
***Seatbelt TSB
Not much in difference between a 97 and a 98. Body Side Moldings,
both tops, auto vs. manual, memory packages, sport vs standard
seats(including power passenger) and what type of suspension are
options that came on both and you will need to decide which you like
and dislike.
:cheers:
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
Re: Help with buying a 97 or 98? (89 Bob L)
I purchased my 98 new and have loved it since. The only things I can think of are the "column lock" - "fuel gauge errors" (which by the way went into 99's or further) - "fuel pump noise" - and the stupid "seat belt twisting". If you are getting it from a dealer ask about an extended warranty and the major problems will not be any concern. My car has 80k on it and over 500 drag strip runs, and my friend purchased a 97 with 120k on it and he has not had any trouble either.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 5
Re: Help with buying a 97 or 98? (Red98C5)
I really like my 98 cp. Same three issues as purerock105 above. Look for a later 98 with the active handling button/switch in the center behind the shifter. Good safety feature, also look for sport seats, more comfort, and the G92 performance axle if an automatic. The 99's and later had HUD, windshield display, nice I guess, but not necessary. I added a blackwing air filter, more air, and Corsa indie exhaust, more sound. Get a 98 and enjoy. Good luck ;) :chevy
