... after all, a 2005 is really a C5.5, right? 
What year(s) C5 to avoid?
Really there aren't any years with serious issues. Obviously the 97's had a few kinks that were later worked out, but nothing that would keep me from buying one. The 97's don't have some of the options like active handling, or heads-up-display.
The earlier years had seat wear problems too. The seat stitching was not up to par, and would break in the bolsters from wear. Overall they are very reliable. Cars with remote entry (the seat would move back for you before you got in setting) cured alot of the wear issue.
11 Second Club
Joined: May 2004
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From: Va. beach,Va
Originally Posted by Kraest
I'd do the 2001+ because of the bigger injectors and LS6 intake manifold, to name a couple things.
Mike
Mike
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Originally Posted by Rays C5
BTW it was the 98s that had the 28lb. injectors. The 2001 on up were 26 or lower iirc.
1. A small percentage of 2001 and 2002 LS1s actually had LS6 blocks which had a different part number and a darker metal cast
2. Starting 2001, all LS1s came with an LS6 intake manifold without an EGR system
3. Advertised HP output was changed from 305 to 310 on base LS1s and from 320 to 325 on WS6s and SSs
4. 2001-02 cars have a smaller cam from the Vortec truck engines to increase low end torque
5. 2001-02 cars had 28 lb fuel injectors like the 98 cars (albeit different part numbers)
6. WS6 cars had a redesigned 5 spoke rim which was more wavy
7. WS6 cars got less suspension upgrades from a base Trans Am suspension than previous years
8. Manual transmission cars all came with the Z06 clutch
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2002 (2nd month of production on) - 2003
2002 had both new ring design and new pistons, but you must get production a month into the 2002 model year
2004 has many C6 parts, and can be difficult in some areas since they are unique to 04 only. Examples, the fuel filter is in the fuel tank necesitating the removal of the rear cradle and differential/transmission to get the tank out, the fan switch and thermostat is different, O2 sensors, etc. I don't think 04 is a bad year, but be aware it has a few unique characteristics/parts from the earlier years.
2002 had both new ring design and new pistons, but you must get production a month into the 2002 model year
2004 has many C6 parts, and can be difficult in some areas since they are unique to 04 only. Examples, the fuel filter is in the fuel tank necesitating the removal of the rear cradle and differential/transmission to get the tank out, the fan switch and thermostat is different, O2 sensors, etc. I don't think 04 is a bad year, but be aware it has a few unique characteristics/parts from the earlier years.
You get the newest and lowest milage C5 you can afford. The only thing that should avoid a C5 would be any other car. I have a '97 and I love it. Its true that the 2000 and up are a bit more refined. Better castings , options, ect.
Originally Posted by LS1 CRAZY
They all have their issues from yr to yr and yes 98 has the biggest injectors of them.
99-00 had 26.3# injectors.
01-04 had 28.5# injectors.
I would recomemnd a 99 or newer C5..the 97's and 98's had some issues that were ironed out by 99....it is a lot of car for the money there are some good deals out the these days on the C5 Corvette...I personally would only be looking at a 2001 or newer..just because of the option packages that were being used on the 2001 and newer cars.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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I pulled the trigger today! I bought a 2003 50th anniversary edition Millineum yellow convertible. Got it for a pretty good price and it's only got 1500 miles on it. Gotta love that! I have attached a couple of pictures.
Originally Posted by Avalanche2002
I pulled the trigger today! I bought a 2003 50th anniversary edition Millineum yellow convertible. Got it for a pretty good price and it's only got 1500 miles on it. Gotta love that! I have attached a couple of pictures.
CONGRATS TO YOU SIR!!!..it looks like you bought a very nice one...I get trade ins like that all the time...I have a number of customers that trade evey year or 18 months with very low miles on their cars..keep the shinnny side up and "the wave" alive..
Originally Posted by tigertank
is the motor in the 2004 is it an LS6 or LS1 also whats this about the fuel filter in the gas tank, isnt that a bit difficult to change!
All C5 coups and convertibles 1997-2004 have the LS 1 engine..the only Corvette that got the LS 6 was the 2001-2004 Z06...the problem in the fuel system is not the fuel filter it is the sending unit..(this problem has been highly exaggerated on the internet) it is something that the back yard mechanic is not ready to do...if you have that problem go to a certified Corvette tech.
