1997-2004 C5 Corvette - Z06 vs. Base + Top 11 Problems with the C5 Corvette - Buyer's Guide

[@milehighmisfits]

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[@Viper3048]

I've owned 2 base C5 Corvettes, and have driven a C5 Z06 a good bit. The Z06 is ever so slightly better in every performance category, except for aerodynamics. The sloped glass hatch of the base is better for high speeds, and I also prefer the looks of it vs the Z06 fixed roof. But everyone has a different opinion on that. The Z06 isn't THAT much better than the base though. The acceleration and handling are ever so slightly better, but honestly if you are planning on modifying, it doesn't even matter. Z06 is a little lighter, I want to say around 150 pounds less, give or take. You can't go wrong with either, they're both incredible cars. Just make sure to get a 6 speed manual if you get the base. The 4 speed auto is sluggish and takes a lot away from the rest of the car. Manual is the only way to go with a C5, unless you're on a really tight budget and find a cheap auto. If you have a bigger budget, get a 2001-2004 model. Preferably an 02 or 03.

[@varmastiko2908]

What about all the reliability issues with the Z06 engine? Don't those kind of rule out the model altogether?

[@Gorgonzolaa]

Why not a 2004? I have a 6M 04' and the only issues have been with the passenger window not working so far.

[@Carado5150]

There are absolutely no reliability with the z06 engine. It's an LS6. An LS6 is an LS1 with 243 heads, different cam, same intake manifold as the 01+ LS1. If you're doing a cam swap you're upgrading the trunnions anyway. The bigger decision is 05 with the LS2 vs 04 and older Z06. LS2 has a 4 inch bore allowing LS3 heads and way more power potential. Still a gen 1 LS and therefore Gen1 rods. ​@@varmastiko2908

[@darrylsjodin7184]

@@varmastiko2908 The valve springs are the only problem I know of and that was solved in the 2003 and 2004 models. Otherwise you can upgrade the valve springs.

[@erickbertoperez862]

@@Gorgonzolaafuel filter and sensor is inside the tank instead of out

[@JYP1M]

C5 was my dream car, finally got a 2004 (automatic) 3 years ago. Yes the stock seats are crappy and yes these cars and electric issues pop up - but it’s incredibly driving it. One of the best money pits of my life!!!!

[@daltontempesta5285]

The C5 is my dream car too! I’m going to test drive a clean 2002 with 82,000 miles🥹

[@Eric-jk3oi]

I had the C5 auto in 2021 for 4 months before I sold it the same dealer I bought it from. That auto 4 speed was the sole reason for it. Gears wayyy to long make that thing feel like a slug unless you absolutely slam it foot to the ground.

[@davidaguilera55]

Entry/ Exit Guide for new owners: Please adopt this method for getting in. 1- Open door (all the way if needed) 2- Turn away from car 3- Pop a squat to get in 4- Once seated twist into the car with your legs This will help over time with seat wearing. (Bound to happen) To get out: 1- Open door 2- Swing legs out to face away from car 3- With left hand put your weight on the bump mid hight on the B pillar( curve in the frame) DO NOT PUT WEIGHT ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT!!!! 4- then proceed to stand up with that weight displaced on frame 5- Close door and don’t forget your key goofy

[@jeffreyyetzer9681]

My previous owner explained this to me and reminded me twice. Glad he did. I got a bad knee, and this makes it much easier

[@scooch988]

Honestly some of the best informative content I’ve seen in all my years on KZbin. You stated the issue and a resolution. No crazy drawn out and confusing explanations, just “here’s the problem, here’s the solution.” Well done gentlemen. Subscribed

[@milehighmisfits]

I’m glad you found it helpful! Thanks for giving us the subscribe and comment it really helps our channel! 🙏

[@jeffreyyetzer9681]

Like the video. When i was finally able (house paid off) to buy a Corvette my price range was 15-16k. In that price range my choice was C3 or C5. If i could have afforded a C2, there wouldn't have been any question. I was still working and planning on using the Vette as a daily driver couple days a week. While the looks of the C3 are more to my liking (authentic) my research uncovered the milage of a C3 was old school too. I found s good deal on a C5 that had a few blemishes. It definitely lives up to its legend. The mpg is 26 even at 76mph on my 40 mile commute. Can't even imagine 50 more hp. That would definitely get me in trouble.

[@kogunae]

great video guys, im currently looking for a base 02-03, i just love the hatch and more slick design on the roof compared to the straight cut off on the c5z

[@fabssgarage]

In Europe the base Coupe is already VERY rare and prices are more likely close to 30k average with manual transmission and around 20k for automatic ones. Z06 is even rarer and prices could be well over 50-60k... Bough mine 2001 with 67k miles, Euro version, 6spd all stock in millennium yellow in perfect shape for about 27k euro 3months ago and I LOVE THIS CAR!.

[@milehighmisfits]

That's very interesting! It's cool to see how people react to certain cars in different parts of the world. It sounds like you got a sweet one!

[@bgnorthport]

I boight my 50th Annicersary Z06 a little over 2 years ago, I added an A&A T-trim supercharger along with a laundry list of other upgrades and I'm making 634 RWHP on 93 octane. I pretty much addressed all the issues you mentioned in the video. The car has been reliable and a blast to drive.

[@michaelm3381]

Beautiful cars! I'd love to get a C5 someday.

[@TheBBodyBuilder]

I have owned 9 C5s 3 new…I loved them all. I’m a convertible kinda guy so I tend to gravitate to them…but the Z06 is an awesome machine for the money.

[@kallo182]

You owned 9!!! C5. And 3!!! Of them was New??? Why? Where is the sense about it buying 9x the same Car. And 3x in New?

[@victorjohnson2093]

I have the 99 Convertible and I love it was thinking about an upgrade but I think I will just keep it and enjoy 😊

[@billmcmeekin7909]

The main issue here is..... if you don't have a Vette. Vette life is a best life :⁠-⁠) Cheers from Canada :⁠-⁠)

[@jameswalradt7378]

Concise and packed with info. Great video on the subject!

[@Viper3048]

Caravaggio spoiler on the Z06 looks nice. That's the same style I'm going with. I think it's the best looking C5 spoiler.

[@davidhernandez3904]

what's the wheel and tire spec on the Zo6 !!! I'm in love.

[@blucas8963]

Thanks for the grounding diagram! I've got some electrical issues to sort out on my '02 Zo6. Checking the ground will be a good starting point.

[@milehighmisfits]

No problem! i'm glad i could help! I hope you get those electrical issues sorted out!

[@troy8940]

Can you tell us the wheel size on the Z06 , backspacing 20xwhat cars look 👍 great

[@milehighmisfits]

The fronts are 19x8.5 et35 and the rears are 19x9.5 et38. However, Matt is selling them because they've caused some problems with the car. They're too small and if you run too skinny of a rear tire the traction control system bugs out a bit. It breaks traction way too much during pulls.

[@martinblanco7899]

I have a 1998 c5 auto since I live in the city I enjoy driving it around, not much into going fast anymore. I noticed you have a 240sx , I also have a 1997 kouki with a sr20det 🙌

[@milehighmisfits]

Oh heck yeah! That's awesome, mine is just a KA-T, but i bet that SR20 is a ripper!

[@chrispery9002]

Got an 03 Z last year with 241 miles.

[@KeyGuy88]

how's bout the EBCM re-solder?, I'll take the white, cam, springs, tune, bushings, coil overs and have $ left over

[@FootageFactory]

C6 Z07. I’d love to put that gen/trim to the track!!

[@Stryker2000]

does the base have the valve spring issue like the Z06? I can't find a straight answer in my forums.

[@milehighmisfits]

From what I understand it seems like the valve spring failures are only common in the 2002-2003 LS6 engines. I don’t believe the base Vette has the same issues

[@Stryker2000]

@@milehighmisfits that's the conclusion I've pieced together too. Thank you! Awesome content as a fellow C5 owner.

[@milehighmisfits]

@@Stryker2000 thank you very much! I’m glad you enjoyed the content 🤘 we appreciate the support!

[@exoticspeedefy7916]

I get a slight ticking sound on idle, not sure what it is, sounds as if its an injector or something. I own the base C5 its an auto. The shifter cable has a tendency to wear out on these, I had to replace mine

[@milehighmisfits]

Oh yeah the ticking sound is super common on these. I had no idea about the shifter cable though! Thanks for the information! 🤘

[@0Heeroyuy01]

i would also add that when looking for a C5 corvette regardless of base or Z06 you want to try and find a 2001 -2004 as anything from 97-00 some parts are no longer made not even in the after market scene. also when looking at the physical car before buying it remove the battery and look under it to see if anyone has had a battery to leak as some of the computer stuff is stupidly under the battery and the acid from the battery can damage those parts. this comment is made by someone who got there C5 in 2020 before covid and spend a year prior looking at all model corvettes from C3 to C7

[@milehighmisfits]

Those are good points as well! Thanks for the input!

[@formula112967]

Good point.....the best battery for these cars is a non-flooded battery like an AGM or gel marine type.

[@cincysfinestauto5059]

what size wheels you running and kind look good

[@cincysfinestauto5059]

what you running rim and tire size on the Zo6

[@donnieleeman8817]

Great informative video! What brand and size wheels are on tbe zo6?

[@luckyshark3178]

What’s bad about the 4l60 transmission. Is it really a big issue or is it just that it’s an auto

[@milehighmisfits]

The 4l60 is notorious for breaking after you begin adding power mods to your corvette, but it also has extremely long gears and from what I’ve heard the trans gets confused on what gear the car needs to be in often. You obviously have much less control over what gear you are in with an auto vs a manual as well. For a daily driver that won’t see many mods, it’s a good transmission. But if you are looking to get power, performance and track time out of your corvette then the t56 is the better option in my opinion.

[@luckyshark3178]

@@milehighmisfits ok cool thanks my car is mots likely going to be just a daily driver. I might put a little bit of power into it, but probably not much.

[@Ironworker12]

Good video guys! I have a 1999 FRC Hardtop. Black on Black.

[@milehighmisfits]

Thank you! We really appreciate the support! We love to hear from fellow C5 Corvette brethren. 😎

[@damonbernard2802]

What kinda wheels on the blk one?😊

[@milehighmisfits]

They’re Work VS XV wheels

[@damonbernard2802]

@milehighmisfits thanks I have a 12 camaro Ss, I need some wheels. I also wanna get a blk one like u

[@Andino.]

How much a Rocker Arms fix would cost?

[@milehighmisfits]

That really depends on the person or shop that is doing the work! A lot of people say that you can replace them with new OEM rocker arms and the problem is fixed, but others like to go with aftermarket rocker arms. All depending on your preference. The rocker arm sets can be anywhere from $200-$900+

[@Andino.]

​@milehighmisfits appreciate then, then add a few hundreds on top for labor but they don't look too bad to replace

[@bryang9601]

Helpful video and great cars!

[@milehighmisfits]

Thank you! I’m glad it helped!

[@darrenbuttery3527]

I hate the look of the FRC so the Z06 was never an option for me. My preference was for a C5 6 speed manual coupe. I think the fastback not only looks better but makes the car far more versatile for storage and transporting large items home from a store. That said, I ended up getting a C5 6 speed convertible. The deal was too good to pass up and it was triple black which looks amazing when it's clean and the top is down. Although I do hate the way it looks with the top up so I rarely drive it during cold or rainy weather.

[@milehighmisfits]

That's an interesting take on it! Most people prefer the FRC body style! For me i really like the targa top so that was the biggest reason i just wanted a base. It also helped that it was quite a bit cheaper than a Z06 lol

[@Shouldaboy]

Yeah dude the storage is no joke, I moved all my stuff for college in my c5 fastback 6spd

[@rocky0453]

Interestingly the issues of the ECBM problems weren't mentioned - unfixable in the 1997-2000 models

[@milehighmisfits]

Good point I totally forgot to add that one!

[@CaptEricS]

I'm an ASE CMAT and my 2001 w/ 65K has had headlight motor issues since I bought it 10 years ago. I tried new plastic and brass gears... not worth it and a waste of money. (The housing is glued together, UG) I found new L & R motors for about $80.00 on Ebay, FOR THE PAIR! 😉😁

[@iminyourcloset1038]

Paid 16 for my 6 speed 99 coupe. Was definitely an upgrade from my crossfire 84 auto, thing was a pos😂

[@Cowboy-13]

What wheels are on the black Vette??

[@milehighmisfits]

They’re Work VS XV wheels

[@That52TeleGuy]

A couple things to add is ABS going out and no apparent replacement for the 97-99 models. I also heard not repairable. Sounds like a salvage may be only option or bypass and no ABS. Unfortunate. Next is early acid battery leak issues causing damage below, need a gel battery. Want to inspect for damage before buying a one.

[@milehighmisfits]

These are great additions to the list thank you! It’s funny you mention the ABS issue because I actually just had the module go out on mine (1999). I was told there is a shop that is able to fix them! But I haven’t done it myself yet. I might ship it out to them this year and give it a shot!

[@That52TeleGuy]

@@milehighmisfits I found a nice low mile 1998 for sale locally, so I have been doing my research. Does need tire sensors repaired or replaced.

[@ironzurk313]

@@milehighmisfits Did you end up getting it repaired? If so could you let me know who repairs them.

[@milehighmisfits]

@@ironzurk313 I have not had mine repaired yet, it just hasn’t been in the budget. But the page on Facebook is absfixer.net. Allegedly they can fix it, but that’s just what I’ve heard through the grapevine. You can probably message them and ask through their Facebook page or their website

[@Viper3048]

Quick note: The Z06 doesn't have nicer seats than the sport seats in your base. The Z06 has a version of the base seats, which are lighter but not as high quality as the sport seats. Either should be replaced with good seats over time though. Something with proper bolsters.

[@milehighmisfits]

Thanks for the input on that! I definitely don’t know everything about these things yet! Lol

[@Sally10268]

Which one is best for me? Yes.

[@milehighmisfits]

@@Sally10268 you really can’t go wrong! 😁🤘

[@Lima_Delta_Romeo]

Doesn't make me want to buy one anymore. That car sounds like a big headache. Thanks for the video.

[@Lars4468]

you have forgett the big problem with the ebcm moduls

[@AFVeteran1]

I would go with the Z06. I have the 01 base auto, would rather have the 6 sp with better rear end gearing with the Z06.

[@jameswallis1155]

Rear end gearing is readily available....and not that expensive....I had a C-3 with 2:73 to 1 and I changed it to 3:90 to 1....and it became a "different" car.....What gearing do you have?....Jim

[@darrylsjodin7184]

My C5 is an 03 Z06. Ya, the base body is prettier, but I like the Z for its boy racer, bad ass look. The lower gearing, more power and stiffer suspension make it ferocious with hardly any throttle! All C5’s should be that way with the Z06 drive train and the choice of fixed roof or hatch. They are Corvettes after all.

[@caseymoore4759]

It’s all easily interchangeable parts, there’s no reason they shouldn’t have offered better packages for the base body. Not like 50hp and slightly stiffer suspension/chasis is a diff world away lol

[@formula112967]

I just threw a supercharger on my base 6 speed C5.....with 500 to the wheels, it now walks the Z's

[@darrylsjodin7184]

@@formula112967 Yes, no doubt!👍😀

[@formula112967]

@@darrylsjodin7184 I actually like the look of the ZO6 with the trunk....it kind of reminds me of the '85-93 Fox Mustang GT's with the hatch back versus the LX coupes with the trunks....I think the LX'S were better looking....I had a GT and an LX coupe with a trunk.

[@darrylsjodin7184]

@@formula112967 Yes, I agree, it looks faster and more hot rod-ish.

[@0Heeroyuy01]

my buddy got his z06 with 20K miles for 18K back in 2020 from a dealer and i got my base for 9K with 130K mines been a daily driver for 3 years his has been at the mechanics shop 90% of these past 3 years.

[@jameswallis1155]

That almost suggests that those 20k "miles" were put on "A quarter mile at a time"....just MYHO.....Jim....

[@nunyabeeswax3061]

nice cars! me n my girl have 95 c4s.mines convertible.hers a coupe.both have dogshit 4l60e! lol! i like the c5 because it seems a little more old man friendly! getting in and out of the c4 is alot harder.

[@MetaView7]

idk why, there are more well-kept c5 than any other vintage.

[@cjmcall6703]

Hum, you don't list pulling the error codes. That should always be the first thing you do.

[@milehighmisfits]

Yes definitely a good point I forgot to add to this video!

[@waynegood9233]

As a previous owner of a 2001 model the 1997-2000 have more problems

[@spikespiegel2246]

good luck prying a z06 out of the owner's hands they think they're worth more than an ls3 c6... ha

[@dwaynereynolds2628]

Base model

[@choward874]

Gm has never been able to build anything right. Even the next gen Z06 had a catastrophic valve issue if not addressed. Even now GM won't admit to their flaw.

[@MrBpritch100]

If your spending money on real mods....don't even waste your time or dollars on a z06. That's the stay stock old man mobile.

[@cjg6364]

When I'm in heavy stop and go traffic on a hot summer day, I just put the top down and think to myself, "glad I don't have that dogsh^t notchy 6 speed to contend with..." My 4L60e does just fine.

[@formula112967]

Why an auto?.....are you missing an arm or leg?

[@Atlas.X9X]

Overall good video, plenty of good info presented well. Stop using the boomer term. You're not doing comedy sketches. Be respectful of anyone who owns these cars or is watching this to purchase a C5.

[@martinweigel4468]

Ok Boomer… calm down and take your blood pressure meds.

[@jameswallis1155]

@@martinweigel4468.... O.K. "Millennial Marty".....Now kiss your lovely wife for me....again.... and don't forget to take your Viagra....Needle Dick....

[@ricklipford8762]

Great video l have a 02 C5 Corvette love it😊