C5 Corvettes

[QDRHRSE]

Hey guys, it's been a long while since I've been on. I'm looking to buy a C5 Vette as a daily driver. What are the goods/bads of the C5? Are they expensive to maintain? I know that this is not a Lightning question but I don't know anybody with Corvette experience. I'm just learning about Vettes. I guess that they don't make very many yearly (30,000 a year or so). They aren't exceedingly popular in Los Angeles.

Also, is it cheap to lightly modify a C5? Do they have cheap, easy bolt ons available for them like they do for L's and Mustangs?

Is the C5 comfortable?

[Moonshine]

I'm 6'2" with long legs, and I found ingress/egress to be a little challenging because of the wide sill and low seating position, but once in the car I found it very comfortable. Other than tire cost, which you're somewhat used to with the L, operating expenses weren't bad. The LS1 is a solid motor. Terry says the HUD's are prone to going out, but I didn't have that issue with mine. Mileage was pretty dern good (averaged 26 MPG) for a car with that level of performance. After being used to the L. the biggest thing I noticed when driving the C5 was lack of visibility due to the low driving position.

[QDRHRSE]

What are the HUD's? I'm a midget @ 5"8 1/2. I need a ladder to get into most any car. I already considered tires. No biggie. It's the big stuff I'm worried about. How durable are the LS1's? Would they handle a small shot of nitrous? Are there any "must have bolt ons?

[QDRHRSE]

HUD= Heads up display?

[Silver_2000]

HUD= Heads up display?

yes

[Moonshine]

HUD= Heads up display?

Yup, that's it.

As for nitrous and bolt ons I'de defer to Terry. Mine was stock except for a K&N filter. IMHO LS1's are very durable. Prior to the C5 my wife had a LS1 powered Firebird. Sold it with 137k on it, and it was still as strong then as it was new. They do burn a bit of oil, but in my experience it was a quart every 3k.

[tiffo60]

Most LS1 guys run a 150hp shot with out problems, heads and cams depend on size will net you in 450+ rwhp range

[QDRHRSE]

Sweet. That's what I'm looking to hear! Keep it coming....

[WA 2 FST]

I don't have the mod experience with my C5 that I did with my Mustang I owned for 12yrs, but I can tell you quite a bit.

I'm 5'6+" so I fit into just about anything easily. You will find the C5 to be very comfortable and snug for you. I've had my '02 Z06 since new. It has run very well. I don't have a lot of miles on it, but it has not given me any trouble.

I had a 125hp shot of nitrous on it for the first 15 months of ownership (had the kit at my house b4 taking possession of the car... LOL). It made 490rwhp/560+rwtq without a wimper, and that was the only real power mod I had.

Of course now, with the LPE Stage 2 twin turbo setup, its not close to stock (but sure sounds like it during normal driving), but I think you will be very pleased with the car.

A bone-stock LS1 Vette will run consistent low-13s on stock tires at ~110mph here in the TX heat. The braking and handling is very good, and you will not go through parts. The transmissions are very solid... of course if you do clutch dumps at 6k on slicks... anything will break eventually.

[QDRHRSE]

Thanks again for the info. I ended up buying one. I got a great deal and they gave me more for my BMW then I was asking on craigslist plus they didn't include the value of the trade in on the bill of sale. It worked out better than I could have expected. I ended up saving at least a couple of G's. Wes, just like you said- very snug. It will make a great commuter. I'm very happy.

[WA 2 FST]

Way cool, Tom. Post some pics when you get a chance. :tu:

[BC Lightning]

Sounds like we might need to change the name to TAFLONCON - Texas Area Former Lightning Owners Now Corvette Owners North

[StormShadow]

how about TACO Texas Area Corvette Owners

[gbgary]

TALCORON

texas area Lightning/Corvette owners-north

:tongue:

[Lyfisin]

how about TACO Texas Area Corvette Owners

:rll:

[Silver_2000]

Maybe we should just change it to NTGH North Texas Gear Heads