What are the refinements?

[LMN8R]

I'm pondering letting the '98 go in order to get a newer Vette. Other than the options (magnetic ride control, HUD, active handling, etc), what refinements have been made to build quality, little rattles, squeaks, etc. I love my car, but she's starting to show her age just a little bit. Would a 2003 age better than my 1998 in terms of rattles, engine wear, etc? I know that the C4's gradually got better as the model matured (the 95's and 96's are evidently outstanding as far as build quality). Is the C5 following this same trend?

Thanks,

Greg

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Absolutely, as time has gone on, changes have been made with each model year.
Sound isolation, changes to help squeaks and rattles, retuning of suspensions for better characteristics, exhaust changes, and the list goes on and on.
Better intake manifold for 01, for increased torque, and throttle response. Changes in the exhaust manifolds, and converters.
I could go on and on.
My personal suggestion, is to drive one, and see for yourself.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

Not to hijack this thread.... The C5, as c4c5specialist has correctly stated, continues to improve. Many of the problems with the earlier C5's have been taken care of as well as continued improvements. It is similar with each generation; as the generation ages, the vehicle improves.

You can only imagine my grin when I bought my '02 Coupe after not owning a Vette for 30 years.

 

[vettepilot]

Wow, no Vette for 30 years! That's like time travel when you did step into that C5 for the first drive. I thought I was bad for going 8 years in my C4 before I broke down and bought my first C5, and it was a Z06 to boot! Now that's a pretty good change also, adding over 100 HP and the C5 suspension refinements were unbelievable.
vettepilot

 

[Blackie T.]

No Vette for 30 plus years!

Wow, no Vette for 30 years! That's like time travel when you did step into that C5 for the first drive.

I sold my first Vette (68 silver convert/350 hp 327 4 spd) in about 1972. You can not imagine my shock when I just bought a 2001 Mag red convertible (with less than 7000 miles!) and drove it for the first time. I loved my '68, but I have never driven an automobile like the '01. It rides better than my friend's BMW, and sure is a heck of a lot faster. The computer center tells you everything but your heart rate and blood pressure. I still can't believe how this car has matured since the '60s.

 

[atmmac]

I have a 97 and i have no complaints.

-Andy

 

[JBsC5]

This is a great time to upgrade! As with any car as the miles addup...the car does break in a bit..

 

[KANE]

1/2 dozen versus six of another...

I have driven the HUD cars. I didn't care for it. To me it seems like its a gimmic. The same with the adjustable ride control. Granted some people will really find those cool or useful, I think that those are just two less things to replace when they break - if you don't have them. I can't ever remember saying "wow, I wish I had an HUD" or " wish I had bought the black one with the selective ride". I have seen the replacement cost and thought thank god I don't have something I don't need. Just my opinion.

I would say that you should drive a newer car and see if its in better condition- regardless of the options. No point in trading up for the tech if you trade down in the overall condition.

Keep us posted!!!

 

[JBsC5]

Opinions vary but I spent 600 bucks to have the hud installed in my 2001 Z06..

I love that mod..as it always lets me easily see how far over the limit I am when a cop pops up...

Also easier to see how much harder into the corners you are going...

Pick a consistant point in the corner and just glance at the speedo ..

I find it a helpful tool to greater enjoy the Vette..and help make me a better driver...

F55 suspension is supposed to be the worlds best adaptive systems as well.

Great choices for each of us with various priorities...

Good luck and take the advice of driving one to decide for yourself..

 

[Blade]

I had a 1998 and traded in for the 2003 AE.

Lots of little improvements. The 98 was always going to the shop for bugs and small repairs. The 03 has never had a problem.

One thing I hated about the 98 coupe was when you raised the hatch after it had rained all the water poured into the car. The newer C5s have fins attached to the weather stripping that prevent this.

 

[Wisdom]

One thing I hated about the 98 coupe was when you raised the hatch after it had rained all the water poured into the car. The newer C5s have fins attached to the weather stripping that prevent this.

As long as you lift the hatch slowly!

 

[Roadfrog]

Being a black sheep it seems....the word "refinements" and the word "Corvette" are contrary.

I've owned more than one fasty foreign made car that was refined IMHO. I sold one that was an extremely good performer simply because I like V8's and I think Chevy finally made one that performed to a respectable level to me.

Beyond that, I don't think the car is well made, well designed in many respects, or refined in any respect. It just performs, and Chevy did a good job on that. They did a poor job in taking care of the details involving quality. Any Corvette forum will bare that out. Just another free opinion.

I'm pondering letting the '98 go in order to get a newer Vette. Other than the options (magnetic ride control, HUD, active handling, etc), what refinements have been made to build quality, little rattles, squeaks, etc. I love my car, but she's starting to show her age just a little bit. Would a 2003 age better than my 1998 in terms of rattles, engine wear, etc? I know that the C4's gradually got better as the model matured (the 95's and 96's are evidently outstanding as far as build quality). Is the C5 following this same trend?

Thanks,

Greg

 

[Gorgon]

Roadfrog, out of curiosity, which foreign performance cars have you owned?