1999 Corvette hardtop is it worth it?
1999 Corvette hardtop is it worth it? There is a 1999 corvette hardtop that is for sale somewhat local, it has 52,000 miles, has a clean title, auto, black interior, new chrome c5 z06 wheels, has brand new in box zo6 brake conversion,(not installed because he said the brakes on it are still good). guy is asking $17,500
If it were in fact an FRC, I'd say go for it since they're pretty rare in white. Since it's a coupe, look at the KBB and NADA values, gauge the condition, and get a carfax. If it all checks out, buy it and don't look back.
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i LOVE my Coupe so don't let it discourage you. I love the FRC style too but i like being able to remove my top when i want and i don't care for 'Verts. I'd say get him down a little but if it's clean and in nice shape i'd say jump on it and enjoye.
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 507
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From: Ankeny, IA
It's mostly a styling preference. I like both personally. The FRC's are all 6spd/Z51 cars which saves you the trouble of finding those options if you want them. If you don't have a preference style wise, just find the best deal you can on the best car. That price is not out of line on that car.
Overall, I like the white coupes. I just have a certain place in the heart for FRC's.
You have to be careful when the **** police are out and prowling!
Any extra tips or inside info you guys can share, Im looking into possibly getting a 99-02 Corvette, anything special I should look for, Targa Top etc..Im not so Corvette savy, I drove a WS6 before, but I think I might move on from the birds to a vette..please Pm me with any info you guys can share about a particular year or edition. I cant afford a Z06, but I know what they can do.
Last edited by redsox_ws6; Jul 18, 2008 at 01:26 PM.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 507
Likes: 2
From: Ankeny, IA
I posted this response in another forum to a similar question.
As to which model you want, depends on your plans for the car. If you want an excellent performing package and have no plans for extensive modifications, then the Z06 is worth the premium and is the way to go. If you plan on extensively modifying the car, then I would suggest '99-00 FRC, a coupe or convertible (whichever bodystyle you prefer). Keep in mind that because the C5 chassis was designed as convertible, there are no weight penalties for going with a convertible or large sacrifices in chassis stiffness normally associated with a drop top.
If you decide to go with a non Z06 car then there are some model year differences and options to take into account.
97-98: First years. Less flexible PCM for tuning. Perimeter bolt heads. Lacks the options for Active Handling and the HUD.
99-00: PCM updated. Active Handling (which corrects cornering) and HUD options. Normal LS style heads.
01-04: Larger 85mm MAF, LS6 intake, improved AH, improved seat leather.
The '99-00 cars are the best bargains and the first years I'd look at for a C5 to modify. In all years if you wish to road race the car, look for the Z51 suspension option. The FRC (fixed roof coupe), offered in '99-00, is a good choice as it offers a slight weight savings over a normal coupe and came standard with the Z51 suspension and a 6spd.
As to which model you want, depends on your plans for the car. If you want an excellent performing package and have no plans for extensive modifications, then the Z06 is worth the premium and is the way to go. If you plan on extensively modifying the car, then I would suggest '99-00 FRC, a coupe or convertible (whichever bodystyle you prefer). Keep in mind that because the C5 chassis was designed as convertible, there are no weight penalties for going with a convertible or large sacrifices in chassis stiffness normally associated with a drop top.
If you decide to go with a non Z06 car then there are some model year differences and options to take into account.
97-98: First years. Less flexible PCM for tuning. Perimeter bolt heads. Lacks the options for Active Handling and the HUD.
99-00: PCM updated. Active Handling (which corrects cornering) and HUD options. Normal LS style heads.
01-04: Larger 85mm MAF, LS6 intake, improved AH, improved seat leather.
The '99-00 cars are the best bargains and the first years I'd look at for a C5 to modify. In all years if you wish to road race the car, look for the Z51 suspension option. The FRC (fixed roof coupe), offered in '99-00, is a good choice as it offers a slight weight savings over a normal coupe and came standard with the Z51 suspension and a 6spd.
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But they are a good visual upgrade (IMO) and he's tossing them in with the deal. And if you want to have some custom painted/powder coated calipers... you can use the red Z ones while your stockers are done.
Or, sell them to lower your cost after the fact...
It's a win/win
