Is this 1997 C5 Corvette so GREAT that it saved a father's life?

[@MegaFranceschini]

I'm not a Corvette guy but this car is awsome is out of this world. BEAUTIFUL MACHINE. Enjoy it in good health👍

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks William for letting me share it with you!

[@preddy4100]

@@RaitisRideshey man you should review the new i30N

[@AnthonyEvelyn]

The C5 Corvette is one of my favorite modern Corvettes. I remember the marketing booklet that was in most car magazines back then. Stunning car when it came out and has aged well.

[@RaitisRides]

I am right there with you Anthony!

[@exionem]

Amazing how a car from way back in 1997 looks SO damn sexy. C3 and C5 Corvettes are timeless beauties.

[@LS1007]

That’s a special car with a special story to go with it. Thanks to the owner and thanks to you Joe for sharing it. 🇺🇸🏁👍🏻👍🏻

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right! I am so grateful that I could share it because it needed to be told!

[@carlosanderson4479]

C5 Corvettes were one of the best cars from Chevy.

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@tommyhunt1076]

Just got the red97

[@rjoetting7594]

I love the car but appreciate the story behind it more. This is a old post, and it would be great to hear how his father is doing now. God bless and hope the best for both of them.

[@KenseisGarage]

What a story, What a car. I have a coworker friend fighting this of right now, not stage 4, but had already came back 4 times, 4 surgeries, last ones found on spine and liver, really sad, but my friend has been a warrior. I can’t imagine myself being in that position. Really clean car all the way, the engine looks amazing. Great video Joe

[@RaitisRides]

I will keep your co-worker in my thoughts! I am glad that I could share this car and story with you!

[@snvffxxx]

22 years, and this car is still beautiful

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@petercarey6883]

I, The Man of Few Words, don't know where to begin on this upload. But here it goes. 1. What a wonderful "Real Life" story told to us by a "Real Life" guy! Thank you Joe. 2. This story, this Vette, made my day, heck, it made my month! What a lot of non-Corvette owners don't realize is not only what the Corvette has done for so many, but how it influenced so many of us in our lives. And yes, I have never, ever met an owner of any year Vette, from a 1953 to a 2018, (sorry, I haven't met any '19 owners yet) who do not have a story behind their Vette. Especially the stories from those of my generation returning from Viet Nam. Sure, it was obviously the sweethearts back home that kept them going, but it was also their "dream" of returning and buying their "Dream Vette." 3. This father son team could hang out a shingle stating that they are "building" C5s. I'd buy this one in a heart beat, and that's saying a lot considering it has an automatic. lol 4. This entire build is a masterful overstatement of subtlety! The engine bay just blows me away! I like the look of the Borla dual exhaust tips. It just works! 5. While you were sitting in the car, did you notice how much head room you had? 6. I've reviewed the video several times just trying to find for a "Zonk." Let me just say that if I had this C5 I'd have to have a plate that reads: ZONKLESS 7. This 15:26 minute video seemed like it was only 5:26 minutes long. You could have spent 15 hours on this car. 8. Now, you and I have talked about "coincidences." I spent the better part of today looking at a C5. It is a Mother & Son project Vette, well, maybe I should say it's a Mother/Son shared experience. I know the Vette, I know both the Mother and her son. The car has a "story," a history and I like that. So, you tell me, was my visit followed up by your video a "coincidence?" :-) Just to play it safe, could you give me the contact info for the owners? I need an excuse to spend time in Fla. lol 9. Last, and certainly not least, CONGRATULATIONS ON 49K! 👍 I hope I'm around to see the 49k turn into 490k for you. You may be out of sight, but never out of mind. P.S. Funny that I ended up with 9 comments. The number 9 was the number that was on my Soapbox Derby racer at the age of 9. Coincidence? There are Bible studies that believe the number 9 is a symbol of completeness. So maybe I "completed" my comments at just the right time, or just the right number. lol

[@metaljew4456]

Peter Carey ; Great comments! You are like me Peter. I find it impossible to just write one or two quick sentences when commenting on a RR video. There is just too much to say. Keep the thoughts flowing on future RR videos. I’ll be looking for them!

[@RaitisRides]

Hi Peter! It seems you saved a lot of ink in that pen of yours for this video! You are so very right and hit the chord of every fiber of my being. It's the stories behind the cars and the people that live them and share them that are so amazing! I am just so grateful and blessed that I can share them with you and everyone else because they need to be told. Thank you for sharing in the excitement of the channel growing. It makes it even more special. You better stick around for a while because I have more Corvettes to bring!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing those great thoughts! Peter and yourself are tow special people!

[@petercarey6883]

Philip, according to my adoption records, I was separated at birth from a twin brother. Could you be that brother? lol Thank you for your kind words and Save the Wave, even if it's from a Hugo. 🤣

[@petercarey6883]

Hi Joe. Yep, just had a high performance nib and ink pump installed on The Flowing Fountain Pen. I'm ready to ride and write! (For you kids out there, that means I'm ready to rock and roll. lol) And yes, I am super excited for both you and Lori. As in most good things in life, it's a team effort. With you two as Captain and Co-Captain and your subscribers as your team, you're destined for the youtube Awesome Bowl. Lead us on to victory JR. Save the Wave, it's good practice to keep your throwing arm in good shape to throw those touch down passes.

[@metaljew4456]

I AM a Corvette guy and it’s positively on my bucket list before I leave this planet that I OWN a Corvette. I will own a 7 Speed MANUAL Corvette. I love this Vette and I LOVE this story. You brought tears to my eyes Joe with this video and I also have to give a MAJOR shout out to TOM who absolutely KILLED IT ON THE CAMARA WITH THIS VIDEO! This is your best work yet Tom. Fantastic job! You were so dialed into what Joe was saying and the angles and smoothness of your transitions from shot to shot was just amazing. Now as far as what this father and son duo did with this car is nothing short of awesome and tasteful. It’s not over the top look at me obnoxious. It sounds great. I wish we could have gone into what actually makes up the bottom end of this Vette. Is it a 4 Bolt main?? It has to be. Also correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t Mercury Marine make the engines of this vintage year Vette? I have to look that up. I can’t keep up with your Sub’s anymore Joe. You are in boost mode and just pulling away. Do you lie in bed at night and think. Is this really happening? You are killing it and the funny thing is...you and Tom are not even close to peaking. The videos keep getting better and better. 🖖🏻👈🏻

[@RaitisRides]

Hey Philip! I am so glad that I could share this amazing story and Corvette build with you. I also am a big fan of the Corvette and want to get another one one of these days. Great questions: 1.)This does have four bolt mains. 2.) Mercury Marine built the ZR1 engines from 90-95. I truly do pinch myself everyday because this is a dream coming true. Thank you for always having my back and being so supportive! Tom really did knock this one out of the park!

[@t-rev525]

Technically its 6 bolt main. It has bolts going into each side of the main caps

[@WORRO]

She's absolutely beautiful! Great back story, thanks for sharing the story and this car! Thumbs-up ~John

[@hozay09]

Met the owner of car today at work. Great guy and family. He’s done some great looking upgrades since.

[@mankola]

Props to you Raiti for reviewing this awesome C5 and great back story. I had a 98 torch red C5 and loved it! I'm sure this car will stay in the family forever.

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate you saying that! I think you are right that this Corvette is not going anywhere!

[@mrc1958flh]

Not to detract from the review but the first Z06 option was in 1963. Consumers that ordered the Z06 option received the top-line Al-Fin power brakes with sintered metallic brake linings, a heavy-duty front stabilizer bar, stronger shocks, much stiffer springs, a dual master cylinder, and a long distance 36.5 gallon fuel tank. Additionally, Chevrolet had intended to include a set of beautiful, cast-aluminum wheels with tri-spinner knock-off hubs as part of the Z06 package (and as a separate option.)

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for your input and perspective! I appreciate your input!

[@garymartin7842]

Cool information, I never knew of the huge long distance fuel tank

[@jordanking6939]

The good thing about the C5 Corvette you can purchase one for under 20k and aftermarket mods are available. First mod is aftermarket headers and exhaust, second mod is ECU programming to get the most out of acceleration, third mod is add a supercharger or even a twin turbo, fourth mod is upgrade the brakes and suspension to make the car stiffer. With all the upgrades, the C5 can do 0-60 around 3.8 - 4.3 seconds

[@Viper3048]

I'm impressed by your knowledge of Corvette lore Joe. Awesome video!

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you Colby! I appreciate you saying that!

[@streetiemedia4690]

Very nice story Raitis rides. I hope his father recovers, and I always have been more intrested into your channel than other car enthusiasts channels. I think you truly care about your supporters.

[@RaitisRides]

That really means a lot! I totally do care about the people who are behind me. With out all of you Raiti's Rides would cease to exist.

[@henrymontenegro1159]

Man thank you for this info. Happy 1 year in remission Anthony, great job with The Corvette! Beautiful Mods and excellent video as always Ratti! Father Son team @ it's best! Tom 💪

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Henry for your kind words and letting us share this amazing story with you!

[@Ken-op7sg]

I've been lucky enough to own a 04 ZO6 and I had sold it which I soon regretted .So I went and bought a 03 anniversary Corvette with 15000 miles in perfect condition and it looks like it's right off the showroom floor and it's the best investment I made in a long time this when I'm keeping I think the C5 is the best-looking Corvette ever made that we don't have the performance of the new Corvette it still holds its own and some

[@kenny-d3944]

Joe, You da Man....Tom Thanks for all the camera shots..We Need another special appearance by Miss Raiti .. I would love to see miss Raiti do a full burn out in a rear wheel drive V8...See if you can make that happen Joe !

[@tommoschner9457]

Thanks Kenny! We'll see if we can get Lori in a V8!

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate that Kenny! You are so right about Lori doing a burnout!

[@rickhunter6513]

That’s one of the nicest cc5’s I’ve ever seen

[@RAM-KINGOFTRUCKS]

The #1 story teller on you tube is Raiti's Rides..great story Raiti and thumbs up my friend.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that I could share this one with you! It was a story that needed to be shared.

[@brooklynknightss]

Nice and clean Vett

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@crimson1953]

Story made me cry.my uncle died to stage 4 cancer.much props to them an you Joe N tom.any chance to review a Firehawk

[@metaljew4456]

Ryan Montgomery ; So sorry for your loss Ryan. I can relate all to well. My Mom died of cancer at the age of 49! And my Dad just passed away from a long horrible battle with (Fucking) cancer. Excuse my French but that is truly the way I feel. It’s the biggest threat to anything that is alive. It must be wiped off the face of this planet.

[@RaitisRides]

Hi Ryan! I am so sorry to hear about your Uncle. I am so glad that I could share this one with you. I would love to track down a Firehawk! One of my favorite cars of all time!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss Philip! You are so very right!

[@crimson1953]

@@RaitisRides keep rocking guys

[@crimson1953]

@@RaitisRides you don't see many at all on the rode very rare sight

[@ValenNitto]

Maaaan you wouldn't even be able to tell it was in an accident, great work to whoever did the body. And the way it looks 👍, still looks stock but even more aggressive.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you liked this one Ben and you are so very right!

[@ThePaulpope]

I love C5’s and this one has a fabulous story to go with it... my vette’s are the cumulative representation of my entire working life ( I might let you video them one day but you will have to drive down to Casey key) ... just beautiful 👍🏻

[@RaitisRides]

That would be amazing! You can always email me at [e-mail]

[@millos87]

Very clean c5, very nice.

[@leekerr6727]

Proud to be the 900th like of this awesome review. Just bought an 02 Convertible and loving it 👏

[@lianmytides1019]

What an amazing car , my father owned a z-28 IROC matte black camaro of a similar generation

[@RaitisRides]

Very cool! Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@terrellgrisom596]

Nice clean looking Vette! Salute Pops & Jr!

[@samb8996]

Enjoyed your review Great story behind that particular vehicle and best wishes to the family A little too modded up for my liking but a terrific project ! Thanks for presenting it

[@elvis-jj1sc]

wow great story and car hope the best to family! ps joe damm I miss my dad!

[@RaitisRides]

He is watching down on you bud!

[@dfw1fast143]

Great story. Congrats on the car and recovery to the family.

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@PremierChoiceFitness]

Amazing story and incredible build!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@R3TR0--93]

This was a better looking model than today's current one.

[@studio-flash]

Great review..awesome C5 Corvette in red...so cool...its a classic.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you liked this one!

[@tikijojo]

C5 corvettes rock! They're aging very well. 😎

[@Detroitmadehotboy]

We literally have a location near by just like this minus the palm trees lol this is great

[@wolflee909]

Corvette C5 totally a true american car beauty

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@012_ljk]

Great review Sir, the history of the car’s you bring is so informative.

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate that!

[@youngestson6537]

Wonderful story and wonderful Corvette. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@Daron-Novotny]

I love my 1997 C5 Corvette. I love the fact that mine is a 6 speed Manuel Trans. It would not be a sports car with an auto trans.

[@xRomeo999]

Great story. Fight the good fight. God bless

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@boogitybear2283]

That might be the greatest most reliable Corvette ever made. The C5 is my favorite hands down!

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Great story. The car is cool, but it could have been a Yugo and still be a great story. Good job.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Jorge for letting me share it with you!

[@toycorvette]

That is cool C5, nice story behind it 😍

[@eloyruperto4446]

Great story, God bless you and your father..

[@incognitoguitars9999]

Fantastic Joe! Great car and great story!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share the story with you!

[@Team512]

Thanks for sharing the C5 love!

[@RaitisRides]

No problem I appreciate you watching!

[@Team512]

Been watching your channel for a while. I enjoy your honest approach to videos. Keep it up. And if you ever find yourself in the great state of PA, I have a 99 C5 FRC for you! @@RaitisRides

[@MiChAeL-nx3lx]

Good vid I myself have a Corvette c5 in a midnight blue

[@albertwesker2283]

I love this body style vette

[@garymartin7842]

I'm with ya

[@jonathanriolo2578]

I grew up with cars all my life

[@jsafrit0717]

Sorta reminds me of the older NSX's...super clean!!!

[@RaitisRides]

I can see where you are coming from with that comment.

[@C5Cse7en]

Beautiful car and a great story. This car is low enough it would probably scrape where i live - hopefully not an issue for the owner and his Father.

[@toodanderson351]

The wheels are not magnesium, they are either 01 forged aluminum alcoas or 02 up spuncast speedlines.

[@tomn1026]

Great car great video , story behind car build proof Never Give Up !!! Keep up the good work , Take care peace out. T.E.N.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Tom for letting me share it with you!

[@plk7592]

Really nice car, Joe. It looks to me like its had a lowering kit installed. It looks less than 6" off the ground. Great presentation, as always. Keep em' comin', thanks.

[@metaljew4456]

Paul Knauf ; It better be less than 6” off the ground! LOL Anything more and you are in SUV territory. A vehicle that is 7/8” off the ground is an SUV meant for off roading but your point is well taken. Paul you are another one who hangs out around these parts of town with the RR Crüe. I see your comments all the time. Keep up the great work!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Paul! It actually does not have a lowering kit it is lowered on the stock suspension setting and with the carbon fiber splitter and side skirts it is even lower.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts sir!

[@plk7592]

@@metaljew4456 Thanks for your remarks, Phil. It seems to me that the corvette has gotten lower over the years. I was 16yrs. old when the C-3 model first came out in 1968. And I swear they were just as high off the ground as other cars such as the Charger or GTO or Mustangs. But as the yrs. went by they started getting lower and lower. I'm thinking the new C-8 model will be scraping asphalt! I would be scared to drive it where there would be dips or speed bumps to deal with...just saying.

[@adishtnid6094]

Beautiful car!

[@larryz3985]

Nice story...great car!

[@l.s8904]

Great Video!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much for letting me share it with you!

[@YawmSaub]

My favorite Vette ♡

[@cerveloultegra]

Very clean. I like it a lot

[@RaitisRides]

It really is Marcin! I am so glad that you likes this one!

[@pontaverde]

Great story!!! Please share more stories that discusses owners and their cars. Great content

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you liked it! I will get it together for you!

[@RTMZ06]

What a fantastic story.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for letting me share it with you!

[@jonathanriolo2578]

Yeah baby that's is super dope

[@11BabaYaga]

That car is beautiful

[@JD-rn4om]

Great story and great c5

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@spenceair1972]

C5 was the last generation with pop up headlights.

[@RaitisRides]

Yes sir!

[@RunningBears10]

Awesome Vette 💪

[@hellraiserx9490]

Good story

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@Braglemaster123]

Great 👍 Joe ‘

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Richard! This was a great story to share!

[@a68rebel]

Joe, where are those side skirts from? never seen those before, they are bad-assed? Nice review as always. Cheers!

[@RaitisRides]

I will have to ask the owner! I am so glad that you liked this one!

[@chriscook7219]

You need a TV show brotha I've said that before and all say it again love the vids.👌👌

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Chris that would be a dream come true!

[@nc4335]

“In the 10’s” haha

[@KyleHansen509]

Thinking of buying this car same year at least nice clean Corvette for 13 k is that worth it?

[@callancollins7708]

when i think corvette i think of the c5. classic

[@edwardweiszbeck1649]

Nice car

[@eyesofisabelofficial]

They gave it a second chance....it returned the favour.

[@RaitisRides]

You hit the nail on the head Andy!

[@SuperSongdreamer]

On throttle!

[@user-pv4qq6ud9j]

Is this the same c7 carbon vented splitter that’s for sale for $378? I’m trying to justify spending that much on a front lip knowing I’m lowered.

[@ndog808]

How do you get perimeter bolt 243 heads? It there an adapter?

[@RaitisRides]

I'll find out for you!

[@keydatingtips]

How much doe and do speend bumbs fuck them up?

[@MiamisFinestUnseen]

Wanted to really HEAR that car....

[@RaitisRides]

I know how you feel!

[@austinheath4794]

What’s the name of the front splitter he’s got ?

[@RaitisRides]

I think it is AP Racing.

[@linchester8464]

omg if you didn't tell us this was involved in a serious crash i would not know this was salvaged and rebuilt and hardly any signs of frame damage

[@RaitisRides]

They did an amazing job!

[@linchester8464]

@@RaitisRides home build amazes me.

[@87ferrarif40]

I'm buying a C7.

[@jakeol3937]

Name of spoiler and front lip?

[@RaitisRides]

I will find out for you!

[@wolflee909]

In the front it is same.as mazda rx 7

[@RaitisRides]

Very similar look!

[@wolflee909]

@@RaitisRides www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-huawei&biw=360&bih=516&ei=xJWbXOHqIK-NlwT8nJGwCg&q=chevrolet+stingray+1969&oq=Chevrolet+stingray&gs_l=mobile-gws-wiz-serp.1.1.0i20i263j0l2j0i20i263j0j0i203l3.24438.31425..34010...1.0..0.335.3844.0j16j3j1......0....1.........0i71j35i39j0i22i10i30j33i160.SKqevjGXkwU

[@wolflee909]

This stingray is a legendary car the true base of what makes an american car and american.car lol

[@Detroitmadehotboy]

Alright !

[@CarlosVelasquez-dw7nf]

Tengo un 98 con transmisión manual 😋😋

[@wolflee909]

it looks like a mazda RX 7

[@RaitisRides]

I can totally see it!

[@Detroitmadehotboy]

Amen 🙏🏾 in Jesus name ✝️

[@racer668]

what happened to the c6?

[@RaitisRides]

What do you mean?

[@blaynebardon8872]

Lmfao

[@joewill6201]

10 second 1/4? 🤣

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for taking the time to share your input and perspective! I really appreciate you watching!

[@markmoody5624]

WAIT! NO DRIVE!? Nice car, well done, but not driving it? That's not cool.

[@RaitisRides]

The owner would not let me. Sorry Mark.

[@k8gixser]

Did he really said 4 piston calipers ?

[@RaitisRides]

LOL

[@StochasticWolf]

3:43 Did he really just skip the C6 during the history lesson? C6 is 2005-2013 my guy…

[@RaitisRides]

I know that!

[@Teramydog]

There is s deceiving amount of room in a c5. Even more on a c6! I’m 6’4” and can stretch my legs out all the way on a c6.

[@Benny00134]

C6 splitter on a C5 don't look right

[@blaynebardon8872]

That’s not a clamshell hood... only the c4 had the clamshell hood