• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

Looking for input

Kap142

Kap142

New member
This is aimed at present or past C5 owners/drivers.

Presently I own "Goldie" my prized 72 BB numbers matching coupe but she's a rough ride and I'm thinking of moving forward to a nice C5.

I'd love more comfort and the ability to really take trips or cruses without being "road" tired upon arrival.

I'd like to know the C5 positives and negatives if you'd care to share them.

Thanks guys and gals.

Ken
 
Hi Ken,
The only thing I've heard about the C5 is the heat coming from the console. THis can be easily corrected with the insulation kit available by several vendors. I put this kit in my C6 made by Wild Cowboy and noticed a significant drop in console heat and road noise.
The big plus would be POWER, COMFORT, Easier to get into and out of, hopefully less maintainance, and it probably would feel roomier due to advanced ergonomics. I hope this helps. :thumbsup:
 
It does Mark and I thank you. I think it was sitting in your C6 at Joe's one day that got this whole direction started.

Hope to see you guys soon.
 
HIYA Ken.........

My C5 is the first Vette I've owned, but I DO remember the jarring ride in my Army buddy's 1970 350/350 coupe. The C5 has a very "easy" ride, and some people think it's too soft, but you can always stiffen it up with aftermarket suspension components if you think it's not stiff enough. My wife has scoliosis and as a consequence she has trouble when riding for distances over about an hour. She says the Vette (with the base seats) is one of the very few cars that she can ride in without her back starting to bother her. The seats are very comfortable (in my opinion), and I keep mine back as far as it will go. I would advise you to try to get at least a 2001, because that's the year that they bumped the HP up to 350, you can get HUD, and the prices are reasonable. If I was in the area, I would let you drive mine to see how it feels and try to answer any questions that you might have. Sport seats have been known to break the "combs" inside the seat as well as the bladders for the lumbar support, but I don't think it's a large number. Requires taking the seat apart to repair, and I understand that the "combs" are no longer available from GM. Maybe someone else has more definitive info. I originally was looking for a 96 Collectors Edition, and a co-worker gave me a ride in his 94 coupe. He told me "Grump, if you can get a C5 ....DO IT! They're a lot better than the C4." I drove a few 96's, and then took out a 98 C5, and never looked back. There's more room in the passengers compartment, and everything is a generation newer. The LSx engines are smooth, responsive, and get decent gas mileage, as well as going many, many miles without major problems. I read on this forum about an LSx engine that was pulled apart around 200K miles, and they said that that there was no noticeable wear. Keep the maintenance up and you're good to go. You also CAN'T let it sit for 4 or 5 weeks without the battery draining down, so either be prepared to drive it once a week, get a battery tender, or disconnect the battery while you're not driving it. Ask GMjunkie what some of the other good/bad points are........I'm sure that he has a bunch of each. Good luck in the search, there's gotta be one out there with your name on it! :thumbsup:
Andy :wavey:
 
I had a C5 and now own a C6. The big difference noticible right away is the road noice. The C5 can be very noisey. The ability to carry far more stuff on a trip is a big plus on the C5 and C6.
 
navy2kcoupe said:
as well as going many, many miles without major problems. I read on this forum about an LSx engine that was pulled apart around 200K miles, and they said that that there was no noticeable wear.
Click to expand...

jcb_njb said:
I had a C5 and now own a C6. The big difference noticible right away is the road noice. The C5 can be very noisey. The ability to carry far more stuff on a trip is a big plus on the C5 and C6.
Click to expand...

I have a '03 that I bought new and I'm going to disagree with Andy. The engine in mine is great and I've never heard anything negative but, almost anything that goes wrong is a major repair. I have documentation of some of my experiences in the BOI. Look for Vette Doctor.

http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40852

I would never consider buying a C5 or C6 Vette that isn't under a GM warranty. Mine is covered until 2013 and then they offer one more that I will get and they are transferable. I think to date GM has put about $16,000 in my car to keep it well maintained. I have 48,000 miles on it.

Some of the noise JC is talking about comes from the 'run flat' tires. You will notice a difference if you're not running those type of tires. Vettes are noisy by nature.

Hope this helps Ken.
 
Thanks Andy, (sorry we missed the gathering). From what I'm reading a later C5 is what I'm in search of. Of course my C3 has got to be sold first.

As far as noise level I'm not sure anything wouldn't be an improvement over a BB C3. Now mind you their are times when I don't wanna hear wifey but not all the time I'm driving.

Values on the C5 are well within range if the C3 markets well and their seem to be a nice array of C5's available.

jcb, thanks for the info and I hope it keeps rolling in. I'll have to take a ride in someone's C5 so I can get an idea of the acoustics as compared to 454 cu. in.. Honestly I've never even ridden in one of those sweet C6's so I can't compare at all.


Damn Bob, that's an enlightening thread and I'm looking at a used one? You've given me tons to think about.


Again, thanks,

Ken:thumbsup:
 
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Anything I can do to help is my pleasure. :thumbsup: GM warranty's and extended warranty's are transferable. By the way, I'm going to Tampa on Feb 3 so if you're around I can swing by and you're more than welcome to try mine.
 
Well, my '02 C-5 is a Z06 so I can only comment on it specifically. It's got about 47k on the clock so it's not exactly a daily driver. I've had no major issues with it. The most expensive item replaced so far was a door control module and it was done under warranty. Road noise is a bit of an issue but I expected that with a Z06. The seats are not the more comfortable sport seats like the base model C-5's have. Those were not available on the Z's. Battery longevity has been an issue for some, especially the factory unit. I've had an Optima red top in for about 3 years now and it's still going strong. You'll want to be careful of the earlier '01 Z06's as these had some oil consumption problems that were corrected on the later models.

Overall I've been very happy with my Z. Although, performance wise, it's been equaled or even surpassed a bit by the C-6's, I can still spank a few mustangs at the track when the mood strikes me. Good luck in whatever you choose. If it's a 'vette, it can't be a bad choice.:yesnod:
 
My C5 is the first vette I have owned so nothing to compare it to, but I absoluteley love it. Just make sure if it is a manual that you get the CAGS turned off. It will drive you nuts if you don't but is an easy fix in the computer.

I do have to agree with Jim (JCB_NJB) though that it can be noisy and it is louder than my Silverado go figure. But I just attrubute that to the sweet sounding engine :hehehe:
 
Well I got out of my 69 after almost 300,000 miles and into an 03 .Tremendous difference in quality ,ride and even performance .It appears that 03 and newer the few bugs common to the series we're eliminated .Mine had absolutely no issues and I drove it almost 50,000 miles .The only noise issue was that the original tires got considerably nosier with age .When I replaced them with Michelin run flats the issue was solved .The C6 vert has noticeably less trunk room than the C5 vert.but the added 100 hp is kinda neat .You can presently buy a C6 coupe 1lt pretty damn cheap from the dealer in Nashua New Hampshire and get museum delivery (no sales tax in NH :hehehe:)
 
Hey Ken,

I can understand your decision on your C3. Having owned my '69 BB vert for 22 years, I know exactly the ride quality that you experience with yours. And the possibility of selling my baby has crossed my mine MORE THAN ONCE! But since I also own an '01 vert and an '04 Z06, maybe I can give you some comparison data that might be helpful.

First, as you already know, after you have gotten over the newness of owning a C3 BB, long trips in them are not nearly as enjoyable as you would like. They are neat cars for what they are, but you are dealing with 40 year old technology and unless you are just a plain vintage purest, it will eventually tire on you.

I bought my '01 vert, 6 speed brand new in March of '01. It has never been a daily driver, but it has been to a lot of shows/events over the years. It now has 23,000 miles on it and the only thing I have changed on it is the column lock, plus I put a Corsa exhaust on it. It has the sports seats and HUD, so it makes it a great car for Corvette trips. Oh yea, I ditched the run crap tires and put GY GS D3s on it and haven't looked back. I put a little compressor in the trunk, like the Z06s have just in case.

I also own an '04 Z06 Commemorative Edition. Again, this car has never been a daily driver. I bought it from the original owner in November of '06 with 5,900 miles on it. I use this car for occasional auto-crosses and HPDEs, and just casually around town. Joyce and I took the Z on the '09 Caravan to the museum because we also went to Road Atlanta. If you've got a choice of which car to take to a road course, there is no choice. You got to take the Z06. The car now has a little over 10,000 miles on it. As someone else said, you cannot get the sports seats in a Z. So, you will be dealing with the standard seats. BUT, coming from the C3, the standard seats in a C5 are significantly better than what you have been experiencing. Yes, they are not as comfortable as the sport seats, but not bad. The only maintenance issue that I have had with the Z06 is that I have to replace the AC compressor.

As far as the C5s are concerned, mine are two different animals. If I want to go somewhere long distance and have the ability to put the top down, the '01 vert is my choice. Like when we met you guys down in the Keys. There is nothing like driving a convertible down to Key West. But, if I am taking a trip where we are going to do any sort of spirited driving, I don't care how long a trip it is, I am taking the Z06.

Ken, by now, you have had a lot of good information given to you. But, if you want a comparison, drive down to Ft. Myers and I will let you take a spin in both of my C5s and then you can make a reasonable decision.

Good luck with your search! And the sale of Goldie. Say hi to wife.

Rich
 
Ken, I can give you a pretty good run down. I've owned my '99 since new and it now has 155k miles. By the way I wouldn't trade it or the enjoyment I've had driving it for anything. :thumbsup:

Clutch x 2 -1st for milage and 2nd because of a leaking slave cylinder
Rebuilt tranny, paper blockers went - pre-2000 issue
Radiator - cracked seam
Coolant tank x 2 -cracked seams
Leaking battery - took out the PCM under warranty - dealer didn't properly clean acid - PCM went about 9 years later after acid wicked down the cable my $$'s.
Thermostat
Valve springs - broke 1, 2 cracked after over rev.
Leaking rear seal
Starter
Head light gears
Torque tube bushings
O2 sensor
Seats - leather x3 - foam x2, doing #3 today along with new foam heavy duty bottom. rocking seat fix, new lumbar bladders and repair broken wing on sport seats. These seats are really pretty lame but I haven't found any more comfortable that fit.
Visors - will cover in leather
Hatch Carpet fad - found like new for $60.00

Looking over the list that's not bad for a performance car with 155k miles and it's a great hobby. The Clutch, tranny, rear seal, bushings were all changed at the same time.

Good luck with your hunt.
 
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Kap142 said:
This is aimed at present or past C5 owners/drivers.

Presently I own "Goldie" my prized 72 BB numbers matching coupe but she's a rough ride and I'm thinking of moving forward to a nice C5.

I'd love more comfort and the ability to really take trips or cruses without being "road" tired upon arrival.

I'd like to know the C5 positives and negatives if you'd care to share them.

Thanks guys and gals.

Ken
Click to expand...

Ken, I'm fortunate enough to own 2 old Corvettes and a C5. The 2001 I have now is actually the second C5 I've owned. We had a 2000 convertible when we lived in Maryland, and sold it before we retired and moved down here to the Swamp. :D

NO comparison between the C5 and the C3. I have a 69 BB like Rich. My wife and I have taken that car on 3 NCRS road tours, one from Baltimore to St. Louis, then Baltimore to Bowling Green, and then to Montauk, LI, NY.

I was thankful I had to stop every 200 miles for gas, because you really take a beating in the old cars. They're GREAT for cruising around town, etc.

When we did move to Florida, my wife and I ended up with 2 4WD SUV's. We sold my wife's SUV and bought a nice, used 2001 coupe. Had 24K miles on it, one previous original owner. We wanted a coupe this time as you have a bit more room for luggage, etc., and we do use this car for Corvette Club activities, road trips, etc.

We've taken it to Pensacola, Panama City and St. Augustine on weekend trips with the club. Wouldn't consider driving one of the old ones on an "overnighter".

Problems?

Well, the 2000 had a broken transverse front spring, replaced under warranty. Also, the single CD player took a dump, and that was replaced too. I replaced 2 of the tire pressure sensors. That was about it.

The 2001 has had minimal problems, and we've put about 5K miles on it in the 1 1/2 years we've had it. I replaced the driver's side door module because the key fob wouldn't open the door. Bought a good used one off of EBAY. 2 of the tire pressure sensors were gone when we bought the car, and the other 2 don't work, so I'll be replacing those one of these day.

BOTH of my C5's had/have the original "run flats", and those tires are NOISY and hard riding, but it's the nature of the beast.

C5 prices are pretty cheap now too. C6 prices are coming down too. :D

Chuck
 
ChuckG said:
BOTH of my C5's had/have the original "run flats", and those tires are NOISY and hard riding, but it's the nature of the beast.

C5 prices are pretty cheap now too. C6 prices are coming down too. :D

Chuck
Click to expand...

Hey Chuck, I no longer have the run flats. I use the Z06 method, which is an air pump that runs off the cigarette lighter and a plug kit available at most auto parts stores.
 
Thanks guys, Goldie is in the shop as we speak to get a few things squared away then I"ll start testing the waters for C3 resale values and no doubt put her on Corvette Traders and such to see what happens.

What I'm kinda leaning toward is an 03 coupe with automatic my Carrie never drives Goldie and would like to be able to drive our next toy.

Leaning toward the coupe for the additional room and softer seats.

Please feel free to keep me in the loop on your thoughts.

Again, thanks,

Ken
 
Kap142 said:
Thanks guys, Goldie is in the shop as we speak to get a few things squared away then I"ll start testing the waters for C3 resale values and no doubt put her on Corvette Traders and such to see what happens.

What I'm kinda leaning toward is an 03 coupe with automatic my Carrie never drives Goldie and would like to be able to drive our next toy.

Leaning toward the coupe for the additional room and softer seats.

Please feel free to keep me in the loop on your thoughts.

Again, thanks,

Ken
Click to expand...

Ohhhhhhhhhhh noooooooooooo! Not the C3!!??:confused::nonod:
 
Kap142 said:
Thanks guys, Goldie is in the shop as we speak to get a few things squared away then I"ll start testing the waters for C3 resale values and no doubt put her on Corvette Traders and such to see what happens.

What I'm kinda leaning toward is an 03 coupe with automatic my Carrie never drives Goldie and would like to be able to drive our next toy.

Leaning toward the coupe for the additional room and softer seats.

Please feel free to keep me in the loop on your thoughts.

Again, thanks,

Ken
Click to expand...

Hey Ken, You might want to pick John Wilson's brain and tech knowledge at AutoXTC. He might even know someone wanting to unload a perfect vette with your name on it. Auto XTC is 727-573-1292.
 
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