Question: High Milage C5

[ktullos]

I recently perchased a 2002 c5 vert with 35 thousand miles and plan to drive the crap out of it. Drivetrane wise how many miles can you put on a c5 and what are typical high failure parts/repairs. Who has the most miles on your c5?

 

[XLR8]

Hi neighbor! I have a '98 with 85,500+ on it. And I'm adding to them as fast as I can. Let me see if I can find BossVette... his C5 is past the 120,000+ mark, I think.

Jane Ann

 

[DRTH VTR]

How long the drive train lasts would likely depend on how the car is driven. Is it an automatic or a manual?

The drive trains are very reliable. I had to replace the clutch in my Z06 at about 50,000 miles. I wonder if the 150-200 passes down the quarter mile had anything to do with that? :L

 

[Remo]

I had to replace the clutch in my Z06 at about 50,000 miles. I wonder if the 150-200 passes down the quarter mile had anything to do with that? :L

Hmmmmm:L

 

[LittleRedFlatBack]

I wonder if the 150-200 passes down the quarter mile had anything to do with that? :L

Surely not! There must be some other reason.

 

[bossvette]

not quite 120,000 but 115,000 since acquiring the 68 and getting the Old Yellow Truck running again I have been neglecting the C5 using it mostly as my rainy day car I do have to replace a front spindle but thats the only major repair so far.

 

[ktullos]

It's an auto. I drive about 40,000 per year and have over 270,000 on my GMC 1500 with no major repairs. I do all the right maintance by the book and not to hard on the starts and stops. Sure would like to think I could drive her for a long time. Please tell me how many miles you have/repairs!:W:confused;help

 

[bgold3238]

105,000 on my 01, oil sending unit is the only thing i have replaced..other than tires and brakes.. oh yeah and tune up at 100,000

 

[jrose7004]

I wonder if the 150-200 passes down the quarter mile had anything to do with that? :L[/quote]
No it couldn't!

 

[Stash]

I had 131,000 miles on my 98 C5 when I traded it for a 2004 C5. Now have 41,000 on the O4. Been retired the last 3-1/2 years and don't drive to work everyday. DANG NAB IT!

 

[Gorgon]

I realize this thread is a bit dated but...

Just over 136k miles on my FRC and the thing keeps going. Just replaced the starter, two years ago it got a C6 Z06 clutch (though it didn't need), radiator and water pump, and lots of tires over the years. The drivetrain itself and engine have had no issues. Keep up with maintainance and you'll be good to go. But that's not to say that I'm not looking at C6's.

 

[6 Shooter]

...two years ago it got a C6 Z06 clutch...

Kind of curious, how did the C6 clutch mate up to your C5?

​

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[Eric]

I have a 98 with 70k on it. It had 500k on it when I bought it 2.5 years ago. According to the records I have the only thing done before I got it was oil sending unit at 40k. I had to replace the belt tensioner (TSB on that for making an annoying noise) but otherwise, just maintenance items - belts, plugs & wires, tires, etc. I've heard our resident C5 expert (c4c5specialist) say that the LS1 is a 250k build when properly maintained.

Good luck and happy motoring!

 

[Gorgon]

Kind of curious, how did the C6 clutch mate up to your C5?

​

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

The C6 Z06 clutch requires a C6 pressure plate and there's a different throw-out bearing. The clutch/pressure plate assembly bolts right in to the C5 setup. The problem is that the clutch/pressure plate assembly is slightly thicker than the C5 setup and it wouldn't fit into the opening on the bottom of the bell housing to mate to the engine without the housing bolts being loosened to allow more clearance. Other than that it fits right in.

Leon

 

[Danger731]

LS1's last forever, I have 118k miles on my Z/28 AND I spray a 100 shot through it.

 

[Hib Halverson]

I recently perchased a 2002 c5 vert with 35 thousand miles and plan to drive the crap out of it. Drivetrane wise how many miles can you put on a c5 and what are typical high failure parts/repairs.

I'd say the answers depend on:
1) What "drive the crap out of it" means
2) What level of maintenance the car gets

 

[VETTEX2]

over 200k mi and it still runs great
I maintain it myself

 

[Danger731]

over 200k mi and it still runs great
I maintain it myself

I'll be up in San Jose in my vette next week !

 

[Patman]

104,000 miles on mine and it runs perfectly! It's been a fantastic daily driver, I haven't even had to spend any money on repairs since 2006!

 

[KANE]

...The drive trains are very reliable. I had to replace the clutch in my Z06 at about 50,000 miles. I wonder if the 150-200 passes down the quarter mile had anything to do with that? :L

Indeed they are very reliable these days. FWIW, I have over 100k on my LT1 powered Trans Am and it still has the original clutch on on it. Of course, my TA was garage kept and never run hard.

Here's a formula I've used-
Long lifespan : Diligent maintenance

I've seen LT1s and LS1s go for 200K+ before significant mechanical failures.