How Tough is a C5?

[pvtpilot]

Hi guys and gals, a newbie to the CAC, but an old fogie when it comes to hot rods.. This has probably been discussed at length here in the past, but just traded my C4 for a 99 C5 and am wondering how fragile they are... I can remember the old days when I broke rears, transmissions, clutches, and exploded flywheels that broke everything from the back off the engine to the windshield. Would hate to do that to my real cherry 99 but can't resist the urge to stand on it and flat shift.. How tough are these cars?

 

[vettepilot]

These cars are much stronger than many will admit. The Corvette has always been a symbol of performance, and they are built to perform. Take a look at many of the visable components; half shafts, suspension parts, transmission, differential, etc. Compare the size and heft to any other performance car within $100,000.00 of the Corvette price.
Sure things will break now and then, but many on here drive the car hard, and my guess is that they probably have fewer complaints than those who baby the car, and only drive it on "nice days" on the weekends. Drive it, enjoy it, and don't worry about things breaking from normal wear and tear.
BTW, this is my third Vette, had two C4s before, now the 02 Z06, between the three cars I put on over 195,000 miles with no, none, nada failures of... drivetrain, suspension, or engine components. Just routine maintenance such as oil and filter changes, coolant changes, and a surpentine belt now and then.
Drive and enjoy !

vettepilot

 

[trumperZ06]

WELCOME ABOARD

Your gonna luv the C-5, it's a HUGE improvement over the C-4 chassis & LT-1 engine! That said, The Z06 is just as Great an improvement over the stock C-5 !

Fragile ? Here's some 1st hand experience!

1. 96 C-4 after TWO years and 32,000 miles, was showing it's age.

2. 98 C-5 after THREE years and 45,000 miles, age was also showing.

3. 01 Z06 traded last month with 50,000 miles. Still running STRONG! No squeaks or rattles, firm suspension and solid drive train.

All my cars are "well maintained", and the Z06 did have mtce under warranty (get the GM extended Warranty)!

Now the Z06 was taken to Road Courses ( I instruct as well), driven HARD... but not abused!

Hope this answers your post!

 

[wrrvette]

I just turned 100000 in my 2000 coupe and it is my daily driver all year long. I don't race it but I also don't drive it like a sedan. Great for long trips.

 

[atmmac]

lotta miles for a 2000 long commute to work?

 

[ZZRider]

Pretty solid unless you begin to push the hp/tq up too high with mods. Some parts have better tolerences than others.

I wouldn't envision many problems with stock or bolt-on mods.

...assuming you don't try to consider a 300shot nitrous or high boost supercharger as bolt-ons...

 

[corvettecrazy]

if any of you guys have read All Corvettes Are red and what they do to test thest things you will realize they can take more than almost anyone can dish out.

 

[wrrvette]

lotta miles for a 2000 long commute to work?

About 70 miles round trip, but take it several times a year to Tucson and have been to the east coast several times.

 

[97RedCorvette]

When the C5 was in its original testing stages in 1996, it went through several extreme endurance tests at the GM Proving Grounds. One particular test was to fill the gas tank, and then drive flat out on the oval until the tank was dry. Seems like pretty hearty test.

 

[corvettecrazy]

When the C5 was in its original testing stages in 1996, it went through several extreme endurance tests at the GM Proving Grounds. One particular test was to fill the gas tank, and then drive flat out on the oval until the tank was dry. Seems like pretty hearty test.

they did the same test but for 24 hours...the only stops were to switch drivers and refuel.

 

[vettepilot]

The 24 hour test is in-fact 24 hours on the track. The time starts when they go on, and stops when they exit. This happens 24 times, the computer readouts of the systems are checked after each hour, along with many mechanicals. This test is covered in the 2002 video.The other test, (the top speed test), is conducted starting with a full tank of gas. The car is then run at it's top speed. It took approx. 30 minutes to use the entire tank of fuel. So by the time these tests are completed, I would imagine they feel pretty comfortable with the Corvette durability.

vettepilot