I wish I had watched this video before I bought my C5. I pulled the trigger on a 2000 black on black on black C5 six speed convertible. Love the car but I now know why I got such a good deal on it. Within 2,000 miles of owning it, my EBCM went south and now know fixing or replacing is not a realistic option. Then I noticed the harmonic balancer is stock and in the early stages of the death wobble. Heed Lyle in these videos. He is super smart and I only wish I had found this channel sooner. At least I have the knowledge for when I decide to upgrade to a C6 :-)
Feeling pretty good about my 02 purchase of a couple of months ago, but I would like to add one thing I did not come across during my research into the C5. That is the oil pressure sensor problem that I experienced, and later found to be an issue with these cars. Meaning, either the screen below the sensor gets clogged, or the sensor itself gets “stuck” open or closed, sending a false signal to the gauge and in my case, the ECM. Stuck open gives you an indication of too much oil pressure, closed; not enough pressure. In my car, it said low oil pressure, and the ECM put the car in reduced power (limp) mode to try and prevent damage to the engine. Changing the sensor is challenging, and at the least requires removing the fuel rail, at most the intake manifold. I chose the former trying to save money, but if it happened today, I’d pull the intake and give myself better access. Thankfully the sensor was the only problem with mine, and it’s running great now. I just wish someone had addressed this in the many videos I watched and websites I visited during my research.
You DO NOT have to remove the fuel rail to change the sensor!! Buy a $10 fuel line disconnect tool, and disconnect the fuel supply line from the car to the fuel rail. Then remove 10 bolts holding the intake on. While moving intake towards radiator, disconnect vacuum line(s) at rear of intake. Unplug a couple of wiring harness plugs from throttle body and other things. Remove intake. R&R the sensor, and reinstall intake in reverse procedure from removal. You may want to replace the 8 intake manifold O-rings.......👍
This is the best comment mate! I just purchased a c5 and the gauge is doing just that! Which I expected as the oil pressure sender! Reading max oil pressure. Cheers for confirming!
Agree, the 02 auto is what I ended up with. It has the steel not plastic fuel passthrough and isn't affected by the steering wheel lock issue and mine did not have magnetic suspension.
I just purchased from a dealer, a 2004 Coupe, one owner and 75,000 miles in great condition. A big THANKS to Lyle and the great information he provided in this video. It made looking for my car less complicated and made me more confidence. Plus, I sent him emails and he responded PDQ with great feedback. As he suggested when I spoke with him, I am going to have all the fluids changed to establish a baseline for my car's maintenance; since they did show that it was done within the last 6 months. Thanks again!
Thank you so much, Lyle, for this invaluable advice. I'm a retired 60-something looking to buy my first 'Vette budgeting less than $15k. Good to know the bargains from the money pits.
@@caninesloth I think there’s a better chance next year than buying now. Right now the used car market is totally retarded. In 2019 you could pick up a beautiful, low mileage C5 for about 15k. That same car now is about 20k. Same for z06. In 2019, a solid, low mileage was going for 25ish. They’re going for 28-32k and that’s with 30-40k mileage. It’s not only vettes. All used cars are crazy right now. If it were me, I’d wait a year and see how the prices are. The C5 was always best bang for buck but right now, they’re a bit more expense.
I just got my 2000 6 speed with 44k miles for 16k. Good deals are out there, just watch for them and go buy the car. You don’t want to wait a year to have a blast in this thing
@@rickhunter6513 The same thought crossed my mind. I finally saved up a bunch of extra cash to buy a fun car... just in time for a wild used car market where my daily driver is worth more than I spent on it. Well, let's see how things are looking next year and hope it's just the general market at play and not increasing collectability.
You're a knowledgeable man when it comes to corvettes; I guess working on them all these years has helped, however, you surpassed the pinnacle of excellence. Really enjoyed the show, thank you.
I did I ton of research and this guy is correct. That’s why I bought an 02 automatic with normal suspension. Seems to be the least problem having car of the C5 vettes.
I bought 2 yrs ago a 2003 Z06 with 19000 miles. Its been a great car with no problems and very fast even by today's standards. I highly recommend the C5 Corvette .
Lyle and crew, I have been subscribed and watching your videos for a while now. You have given me tons of knowledge when it comes to the C5 and C6. I love watching your videos and I can’t afford my dream C6 widebody yet BUT, I just picked up my very first corvette yesterday a C5. I felt prepared when I looked at it and knew some of the common problems to watch for. Could not be more excited (I’m sure you all know the first corvette feeling). I know I’ll be ordering parts from you and I just can’t thank you enough for what you’ve given to the corvette community. Keep up the hard work, your channel will continue to grow. Hopefully this goes even a small way towards upgrading equipment or such.
Great video lyle! I would add that no matter which one bought, the person should set aside at least 2k for the inevitable repairs and preventative maintenance. Change all fluids first, no matter what. Service your car at a reputable corvette shop near you like lyle's.
I picked up a 2003 C5 50th Anniversary Edition a few months ago. The actual 50th Anniversary Edition (Ann Red) with 67,000 miles (verified). The previous owner got the Magnetic Shocks replaced at the Dealership in 2015, and the original invoice (along with more documentation) came with the car. Came out to about $4,500. Glad I wasn’t stuck with that bill!
Right? :) Good news being that when those shocks do begin to fail you can program out the F55 option and go with REALLY nice conventional shocks for about 1/8th the price. :) Lyle
My sweet lady feel in love with a friends 04 Convertible with 40K miles. Magnetic Red, Tan interior, new run flats, all paper work, automatic, original black top, stock suspension and new battery. Was asking 20K two years ago, here in Kalifornia. Got it for 18K. Has 45K plus now, no issues keep battery up that's about it, Nice videos.
My experience, bought an 02 with 42k miles three years ago. No maintenance history, but ran great. Base model. The tires were 12 years old! Dangerous. I immediately had all fluids flushed, changed tires out. Next year, brakes and rotors, serpentine belt. Replaced stereo components and dash console to fit a modern unit. Installed corsa exhaust. Everything mechanical has been great, put 13k miles on it. Electrical, the turn signals quit working occasionally. Push the hazard light button on and off a few times and they resume working: I believe this has to do with the contacts that cycle the relays. As with these cars, tons of people buy them and don't drive them, or if they do they're not putting the thing through its paces. Cars that sit too much, that equals dried out rubber Everything. Run from low, low miles! Really no complaints as it's a fun sports car for not a lot of money, but looking at recent prices people are catching onto that. I plan on at least a couple more summers before I let mine go.
Love these videos from C&S Corvettes. My black 99 (I own three C5s) had the driver's side seat problem where the seat had play in it. Got the kit and watched C&S's video on how to do the repair. It was sort of a pain to repair but the video was excellent. Thank you C&S!
He's 100% right about the 97 to 2000 C5's having major ABS issues. Unfortunately I bought my 2000 before the non availability of ABS module plus the problems were unknown. I invested a ton of money into with custom upgrades and the engine so selling it is not an option right now. The 97 to 00 C5's also have issues with the steering position sensor and I've been that part is no longer available either. It's frustrating to have a beautiful car you can't get parts for.
I love my 2000 triple black 6 spd convertible. No issues. 60k miles. Drive 3k per year. Oil changed each Spring. Best car I've ever owned. Gets lots of looks
I bought a 99 2 years ago with 43k miles currently. Fortunately the ABS is OK, but my driver seat brackets broke in half. Thanks to Lyle he had updated parts in stock with a how to video for installation. Thanks again Lyle!
Hello Lyle. This is my first message & I have subscribed. because I didn't do the proper homework & as you say all of the C-5s look the same! & There was a reason I bought a 1999 (56,550 miles) because my 20,000 dollar budget could NOT buy any one of my high-school (first era) 67-72 muscle cars so the next best thing was staying in the 20th century. my youth era! Now I have a much weaker excuse for buying an automatic 4 speed! (I am still crying over that but at least I have the 3:15 performance axel ratio😎 the good news is I bought the 99 coupe in 2014 & it now has 67,236 miles & she is still standing strong with no ECBM or any other electric issues! However as ALL C-5 owners will eventually have to do it is NOW time to change the wobbly harmonic balancer 🤣 thanks for a good video Chris .
@@link9alink9a71 🤣 I watch all the C5 stuff. I was actually talking to someone last night about this very thing, so sent them this video. Gotta give credit where credit is due 👏
6 years ago I bought a 2004 manual C5 coupe for just under $10K. ~150K mostly highway miles and otherwise pristine. It's been a fantastic and fun car to own that has needed very little maintenance/repairs.
Thanks for sharing! I purchased an 01 with 75k miles on it but had a long list of maintenance and typical repairs already completed. Also had a few nice upgrades. I think I got a great buy!
My friend is buying a C5. I forwarded him this video. I treat your videos like an encyclopedia just on Corvettes. Two Thumbs Up to you and C&S Corvettes.
Saw your vid on c6. Great info but I have a c5. Fortunately I found the c5 evaluation. I felt I won a lotto when you recommended the 2002. I purchased a convertible with 54k on the od in 4/21. All systems were functioning when purchased with the exception of the climate control, the display screen was dark. Sent it to an ebay merchant and now it works perfectly. I tried first to solder the suggested culprits. That lasted about two weeks at which time I sent it to a pro. The only issue I have now I caused myself when I changed out the throttle body to a 80mm, along with "cold air" induction (how cold is Florida) and jet chip MAF sensor. The idle is erratic and likes to settle at 500rpm. It is a 6 speed car so it is livable although annoying at times. I had a few c3's as a young man but family life delegated a corvette to fond memories. Never thought I would own another corvette so when the opportunity came to get the 02 I jumped on it. I got a lot of car for the money. The drivers seat was worn so I decided to recover the seats. They are sport seats and after watching your vid on sports seats decided to do it myself. Turned out great and saved me $400 on the labor. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with the corvette community..
If it wasn't for you Lyle with that C5 harmonic balancer video... I may have destroyed my 02 C5 engine... Changed my wobbly one with a ATI Super damper & have been enjoying my car... Thanks.. Keep up the great videos...
Great video sir.. I own a C5 2001 Convertible 34K miles currently. I absolutely love the car. Runs great still turns heads. I have a rare color combo quick silver with torch red interior white top 👍
I absolutely love my 2004 C5 base model and it has no magnetic ride. I put z51 sway bars on it and it has the original shocks. I also put new tires on it from General which are the all-season ones because I am using it as a daily driver. I will admit to some spirited speeds but not around corners so much because I will never have the nerves of steel like I had as a kid. I like a firm but not teeth-rattling ride and would like to hear your suggestions for shocks.
Lyle thanks for the info I got a 99 I will watch it. Got it with 69k run great. This is my third one I had two C3 I’m glad I could move up a little. I’m going to keep it stock it’s fast enough for me. I like seeing the guys drive the fast. I’m thinking about changing the top from oak to black add some black wheels and enjoy the ride. Thanks Again 👍🏿
Found your channel recently as of course I’m looking to hopefully get a vette in a couple of years, preferably a C6. Love your insights, especially on low mileage vehicles...not always being the best buy
Thanks for your opinion. I have an 01 with 56k that I’ve known from a friend that owned it the last 14 years and know how it was maintained and after watching this feel much better about my purchase. It’s been a great machine. Thanks again.
There was a 2000 C5 I was about to look at for $6,500 which now I'm second guessing. It's cheap because it also has other issues like the windows not working, windshield wipers but I felt that was relatively small as long as it drove fine. Definitely don't want to risk the ABS issue though.
Bought a 2002 convertible with 55000 miles from a doctor in Sarasota, Fl, 3 years ago.Service records, perfect car so far, love it. Will never sell it, the greatest bang for the buck. Love your videos. Thanks.
@@bigsmoke8208 Only the turn signals lately. apparently they are routed through emergency lights switch ( and the flasher is in there, ha ha ha ) so when the contacts get dirty the turn signals do not work properly. Sometimes cleaning them with electric spray and clicking them 10-20 times will help but in my case it did not, so I will have to bite the bullet and go in there.
Thanks so much for sharing your expertise. I purchased an 2001 3 months ago and it came with the typical issues that are evident by the amount of videos out there to repair them. HVAC display dim and the fuel gauge quits working were my two issues. The HVAC display was a pretty easy fix by re-soldering the resistors and so far the suggestion you gave my to fix the fuel gauge issues has helped a lot. (Seafoam). But I'll be replacing the sending unit someday. I sure appreciate all the help you've given. It is a fun hobby.
I have a 04 with F55 I replaced the shocks with I believe Zo6 shocks because the others was leaking. the socks are inoperable light and the 80 MPH light was coming on all the time. Driving me crazy. I did install the ride height and shock delete by SDE and it went away the ride height delete plug didn't fit but he did send me some with a custom plug and this solved my problem. Found on ebay
Great video (as always). 1 small (recent) correction. I have an '04 with the F55. My dealer (Abel Chevrolet, Rio Vista, CA) was able to (after several attempts) to remove the F55 programming and installed C6 Z06 shocks. Runs great!
I take my "99" there also. I drive from clearlake & there well known everywhere in northern,cal. Glad to hear that they found there way around the F55 nightmare!
I was holding my breath through the whole video.... Just bought a gorgeous 2001 C5 last September with 36K miles, and not a blemish on it! I didn't have a clue what to look for in a C5 at that time. I guess I'd rather be lucky than good! Great video.
if you have not done it already you will replace the electronic brake control module and you will replace the gears in the headlight Motors and you will use more oil in the 2001 than you will any other year
Bought a 01 z06 2 years ago with 37k miles, typical fixes - brass gears in headlight motors, resoldered ecbm, column lock fix(LMC5 easypeasy). Lucky, I guess, uses half quart of oil between oil/filter changes. 55k miles and still going strong.Only minor issue was finding tires for it.
you are correct. couple years ago I had one of the magnetic type shocks go out on my 2003 C5 ,when I heard the dealer say shock and installation around $1000 I said no way. I had the car reprogrammed for regular shocks and put on a new set all 4 z 06 shocks for about $250.
This is GREAT information for anyone interested in one of these cars. Who would've thought about those issues with the F55 RM shocks. I have seen, on 'Wheeler Dealers,' a place, I think it was called 'Corvette Mikes,' that actually repairs those EBC modules. Seems the main problem is a one or more bad relays. He knows how to unseal the unit and swap out the relay, test it...all for about $350...if memory serves me correctly. I stayed away from the 2 mode ride system when I ordered my C6. I thought it was too complex for long term ownership beyond the warranty period. And it was expensive. So glad I did. The base stock shocks are a great blend of ride control & comfort. And after 90Kmiles, they show no signs of wear. The 2 mode was expensive and overly complex, imo.
I bought a 2002. 19675 miles. I replaced both window motors. Key switch, signal light stalk, windshield wiper stalk, one headlight motor, windshield wiper motor and new tires. I love driving it. Just have to think about all that when pricing the car. Also my glove box fell out.
Got 2001 C5 Z06 with 30k on it in 2020 not a daily driver ( got 97 Z28 for that ) I'm happy and willing to put money in it do video on specific models ( likely problems best aftermarket upgrades ect ) first time owner lifetime dreamer
If I may add the 2001s had leaking ring issues and had a tendency to use oil due to ring flutter under aggressive acceleration. Many owners had the rings changed out under warranty many did not. This only effects the 2001 model year.
I bough a 2000 C5 with 63000 miles about 6 mounts ago, I don't drive very much but this is the best riding and handling car I ever had I am 79 years old a car guy baugh my first when I was 14 years old. I had one other vett 1978 witch was a great car. I baugh moor then 50 cars in my life, I know that your good and know more but this C5 is the cleanest car I ever bough he loved this car never in the rain. My battery does not seem to hold a charge I keep a soule charger to keep it up why does it drain in shute time. Thank You Gus
Hi gus! The drain is usually located in the courtesy lamp switching or a seat switch that has been wet in the past and has corrosion creeping along it's main board. Lyle
I had similar experiences. My first ever Corvette was a 84, I didnt want to spend a lot so I could try one out for a while, This one has 235,000 miles on it.. it ran FANASTIC!!!... so convenienced now it was a fine car. I sold it, and bought a very low miles 87, pampered, garaged, old guy owned it, original owner.. perfect right? WRONG, I drove it like my 84 and EVERY dry rotted seal leaked oil from everywhere. Sold that, later bought an 86, medium miles, and it was good... none were as good as my 84 though.
Wanted to thank you for sharing your knowledge and recommendations. I sold my 67 Cutlass Supreme convertible and bought an 2001 fully optioned yellow C5 with 27,300 miles on it. I watched several of your videos prior to that purchase and felt a lot more confident in the purchase. I'Il be back on your channel for more learning. Who'd have thought that lemon based ammonia would remove the tackiness of horn cover!
FYI - if you program the f55 out of your 2003, make sure you remove the computer from the trunk, or tape the connectors off. I have a 50th anniversary edition. I was having it detailed and the detailer plugged the computer back in, thinking she was helping me, and woke the system back up. Now I have to find a Tech II to remove that 80mph speed warning. :(
I like your video. I have a 97 with 218,000 miles on it and it still is a great running car. I do have brake module problem starting up but other than that just the usual little problems. I have had a few grounds that needed attention. The car has been so good I'm in the market for another C5. I found an 03 50th anniversary model but it has the F55 problem showing on the DIC. I would like to get it because other than that it is very nice. Keep up the good video's.
I bought a 99 convertible for my 75th birthday, last week. It has 34,000m. Recently, before I bought , all fluids were changed, and the steering column lock up issue was fixed ($2,000.00CDN). Google said C5's were reliable. Now I subscribe to Lyles channel, see the video and am thinking I'm in for a lot of trouble. Geez! /murray/van bc
2003 C5 sat in dealer show room most it's life,shale interior,mint condition 15,500 miles,bought it in March of 2019,all fluids changed at purchase,she'll turn 30,000 this year, no problems to speak of and a blast to drive, paid 22,500 plus 1 more to ship to Georgia from ohio.
Appreciate the great advice which makes sense. Found a 2003 Z that has less than 6000 miles and has a supercharger installed. Stuff of dreams, but I think I'll buy something with reasonable miles at ½ the price.
I have an 04 with f55. Had to replace shocks 3 yrs agoo because leaking. $4k yikes! Dealer was able to get lifetime warranty on new ones. Had to replace front shocks this summer and they did honor warranty. Of course had to pay fir labor.
I really hate it when something like those Bosch modules can kill years of cars and eventually mean they won't be able to run once the parts dry up (or get crazy expensive). If the company never wants to make them again release the damn specs, data files, and anything else so someone else can build them or create a work-around. This is the reason I support Right to Repair laws, the consumer needs them.
Hi Lyle, I’m looking at a 2004 C5 commemorative Lemans convertible with 80K on it. When you talk about the F55 magnetic ride control suspension, is that the one with Tour/Sport mode select button on the console? If so, would that mean that not having that option is the more desirable model due to the high cost and failure rate of that suspension? Thanks, Lou in Northern Indiana.
Hi Lyle I have a 2004 C5 Basic with 58K mi. I had to replace the air pump motor and the passenger side check valve (the hard one to get to). Just waiting for the harmonic balancer to show a wiggle.
I think I'll just stick to my 1993 C4 base coup, a little over 69,000 miles, I've had it four months now and so far has been very reliable (knock on wood) it appears to be a little cheaper to work on even when it comes time for changing the opti-spark, I should add I'm using it as a daily driver.
All of your video's are great Lyle...Still looking for a vette and i think i found a 2002 Convertible 6 speed with 48k miles BUT it has a exhaust rattle when revving it up.. ..I know its a TT....I guess i.ll be making a drive from Cincinnati to you after i buy it........Thank You...
I have owned my 01 base 9 years with little issues . Just a harmonic balancer replacement 106k now. 01 also has ls6 block and intake and higher flowing exhaust manifolds. Also California cars with pup cats had a 500 inch lift cam. In early 01
Thank you for all your information I currently have a c4 with 52,000 original miles and I'm looking at a 2001 with 70,000 miles after listening to your podcast I feel more comfortable about purchasing the 2001 thank you
So, in case you got confused with what he said, what he REALLY said was get a ‘04 without the F55 (magnetic ride control) module and with at least 50,000 miles. You can tell if it has the ride control module cause on the center console there’s a switch with 3 setting for ride control. There’s just a button if the car doesn’t have ride control.
Lyle, I am interested in a c6 grand sport. My question is this. As an everyday driver I am not looking to track the car for a myriad of reasons. Previously owned a C5 . I am probably the exception rather than the rule.. I truly hate the wearing out of the tires. I an not a gear head I just enjoy driving. Chevy in the quest to ave a great track car alters the toe and camber (?) On these vechiles.what can be done to get 40,000 miles on a set of tires with out wearing tires what I call prematurely. I'm retired and disabled to a degree. Most of my expenses are medical therefore shelling out $400-$600 frequently is not an option. I heard the base corvette is aligned differently. Can you help this old veteran? How do I stop this wear due to factory settings especially on the grand sport? Thank you for your time ! Signed old geezer
What were you in the Joint for when you made this? LOL kidding, but it def looks could have been done from inside the Big House🤣Excellent info, there's a sweet '97 near me, 65K miles, auto, A&A supercharger set up, few other tasty mods (exhaust, tune, brakes) collector/enthusiast owned, but that ECBM module potential issue has me totally spooked....
