grasshopper645

So i've always been an avid corvette fan. Absolutely love the look of the C5. So much in fact that i'd love to keep it forever, run it into the ground, rebuild it, and repeat.

However, due to a number of discontinued parts in which alternatives/aftermarkets are not available makes it very difficult to continue owning it.

While discontinued parts is not exclusive to the C5, it seems to be the worst due to complicated electrical components that cannot be replicated by aftermaket suppliers.

This can result in a perfect car that cannot be driven, especially in countries where safety inspection requirements require the proper functioning of certain features such as 'easily displayable dash', abs etc etc.

Lets look at this realistically:
dash 'UV tube' bulb - if one blows, you have to fork out around 1k for a new IPC panel, which results in further problems such as the ODO now displaying incorrectly. They are also discontinued so you are relying on used ones pulled from wrecked C5s. They will only get harder to find.

HUD unit - these projected displays burn out over time. They are also discontinued so you are relying on used parts, which are becoming very difficult to find

EBCM and Steering position sensor - VERY difficult to find on the 97-00 C5's. being stuck without ABS is a complete annoyance as you have constant flashing warnings on the display, and no traction or active handling functionality.

While there are plenty of other discontinued parts, these seem to be the worst when it comes to being complicated electronic parts that cannot be easily copied or replaced with an alternative item.

Very disappointing in GM for not looking out for us over these serious issues.

Thoughts? Are my concerns justified?

Lexybird

Don't be frightened they made a quarter million c5 corvettes . There's probably thousands being parted out every year

grasshopper645

Sorry but this statement isn't true.

Try find me a EBCM or SWPS for 97-00 c5. If your lucky, you might find a used one with no warranty for around 1k.

Try find me a blacklight uv tube for the IPC dash. One of mine has blown. They don't exist anywhere. Add to the fact that my IPC has metric units which makes finding a new IPC even more difficult. Being stuck with a half lit dash over a $5 light bulb is completely obsurd.

Lexybird

Oh I see ,So you want cheap prices too for those parts . I think you bought the wrong car bro . eBay sells c5 parts everyday and on here if you ask people around the country generally can get you anything and I see c5 cars parted out in the sale section all the time . There's nothing on your car that isnt found in many many thousands of other c5 corvettes . Yes in some cases that cost may be bigger than your family budget allows but remember these were 50 k cars when new . It's a corvette not a chevette

grasshopper645

lol i don't give a **** about the cost, i an more than afford 1k+ for parts. You haven't answered my question though, go find me a blacklight UV tube for the IPC display on a c5 corvette, and a EBTCM for a 97-00.

I'm more than happy to buy one, but no one has them anywhere.

Come on, post a link for the above parts for sale anywhere on the internet. You wont be able to.

JR-01

If I lived in New Zealand I would not have a C5 either. Soon very few shops will work on them even if you can find the parts.

knewblewkorvette

While it sux that the parts you listed are no longer made, they can be found on eBay. Yes, a pre-2001 EBCM will cost you over a grand. Chances are, if my 99's EBCM goes bad, so be it, I'll live without it. If my 02's goes bad, there is ABSfixer.
I don't ever see me getting rid of my 02. Since the average age of a male at death is 79 (USA) I plan on owning mine another 29 years Hopefully VetteNuts is still around until then

Road Runner

...To be polite, I believe you are asking the wrong question. The UV lights are solder onto the board and aren’t really removable. The question is - where to get a operating console. These are available, but then again the real issue is that we now have 15 year old (or older) vehicles and are now being sourced by the used parts that are available. Some of us are not comfortable with this and probably need to find a newer vehicle. Fortunately this will leave more parts for me.

grasshopper645

lol good answer. Although my ipc is in metrics(kph for speed, kpa for pressure etc) so probably won't be much use toyou 😂😂

Phanni

the dash changes from metric to MPH with the flip of a switch.
many recyclers have several dash parts in stock as they are not often needed. Your mileage might be incorrect, but at least the lights will work.

The HUD is most often a dropping of the mirror and not a burnt out unit, there are fixes here on the forum, just do a search.


Do some research and your fixes are available, the EBCM (97-00) is the only really expensive part.

grasshopper645

True you can switch from mph to kph, but the export c5's (which mine is) have metric units. eg, the speed goes up to '300' instead of '200', temp shows in degrees celcius instead of fahrenheit, and the oil pressure is in kilopascals instead of pounds. Not trying to be a dick or anything but its more complicated then you make it out to be. Also altered odomoter readings is illegal in New zealand

True, but in my case it is burnt out


Also the SWPS is very expensive.

FX VETTE

ArtGle

I guess I should preface my suggestion with a question.
"Do you do your own work?"
If not, then do you have a fairly priced GOOD corvette mechanic?
If yes,
I think you should research the upgrade for the earlier cars to the 2004 electronics.

Crosis

This is a valid complaint about C5 ownership which is why I will be selling mine in the next 5 years and getting a 68 Camaro. 100% of that car is available in the aftermarket.

grasshopper645

Yes I do all my own work.

hmm, perhaps this will be most of my solution. only 1 successful case of it working so far though. Maybe I will be number 2.

SilverC54me

Just a FYI, the black light tubes that light the gauge faces are not soldered in. They plug into a power supply on the back of the IPC. They are easy to change. you just have to remove several pieces of trim around the IPC to get them out.

I have at least 1 set of black light tubes available.

Gary

a striper

There's a good chance that my wife and I will have/drive our Camaros (68 &69) long after our C7s are down in need of a part or two. C1-C3 Vettes are pretty easy to keep running If you're not into stock, old cars can become great performance/driving cars.

Advanced technology is great, right up until it breaks.

grasshopper645

Really? Thats great news!

Will PM you..

grasshopper645

Valid point. I've always loved the C3 look. Trying to find one without bird cage rust seems kind of difficult though xD.

Once i sell my f-body i plan on buying one.

Choreo

I have had my C5 since new for the past 17 years. Never considered selling it, but may have to reconsider due to the parts issue. Never owned a car out of warranty before, just always assumed parts would be available - I was wrong.