C5 -vs C6

[Dom]

I was recently thinking about trading my C5 in for a new C6.



Fortunately family loyalty got the best of me.

My car was originally owned by my uncle, who took amazing care of it. He went to trade up for a C6. I offered him the trade-in price for his 2001.

At the time she had 41000 miles on her (4 months later she has 49000) was meticulously maintained and rarely even saw the rain.


So instead of trading in, I decided I would do some upgrades over time to personalize the car.



Here is my wish List – first one on the list was already ordered!!



I recently ordered OEM Chrome rims – exchanges from west coast corvettes

New Rubber (although I might wait until next spring – Funds are tight)
Fix the stupid cClimate control Head unit
LED taillight up-grade

New Cat back exhaust

New leather skins for the seats

Drilled and slotted Brake Rotors (any know how hard they are to change?)





Any other ideas? – I’m looking for easy/cheap DIY type jobs. Chances are the exhaust, seats and rubber will break the bank

Thanks

 

[6 Shooter]

I got an idea . . .

Sell this thing 2004 - Pewter H2 and you will have more money for this thing 2001 - Pewter Coupe!

 

[Dom]

Sell this thing 2004 - Pewter H2 and you will have more money for this thing 2001 - Pewter Coupe!

Funny you mentioned that - Just did last week - got a yukon instead now - need something for the snowy months around here. The little bit that Im saving on gas is exactly what I'm looking to spend on my upgrades

 

[mqqn]

Hi Dom -

Congrats on the new C5!

I like the mod list you have - I prefer the Z06 catback - light weight and great sound IMO, and you should be able to get one for $450 or so.

If $'s are too tight, you could have the stock mufflers cut off and just have straight pipes welded on, with some chrome tips. Since your car has the twin-cat system (two on each exhaust pipe for a total of 4 cats altogether) you don't get as loud as you might think. We did this on my wifes coupe, and she really likes the nice mellow burble, and I like the WOT roar.... . This only cost me about $125 including having the welding done at a local Midas.

I also think painted brake calipers are a nice mod - no perf but it does dress up nice wheels....and you have some ordered....

The hood liner can be painted at home with testors paint markers. Search here for folks who have done that - talk about making your engine compartment pop out - and it won't cost much but your time.

Lowering will really add to the look of your car - and it will only cost you $ for an alignment after you do it, which considering the cost of rubber . I almost hate to see C5's anymore that are not lowered at least to the stock limits.

best regards -

mqqn

 

[Dom]

[Lowering will really add to the look of your car - and it will only cost you $ for an alignment after you do it, which considering the cost of rubber . I almost hate to see C5's anymore that are not lowered at least to the stock limits.


I agree that lowering the car looks fantastic. Unfortunately here in NYC that will kill my front end. You should see the pot holes and bumps here on the streets. Its enough to ake you cringe :cry

I will take the opportunity to paint the rotors while the wheels are off - Good Idea!

 

[jrose7004]

I think that you're doing the right thing!

 

[mqqn]

[Lowering will really add to the look of your car - and it will only cost you $ for an alignment after you do it, which considering the cost of rubber . I almost hate to see C5's anymore that are not lowered at least to the stock limits.


I agree that lowering the car looks fantastic. Unfortunately here in NYC that will kill my front end. You should see the pot holes and bumps here on the streets. Its enough to ake you cringe :cry

I will take the opportunity to paint the rotors while the wheels are off - Good Idea!

Hi Dom -

I can appreciate that your roads might be rough.....but here in the great cornfield, where temps vary from below zero in the winter to above 100 in the summer, and salt is applied in quantities that rival the amount of snowfall we get, I feel I can take the honors of having the roughest roads in America.

I have been in 15 states and Canada since June on my motorcycle, so I have seen some roads.....

The 1" you would lower your car on the stock adjusters will not significantly change the amount of abuse the roads are already giving you.

I have both of my cars lowered to the stock limits, and the only thing that suffers is the rubber air-dam on the front, which will now slap any road-kill over the size of a small bird.....but it costs less than $50 to replace it every couple of years.

The other mod that you might consider is painting the C5 logo on the hood liner - that looks very nice when done - but I have not done either of mine yet....I am too busy driving them!

best regards -

mqqn

 

[warren s]

Good choice in keeping the C5, nothing against the C6 though.

 

[Joesphus]

As far as rubber is concerned... I bought a 98. I upgraded the old rims a year ago to the C5 5 spoke rims. I felt the wheel well needed a more substantial fill of rubber and rims. With all the concept cars out today with bigger tires and rims it got to me. So last week I changed my C5 rims to the new C6 Rims and new flame tread tires -- I was concerned about changing the tires from 18s rear and 17s front to 19's and 18s and after a few tries the tires filled in nicely and handles beautifully. -- The cost? $2,350 for everything. Now I'm broke again! But I'm in love with it again!

Best,
Joseph

 

[Vettenlady]

Hi, What did you mean by "new leather seat skins"? My drivers seat is getting pretty worn but I don't want to buy all new seats.

 

[Joesphus]

Vettenlady,

I think you wrote me here by accident.

Best,

Joeseph

 

[Vettenlady]

Hi Dom,
You mentioned something in your wish list for "leather seat skins". What are they? I have a drivers seat that is getting quite worn but don't want to spring for a whole set of new seats. Is this an alternative?
Gail

 

[aseipos]

If you just need a new seat cover, you can get a replacement from gmpartsdirect.com for $97. Worked for me!