From C5 to C7
Racer
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 170
From: Erath County Texas
[QUOTE=10yrPlan;1606265006]Sold my C5 after 6 years of ownership in September, bought a C7 3 weeks ago in January. 2014, 20K miles. Similar to the C5, Z51, manual, convertible.
I have done a LOT of work on C5's and know them very well, with the help of CF. Looking forward to the C7, and I am sure will be reading others posts and asking my own questions.
Come on Spring!
/QUOTE]
Welcome! I pulled a similar stunt ... C5Z for a 2018 Z51 Stingray ...
first thing I did was Range Technologies OBD plug in ... to bypass that AFM nonsense (V4/V8). I suppose it'd be OK if GM would have left that V4 in "ECO" mode, but mine switched to it even in Sport/Track!??? Doesn't take much of an incline to switch back to V8 ... so in my area, it's CONSTANTLY switching. No thank you. Maybe if I lived in FL or the Texas Coast ... FLAT ... it'd have a practical application. But here's the kicker ... throttle back a bit to 65-68 even with the cruise ... even in the hills ... 33 mpg. How much better is a 465 HP engine going to do?
I miss my C5Z, ain't gonna lie, but the C7 is a MUCH more civilized ride. I like the instrument panel layout/design of the C5Z better. The only analog gauge which gets much of my attention in the C7 is the fuel gauge. IDK why they even bothered with the speedo ... but whatever. The C7 handling is significantly tighter ... though that may be due as much to age/wear as anything else? I miss the flip up headlights, but the performance of the C7 headlights is MILES above even the modded C5 lights.
the cameras are the stink ... especially when getting accustomed to the C7 for parking. I miss rowing gears on the open highway, but in traffic ... the auto is far superior. I've yet to Autocross this Z51, so we'll see how the pseudo manual tranny does there in a few weeks. At least on my '18, had to go have the transmission "triple flushed" to keep the torque converter "happy" and avoid a surging RPM just cruising down the highway. Didn't expect THAT.
I've yet to endure a Texas summer but I think the HVAC on the C7 is superior, though my C5's wasn't BAD. Heated/cooled seats ... noice.
Stereo ... DEFINITE upgrade in the C7 ... hands down. not only with the modern connectivity, but the Sound. "VERONICA's" system pumps Stryper better than any system I've ever had.
The FRC's trunk held "stuff" better. the hatchback of the C7 ... flat cargo area holds NOTHING. it all goes sliding around/etc. I think the roadnoise is comparable, unfortunately. The Z06 had less insulation/thinner glass/etc, but the C7's coupe allows for noise from the back, in fact kinda echos. I suppose a Vert wouldn't have that issue,
Creature comforts are a definite advantage on the C7 ... the PDR (video/audio recorder) with the track layout, brake/throttle position, GMeter is really cool on the C7 ... though for some goofball reason the mp4 produced by the PDR won't play the audio on my Mac ... so a workaround is needed there, which almost doubles the file size of a video track to play on the mac.
Anyhow ... 3.5 months of C7 ownership to 18 months of C5Z ... I paid too much for the C7, but ... fish or cut bait.
Again, congrats on yer new2U Vette!
I have done a LOT of work on C5's and know them very well, with the help of CF. Looking forward to the C7, and I am sure will be reading others posts and asking my own questions.
Come on Spring!
/QUOTE]
Welcome! I pulled a similar stunt ... C5Z for a 2018 Z51 Stingray ...
first thing I did was Range Technologies OBD plug in ... to bypass that AFM nonsense (V4/V8). I suppose it'd be OK if GM would have left that V4 in "ECO" mode, but mine switched to it even in Sport/Track!??? Doesn't take much of an incline to switch back to V8 ... so in my area, it's CONSTANTLY switching. No thank you. Maybe if I lived in FL or the Texas Coast ... FLAT ... it'd have a practical application. But here's the kicker ... throttle back a bit to 65-68 even with the cruise ... even in the hills ... 33 mpg. How much better is a 465 HP engine going to do?
I miss my C5Z, ain't gonna lie, but the C7 is a MUCH more civilized ride. I like the instrument panel layout/design of the C5Z better. The only analog gauge which gets much of my attention in the C7 is the fuel gauge. IDK why they even bothered with the speedo ... but whatever. The C7 handling is significantly tighter ... though that may be due as much to age/wear as anything else? I miss the flip up headlights, but the performance of the C7 headlights is MILES above even the modded C5 lights.
the cameras are the stink ... especially when getting accustomed to the C7 for parking. I miss rowing gears on the open highway, but in traffic ... the auto is far superior. I've yet to Autocross this Z51, so we'll see how the pseudo manual tranny does there in a few weeks. At least on my '18, had to go have the transmission "triple flushed" to keep the torque converter "happy" and avoid a surging RPM just cruising down the highway. Didn't expect THAT.
I've yet to endure a Texas summer but I think the HVAC on the C7 is superior, though my C5's wasn't BAD. Heated/cooled seats ... noice.
Stereo ... DEFINITE upgrade in the C7 ... hands down. not only with the modern connectivity, but the Sound. "VERONICA's" system pumps Stryper better than any system I've ever had.
The FRC's trunk held "stuff" better. the hatchback of the C7 ... flat cargo area holds NOTHING. it all goes sliding around/etc. I think the roadnoise is comparable, unfortunately. The Z06 had less insulation/thinner glass/etc, but the C7's coupe allows for noise from the back, in fact kinda echos. I suppose a Vert wouldn't have that issue,
Creature comforts are a definite advantage on the C7 ... the PDR (video/audio recorder) with the track layout, brake/throttle position, GMeter is really cool on the C7 ... though for some goofball reason the mp4 produced by the PDR won't play the audio on my Mac ... so a workaround is needed there, which almost doubles the file size of a video track to play on the mac.
Anyhow ... 3.5 months of C7 ownership to 18 months of C5Z ... I paid too much for the C7, but ... fish or cut bait.
Again, congrats on yer new2U Vette!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,543
Likes: 5,137
From: Chester VA
Read all the 'plusses' you just wrote. You've got a great car that does great things, and on top of that, makes you feel good. It's worth every penny! 
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 717
From: Terrell North Carolina
I as well went from a C5 Vert M6 car to a C7 Vert M7 Z06, what a jump, have never looked back. My C5 had 80k miles when I sold it and my Z06 has 60K miles now what a blast. Every generation always gets better. Buy what your taste & likes can afford.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,357
Likes: 557
From: MN
[QUOTE=shaark92;1606267889]
That's all great with the C7, but I bet you miss the fun factor the C5 gave you. The C7 doesn't have it. Like you said, its more civilized. Also, getting an auto instead of a 7 spd was a big mistake. To each their own.
Sold my C5 after 6 years of ownership in September, bought a C7 3 weeks ago in January. 2014, 20K miles. Similar to the C5, Z51, manual, convertible.
I have done a LOT of work on C5's and know them very well, with the help of CF. Looking forward to the C7, and I am sure will be reading others posts and asking my own questions.
Come on Spring!
/QUOTE]
Welcome! I pulled a similar stunt ... C5Z for a 2018 Z51 Stingray ...
first thing I did was Range Technologies OBD plug in ... to bypass that AFM nonsense (V4/V8). I suppose it'd be OK if GM would have left that V4 in "ECO" mode, but mine switched to it even in Sport/Track!??? Doesn't take much of an incline to switch back to V8 ... so in my area, it's CONSTANTLY switching. No thank you. Maybe if I lived in FL or the Texas Coast ... FLAT ... it'd have a practical application. But here's the kicker ... throttle back a bit to 65-68 even with the cruise ... even in the hills ... 33 mpg. How much better is a 465 HP engine going to do?
I miss my C5Z, ain't gonna lie, but the C7 is a MUCH more civilized ride. I like the instrument panel layout/design of the C5Z better. The only analog gauge which gets much of my attention in the C7 is the fuel gauge. IDK why they even bothered with the speedo ... but whatever. The C7 handling is significantly tighter ... though that may be due as much to age/wear as anything else? I miss the flip up headlights, but the performance of the C7 headlights is MILES above even the modded C5 lights.
the cameras are the stink ... especially when getting accustomed to the C7 for parking. I miss rowing gears on the open highway, but in traffic ... the auto is far superior. I've yet to Autocross this Z51, so we'll see how the pseudo manual tranny does there in a few weeks. At least on my '18, had to go have the transmission "triple flushed" to keep the torque converter "happy" and avoid a surging RPM just cruising down the highway. Didn't expect THAT.
I've yet to endure a Texas summer but I think the HVAC on the C7 is superior, though my C5's wasn't BAD. Heated/cooled seats ... noice.
Stereo ... DEFINITE upgrade in the C7 ... hands down. not only with the modern connectivity, but the Sound. "VERONICA's" system pumps Stryper better than any system I've ever had.
The FRC's trunk held "stuff" better. the hatchback of the C7 ... flat cargo area holds NOTHING. it all goes sliding around/etc. I think the roadnoise is comparable, unfortunately. The Z06 had less insulation/thinner glass/etc, but the C7's coupe allows for noise from the back, in fact kinda echos. I suppose a Vert wouldn't have that issue,
Creature comforts are a definite advantage on the C7 ... the PDR (video/audio recorder) with the track layout, brake/throttle position, GMeter is really cool on the C7 ... though for some goofball reason the mp4 produced by the PDR won't play the audio on my Mac ... so a workaround is needed there, which almost doubles the file size of a video track to play on the mac.
Anyhow ... 3.5 months of C7 ownership to 18 months of C5Z ... I paid too much for the C7, but ... fish or cut bait.
Again, congrats on yer new2U Vette!
I have done a LOT of work on C5's and know them very well, with the help of CF. Looking forward to the C7, and I am sure will be reading others posts and asking my own questions.
Come on Spring!
/QUOTE]
Welcome! I pulled a similar stunt ... C5Z for a 2018 Z51 Stingray ...
first thing I did was Range Technologies OBD plug in ... to bypass that AFM nonsense (V4/V8). I suppose it'd be OK if GM would have left that V4 in "ECO" mode, but mine switched to it even in Sport/Track!??? Doesn't take much of an incline to switch back to V8 ... so in my area, it's CONSTANTLY switching. No thank you. Maybe if I lived in FL or the Texas Coast ... FLAT ... it'd have a practical application. But here's the kicker ... throttle back a bit to 65-68 even with the cruise ... even in the hills ... 33 mpg. How much better is a 465 HP engine going to do?
I miss my C5Z, ain't gonna lie, but the C7 is a MUCH more civilized ride. I like the instrument panel layout/design of the C5Z better. The only analog gauge which gets much of my attention in the C7 is the fuel gauge. IDK why they even bothered with the speedo ... but whatever. The C7 handling is significantly tighter ... though that may be due as much to age/wear as anything else? I miss the flip up headlights, but the performance of the C7 headlights is MILES above even the modded C5 lights.
the cameras are the stink ... especially when getting accustomed to the C7 for parking. I miss rowing gears on the open highway, but in traffic ... the auto is far superior. I've yet to Autocross this Z51, so we'll see how the pseudo manual tranny does there in a few weeks. At least on my '18, had to go have the transmission "triple flushed" to keep the torque converter "happy" and avoid a surging RPM just cruising down the highway. Didn't expect THAT.
I've yet to endure a Texas summer but I think the HVAC on the C7 is superior, though my C5's wasn't BAD. Heated/cooled seats ... noice.
Stereo ... DEFINITE upgrade in the C7 ... hands down. not only with the modern connectivity, but the Sound. "VERONICA's" system pumps Stryper better than any system I've ever had.
The FRC's trunk held "stuff" better. the hatchback of the C7 ... flat cargo area holds NOTHING. it all goes sliding around/etc. I think the roadnoise is comparable, unfortunately. The Z06 had less insulation/thinner glass/etc, but the C7's coupe allows for noise from the back, in fact kinda echos. I suppose a Vert wouldn't have that issue,
Creature comforts are a definite advantage on the C7 ... the PDR (video/audio recorder) with the track layout, brake/throttle position, GMeter is really cool on the C7 ... though for some goofball reason the mp4 produced by the PDR won't play the audio on my Mac ... so a workaround is needed there, which almost doubles the file size of a video track to play on the mac.
Anyhow ... 3.5 months of C7 ownership to 18 months of C5Z ... I paid too much for the C7, but ... fish or cut bait.
Again, congrats on yer new2U Vette!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 329
1999 C5 Z51 was my first Vette. Did a fair amount of upgrading on it over the 2 years I owned it. 17 Stingray, not so much. C5 had its charms but now I have less upgrading to do. Power is there and it feels like a “real car”. My wife feels safer in the C7 although the stance of the C5 was just unparalleled. Hard to complain going from a $15K to $50k car. C7 just has so much more of everything we love about Corvettes. Congrats and welcome to the forum.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 170
From: Erath County Texas
[QUOTE=Goat 2 Vette;1606294621]
I did say I missed the C5Z. It was my first performance Vette. (her '71 L48 is classy and cool, but not a performance car) Is the Auto a big mistake? It was a concession ... IDK if I'd say "big mistake" ... 8 gears is pretty nifty, too. I was in pretty strong need of a Vette to drive ... couldn't swing a C7 Z06 bat with the pocket book ... so that meant ... Auto. Depends on what ya want ... a race car ... or a sports car you can drive to the track and still hear yer wife chirp at ya ... until you crank Stryper with that FAR superior sound system.
thanks for your comment ... I loved "Val" but circumstances sent Val on. Me and "Veronica" gonna run together for while.
thanks for your comment ... I loved "Val" but circumstances sent Val on. Me and "Veronica" gonna run together for while.
CF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 7,433
From: Pittsburgh
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Congrats on your new ride, don't forget to wave! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 8
From: orange county n.y.
Bought a c7 convert.
Thought I was through with Corvettes but had second thoughts. Just bought a C7 convertible, Z51, 3LT, white with black top, gray interior. Now it sits until the weather changes.
