My Total C5 Investment

[@JohnMachado24]

I've had my 02 Z06 since October 18' I have to say I've done projects on the car in the garage, with my laptop open playing your videos step by step, the aftermarket headlight video especially!! Although it was still challenging to install them, I would have been completely lost without it and never bought them due to fear of labor costs to install, or would have wound up paying like $500 for the install, thanks and keep it up!

[@mycorvettelife]

Glad I could help!

[@JohnMachado24]

@@mycorvettelife Interested to see you install the blip throttle thingy...never got into heel toe shifting, don't understand the point, but will be cool to see how the device works once you post the video.

[@Darkside_C7]

That opening sound clip! Your car sounds awesome man.

[@johnquiles2953]

What year is the car

[@chazstankovic880]

lol faster than a stock zo6 hahaha c5 and c6 dont make me laff......... u put one intake and cams right?? ls6 comes stocked beefed up thru and thru.. dont boast what u dont know... its a different story if people cant drive.. but ur moddss dont touch either zo6 lmaooo

[@terrellgrisom596]

That opening pull sounds SIKK!!!!! Good stuff Man!

[@jeffb243]

Money well spent Chris! I’ve seen the car when you first got it, and you’ve really worked your ass off to get that C5 where it is today!!! You’ve been an inspiration to me, and some of the things you’ve done to your car. You’ve really helped me out as far as me working on mine, with your videos. Thanks man, keep up the great work!!!

[@thevettboy]

I'm one of the guys you influenced to buy another Corvette. My wife and I had two other Corvettes, an 02 and a 94 which was transformed into a track/autox car. After we retired (and yes, I fall into that 65+ category ), track days were really not possible due to the cost and maintenance on the 94. As for the 02, with 5 grand kids and my wife hauling around some of her senior friends, that car became impractical, so we sold it and bought a Buick Lacrosse (What?) After a number of years being Corvetteless, we got the bug to buy another one. About that time I was watching what you were doing to your C5. I then became even more interested in getting back in the Corvette Culture. We found 02 Corvette Z06 to buy and we have had a lot fun every since. Chris, you have done an incredible job on your Corvette and I look forward to all your videos. Keep them coming. Thanks

[@lionelruningen6087]

You're right... That steering wheel cover is sick!! Love your channel.

[@user-cl6dz7tw4o]

Your calculations are correct. I bought a 1978 Trans Am for $12,500 and invested almost the same amount of money in 4 years to bring it to its correct level. I had the engine rebuilt by a local racing company, new wheels, tires, custom exhaust, new carb, and other various little things. Total expense: $23K

[@215Cormega]

Love the Vette C5’s are classics Bro

[@rodneycorbin130]

Yes sir your videos was the reason I purchased my c5 and the inspiration to build a vett the way I want it thanks if you want to see my progress I'll send pics

[@gregswartz1900]

Great video I did however pickup a 2001 z06 clean title good running car w 119k miles for 10k... I still agree w you however you got a great deal getting a base model and doing it the way you want it!

[@thomaswilson8634]

That just made my heart feel so good hearing you gas on it. Totally awesome

[@xXcashXx3]

I keep going back and forth on getting a mustang gt or a c5 / c6 corvette. Now with your build price im starting to lean back to the corvette

[@mycorvettelife]

Don’t go to the dark side!

[@Mat_Laz]

I have a 05 mustang roush with 43,000 miles with twin turbos and have built this car for less than $20,000 and still have room for my my wife and 2 kids(ages 3 and 6). Dyno tuned at 787hp.

[@kennethbowling7350]

Chris, thanks again for the #'s of your build. I have a 2013 C6 with 36K miles and have spent lots of money on perfecting it with additional horse power to boot. Have not added it up on cost; however, I have all the receipts! Don't care what, LOVE to crank it up and drive it like a Corvette. Kenny.

[@achesley43]

Very good on your cost! 3 yrs with my 03 Coupe Auto and my total costs of buying price, registration, insurance , maintenance , painting , parts and labor = $20, 803. 52 totally stock not counting gasoline.

[@azeemali7102]

Good to know the maitenance cost appreciate this video...

[@mulletsquirrel]

Makes me a bit sad I purchased my Z06 in 2021 as prices have skyrocketed lately. Even so, I think I still got a smoking deal for the performance and enjoyment I get out of the car. Thanks for sharing!

[@ttravreefsaquatics8354]

Great video Chris, my friend just purchased a c5 from a private owner for $8k, 50th anniversary 100k miles in great condition, he is happy😎👍🏾🔥💯

[@mycorvettelife]

That’s a great buy!

[@musicpractice1599]

You mention "wheels" under the front bumper holding up well. Can you explain what/where/how? It sounds like possibly something to help with scraping the bottom in low areas? That sounds really helpful, where to buy?

[@mycorvettelife]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnrEhpuvp7dqkNE

[@daren9721]

Thanks man. Your very informative. I live in Ontario canada watch all your vids. I got a 2002 z06 stock with a intake and catback.

[@MrRichardgower]

I totally agree with you over buying a base model over a Z06. That's what I did ,and the money I saved I used for mods and made it faster! Most of the Z06s I looked at were either low mileage garage queens they wanted a fortune for or salvage titled toilets that were beat to hell, so I went the same way you did and never looked back...thanks Chris

[@KhmerM6C8]

Good job man and continue your success. Really happy for you.

[@speedfiend925]

You made a good choice in the coupe over the hardtop Z06. While I LOVED the extra power of the Z06 not to mention the lighter weight and not having to worry about leaky targa top, the hatchback is WAY more practical as a daily. The hardtop makes going places like the Supermarket a chore because of the odd hole in the trunk of the Z06. I am currently shopping for another car and if I get another Corvette it will be a coupe and definately a manual.

[@danforsythe5869]

At that price it must have been a P.O.S. when you bought it! I will say you are mechanically inclined and have a proper setup to do your repairs. That saves you a lot of cost. Plus your parts are less money. Up here in Canada I could double the repair costs. All in all you are fortunate to be able to have the car you have for the cost you have spent. I do hope you like the car and it brings you great enjoyment because you are over invested. Although I am not one to talk....I am into a 1988 C4 for about $30k CDN and it is pretty much still stock.

[@backyardboosters9128]

Not bad at all overall. Cars are a hobby not an investment to make money (other than the very few cars that fit that bill) we do this to enjoy the car, make it perform better, look better, and drive the way we want. If it’s a car I truly love like my c6 I’m not concerned what it could sell for because the odds are I won’t sell it. I still have the mustang gt I supercharged over a decade ago in high school I love that car, it’s dated but held up very well. The c6 is the first car I ever owned that met every expectation I had for the car, and I’m sure many others feel the same. Corvettes are incredibly balanced cars, with very good reliability.

[@jesseramirez2049]

I bought a 2001 zo6 corvette with kooks headers, kooks comp no cat x pipe, billy boat exhaust for $12,000.00 in Nov 2018.

[@ricksgarage8069]

I have an '04 Z06 CE I bought a year ago with 25k miles- one owner and I paid $26k for. I love the car but I wish it had a targa. I have a video you might wish to view: C5 Harmonic Balancer Supplemental.

[@ajcates9136]

I paid 9500 for a 00 c5 with 75 k miles love the break down

[@paulbarber1077]

My 2002 (70k miles) cost all together about $27k. It still has some issues but, nothing major. Last year at a Corvette show I placed third in the C5 category. So, it's a nice looking car. But, my car is still stock. I would say you got a good deal.

[@colemcmeans7809]

love it man, wish I could see that sweet c5 in person.

[@ArcticVette]

I'll have to check out the targa top video. I also joined that club 😂 luckily it just scratched it and broke a peg, but I haven't been able to find a good deal on another.

[@leecovette6895]

Nice video I need to do one on mine most of all the build videos help out alot for us other guys

[@ericswild]

You only paid $7,750!! WOW!!! What a deal! Smart shopping! Love your show. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@nworbydnar]

And worth every dime. Aren’t they fun to drive!!!

[@bern1228]

Outstanding build. Labor of love. One thing i need to know though, is where did you get the targa top headliner and what's it's proper name for searching? I need to block the hot southern sun from baking my brain cap. Thanks.

[@RTMZ06]

www.rpidesigns.com/shop/item.aspx/c5-corvette-roof-liner-headliner-sunshade-blackout-panel/

[@mycorvettelife]

This 👆

[@bern1228]

@@mycorvettelife Got it! Appreciate it!

[@davidfox6324]

Great video! Smart decisions made along the way saved you big bucks and you have a great car. I went the other route- bought a low mileage bone stock C5Z and now I’m doing all of those mods. I’ll outspend you by $10k just to be “even”. Can you tell me about your floor lifts?

[@mycorvettelife]

QuickJacks

[@quickstick7ify]

Chris I like to ask a question about the window modular I put a new one in and it only received about three months the mold it got red hot and I'm wondering if something else has to be changed it's my driver side if you could help me out with this I would appreciate it thank you Chris this is BOBBY from Pennsylvania Quick stick 7

[@mycorvettelife]

I don’t have experience with this issue yet. Check Corvette Forum.

[@Ozhtube]

What is your opinion on LS3 engine as a replacement for the 2004 Corvette? I'm looking to buy one but the owner replaced the engine LS1 with LS3 and the car is automatic. Will you be able to feel the acceleration more then the LS1or are they about the same? Will it still be fast since it's automatic?

[@mycorvettelife]

LS3 is a good engine came from the factory with 430hp and 425 torque at the crank. A lot more than the LS1.

[@ba2724]

Great vid, brother. I really enjoyed seeing this part of your C5 time. I could see doing something very similar, for both the C5 and C4. What great and good looking cars to clean up and improve. You've done an amazing job, and again, I really hope your next project is a C4.

[@tedramirez6304]

You said it was $100 for the Targa Top and Halo wrap in black? Where at? I live in AZ as well. I'm in S. PHX, I bet you're in Ahwatukee?? I used to live at Chandler & 24TH back in the day

[@mycorvettelife]

Bourbon St Wraps. And that was just the halo. I have a clear top. I’m in Gilbert.

[@genej50]

i paid 23 for car plus tax and license in '15. 2004 24 hrs at lemans convert... you did a lot pretty cheap. good video.

[@myleaninggarage]

Pretty good. I cant find a C5 Z06 under 15k and the ones im seeing are not anywhere near as good as your base model. Looks great.

[@vtwinpower1903]

I found a good deal 4 yrs ago bought a yellow 2001 zo6 procharged n meth infected ,4 corner coil overs. Dyno 806hp on pump gas 840hp on fuel run 10.01 140 mph,. CAR WAS MINT n she only had 24.000 kms . All work was done to car with 11.000km n she still a garage queen ,comes out about 3 times a mnth

[@Adnan-ph1et]

always interesting Thank you Chris

[@ccorvette-ou3xf]

The ac is rebuilt but you might need more juice for it to make the air cold an crisp

[@mycorvettelife]

It’s an electrical issue. It blows ice cold when it works.

[@gregswartz1900]

Now that the c5 is this far along you should start a c3 project!!!

[@mycorvettelife]

It’s just money!

[@bobmrkus3185]

Nice, but you forgot the ralley sport stripes that you designed! Now I know what to do to my 2000 C 5 roadster.

[@mycorvettelife]

Those were free to me.

[@dalescaglliotti2141]

Great content and you have a very nice ride. What rear gears are you running? 273 or 342

[@jcsmith725]

Where did you source the C6 Z06 calipers and rotors from? Thanks! Enjoy the content. Got my C5Z06 3 weeks ago.

[@jcsmith725]

NVM.. Found your video with the links here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnmXXqqLZ7qEgbM

[@rfine86]

Love your channel!! Just picked up my first Corvette and it's a C5. How many miles are on yours? You said it had high miles but that thing is almost perfect!

[@mycorvettelife]

120k and runs better than ever.

[@rfine86]

@@mycorvettelife man that's awesome!! Beautiful ride and love your videos! I'm starting at the beginning and going through your whole journey haha

[@CarsSimplified]

That's a lot of money! At least it's fun!

[@mycorvettelife]

For a hobby car, that’s really cheap.

[@victorjohnson9672]

Great Video Thanks 😊

[@a68rebel]

Haha Chris "investment" is probably not the right word for a used GM vehicle. But your car ROCKS Bro!

[@Ozhtube]

What was mileage when you first got? How how many owners did it had? What you've done to the car look sick man! I love it! where did you get the wheels from how did u get them those size? Custom made? How much did they cost with the tire for 4?

[@mycorvettelife]

Had about 112k when I got it. I’ve put about 5k a year on it. Wheels are Forgestar. Sizes listed in the video description. Cost about $1700. Keep in mind I have 2” wider read quarter panels and C6Z brakes so the wheel offsets are very different than stock.

[@Ozhtube]

@@mycorvettelife I got you, I'm looking to buy C5 and your car is really an inspiration, I checked out those wheels online they are pricey but worth it. Let's say by getting the rear wide fender, same your brakes and the same wheel size, well that be for a good fit as yours? And if I don't replace the brakes will that make a difference?

[@mycorvettelife]

If you don’t do the brakes you can get a wheel offset that fits a little better. My tires poke about 1/4” because the offset has to clear the big brake calipers.

[@Ozhtube]

@@mycorvettelife Okay thank you! I've been watching all of your videos. If you do any fluid changes to the car such as transmission fluid, differential fluid, steering fluid in the future post it please. I love how you explain things and show the steps very informative compared to most other KZbin videos

[@herbmowery6320]

Good job 👍🏻👋🏻

[@SimplyJustRandomness]

Picked up my dream car about a month ago. 01 C5 56k miles, showroom condition with a ceramic 1 year coat for 14,999. Couple hundred higher than KBB listed, but I paid cause of the quality. Everyonr said I coulda of got a c6 for a cpuple thousand more...why? With what I paid for this I can supercharge the C5 and its bye bye stock C6 and C7. Blowers and bolt ons put these cars around 500whp all day. It all comes down to cost efficiency to me. I love the C6...but the higher price and gains didnt justify vs the C5 and what I can do with the money left over to make it faster. Just my view. I deep down wanted the C6 LS3...but you arent getting one of those often for 14999....and if so has 100k miles...which I didnt want. Im not that guy that buys some high mileage car...just to be able to say hey I have one lol. I plan to keep this car for as long as I can...so I wanted something with lower miles.

[@airsoftkid01]

I just ordered up some cc carbon zr fenders for my z. How are you liking your 19x12s with that offset? Would you have gone with a different offset? Or tire size?

[@mycorvettelife]

Depends on if you keep the stock brakes or not.

[@airsoftkid01]

My Corvette Life how far would you say yours stick out past the fender? I have seen a few of your posts on the forum. I’m thinking 19x12 with 35mm would be close To flush.

[@airsoftkid01]

My Corvette Life I have been researching like crazy. I need to order a pair. I have talked to a vendor and according to them only your offset will work with the super deep concave and clear stock brakes. Any higher you will have to run a spacer. Is that the same conclusion you came to? Do they stick out pretty far? 1/2”? Any clearance issues the rims or tires? I saw on the forum people are having to trim a 1”-1 1/2” off the fender lips so they don’t touch the tires. Any help is appreciated! Thanks

[@mycorvettelife]

@@airsoftkid01 They poke about 1/4". As long as you don't slam the car so low that the tire hits, you wont need to trim the fender. I'm lowered all the way on stock bolts and don't hit the fender. The front you can do a smaller offset that me if you stay with stock brakes. I got bigger to clear C6 Z06 brakes.

[@williamwarren104]

Damn 7 grand I wish I can find one at that price I’m still looking now. Nice content tho man

[@ztwntyn8]

Great effin video! This is such great insight for me... and others l'm sure. You see, l have been toying of the notion of getting a C5 Z for a while now but l see that unless someone wants to stay stock and have an actual Z06 (not me l would cam/heads no matter Z or not) it would be much more cost effective to get the base and then cam/heads, supporting mods, exhaust (another thing that would kill me is to take off the titanium stock exhaust) cold air intake, clutch, arp bolts down bottom etc. oh, wheels too. l really really dig the motorweek l think it is with John Lingenfelter's tt C5 corvette kit. lt can go high 10s on like 6lbs l think. lt would be so cool to have 600-650hp with small turbos that hit early and don't have to rev to 7500 to make power. l like idle to 6k but l admit 6500 is better and loose just a little bottom. What time does your corvette run in the quarter mile? lf you don't know, do you have any races to compare your car to other likely newer cars? Great job, lata

[@leogarcia7111]

Great content!

[@deanmaggiolino518]

What do you use for a serpentine belt. I’m going to try the continental gator belt next as mine has been chirping with the dayco belt

[@mycorvettelife]

Gator

[@deanmaggiolino518]

Is the gator belt tighter or looser then other belts? What causes the chirping sound?

[@tomychicagohobby81]

Can you tell me which c7 side skirts works for c5. And front lip

[@mycorvettelife]

C7carbon.com

[@andrewstout777]

Man $7,750 I feel like you stole that car despite the condition it was in, I paid $18,500 for my base model 04 but its a really clean low mile car.

[@SimplyJustRandomness]

I hear ya. Picked my 01 up with 56k miles for 14,999. Was a couple hundred above marlet value kbb...but showroom condition.

[@HarryTwatter]

for real, paid 11k for my 97 with 100k miles

[@Theclassiccarnut]

Wow, you did a lot. You prob should factor in your time. You have to do what's right for you. I would prob buy a mint z06 low miles, which would be good for resale.

[@mycorvettelife]

Resale..... 🙄

[@Theclassiccarnut]

@@mycorvettelife Yes, when you purchase a C8;)

[@mycorvettelife]

If I get C8 I’m still keeping the C5. 🤣

[@davidray4128]

Z06 cars go for way more in 2022. Ask me how I know....

[@maxx236]

If I were to add all of mine up over the years I'd probably upset myself lol.

[@mycorvettelife]

😬 worth it though. Your car is aspirational.

[@Rodzilla7770]

You are the MAN Chris 👍👍👍

[@peterk9818]

Hello Chris. Great video! I’m curious as to how much you estimate your labor costs to be?

[@mycorvettelife]

Well over $10,000 I’m sure.

[@link9alink9a71]

If you sale this car Chris in the future just makes sure to say to the new owner this car C6 not C5 anymore so he don't get confuse when he order the parts ,🏁😃

[@seanhayes1965]

You do a catch can, If I recall...

[@mycorvettelife]

Yep I mentioned that.

[@jackthompson6192]

It's still a bace model C 5 plus all of the extra weight you added.. That is the trick the factory did for the C 5 Z06 , was to make it as light as possible right down to the hollow roller lifter camshaft. The Z06 has the hard top to help make it stiffer to handle the tork twisting load from the crazy awesome LS6 factory engine,,, but never the less you still have made an awesome Corvette..

[@mycorvettelife]

A base model that’s faster than a Z06. The LS6 is nothing special over LS1. Different heads and cam. If I did the same mods to a Z I would ha e the same result.

[@corvettemexico3575]

Jack is right, the Z06 will be faster with the same mods, even if both have the same gear ratio. Love your Chanel by the way

[@mlong0005]

Where can I find a steering wheel cover just like this?

[@mycorvettelife]

www.etsy.com/shop/RaceGripCo

[@13megagreek]

How about the fact that the base model is cheaper, yet much better looking. That beautiful raked back window reminiscent of the C2 Stingrays. How about the fact that they are targas. You can always make a car to faster. No brainer as far as I'm concerned.

[@1wtrahan]

Wow can you say deal !!!! most was free well Thanks to great vids well worth the effort for all , uh gotta change fuel filter today Thanks for putting me to work Chris 😏

[@YoshiV819]

Love the C5 value. Do you know if your harmonic balancer is original?

[@mycorvettelife]

No idea but I doubt it. It is an OEM one though.

[@YoshiV819]

@@mycorvettelife Next on my list. I'm the 3rd owner of an about to turn 30K MY2K 6M former garage queen. My plan is to drive the heck out of it and want to do some longer trips so the balancer will be a piece of mind thing. Been focused on maintenance since the car sat for almost 10 years before I got it. Fluids and sway bar end links last year. Did brakes this year, splurged on a set of AMT 2 piece rotors for the front and matching 1 piece DBA's in the rear...with stock ceramic pads so the dust is low. Only mod I have on my mind is seats, for a grand it's a no brainer.

[@johnphillips172]

Did you install the new clutch yourself or have it installed ?

[@mycorvettelife]

I had it done.

[@keithp115]

Well done Chris! Your ride has really transformed into an awesome beast. Been here since day one with your journey!

[@davidrogers8300]

Where did you get a targa top for $400?

[@mycorvettelife]

Local guy was selling it.

[@garrettchapman8170]

How many miles this girl have?

[@scottwelsh5157]

What forgestar wheels are these? F14s?

[@scottwelsh5157]

And do you have the offsets by chance?

[@mycorvettelife]

Yes, specs are in the video description.

[@dannysampson3687]

Nice video !!! What were your dyno numbers ?

[@mycorvettelife]

All info is in the description below the video.

[@specagent6918]

I hope I win that foam canon😭

[@poconoadvanceddetailandcar5217]

The quickjack?

[@mycorvettelife]

Not an expense for the car particularly.

[@rccars1236]

24000 is the price for a basemodel here in Austria...

[@kellygrannis8024]

I didn't see your fuel filter that you just did

[@mrkstymest]

Good video you just left out resale values

[@mycorvettelife]

Doesn’t matter. I’m not selling it.

[@babiyvictor]

Heard these are rare and hard to find: 2004 z06 Commemorative addition, here's one for sale chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/d/hoffman-estates-2004-corvette-zo6/7119213610.html

[@YellowJacketGarage]

25 grand is dirt cheap for what you've accomplished.

[@mycorvettelife]

Yep.

[@markizgonzales4677]

I talk about Chris to my wife and she is like who?

[@mycorvettelife]

🤣

[@405hp]

If you want to mod your car, go with the standard C5 coup, but if you want to make ur money back plus some, buy a low mileage Zo6. Guaranteed win!

[@mycorvettelife]

You will pay out the ass for a low mileage Z06 and never recover your investment.

[@chazstankovic880]

must be that query steering wheel cover giving u 200+ horse power

[@mycorvettelife]

Thanks for stopping by.

[@johnshaftc7corvettethecorvette]

Love your content about your C5, I am the proud owner of a C 7, I wished I had found your video I would had done the same thing you did and saved a lot of money just completed year one of owner my car put the payments are high. You can check out my page John Shaft corvette, KZbin johnshaft C 7, corvette love your car wow