Secrets of the C5 Corvette

[@mikeramey2056]

I can't believe how cheap these are now for being a really nice sports car what a hell of a value!

[@h2odivemaster]

super fun car to drive

[@Carguylogan]

Yea I just bought a 15k mile 2001 Z06 in yellow. Idk about "really nice" but definitely badass, fun and somewhat nice lol. The interior is kinda cheap, this has been a long standing complaint of the Corvette.

[@SKRooU2]

you can get a great low mileage c5 for $8k and a vert for $10k

[@stevedouglas5443]

Ce,s handle very well if the suspension is correct.

[@bigdaddyschwalls]

Don't say that ur gonna boost the price like doug demuro

[@mattygunn3852]

I bought an extremely well cared for 1998 C5 two weeks ago. C5 is my dream car! This is very helpful!

[@98Vette]

Just bought mine 3 days ago

[@hypertube81]

Very cool info. Especially the key trick and oil life reset. Here's one I learned on my own: If you really want to be secured bullet proof style, move the seat all the way towards the rear of the car, and then perform the ratcheting trick you showed, and then move the seat towards the front of the car to your desired position/ pedal reach. This operation will definitely put you, and your passenger in the locked and loaded setup.

[@garymartin7842]

Useful information, I've had my 2004 C5 manual for just over 1 year. The oil change reset is going to save me from the stealership!

[@philtroskey3454]

Too much labor stealership I like that stealership

[@thevettboy]

Short and sweet, but great information. Now that I'm a C5 owner once again this information is very valuable to me. Thanks Chris. I'll email you some pictures of my recent purchase.

[@timpratt1509]

I've had my C5 15 and half yrs, only had to replace 1 headlight gear, and a air pipe. Fixed both my self. I love this car and has been absolutely a reliable. Probably will keep until I can't drive.

[@stevencorvette11]

tim pratt I still have mine after 15 years! My problem is needing my abs control module fixed/replaced! (1999 corvette)

[@riley1369]

How many miles do you have on it?

[@RichInMN]

I owned my 2000 for 5 years before discovering Competitive Driving mode... I finally watched the DVD that came with the car as I was cleaning out some old boxes and it had those instructions on it, before that I had no idea it was a thing! 😄

[@TheC5owner]

Hi. I am a Corvette -99 C5 owner and live in northern Sweden. Thanks. I did not know about the 3 steps with the key in the doorlock. I just tried the key- moment in my car and it works. In my car you can reset the oil life remain in the DIC with the buttons. I have a euro-specification C5 with for example 300 km/h gauges, Celsius temp and kPa(bar) oilpressure, What I know, models for europe were with the performance 3,15 axle ratio and more options.

[@marxvadar2614]

Excellent info! Ive had my 2003 C5 coupe for 5 years and knew none of this. Great video!

[@legendcollxz]

Thank you so much brother for the Intel. I literally just got delivery today about two hours ago on my C5. It came out of Florida. I live in Santa Cruz California. It’s a 2004 Z06 with only 7600 miles one owner clean title no accidents, mint condition, inside out 10/10 Literally, it looks like it came off the show for the guy really did baby at Heaton hardly drove it I got it for a steal of a deal only paid $21,000 cash private sale. I specifically bought this car as a project car for me and my son we’re going to be fed up with a huge supercharger change everything out on the LS seven and boosted up to 1000hp it’s very easy to do especially in the C-5 models Also, I want to upgrade the head stereo unit it has everything factory in it put in all new speakers with a two din pioneer touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and for JL audio speakers with amplifier The color package I got was dark blue with red and black leather. What I’m going to do is make it look like a grand sport, put the proper decals on it and black rims to make it look like a proper Gran Turismo grand sport. The 3 key information points you gave us about the reset on the oil change light / build sheet and the competitive driving mode I’m gonna test it out first thing in the morning when I go to see my stereo guy he’s also going to do the grand sport decals and I’m also going to order my rims and tires tomorrow start off with the appearance package and upgraded audio system then after New Year’s me and my son together I’m going to do that whole LS seven over with A&A Supercharger for now that’s the one I’m probably going to go for. I’m still reading up on forms and watching videos and getting more information about the different brands. If you have a suggestion for me on a supercharger, please do reply back I would really really appreciate that and again thank you for all these secret tips this is my very first C5. I can honestly say I am a C6 whore I have a 2009 Convertible White with black top and black and red leather six speed bought it brand new in August 2008 only has 23,000 miles on it very clean inside and out t 2009 ZR1 black on black leather 6 speed with only 7600 miles 2011 Z06 red with black leather 6 speed with only 15,000 miles that one came with aftermarket wheels that are lighter than the factory rims polished by Forged wheels with brand new Michelin pilot sport cup 2 also, the owner did have the original factory rims and tires The owner said he put no more than 50 miles on them. I was pretty happy about that but I love Corvettes all the other ones just can’t do it when it comes to performance, luxe, history and nostalgia of this fine American made piece of artwork I’m very meticulous when it comes to my Corvettes I only run mobile one synthetic oil Chevron, 91 octane gas strictly only pioneer head unit and JL, audio, amplifiers speakers, and subwoofers and all of my Corvettes only rock Michelin pilot sport cup to tires. There’s nothing better in this world literally the best shoes you can put on this car I would say second and third in line are the Toyo Proxy or Perelli P-Zeros all three browns are good but the Michelin’s last the longest but I can honestly say all three tire brands handle very very good but the Michelin just outlast them a lot longer you can call me a brand whore. But one thing I can honestly say about the C-5 is in the newer generation it’s a way better car for the track its heavy in the areas that it needs to be perfectly specked for a straight line race

[@nashrambler5246]

Don’t forget about programming your own remotes from the dashboard!!! Very cool trick the C5 has.

[@y.u.doodat9133]

Nash Rambler, how does one do this? The shop that did some work on mine accidentally deprogrammed my fob.

[@nashrambler5246]

Sounds like you got yourself a dead battery. Look on KZbin for videos on programming your fob with your DIC (driver info center) it’s relatively easy and just one more great secret about the C5. Stormy Daniels told me herself. LMFAO!!!

[@tonywestbrook6436]

Do you still have to order a new fob from a Chevy dealer? If so, they're expensive to say the least.

[@traviswarner8385]

No you don't. You can order anywhere that has them. Simple to program. @@tonywestbrook6436

[@moiseslopez7898]

Nice video I learnt two things today.. the wheel lock key position & the oil life reset, I will try it out next oil change. I don’t know if I missed it or maybe you didn’t mention; the C5 can also display diagnostic trouble codes on the instrument panel . Nice video!

[@tonywestbrook6436]

Hey Chris, great info for those that don't know these things. I'd like to put my 2 cents in with a couple of tidbits. (1) the flat tire inflator kit bottles have a limited shelf life. Keep them up to date. Any Chevy dealer can order them. (2) if you get a service code for steering wheel after adjusting the tilt, simply unplug the battery for a minute and crank the vette again and it'll clear the code and back to normal.

[@MCGDEC]

Thanks for the info especially parking lights for mileage.

[@nosefirst]

You can also get computer fault codes (if any) for most of the black boxes directly from the driver information center. That would be a fun video.

[@mcm95403]

It's really amazing how much cool stuff is packed into these awesome cars.

[@Rico_Suave-bk8le]

Nice Chris!1 Don't forget you can pull the fault codes from the Dic also!!

[@UnitiveWILLIAM24]

My dad has a C6 now but he used to have a bright red C5. He said it made like 400hp though due to something called Hypertech for the Vette. That thing was a beast.

[@joez7700]

Great video. I didn't know about those little tricks for my C5

[@glennd7115]

👍 two days after finding out she out bid me for the house, I came home with my first corvette. A ‘93 C4 40th anniversary coupe with rear hatch in black with grey leather seats and an automatic transmission. I’ve had so much fun with this car, it runs and drives splendid. When I got my C5 5 days ago I got to drive it 2 days before the snow returned here in Central MN. I have to say, I am over the C4 and will be offering it up for someone as a great entry level corvette. Thanks for the Secrets you revealed. Very cool. My C5 is a ‘04 LeMans blue coupe, shale leather interior Commemorative Edition, glass top & rear hatch with the 6 speed manual. Oh my f’n god! I had no idea “how” much more car it is over the C4. Let the season begin 😬

[@dalehedges4328]

Glenn D really cool! But an 05 would be categorized as a c6

[@glennd7115]

My bad. Thanks for straightening me out. I get so confused now that I’m truly happy 😬

[@glennd7115]

Have to report a fantastic day today on the road. Picked up my buddy took him to the airport hanger to get his C6. He did a cam and headers and a tune on his 6.0L and unleashed the lion. At a buck twenty I couldn’t catch up to him. He’s reporting a buck 31 on his speedo. Good heavens the fish tailing that car does thru the first three or four gears. I told him that Vette disappears, I don’t have it 😬

[@dalehedges4328]

Glenn D I love to hear it!!! Don’t get yourself into too much trouble over there!

[@jamesmckee7863]

Good job Chris..I only knew about a few of those features, Thanks for the education.

[@xtremevette2]

Here is a really cool one that I know just about everybody isnt aware off including myself up till about a year ago.. on the coupe model, you know that huge dip in the the middle of rear. The big cubby hole in the center that many of us use for our subs...dont that look like something was suppose to go there? Well there was! That was originally suppose to have a spare tire and mini jack in that location! GM changed its mind after the mold and panels were created and it just stuck. Also another fun fact...the C5 generation was basically an entirely new car with just about every part on it made especially for it! Except your door handles...get this... The door handles are from an Oldsmobile Aurora! No lie! I swear ask GM! Haha

[@BellaRocko]

I didn't know most of these about my C5.... thanks, Buddy!

[@jacquelynbramley1111]

Great video and great tips. I just found out there is a way to open the gas tank door from inside the trunk!

[@krypttoenight9971]

Clean that trunk! lol I found out about the key features by mistake, pretty cool.

[@snakeskinner2]

These were actually really cool "secrets".... well done sir

[@Edpalomares54]

Very cool info especially that sensor for the interior temp I was wondering what that was the manual doesn’t say.

[@mkernen]

I'll be putting my wheel lock key in its new home today!

[@MAHARDWAY]

Doing my homework before I make a purchase . Thanks for the informative video .

[@dareuslomas94]

C5’s are so slept on.

[@zorazr192]

I used to own a 03 ZO6 several years ago and didn't even know half of this stuff wow it was a great car I really miss it

[@PRACERZ]

Fantastic for a new C5 owner, big thanks !

[@MrRaverion]

Here's another interesting note. The C5 corvette uses black lights to illuminate the instrument panel. There is a black light behind the DIC control panel and one behind the HUD control panel. Another interesting feature is the floor plate of every C5 corvette uses a sandwiched panel of aluminum and balsa wood to reduce weight. Finally, I am certain you know this but many others may not is that the transmission is located at the rear axle as oppose connected to the engine. Relocating the transmission to the back created improved leg room for the drive and passenger and also improved the front to rear weight balance.

[@rickschwindt1691]

Love the video Chris. Learned a couple of things about my C5

[@MrRaverion]

Did you know that the illumination of the dash lights are from black lights? There are 2 black light tubes on each side, one behind the HUD control buttons and the other behind the DIC buttons on the right of the steering wheel. So the illumination is not back lighting behind the display. The black lights illuminate the white markings on the painted display causing them to glow. Hold something white near the dash display and see if you catch the illumination yourself.

[@y.u.doodat9133]

Good stuff to know, especially the hatch unlock feature with the key in the driver door!

[@jrjohnson5336]

Good to know...definitely did not find those in the manual. Turning the key three times to open trunk, and the odometer reading are definitely easier than alternative. Not sure on the gas pedal trick for resetting the Oil meter after an oil change, is about the same as holding the reset once the car is started though.

[@erickc5914]

Great video Chris, love learning these neat things.

[@moonwalkerRIP]

Everyone needs to like and share his videos! Keep up the fantastic work.

[@mycorvettelife]

Thank you

[@alexislobo2010]

Hey thanks for replying. I'm actually thinking of going to see it tomorrow morning over here in Cali.

[@Sandy-oy2lr]

I have a C6. I wonder if any of this was carried over (except for the door locking, of course). My build sheet was actually inside the passenger compartment on top of the dashboard....Have to try to ODO trick with the lights..

[@cordobes6]

Thank you, I learn couple of things about my C5.

[@bobcraig3827]

Note that they did not start putting the build sheet in the front frame rail until late '97 or early '98 production. If you're interested in keeping your car original leave it there for future owners and order one from the National Corvette Museum.

[@beepbeepbeepgo2122]

I'm getting a 03 C5 tomorrow red!!! 6 speed upgraded clutch shifter exhaust front to back headers n more !!!

[@beepbeepbeepgo2122]

I bought it

[@beepbeepbeepgo2122]

I actually learned some new things about it on your vid I never knew beforehand

[@thebluedanube8463]

Thanks a lot for the information. I’m about to purchase a C5 2004 next week, so it’s great to know 😊

[@Mike-ew3gw]

Awesome vid. Very cool quirks and features

[@hypertube81]

Pull back and hold the high beam stalk and all beams stay lit.

[@richritzwoller8900]

Great vids, I just bought a 2000 C5 red convertible black top 90k miles and love to learn all I can. I'm in Arizona too and looking for a good club

[@TRocksGarage777]

Wow, you schooled me with the outside door lock. I got to try this.

[@Junkman2008]

You forgot one of the MOST important C5 hidden tricks and that would be how to pull your OBT2 codes using the DIC. No scanner needed.

[@ptliv]

how do you get the OBT2 codes with the DIC?

[@Junkman2008]

@@ptliv Google is your friend. Clear any pre-set messages by pressing the RESET button. Hold the OPTIONS button down, and press the FUEL button 4 times. This will get you into the CODES section of the DIC. The computer will automatically display all the codes your car has created. It will cycle through each code every 3 seconds. Any code that ends in H is a code that was registered previously but is no longer an issue. In other words, HISTORY. Once the computer has finished going through all of it's codes, press RESET to enter Manual Configuration mode. It should start with a module and show "NO CODES" or "# CODES". To optionally reset the codes once in manual mode, press and hold RESET until it displays "NO CODES". Press OPTIONS button to go to the next module. Pulling your codes without having your service manual to research your codes is kind futile because you need to understand each code in detail so that you properly use the information you pull. You need to know how a code was set and that information is in the service manual. Just because a code is set doesn't mean that there is a direct problem with the area a code may cover. Sometimes a code can be set by another module having an issue. That's why knowing how a code is set is SO important. If you call yourself going to work on this vehicle, you need to all the information available to you in order to properly diagnose the information you receive and there is a lot of misinformation out there on the web. Hell, a lot of GM techs suck ass at trouble-shooting this car but it is the ONLY car that I work on so I have a lot of experience with it.

[@Junkman2008]

You can use your fob to roll your windows up and down. That comes in handy for Coupe owners. When shutting the hatch. Due to pressure from the tight seals. It's called Window Valet.

[@PALU3K]

​@@Junkman2008 How do you do that? How I wish I could do it on mine, but I can't. Must be something that came on late models.

[@Junkman2008]

@@PALU3K How do you do what?

[@carlupthegrove262]

I have a C5 and I just learned some things. Thanks.

[@FloFloFlowable]

Lovely video, thanks for sharing this knowledge 👍 love my corvette c5, greetings from Germany

[@richiesspeedshop82]

Im a Mustang guy but i love the C5 corvettes.i would love to own one someday.

[@mrniceguy2976]

Really like this type of info on the C5. Great job!👍

[@paulbritt5959]

U don't have to pull the heads to change the valve springs, there a special adapter u can pick up at Napa or any other chain parts store that will screw into the spark plug hole & hook it up to an air compressor & pump air into the cylinder. Then u use a valve spring compressor tool & swap out the springs. A lot easier than removing the heads, unless u just want to pull the heads.

[@h2oquality2010]

Thank you! I didn't know all these. 👍

[@rjrestorationstation4402]

Very interesting Chris. We recently bought an 02 convertible and we love it. Low miles and still has the date coded radiator hoses...😳 I see myself doing a lot of routine maintenance on it. But that’s okay, I’m using your videos as a great source of info. Thanks !!!

[@RickCorvetteConti]

Good Job Chris, the little things I say!

[@studio-flash]

Very good..never knew these things...

[@suecobandito8954]

Inertia reel locks. The thing that holds the seat belt tight if it senses more than 2.2 g’s. FYI

[@aricsnyder5882]

That parts bin door handle. My 02 Buick has same one and this vette should have a key fob that unlocks and has trunk - hatch

[@PRL1290]

I've been looking at C5s and found out you can lower it by lifting the car and adjusting some bolts. Might be common knowledge but I've been catching up on the specs and general info. Good vid thx.

[@mycorvettelife]

Yep, I have a video posted on how to do it.

[@timbalcom9803]

Great info. I just purchased my first C5, same color as yours :)

[@mycorvettelife]

Congrats!

[@frontxxrunner]

Please get a C6 someday so you can do videos about it so I can learn these kinds of things about my car 😁

[@josiahthibodeaux]

Depreciation is gods gift to the ordinary man.

[@calvinnickel9995]

Just remember that parts and labour are often based on the showroom prices. Corvettes are pretty decent since there are a lot out there and GM loves parts-bin manufacturing even for high end models... but anything European, beware.

[@dombrunelli5082]

I'm a C5 guy. Thumbs up!

[@mariocullotta4188]

Nice video I hope one day to get a C5 . Your videos help

[@mycorvettelife]

Thanks

[@joelcastellanos8170]

Mario Cullotta I just bought one 2 months ago. 6spd 2000. Love it.

[@Titan717]

c5 was my first Vette sold it in 16, for a c6, just sold the c6 for a Hellcat... I know I've betrayed my LS brothers, but, the cat was calling. Loved my C5, I'll probably get another Vette down the road.

[@tomjohnson5597]

Fact check me on this, but I believe I read somewhere that the LS intake was so well designed Dodge emulated it with hemi heads. So you didn't stray far.

[@Owens_Racing]

Good video. My buddy has a c5 will be linking him to it.

[@Owens_Racing]

Chris, I gotta get your signage done. Haven’t forgot you man. Been crazy this summer. Now planning a wedding.

[@kylemlm]

You did not show the diagnostic check . Did not know about the key. Bought new full loaded 6sp 2000 w /Museum delivery and had it 17 years. Great car..

[@Kittycat_58]

Didn't know the key thing but mine had a lug nut key there but I'm the second owner even though there's a key it goes to nothing mine has extra wide custome rims

[@GSXSF1k]

I had a 1998 Pontiac GTP with the same secret features.

[@houndsmaster34]

Very good information, but the only one I will argue is the ratcheting seatbelts. Just about every car I've been in has that feature, if it is even considered one. I always thought that came standard in every modern car

[@johnsmithth3318]

Kool, I have been wondering about almost all of the things you mentioned

[@eliteauto10]

I love corvettes I always buy them each year

[@timlawrence7555]

I live in england and my 2001 c5 has the boot unlock on the fob and also the fuel flap on the fob. My fob is not same as an imported c5. Mine was registered new at gm vauxhall in uk and they did a few changes like a different key fob. And put an extra thatcham grade 1 alarm system one these cars. Also unfortunaltely they put large ugly rear fog and reflector lenses on rear bumper..

[@joshuat5140]

Lol love my c5 zo6 it's a 2001 one and if I knew of the problems they had I think I might have said no and got different style but it was a great price so I bought it

[@curt5253]

ty chris i didnt know about the key trick

[@Krezo200]

We need more corvettes in germany I want one but they are so rare Looking for a manual one

[@kanob6440]

Thanks for getting to the point quickly lol

[@tuber46]

If you turn the dash dimmer light switch all the way clockwise (after an indent click) you will turn on the mirror lights and floor lights. AND, if you happen to leave that switch in that position and forget to turn it back counterclockwise past the indent click, you will run the battery down overnight! Don't ask me how I know!!! :-)

[@markdupre4854]

Love the videos, I learn something from each one, keep up the good work!

[@adammoore8939]

had mine for over 20 years now. 100k miles. I have two floppy side mirrors that I have not fixed in years so i no longer drive it.

[@malcolmshvac6692]

Cool thanks same for convertible I'm assuming

[@alexvilla3995]

hello,i am the COREVETTE CAMPER out of CALI..i like the videos,what do you have about clearing old codes?

[@Mr102373]

Good info like the door lock

[@Aries1rbh]

Excellent!! Great video and thanks for sharing!!

[@noonenoesbutme]

All seatbelts ratchet tight if extended to a certain point

[@mouradmuhammad6163]

Hi Chris thank you for your knowledgeable KZbin show like to ask may be some people may think I’m crazy but they won’t be the first to say that. I have a C5 z06 i’m not the best person to drive a stick but I do my best but a back of my mind seeing all these automatics with the days technology have you seen or is it anyone out there have done a swap putting a 8-speed automatic transmission in the car . One that has the lower ratio gears in the overdrive is this possible in this type of car ??. I thank you for any information that you can give me

[@Ken-op7sg]

Now if you use competitive driving what exactly does it do

[@jeanberthaudin8270]

Another way to reset the oil life is to turn the key to on without starting it, go to oil life via the trip button and hold reset for 2 seconds

[@md_randoms2429]

I’m only a kid but I love American muscle cars and this is my ranks of corvettes 1.c6 2.c2 3c3 4.c5 5.c7 6.c4 7.c8 8.c1 Just kidding I love all of them

[@harryt988]

Looks pretty hot there ?!

[@hypertube81]

The Bose logo emblems on the front door speaker screens rattle like loose teeth at higher levels of volume, creating a very annoying, unintentional distortion! Shim them up with a clean cut matchbook cover, or remove them altogether!

[@vicentekabisote297]

Hey Chris, My name is Vince and I'm a new subscriber and looking into purchasing a C5 in the future. I was conducting my research and was wondering on mechanics in my area. I know you live in AZ and you are connected there, but I live in Oregon and have been having trouble on where to take my C5 once I get her. Can you please assist me on where to look or do you have any input on where I can take her in Oregon. Mechanics you can trust are hard to come by, I would really appreciate it if you can help me out. Thanks, keep up the good work... -Vince

[@mycorvettelife]

I suggest checking in on Corvette Forum. I’m not familiar with Oregon.

[@fireoil]

My dream car. Maybe in 4 years if it's not banished in paris yet...

[@crowsbridge]

I read somewhere that there were air exhaust vents in the trunk area somewhere in the coupes, but I could never find mine. They're supposed to be for letting out the air if you have the top off, so the back window doesn't blow out. Know anything about that?

[@mycorvettelife]

They are behind the rear fenders, but they don’t really work as intended.

[@waynebrelsford5369]

There is a guy in Canada the corvette guy who sells these rear deck lid attachments that hold it open but still clicked in they work great. The entire trunk lid width is open. Air flow is great. Somebody always reminds me my rear lids open

[@rvnmedic1968]

I've got a 2004 24 Hours of LeMans vert. Love the color, the performance (auto). I get a lot of compliments on it. Re the active handling, when it goes into competitive driving mode, what exactly does it do? Any boost in speed or is it just handling for high speed driving? Oh yeah, liked and subbed. Great tips!

[@Corvette.Ronnie]

rvnmedic1968 , going into competition mode turns off all the active handling (computer nanny) features. Be very careful if you do this; there’s many KZbin videos of guys wrecking their C5’s in competition mode. These cars will swap ends much more quickly than you can react.

[@johnleger8829]

I own yellow 2003 Z06 with 11500 klm or just 7,000 miles never seen the rain or snow? original owner. Still have the purchase bill of the dealership from where I bought it. after 17 years don't know if it's worth to pump up the horsepower in it or keep it original?

[@mycorvettelife]

It’s going to be decades before it’s worth what you bought it for. Drive it. Mod it. Enjoy it. 7000 miles in 16 years is not nearly enough! I put that much on mine in a year just driving it once a week.

[@elyanegordon9400]

I have 2004 black on black convertible 6 speed luv it this my second vette 1989 some tips I didn’t know thanks fyi