5 Things we like least on C5 & C6 Corvettes

Lyle goes over his 5 things he likes least on C5 & C6 Corvettes. Watch til the end to get 2 bonus things.
www.CorvettePartsCenter.com

[@justbop5518]

Thank you for your “least liked” series on C4, C5, & C6. Your observations about my C4 were spot on. After realizing that every generation has some problems, I’m happy with my C4, and will continue to enjoy it, without feeling the need to shop for something “better. “

[@Thiccy_]

The c4 is a just fine car. I got two of them, one project one daily. c4 is great in my opinion.

[@kirkcunningham6146]

I love my 96. I got into tuning the OBD2 with JETS DST Tuner. Completely different car now. Hauls a$$ compared to stock!

[@GFTP100]

@@kirkcunningham6146 Ditto ;) And mine has 'stuff' done to it...

[@tonyanthony5105]

@@GFTP100 you ever see that show on MTV called My Strange Addiction? I hope you’re not talking about something like that, though it would be more understandable than that episode…

[@steveo3947]

I'd love to put a c6 zr1 power plant in my c4 one day!

[@waltermiller249]

If you have a Corvette and your not subscribed what are you doing

[@tonyanthony5105]

If you are subscribed and don’t have a Corvette then also what are you doing?

[@waltermiller249]

@@tonyanthony5105 hopefully getting ready to buy one

[@Samuelfish2k]

@@tonyanthony5105 I don’t have a Corvette, I just happen to like the way this guy talks about cars.

[@tonyanthony5105]

@@Samuelfish2k lol no worries I was just making a goofy comment. Just got my first Vette a few months back lol

[@jessies1509]

You just made me realize I haven’t been subscribed this whole time and have watched almost every video on this channel. Thank you

[@JR-ht2vy]

This by far the best Vette resource on the planet, thanks Lyle!👍

[@MattWallace-vl4nw]

Amen

[@gjsprophet5422]

Lyle, great presentation; very useful information.

[@stephenaddair]

Ill be 53 this summer and I have had 7 mustangs 2 trans am and 2 z28 iroc but i just bought my first corvette and its a 2005 c6 and im in love so far

[@CourtneyDocken]

Just upgraded my 91’ C4 to a 2013 C6 Grand Sport because of your knowledge, guidance, expertise and advice. Was able to make the right choice for me with confidence!

[@csvette]

Excellent!! Enjoy that lovely new ride! Lyle :)

[@angelo_giachetti]

Thats a good upgrade. Wide bodies have it all.

[@paulhudson8321]

Always wanted a corvette considered a C5 or C6 but C7 was my favourite looking. For a bit more money I could get the one I really wanted. Bought a 2014 C7. Love driving this car plenty of power great handling. Absolutely beautiful looking. Get so many compliments on it. Blade metallic silver red interior.

[@daxhiestand3827]

Having a tough time focusing as that sweet red vette in the background is MAGNETIC! Keep it up you guys are top notch.

[@christianleroy-hernandez2437]

Great one today! ‘Cardboard’ Love it!

[@misterjones6599]

I suggest replacing the lead filled battery with an AGM for C5s. Better batteries, and the peace of mind makes it worth the cost. The number one things I like least or that I dread is the column lock issue for the C5 and the "no fob detected" nightmare for the C6. Not being confident the cars are going to be drivable every time I want to start and drive them doesn't exactly inspire confidence. I like long road trips, but part of that plan is the cars starting every time.

[@csvette]

Thank you for your insights! I would disagree with your opinion on AGM's--at least here in FL. We have FAR better long-term success with Interstate Batteries than we ever have with Optima or AGM units. At least, that is our experience. Thankfully, the Column Lock issue is easily and reliably resolved with the LMC5 module. I wish there was a catch-all solution for the C6 fob issue, but I have yet to find one. Lyle :)

[@413TomaccoRoad]

I worked at a Chevy dealer from '78-'82. I heard the Sales Manager once say...once they're out the door, F*** 'em.

[@CarguyEd5150]

I just got my first Corvette a month ago and have been watching this channel almost everyday. I think he offers a lot of good advice and information. I hope to buy a C-5 or C6 in the near future.

[@VIPBeasty]

I have a 2008 C6 Automatic Supercharge. I love it. I kept running into "hight coolant temp" until i upgraded my radiator and she has been running good. That was my only problem. Ive had it for about 2 yrs now. ❤

[@chuckm482]

Excellent video! At least with CAGS, they got away from ANY fuel surcharge (along with greasing a few palms) and provided an easy out for us. Not only were the 05 C6 standards discharging if not parked in reverse, the 05's also has a tendency to have faulty .05 volt (gray ground wire) faults which in some cases caused a computer/body control module malfunctions.

[@Carl-un1rr]

Another great video. My first C5 and have learned so much from you Lyle. Thank you!

[@Mazak23]

A friend of mine had an ‘01 Z06 and was demonstrating it one evening for me while I was riding shotgun doing some hard pulls and all. On one pull, he shifted hard and when he let out the clutch, it snapped hard enough to collapse his seat back. Luckily, he still had control but you’re right about how cheap the seats are constructed. Also, the CAGS can be turned off during a dyno tune which is really helpful.

[@highlanderc]

ill maitained... Things wear out with use and those tracks were quiet. Seats don't look like much but if you up keep them they are nice seating seats. I have a set of C5 seats as computer chairs.

[@GregSaylor-ws2wx]

You do a fantastic job on your videos. Never information you don’t need and all the info you do. Just bought my first Corvette, ‘95’, no major issues yet but several little ones. Like blowing a rear tire then finding out I have no Jack, I big shout out to the NSP who stopped and loaned me his low profile floor jack. Thanks again for all your knowledge.

[@GregSr]

My 2003 C5 is in the shop right now. It's a stock automatic with about 150K miles. The harmonic balancer and the rear main oil seal are getting replaced. They called me today to let me know it is ready to be picked up. It's going to cost me about $3,000 for these two repairs. I haven't had car payments for almost two decades, so I can rationalize that three grand still beats car payments.

[@shawnwuan]

Man I love this channel

[@TheOldPCTech]

Once again, you hit on an issue I experienced immediately after buying my 02 C5... A non working HUD... Or rather, a working, but broken HUD. You could see the faint blue glow on the windshield at night, but because of a cheap piece of plastic, it was out of alignment, and was useless. The only saving grace for me, is that I bought a new head unit to replace the factory AM/FM CD player, with a touchscreen GPS unit, and I was adding both a back-up and front, curb view cameras, so I had the dash halfway apart to begin with, so it wasn't too much more effort to remove the rest of it to access the HUD. An hour on my workbench, and it was ready to go back in. I absolutely love it, but that was a lot of effort over a 1/16" diameter plastic pin... For the record, GM should install curb view cameras on the Corvette and Camaro from the factory standard. A $75 investment, and buying a head unit with multiple RCA /camera inputs, has saved the front end of my C5 several times over. Great content Lyle ! Keep them coming 😉

[@famasmaster2000]

Thanks for all the info, great video Lyle packed with lots of tips and tricks. Well done, thanks 😊

[@MS-mr4zm]

I replaced my C5Z brakes W/ DBA brakes & stainless lines. & they were fine on track day

[@davidjackson5732]

Your guides to C3,C$ and C5 have been fantastic for me. I'm an older newbie to Corvettes, who lived in the UK until 2009, but soon got to love the look of these cars. When I get one, it will be one of your sweet spot suggestions. Thanks again and keep making the videos!

[@gforcecache]

Great video Lyle. Yes the seats may be low end, but, and my wife and other C5 owners will tell you, man the are comfortable for long drives. I have done long road trips where I put in eight hours per day behind the wheel with no problem.

[@melissadunagan6596]

The electronic door opener.

[@michaeldecker2725]

Just found your channel. I may have a reason in the future to visit more often.😊

[@gregkistner1955]

Thanks Lyle you definitely know your Corvettes I've seen some in our shop and they for sure had some bone head designs and some ideas

[@odishoyounan]

I always figured guys overstated how bad the skip-shift feature was until I got my C5. The problem I really have with it is that it really only comes on between 1,500-1,800 RPM, so I can sometimes shift to second while puttering around before I reach that point but every so often it catches me off guard and I'll just have passed 1,500 RPM and suddenly realize, mid-shift, that I have to go into 4th and it feels like I just broke the car. It's definitely something I'll be getting turned off next Spring.

[@meznok3745]

always good stuff

[@stanleyromero4226]

Extremely important and great information. Thanks 😊

[@mikecowing9381]

By the way, I love all you videos you’re actually a good person. I can tell you’re actually care about your product.

[@alexanderg9770]

Great Video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!! 👍🏻

[@robertdavis5714]

Good Stuff Lyle. Yes, I remember my horrible C5 Brakes, upgraded to Z06 which helped but was still not Great. Seats need stiffer foam rubber, to much like a Cadillac.

[@yesh3279]

Don’t get me wrong, I love my C6 Convertible ( having owned a C3 454 when I was young in the early’70s) but i can’t muster much respect for the Engineers responsible for the details, such as described by you ,Lyle. For a supposedly “Halo Car” a lot of things are executed rather thoughtlessly.. One example are the absolute dismal if not outright crappy seats. All they had to do is source them from Recaro, the best seats I had in several of my cars. I understand the Bean counters are at work everywhere, but, come on, we’re not talking about a Cobalt (hint) here! Great Video, Lyle.

[@alburton9576]

With the age these cars are reaching, I'm sure they have been through one or two replacement batteries. when I had to replace the battery on my 2010 convertible this summer I installed an Optima AGM battery to eliminate that possibly. by the way my last two BMW's did not have a dipstick on the transmission. The trans fluid check is done just like the C6. thanks for your videos, very informative.

[@danlaur7973]

Nice job Lyle, CAGS has to my biggest pet peeve....who is trying to save a few drops of fuel when driving a Corvette? lol

[@wydopnthrtl]

CAGS was a countermeasure against government regulation. Not a oppression for C5 owners. By-pass it and move on with life

[@markmath2883]

I bought a C5 2000 in 2015. Learned a few things-thanks. Course, now I will start worrying about my battery-sometimes ignorance is bliss. 🙄. My first ‘glitch’ was the steering lock warning. Had it fixed by Chevy dealer; went out again a few months later, then a third time. Had it replaced with a bypass. Wish I had known about the clutch fluid issue when I had clutch replaced. I have a manual transmission- usually leave it in neutral in the garage. No battery drain issue, though I periodically put a charger on it. I replaced visors with your visors-very nice. My brakes were upgraded by previous owner.

[@casmithc2]

A good absorbent battery mat is cheap insurance on these cars.

[@LoneWolfSnowplowing]

Even better is an absorbed glass mat battery.

[@bigghouse101]

Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@rapid13]

There are a few things I would like to be better on my C6 (gawd I love saying "my" Corvette lol!) but overall very satisfied. 6MT, Z51, 3LT, memory package, NPP, long tubes and cat-delete mids. Higher mileage but that's the price you pay for the lower purchase price.

[@modquad18]

Good stuff! I guess it’s a good thing I’m tall and run my C6 seat all the way rearward so the seat back is supported by the bulkhead. One thing that I think should be on the C6 r/u list is the outer door window seal shrinkage. Mine is always garaged and I’m on the 5th set of seals in 18 years. Within 12 mos those things will shrink enough to open up a big water channel directly into the inner door cavity 😫

[@richardoconnor1712]

After owning a c6, I can say they are so much better than the three C7s I’ve owned, even with all their problems!

[@teddydavid2816]

Why what's better about the 6ers?

[@richardoconnor1712]

@@teddydavid2816 Simplicity and reliability. The C7 has so many issues, I believe are caused by DOD

[@OlyMarin]

Great information to know. Thank you

[@jimcogil608]

Another great video, thanks! I would like to see a similar set of good/bad videos specifically on the C6 ZR1.

[@mikecowing9381]

Young people today I don’t care about shit but you do that’s pretty impressive but you’re my age. I’ve been doing my job for 37 years it’s not culverts it’s refrigeration and air-conditioning. I haven’t done it for a while too. It’s a lot of things that some things pop up and they don’t realize well that’s happening right now. This guy didn’t know that but it’s true. I can tell. Keep up the good work.

[@dannpd1955]

Man, I thought I wanted a C5, but after watching this video I really don’t think I do. I going to rethink my plans. A 1982 or older is looking better and better.

[@Sprocketboy1956]

Another excellent video and as someone with limited mechanical ability it is good to hear about potential issues from someone who knows his stuff. I have owned a 2008 C6 (3LT, Z51, 6MT) for the last seven years and amazed at its continuing reliability since it is no garage queen. We have used it for long trips and I have been in the seat for 10 hours or so at a stretch but, yes, they could have been better. What I dislike is where GM cheaped out--the miserable sun visors are a good example. One day I opened the glove box and the latch just snapped in half in my fingers, apparently a problem with ones that are not black plastic but are grey or tan. I have also changed the interior lights, taillights, backups, side markers and fog lights to LEDs, most of which cost very little. But compared to cars that offer similar performance this isn't much of a list!

[@victorycrosby4896]

Great jams !

[@bobadams3661]

Also on c6 why not have a removable panel above fuel pump area to be able to change fuel pump easily. And also make a harmonic damper that lasts!

[@tdhyig5045]

Thank you for great info. On these years. Class .

[@The_007]

Love the new intro!

[@henrymontenegro1159]

Thank you.

[@shaunwalsh85]

I’ve used my c5 for pizza delivery before (you’ll get extra tips for having a cool car, believe it or not!) and having put in 10hrs in c5 seats, it’s not bad.

[@ImportDomestic2006]

I completely agree with everything you’re saying we currently have a 2014 Corvette stingray and the improvements are massive compared to a C5 & C6. The brakes are so underwhelming. The HUD could have been engineered in a way that it could come out to be repaired without removing the entire dash. I am very mechanically inclined but that is one repaired I’m not willing to take on.

[@kenwilson6850]

Thanks bro, I'm no longer in the market for a '97 or newer C5. What crap buckets they are, saved me the troubles, thx!

[@waterzap99]

They aren't bad. Just that the c6 is basically a c5.5 where they fixed most of the issues.

[@victorycrosby4896]

I feel like an orphan with my 76 yellow stingray with all go fas and no frills electronics and such.i like mechanical manual and keeping it real.

[@tomfaltash9634]

Hey Kyle. As always love your vlogs. Just wanted to add to your vlog and say that the c7 also has that low rev going from first to second gear will take you right to fourth gear. GM calls it a skip shift. As long as you get the RPM over 2500 you can shift into second gear. I had a friend that has a c7 stingray z51 that kept forcing into second and hurt his transition and the gear shift. OOPS

[@StacyKendall-rj3ey]

I agree on everything said , but i feel that GM had and still do have a budget to stay within , that carn explain some of the things .

[@william..7782]

Good stuff Lyle! Although I thought you might mention the CLB issues on early 6 speeds. I always believed a fully charged and healthy battery solved that issue though. Looking forward to more videos and content.

[@yzfdunc]

VATS, still got to do a resitor bypass on my C5. 'Remove key and wait 10 seconds' message

[@CarlosMendoza-ll9yk]

I think that Porsches have their own problems like the IMS and bore scoring in the 996/911s and the 986/987.1 Caymans and Boxsters that are more expensive to repair than brakes.

[@FAllen-jl4ye]

If you're just "putting around town" shift from 1st to 3rd then to 4th or 5th. The CAGS allows you to shift to 3rd and you do not bog the engine. At low speeds, the RPM drop for skipping gears is not much.

[@robertwolfe8680]

Would it be easier to remove the windshield to repair the H U D .

[@csvette]

If you need a new windshield anyway, then yes. If no, then pulling the dash is easier...especially until the replacement A-pillar Weatherstrips become available in early '23. Lyle

[@melissadunagan6596]

If it had gone from 1st to 3th it would not be so bad My 96 corvette has that also. And I got the plug thing to do away with that. Andy 2021 camaro has it on it also.

[@scottbamlet2743]

One that kills me with GM in general is when you turn on the high beams, the low beams turn off. I don't necessarily need light at a different angle, I just need more light! Particularly in the Corvette where the low beams are pretty straight forward anyway with the car so low, so the high beams end up pointed at the tops of trees!

[@scottbamlet2743]

Luckily I've got kits on the way to correct this, one for the C5 and one for the family hauler Trailblazer (old one, not the new one that's basically a sedan!)

[@davidarmitage9041]

@@scottbamlet2743 Any kits coming soon for the C6 headlights to run both low and high together?

[@6mtzhp55]

Believe this is a legality issue with DOT and maximum light output.

[@marblox9300]

Here is the biggest problem. These cars are designed for a racetrack but most people drive them on the streets.

[@bradkeeney5236]

Thanks

[@jonhill9564]

Support

[@theonlyspartan34]

Really looking forward to getting some nice weatherstripping for around all the windows on my C5 Z, is it possible to "upgrade" a C5s HUD with maybe a C6 or C7 HUD for a little more info?

[@matthewrichards4757]

Oh.... One more thing. Don't forget about the C6 fuse panel headlight wireing harness recall. If anyones lights stop working when the car gets up to temp, that is why.

[@dgiorgi2001]

Hey man thanks, this was so informative

[@oscarmazur4285]

Yet a again a great video! :) Thanks

[@TheSnipesdaniel]

Anyone looking to repair the HUD in their c6, I highly recommend just cutting through the hvac duct and duct taping it back together. You can get the HUD out and back in in about 2 hours or less.

[@joemasters2270]

Definitely #5. I’ve shied away from getting a C5 because I never cared for the interior - the entire dash w/ it’s huge clunky plastic controls gives out Fisher Price toy vibes 😂

[@francismartin2427]

Facts

[@z512345]

Lyle, how can you protect the wires under the battery from acid. Would wrapping Dynamat around them work, or is there something else?

[@kpsspa]

What do you think of the stock slotted performance breaks on the C5?

[@csvette]

There was not a performance brake option on the C5. All C5's--even Z06's--had plain rotors. Changing to ceramic pads and aftermarket rotors with cross-drilled holes or slots is a popular upgrade for lower dust and aesthetics. In truth, those rotors look great but don't do much to improve braking performance. If you want to push your car hard and have brakes when you need them, upgrading to Wilwood calipers or C6 Z06 calipers is a must, along with more aggressive pads. Lyle :)

[@stephenaddair]

I love my c6

[@wildwall]

Cags was implemented to avoid gas mileage penalty tax on new cars. Chevrolet did this to appease EPA and statistically lower mpg to circumvent the gas guzzler tax. PITA, but that skip shift eliminator is the work around to bypass the solenoid, but the damn light still appears!

[@gotmylk]

Screw the CAGs skip shift eliminate module. Get your car properly tuned and have your tuner tune it out. No skip shift and no more annoying light. Plus you get better throttle response and performance post the tune. Even in an otherwise stock C5.

[@TheSurfRyder]

Please do part 2 on the LS7 inquiring minds want to know!

[@chuckls5452]

Another honorable mention is the 2005 steering column lock. I installed a bypass about a year and a half ago and now it's failing so I have to tear the dash apart again to install another one. The GM fix is a bit pricey in my opinion.

[@karmalord]

Very surprised that the fuel sending units that control your gas gauge is not on this list. I have spent over $2000.00 getting those replaced in the dual tanks. They are hard to access in the later c5's and early c6 cars which makes it very expensive, and I still don't have them working right afterward. I know this is very common in those cars also. Ugh!

[@jameswilkins288]

c6 base model would love to upgrade my brakes but I don't want to change the oem 5-star stock wheels can you or do you recommend any break system that would fit thanks for any help

[@itscorky]

I am hoping to be in the market soon for a late model C6. You mentioned the heads up display. Now, i am NO mechanic. Would it be easier/cheaper to remove and re-use the windshield to access the heads up display?

[@stevenjacobs6934]

My biggest gripe is the lack of interest by GM in covering the faulty fuel pump fitting after the timed out warranty. Fuel vapors filling up the interior of the c6 is unacceptable and an extreme fire hazard...this should be an open ended covered repair...

[@estherpando5824]

I have a 2005 C6 does the car need to warm up before driving?

[@josephfarris9781]

I'm stuck with the 1-4 annoyance because the bypass doesn't fit my trans connector.

[@alanrainey8081]

When I remove my roof panel the wind noise is horrible. Any suggestions on how to fix it? 2010 C6

[@HearingDogs5]

Hi Lyle, can you please help! I have an 87 corvette and need to replace the low coolant temperature sensor. I can’t find where it’s located on my vet, and can’t find one of your videos specifically on this issue! Desperately need help! Thank you! You helped me a week ago. I called and talked with you on the phone about the spacers on the wheels. We removed them, bought new tires and the problem was fixed. Thank you so very much! Can’t thank you enough! Sincerely, Nina

[@steveschaeffer614]

Just so y'all know, the CAGS is apparently disabled once you get into the 'gate'. I could always go into 3rd, or backup to 2nd in my C5. Still disabled it. Almost forgot how annoying it was...

[@homer23422000]

Remember, the skip shift feature was so GM didn't have to pay the government a gas guzzler tax (that the original owner had it passed to.) I personally think GM also didn't want to spend the extra time (and money) to make bleeding the clutch slave cylinder and checking the transmission fluid relatively easy.

[@danfischer518]

Not a fan of the heat/air display. Can't see it any longer unless it is pitch black out and can't find replacement for it. Have seen the KZbin video for soldiering it back, but it would be nice to just replace it with one that works.

[@07slowbalt]

C6-used the cobalt steering wheel lol and the dash in the zr1 pulls itself apart in the sun.

[@randallmason1706]

You forgot the A/C control unit lighting issue on the C5, I can't see anything, makes me wish that I would have the manual A/C unit that you can control without seeing what's lit up. Thx.

[@eag8999]

Lithium battery = gold

[@s.m.h.7480]

Hello Corvette, knowledgeable folks I have been a Porsche sports car guy most of my adult life so not very knowledgeable about Corvettes That said, I’m looking at two different Corvettes, both C sixes one a 2010 with 46,000 miles on it and one a 2011 with 38,000 miles on it Wondering what I might do to that these cars besides look at the normal car, fax service, history, and maintenance records Also, anything to be wary of I’ve heard about the harmonic balancer I don’t know about anything else to be concerned about Thanks for any information

[@rjoetting7594]

Enjoyed the video, but I was wondering if there is a way to upgrade the traction control in the 1997 to 2000 C5 to the later 2001/2004 traction control? And if it would economically feasible? If it's possible it would be great and it would make great video to.

[@BrianSGuitars]

Another honorable mention could be the C5's steering column lock that will eventually seize up and strand you. Uh...the brake module? I hate that guy that invented that.

[@nikkoalpha2]

2001 - 2004 automatic transmission models eliminated the steering wheel lockout issue. A simple kit for about $50 fixes this issue on other models.

[@turbobuick33]

What causes the battery drain in the 05 if not put in reverse?

[@tomd6103]

"Accessory" mode stays on unless left in R. You may not notice but it is slowly depleting the battery charge.

[@Jaygastelum-qv1ek]

How do I get a CAGS eliminator? Thanks jay/ ABQ