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1997 Corvette Problems?

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Old 10-06-2008, 02:49 AM
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Default 1997 Corvette Problems?

I reciently found a 1997 Corvette that seems like a good deal. I know that they are the first year for the C5 and I have heard some about them having some problems, but dont know exactly what. I have tried searching some on here and I know some of the basic differences that they have, however I was wondering if there are deffinate problems that would make one want to stay away from a 1997. BTW the car has 50k on it and is a m6.
Old 10-06-2008, 03:29 AM
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Default Same little issues as a '98.... minor nothings, Same with all C5's basically.

97's and '98's are the same car basically... It was a relatively trouble free growing process compared to other types of cars during their first year(s).

Few improvements in '99

A few more improvements in '01

A couple more still in '02
Old 10-06-2008, 03:47 AM
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So are there are no real major problems that would make a person want to stay away from the first year? I have heard the computer is much more difficult to tune should i do mods down the road and different fuel systems.
Old 10-06-2008, 04:39 AM
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I would personally stay away from the first production year model of any vehicle.
Old 10-06-2008, 08:40 AM
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Take the VIN# to a local dealer and have them pull the service history. A small percentage of the Gen3 motors had a potential for excessive oil consumption (ring flutter). Piston slap is also common. I was shocked to hear it on my 2006 Vette, but it only lasted a second. My truck (2002 5.3L) has it, but it didn't surface until around 50K miles (carbon build-up). Some GM top end cleaner took care of that.

Go here to pull recalls and service bulletins by model year:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/bulletin.html

Last edited by CySevans; 10-06-2008 at 08:46 AM.
Old 10-06-2008, 09:48 AM
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The 97-98 had very few issues. In fact the fuel system is better than the later models. My 97 with over 150k miles has had fewer problems than my friends 02.
Old 10-06-2008, 01:57 PM
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Thanks for all the info so far guys, really appreciate it.
Old 10-08-2008, 01:50 PM
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Here are a couple pictures of that car I saw for sale; the lady said it was her husbands car and he passed away. She is asking $14900, but is open to offers.
Attached Thumbnails 1997 Corvette Problems?-vettewhite.jpg   1997 Corvette Problems?-vettewhite2.jpg  
Old 10-08-2008, 03:07 PM
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With the right set of wheels that car could look killer.

I think these are I-forged Aeros

Old 10-08-2008, 03:22 PM
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Originally Posted by welldonecj7
So are there are no real major problems that would make a person want to stay away from the first year? I have heard the computer is much more difficult to tune should i do mods down the road and different fuel systems.
Just less tables to manipulate. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Times are tough for vettes.
Old 10-09-2008, 09:23 AM
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Give her a low ball offer and see if she takes it ...... Nothing like seeing 10 grand CASH in your face to get you to sell. Good luck. Probably won't get it for 10, but 12K, theres a good chance.
Old 10-10-2008, 12:47 AM
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Lady told me that she actually had someone call her and not even come see the car wanting to buy it for $12,000 and she turned him down; I think it was partly cause they did not even come see it; because she acted like that bothered her. But even if you could get it for like $12,500 or $13,000 it would be a prob be a alright deal.

You guys think that a 97 would be alright, considering the price.
Old 10-10-2008, 11:56 AM
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Small amount of recalls.

1997 Chevrolet Corvette

Steering:column locking:anti-theft device Recall

Seat belts:front Recall
Suspension:rear Recall
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly Recall
Seat belts:front:anchorage Recall





No issue with my 97'
Old 10-10-2008, 02:08 PM
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Originally Posted by allthrottle&nobottle
Small amount of recalls.

1997 Chevrolet Corvette

Steering:column locking:anti-theft device Recall

Seat belts:front Recall
Suspension:rear Recall
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly Recall
Seat belts:front:anchorage Recall





No issue with my 97'
Alright thanks for the info. Good to hear no issues with yours. Do you still have the stock computer in yours how was the tuning. Looks like your car would be fun. What are some of the details on it, and how much is still stock from 1997.
Old 10-11-2008, 07:05 AM
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I have always been a firm believer of "Money talks and B***S**T walks"

I say this because of some of the things I have been able to get or do because I had CASH in hand.

Funny how some people respond to a stack of 100's 2-3 inches thick. LOL
Old 10-11-2008, 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by allngn_c5
I have always been a firm believer of "Money talks and B***S**T walks"

I say this because of some of the things I have been able to get or do because I had CASH in hand.

Funny how some people respond to a stack of 100's 2-3 inches thick. LOL

Yea, cash in hand prob would be a lot better than some guy calling and making an offer over the phone without even seeing the car.


I saw a picture of the interior and it has some wood inserts on some pieces not a big fan of that, not sure how tough it would be to get them off. I will put a picture of it up.
Attached Thumbnails 1997 Corvette Problems?-vettewhite3.jpg  
Old 10-11-2008, 06:48 PM
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I have a '97 and love it.
The only problems I've had are that the dummy lights always light up (TCS, ABS, Low Fuel) although I hear its an easy fix.

sounds like a good deal
Old 10-21-2008, 06:31 PM
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I have 108000 on my 97 and still going strong. The syncros are going out. Doesn't burn oil. Just took a 1000 mile roadtrip with out any problems.
Old 10-22-2008, 05:09 PM
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That wood grain is horrible...

You can get some sweet carbon fiber pieces to replace that...

Great deal...



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