C5 Reliablity?
C5 Reliablity? I am looking at buying my first Corvette in the next six months or so. It will more than likely be a 99/00 model with higher miles, say 80k. Is there anything I should look out for? How reliable are these cars anyway? Should I save my money and try and find a newer model (02-04)? Appreciate your input. Thanks
Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 406
Likes: 1
From: Trollin DFW Texas
I am looking at buying my first Corvette in the next six months or so. It will more than likely be a 99/00 model with higher miles, say 80k. Is there anything I should look out for? How reliable are these cars anyway? Should I save my money and try and find a newer model (02-04)? Appreciate your input. Thanks
But if you plan on doing a cam swap I would get one with no more than 80k.
But never settle for something get the car you want. Besides it is a Corvette your probably gonna hold on to it for a long time.
Here is my C5 story. Bought my '99 FRC in March 2007 with 115k already on it. I was buying it for a commuter vehicle - roughly 500 miles per week. Of course the mod bug runs strong once you drive one for a while, so around 137k miles I started with headers, intake and cam. At 155k miles I added AFR 205 heads and a different cam 224/230. I'm up to 203k miles today, and it's still running great. Short block is still stock and has never been out of the car. On a "happy" couple of dynos it has put down 471 rwhp and I get 24 mpg on my commute.
As far as reliability - the only two repairs I had to do were replace the clutch master cylinder and rebuild the steering rack. I would have to say it's been a very reliable car - especially since I started out with 115k on the odometer. So go buy one that you can afford and start upgrading it to meet your standards.
As far as reliability - the only two repairs I had to do were replace the clutch master cylinder and rebuild the steering rack. I would have to say it's been a very reliable car - especially since I started out with 115k on the odometer. So go buy one that you can afford and start upgrading it to meet your standards.
I would probably leave it mostly stock, maybe some bolt ons. I already have a 500hp ls powered 79 Camaro. Not worried about motor trouble, I can handle that. Just wondering about the rest of the car.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 507
Likes: 2
From: Ankeny, IA
If you want Heads up display, ls6 intake, you need a 01+. I had a 01 for a year and loved it. I had an opportunity to sell it and not lose any money and did so. I still wish I had the car how ever.
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I have a 98 coupe and a 00 coupe and both cars have been extremely reliable. The year model is not as critical as how it has been cared for. Just find a car that has been well maintained with owner documentation and the options that you want and you should be very happy with your new purchase.
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I've had my C5Z since 2007 and have put 50K miles on it even with it being down for extended periods of time waiting for parts. The car has never given me a problem that I haven't been the cause of.. like launching at 5K on a CCW drag pack with a stroker motor and a stock rear end. 
Launching!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: cookeville, tn
I am looking at buying my first Corvette in the next six months or so. It will more than likely be a 99/00 model with higher miles, say 80k. Is there anything I should look out for? How reliable are these cars anyway? Should I save my money and try and find a newer model (02-04)? Appreciate your input. Thanks
My '99 has 108K on it, 84K on the motor, and its still running great.... the remainder of the powertrain has been compeltely rebuilt to take a brutal beating, but as far as teh build quality and reliability, the car has been awesome....
My only issue with the car is that the targa-top rattles a little bit sometimes... then it will quit and not rattle at all for a while... seems to be finicky.... otherwise, no issues at all
My only issue with the car is that the targa-top rattles a little bit sometimes... then it will quit and not rattle at all for a while... seems to be finicky.... otherwise, no issues at all
Or you can just add it like I did on my '99. Bought a gauge cluster & heads up display from a CF member for $300. Cut a hole in my dash and slapped it all back together. Then I sold my old gauge cluster for $200.
And yeah - like some others have mentioned, the IRS can be a little fragile if you dump the clutch at >5000 rpm with drag radials. here is what you will find afterwards:
Forget about leaving it stock though. it's a nice idea, but the mod bug will hit soon enough. Clutch is a little tricky to swap, but I've done it twice now:
And yeah - like some others have mentioned, the IRS can be a little fragile if you dump the clutch at >5000 rpm with drag radials. here is what you will find afterwards:
Forget about leaving it stock though. it's a nice idea, but the mod bug will hit soon enough. Clutch is a little tricky to swap, but I've done it twice now:
Im in the same boat lol! Cant decide on a c6 or c5. Im going to mod the hell out of either but its the style or look of the car that gets me. Im not a huge fan of pop up lights, But im not willing to pay 30k for non pop up lights lol.!
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 225
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From: S. JerZ
They're good, reliable cars. IRS is WEAK. Do not race on anything short of drag radials or slicks, you will bust the IRS. I fried my stock clutch, replaced with spec twin. Broke the output shaft, grenaded gears and diff case. Replaced with RPM stage II rear with 3.90's. Replaced stock trans with RPM stage IV trans.
Car has gone 12.37@114mph with a cruddy 1.88 60ft. It's a 99 with the cruddy 853 heads and boltons. Still don't have an UD pulley.
Car has gone 12.37@114mph with a cruddy 1.88 60ft. It's a 99 with the cruddy 853 heads and boltons. Still don't have an UD pulley.
11 Second Club
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 252
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Auto's are better for draggin. Upgrade the driver output shaft as it's shorter and weaker...manny's get a brace and it will sure things up.
Either way if you plan to put down big power you'll need to upgrade the driveline eventually.
Either way if you plan to put down big power you'll need to upgrade the driveline eventually.
Honestly I dont plan on modding the hell out of it. This is one car I want to keep MOSTLY STOCK. Just want a nice reliable driver that me and the wife can enjoy. She doesnt like riding with me in the Camaro. It is nice to know that they seem to be good cars. Now, what can I get for around $15000?
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 360
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From: Johnsonville, SC; but orginally from GAINESVILLE, FL
I have had three and loved each one of them. They are actually really decent cars. They do have some quirks, but overall it is a great bargain for what you are getting. My current vette is a 2003 ZO6 and it is an amazing platform and car! I picked it up with less than 38K and I paid $22,500.00 and all I need to do was replace the tires.
