C5 guy here but have thought about getting a 7 sometimes. As every generation gets more complex I worry about the inherent issues I read about on their forum. Since I'll get a biased answer asking over there what's your thoughts on the model? Part of me really enjoys the relative simplicity of the C5 and the LS1 engine. It seems to be a much more complex car not the mention the C8. They look cool but just not sure I'm ready for expensive potential problems.

 

You will never get a new car if you’re worried about problems someone else had. You could get a warranty like “car shield” for the next 3-5 years. The only thing I would be worried about is the AFM and A8 trans issue. You’re buying an 8-13 year old car, expect problems, normal maintenance, etc…. Buy someone’s garage Queen that never changed any of the fluids, and now your changing differential fluid, trans fluid, coolant, brake, and power steering fluid. My plan is to keep my C5, daily it, and get a C8, 7 year warranty, etc…

 

I always watch C&S Corvettes YT channel for great info on each generation., Take a look, the videos arent long, but they offer a ton of unbiased info

 

I went from owning three C5s (over a period of about 18 years) to my current C7 (2014). I loved my C5s, but the C7 is just a so much better car. Better build quality, more comfortable, much better performance and still very good fuel efficiency if that is a factor for you. My car, over the nearly eight years I have had it, has had only two issues - a new infotainment screen was installed and a new belt tensioner had to be installed. Otherwise, no issues.

I absolutely do not regret moving up to a C7, but realize I bought my car back in 2018 when it was only 4-5 years old - now the newest one would be from 2019. If you look for a C7, just have it thoroughly checked out and if possible get an aftermarket warranty on it - there is a lot of high tech components on the C7 that was not on the C5. Repairs, if needed, could get expensive.

 

I can help. I had a C5Z that was NO garage queen. It was a DD, date night car, cruiser and autocross toy. It had full suspension, delrin bushings, full exhaust, cam, intake and converted to flex fuel E85. It made 490/360 on a Mustang dyno. I added a bunch of sound deadening, upgraded the radio to a touch screen JOYING unit to get apple car play and added a backup camera. Headlights upgraded to Knight Drive TV unit to actually SEE at night.

I like it and was a great bang for the buck car. Biggest gripe was the 2000 cheap interior plastic that would be brittle, squeak/rattle. I also put felt strips everywhere plastic would touch just to not hear the squeaks.

I had no plans to sell it or look elsewhere for something newer, but I know if I was, it would be something newer. I have a "thing" always moving to a newer car and not older (unless it's a project car). So a C7 was the next logical step. I don't like the interior of a C6 and IMO wasn't a different enough jump to justify selling/buying something else.








I came into some inheritance money due to a death in the family, paid off a bunch of bills and had some left over. Knowing the relative that passed would want the money to "do something fun and make me happy", I ran some numbers and realized now was the time to make a switch if there ever was a time to do it.

So the search began for the C5Z replacement and IMO I knew it was going to be a C7 Grand Sport. The Base/Z51 narrow body cars just don't do it for me and the added complexity of the Z06's supercharger etc was not what I wanted to deal with (plus being about 5-10K over my budget). So in the middle is the Grand Sport with the Z06 widebody and MRC suspension but with the base/Z51 N/A LT1. I found a 2019 M7 Grand Sport with 8,811 original miles out of New Jersey and had it shipped to me in NKY.





I'm a "want my cake and eat it too" guy. I USE my cars for how they are meant to be...fully enjoyed. I don't like when a car gives me a reason NOT to drive it. It's too loud, it rides too rough, it sits too low etc etc. This C7 GS does EVERYTHING better than the C5 did even with all those mods I did to the C5. Factory touch screen with BT capability, factory back up camera, factory projector headlights, multiple suspension settings with MRC. The ONLY thing I miss the C5 for, is the price of wheels and tires being cheaper . stock 19/20 run-flats are pricey buggas. As of now the GS sits with stock alignment, stock suspension, MGW shifter, longtubes and stock NPP catback with E85 sensor added for flex fuel and it will outrun the C5 all day. The factory NPP dual mode exhaust is AMAZING at being whisper quiet valves closed and rowdy when open. Makes 430/430 at the tire on the same dyno I did the C5.

The C7 rides better, makes more power, has more tech, better interior build quality and has got A LOT more attention than my C5 ever did. The C5 is a timeless design and look, but I find myself looking at the C7 a lot more. Personal preference but the C7 widebody cars just have a different presence than a C5.

At the same time I did look into a C8, but most I found were 2020/2021 and out of warranty. I wasn't prepared for all the CAN BUS integration of the C8 systems. No manual and it would take a different approach to working on them. I like to tinker, and the C8 was just a little too radical for my liking to feel comfortable playing with.

 

My C5Z is a fun car and I certainly enjoy driving it but, coming from a C7Z, this car feels like a punchline in comparison. But, I excuse a lot of it because of how extraordinarily cheap they are to purchase, own, and repair. Now, I know that people will immediately compare the power difference and say that's the reason why I feel the way I do but, I would disagree. Having had my C7Z, ZL1 1LE, my wife owning a Hellcat Redeye, a 850whp RS3 and my own 1000whp TTRS, the power isn't a determining factor as to how much I like the car. I drive my C5Z more often than I drive my TTRS, you know? But I agree with Smitty here that the C7 is just better in every way, sans the weight. When I was in the market for another Corvette, I first considered C7 GS's as I believe they are the sweet spot in the lineup. But, the prices were a bit absurd in my opinion. I was about to pull the trigger twice on a C6Z but, each time something happened (someone else came in with a higher offer or the deal just didn't work out). I finally settled on a C5Z only because of the cost of entry and the fact that I knew it wasn't going to remain stock. I'm astutely aware of the fact that I could pour money into this car and still have it feel worse than a C7 GS, but the goal isn't to compare to that car--it's just to make the C5Z something outright better without ruining the spirit of it.

If I were more serious about the car, I would fix it, sell it, sell the TTRS and buy a C7 GS then build off of that.

 

FOR ME, it is more than just about power etc. I put value in the whole experience of driving something. The C5 can be a great car, but as things age for me the little "creature comforts" got to me. The interior rattles, the **** poor headlights, no simply BT capability etc. Again those can all be fixed/changes for cheaper than getting a C7.

So OP, look at this on what YOU value. Want something for lowest cost? Want something that is best performer? Depends on what you put value in. The C7 for me in stock form does everything better than the C5 did for me after all the mods. But you could say "obviously it's a newer car with a bigger motor" and you wouldn't be wrong.

For a literal "buy and drive" car, the C7 GS is amazing. At 430/430 this gets you in trouble quick, I couldn't imagine modded Z06 power being useable. Fun? I bet! But IMO hitting 400-500HP is MORE than enough.

Some like the C5 BECAUSE it is so simple/raw. There is something to be said for that for sure. As I got older, I found myself liking more creature comforts and something that can be a Jekyl and Hyde personality. Leave it in Tour mode exhaust valves closed and it's like a little church mouse. Toss some wheels/tires on it, set it to Track/Race mode and let it eat at autocross and anything in between. The C5 had a more "single mode" and personality to it.

Oh, I'm also coming from someone that does NOT know what the C5 MRC was like. My C5Z never came with it. On my C7 it is VERY noticeable. Hell I can even change the resistance in the steering wheel since it is now electric steering. No more PS pump/fluid to mess with.

 

Without the detail and length of @smitty2919 post- I too would step from my 408 powered C5Z into a C7 GS- but only if my current C5Z got destroyed in a crash or something similarly awful

I wouldn't yet willingly step from 5-7, as my 5 is the car I need/want her to be, and I have no intention of selling her. Total loss would be the only gateway for me to go C7 GS

I appreciate the 7 for a lot of the fixes the 5 needed. Coolers for everything, smarter programming, stronger knuckles and bearings, better built components in and out of the car, better aero control, CCBs, wider for more rubber, still relatively lightweight, better lighting

Lots of upgrades from the factory

But I still love the hell outta my 5, and she's gonna stay with me for (hopefully) a long time

 

What I really like about the C5 is how visceral it is. IMHO, it's the last Corvette where the driver is really connected to the chassis
For a daily driver, the C7 is a better car in every way. It's faster out of the box and more refined. This is what you would expect with 2 decades of additional R&D in the can.
The C5, you step on the gas or hit the brakes (with traction control off) and the car says 'ok boss', for better or for worse. In a C7, there's a committee that decides if this is the fastest and safest way to do things and than executes with your input. Ultimately the C7 will go faster and be safer in most situations.
But if you want to feel the car, and the 'experience' of a canyon run, Auto-X or Track Day, The C5 has it beat. Than again a C3 has the C5 beat in this by miles, but it's probably too far on that side of the scale.

 

I would never, ever, in 100yrs saw that a C3 engages the driver more. My Tahoe has better steering feel and brakes than any C3 I've driven ahaha

If by driver engagement- you mean "this car feels like it wants to kill me by simply doing the speed limit" then yes, the C3 has the 5 beat

 

I completely agree with that sentiment. As far as I'm personally concerned, the C5 might as well be the C1. The previous generations, to me, exist only in memory. I've had a couple of friends with C3's and C4's and goodness, I don't personally find anything redeeming about those generations.

 

Here is a question of a different angle for the C7 experienced owners.

We all accept and regard a base C5 as a 'punchline' when compared to a C7. The very first term I saw was build quality, then performance and having your cake and eating it too.

I am experienced through three of my four C5s now with nearly the full spectrum of mods.

When modded and maintained, what does a C5 lack vs a C7? Or which mods balance them out?

If I were to offer my suggestions for a C5 to cut the gap with a C7 those would be:

Interior
- C7 seats, base or Comp (can't beat 'em? Join 'em!)
- Complete sound deadening with thermal barrier
- Leather interior conversion, DIY.
- LED lighting
- buyer's choice for a modern head unit
- affordable speakers bridge the gap
- friction tape (silences any fitment rubs or squeaks)

I cannot think of anything else for the interior experience which would improve a C5 or even a C7. Presuming average costs, not best case, that's about $3350. Seats and sound deadening being primary in the experience impact total $2000 but can be done for $1300 if you catch deals.

Braking
- Hawk HPS 5.0 pads
- Motul RBF660 or Castrol brake fluid
- blank DBA discs from KNS discs
- fresh braided lines

Replaced when worn, this is a standard maintenance expense. For street car performance, even aggressive, the oem calipers are still excellent and with these pads you can drag the nose if you command it to. No more is needed here unless someone was going to track the car consistently. Even then, the first range of that would just be track pads.

Suspension
- Viking coilovers / lower car
- Z06 bars, used
Or
- upgrade to oem newer Gen parts

I indulge in coilovers and the $1600 expense. Note: I avoid BC and Silvers for history of breakage and return or resale. Vikings are notably good affordable units, RideTechs are also great but the price bumps slightly higher. Coilovers rid all Gen 5 through 7 corvettes of crosstalk and deliver the smoothness or firmness and response specifically to the driver's preference. Worlds better, in my opinion, than any factory available suspension.

Performance in terms of power is hard to aim a simple lens at as it can be derived from so many potential options. I will consider this, simply, dealer's choice. Though let's presume a range of $2500 to $6000 for the common options of H/C or blower.

Cost overall is not low to meet or exceed a C7. Done over several seasons and spread out, it is very doable. Starting from a clean $16k car and investing in interior, brakes and suspension yields an entirely different car from anything GM rolled off the line. All for a hair over $20k total investment before power parts.

What else would you target?

 

My dad has a 19' GS that I drive randomly, and it is night and day difference. If I had the funds, I would have a 13' C6 widebody or a C7 GS. It is fun to drive the C5 though as it is older, less electronics and feels like driving a "classic."

 

To me this is the path of "with enough money and time you can make a C5 'better or equal" than a C7". If one is willing to do all said things (interior, brakes, suspension) you can get it somewhat close for $20k, but IMO it still doesn't LOOK like a C7 and you are also coming up short on all the electronic benefit the C7 has for PTM and Stability Control all at the push of a button. ABS is MUCH improved in the C7 and while "ice mode" still exists, it is SOOOOO much more forgiving.

Ultimately comes down to what the person asking the question values. If I were to build a C5 to match or get close to a C7 then it is getting:
EVERYTHING sound deadened
whole new sound system
C7 seats
LT1 6.2 with full exhaust
whole new ABS system
wideboady fenders to fit 335's in the back plus not paint and body work
functional valved exhaust
coilovers

Limitation there would STILL be the looks (subjective I know) and the tech of the PTM modes linked into the MRC and the e-diff.

I mean put ALL C7 running gear and Tech into a C5 then it just comes down to the look of the car and can maintain the "raw" driving experience. Doing all of this is like guys taking a C3 and doing a full custom chassis resto-mod with a LS/6 speed and all newer C5/6/7 arms/suspension. It comes down to "what body style do you want to look at".

ON THE FLIP SIDE...

What makes the C7 nicer also CAN come at a price. The Z06 and GS specifically with all the added electronics and e-diff plus all the coolers and pumps. Failure points increase over time. I guess cost of ownership if something happens.

 

For me the C7 is growing on me slowly in appearance. But only the wide bodies, much like the C6s. I appreciate them as the final stick version of the Corvette and for everything people laud them for in terms of assembly and performance. I still don't love the appearance as much as a C5 Z06 though and for me that has remained the lynch pin. Preference if you will. I could easily have had a C8 or C7 GS with what I've dumped into the C5 project, and I would have taken one of those routes if I found them best. To me my best option would have been a 2001 Viper but those have not typically been affordable when I've gone shopping.

As for electronics. $1400 gets anyone a Haltech R3 'mini' which they call the Rebel LS which comes with a harness. All the tech and more. The one outstanding area on a C7 does remain the more refined ABS system, but that seems to apply more specifically to track use and no equivalent C5 "ice mode" to work around.

Yes. It requires effort and investment to cover the gaps in a C5. Probably the same for any older car to new. I'd also say it may be more affordable and more performance equitable in the C5 than most. To me, the one limitation of the C5 is how much tire you can pack on the rear end without considering the expense and frustration of a wide body rear and new wheels/tires which as a whole is a massive expense.

 

I've gone really fast in C3's at Auto-X, but was a lot of aftermarket suspension there, fixing the geometry etc.
... and yeah, they do feel like they're gonna kill you... it's part of the "charm" (it's a feature, not a bug). There is something to a mechanical connection to the carb and the engine screaming out of the air cleaner. But for our purposes, much like early British sports cars, it's more about the feel than actually going fast.

 

I built a 79 with a friend. It was a fun project. Tons of space under the hood and in the nose if needed. He dove into it starting with entirely aftermarket suspension planned so I guess I never felt the detractors of the C3. It has some very different appearances over that long generation.

 

I have a C5 and a C7 and love them both. The C7 is light years ahead of the C5 in tech and still looks (to my eyes) somewhat futuristic. The C5 is a breath of fresh air for not having all of the tech and just reminds me of simpler times. Also in magnetic red its absolutely beautiful - one of the best modern designs out there. I get many looks and compliments on the car, probably equal to the C7 in shark gray. Honestly they are two different cars for sharing the same name in history, but you can look at them both and tell they are the same car, with the only real surprise being separated by 11 years and two generations (it feels like more).

For the cost of a brand new well equipped C8, a person could find a nice well maintained and low mileage C5 + C7 to share their garage if they so desired.

 

Thanks all - sounds like the majority say go for it! And not to worry much about problems, although I don't trust any after market warranty company no mater what Ice-T may say. I have a C3 too, and can relate to those comments, but that sucker is fun to drive and gets way more attn then my C5. People don't see them much I guess.

 

@RC81 what is your intended use for the car?