Question: Buying a C5

[Emtmike]

I'm buying a C5 this weekend and want to know if there is anything I need to know about this car. I already own a C3 but I am selling it to buy this black beauty. Please let me know about the Coupe if any, or what to watch out for......Thanks

 

[GS Diva]

What year? What options? Auto/stick?

Elaine

 

[Emtmike]

What year? What options? Auto/stick?

Elaine

It's a 2002, 6 speed manual, loaded

 

[XLR8]

Good for you Mike!!
You've taken a look at the 2002 Model Center, right?

Corvette Action Center | Model Center | C5 | 2002 | 2002 Corvette Center

Tell us more about your soon-to-be "new" C5!
Jane Ann

 

[Toms007]

I think your going to love it.......

 

[GS Diva]

You are definitely going to love that '02!!! We just sold our loaded, 6-speed convertible to our very good friends in New York. We owned the car for almost 9 years and had absolutely no problems with it all those years and 36k miles.

One thing to know, though, is that there are two GM recalls on the steering column lock issue. I would advise that you install a "steering column lock bypass kit" so there is never a problem. It is relatively easy to install and eliminates potential problems.

Congratulations and welcome to the Corvette Action Center!!!

Elaine

 

[LLC5]

Another good idea would be to take it to a GM dealer and have them check for all the latest computer updates to see if they have been performed, if they haven't then it would be a good idea to have them done. Enjoy the ride, they are excellent vehicles.

 

[timfitz63]

... One thing to know, though, is that there are two GM recalls on the steering column lock issue. I would advise that you install a "steering column lock bypass kit" so there is never a problem. It is relatively easy to install and eliminates potential problems...

You might want to review this thread before doing the column lock bypass (assuming it hasn't already been performed). According to "C4C5specialist," there's some strong evidence that many of the cases of column lock are simply attributable to the use of an incorrect replacement battery. Apparently the C5 is a bit of a diva where batteries are concerned... Anyway, "C4C5specialist" actually recommends against the column lock bypass in these video segments.

Probably a more useful retrofit would be a CAGS inhibiter, which will eliminate that annoyingly obligatory 1st-to-4th shift under certain driving conditions. I haven't managed to do mine yet, but from what I understand it's quite simple to do. And completely reversible, should you wish do so.

Otherwise, I would echo what others have said: relatively few issues with the car. And if you do encounter any issues, help and advice abounds here on the C5 forum. Best of all, you'll find that, after driving a C3 for so long, driving the C5 will be a night-and-day experience!

 

[Emtmike]

Ok.....here's the thing....I've decided to buy a 2001 Z06 instead with only 26k miles on it . It's red with the black & red interior, and has a few little upgrades to it....but in perfect shape. Any advice????, besides keeping the tires on the road :L?. Thanks everybody for your help in this matter.

 

[timfitz63]

Ok.....here's the thing....I've decided to buy a 2001 Z06 instead with only 26k miles on it . It's red with the black & red interior, and has a few little upgrades to it....but in perfect shape. Any advice????, besides keeping the tires on the road :L?. Thanks everybody for your help in this matter.

I believe all the advice to date still applies; not a lot of fundamental mechanical differences between the C5 Z06 and the base C5. Stiffer suspension, different battery, thinner glass and other weight-saving measures, so not all parts are interchangeable. But the LS6 is basically a tuned LS1 engine, and you've still got the CAGS "helping" you shift.

About the only additional advice I can offer is this: not knowing what model year C3 you're coming from, if you're not used to driving a vehicle that's pushing 400 Hp, take is slow and get to know how the car reacts. Respect the C5, or it can bite you in the a$$ quicker than you can say "Oh, $hi#!!" -- even with traction control! :eek Just ask this guy... Or this guy...

Congratulations! Sounds like a nice, clean Z06!

 

[hdkeno]

MIKE,

I believe from the c3 forum, that you had a 81 beige over bronze like the one that I also had.


I sold mine also last September and took possesion a well cared for 2000 coupe,6 speed loaded with a great sounding B&B exhaust among other things.


The 81 was and is a great vette, but the differences as far as room, reliability, comfort and of course power are greatly improved on the c5.

The z06 will ride slightly firmer then the coupe, but still much better then your 81 on a good day.

Congrats on the purchase, and you will be very happy with it. Ken

 

[Emtmike]

MIKE,

I believe from the c3 forum, that you had a 81 beige over bronze like the one that I also had.


I sold mine also last September and took possesion a well cared for 2000 coupe,6 speed loaded with a great sounding B&B exhaust among other things.


The 81 was and is a great vette, but the differences as far as room, reliability, comfort and of course power are greatly improved on the c5.

The z06 will ride slightly firmer then the coupe, but still much better then your 81 on a good day.

Congrats on the purchase, and you will be very happy with it. Ken

Your right, my '81 is Beige/Dark Bronze, and I plan on learning all this C5's quirks first before trying anything stupid . I know it's going to take some time learning how to control the extra HP, and the way it drives. I'll keep asking questions and learning as I go

 

[hdkeno]

There are a few minor quirks with the c5 some of which have been addressed here,as well as a good deal of info on the c5 technical section on this forum.

As mentioned, it is a good idea to have the whole vehicle checked out by a qualified tech, and change all the fluids with fresh stuff,is a good idea as well.


Another good thing to do,is to run the computer diagnostic codes on the dic which is simple to do.

1) Turn on the ignition but don't start the engine.

2) Press the "reset" button to turn off any warning messages

3) Press and hold "options" , press "fuel" four times within a 10-second period.

When first engaged the on-board diagnostics go into an "automatic" mode.

The computer will show two kinds of codes, "current" and "history," designated "C" or "H".
A current code indicates a malfunction is present in the system whose module is displaying data.

A history code indicates a past problem.

When the screen displays "manual diagnostics," select the desired module by pressing the "options" button
to go forward or the "trip" button to go back.

Press "gauges" to go forward or
"fuel" to go back for each code under a module.


Good luck with the "new" z and post some pics when you can. (gotta love that red)

 

[RealmSteel]

My '01 has been great, but I did have to replace a wobbling harmonic dampener and the AC tensioner.
Seems to be very common. If it wobbles, get them to replace it. It's expensive to have done and a bit of a pain to do it yourself unless you have a lift.
Don't take the "They all wobble" crap.

Another common thing is a bad oil pressure sensor that pegs the gauge when it goes.

Good luck on your purchase.