I know this is a Vette question, but didn't want to join a Vette message board just to ask the question. I figure some of you LSx guys might know about Vettes.

Looking to get a used C5 (non Z06), but wondering what year is the best and why? They never put the LS2 into a C5 did they?

Of you could point me to a site that explains the differences b/w the years. Something similar to Fbody.org?

Doing the "sell my Z28 and upgrade to Vette" thingy....you know the story.

 

Base C5's were LS1's. Personally, I'd say '02~'04 were the best years. I loved my '04 when I had it. Went 13.2@109 on a 2.1 60' with just an old CAI setup.

Positives...
Slightly stronger rod bolts than some of the other years.
28lb injectors.
LS6 intake.
Not as much of an oil consumption problem like some of the '01's had. (not fact-based by me - treat as internet rumor)
Bigger 85mm MAF vs. earlier years IIRC.


Negatives...
Still going to run into piston slap on cold starts.
Price (new car).

 

Yeah, it's tough to find a 04 C5 at a "used" car price, but good to know the upgrades. Basically, I'd like to find a used C5 with not too high mileage...say 60K miles or so. If it has aftermarket stuff....great, I'll consider that in the sell price, because I plan to do some mods anyways.

I don't like this "oil consumption" thing you're talking about...are C5s known to burn oil?

 

From what I heard, it was the 2001 LS1's - which includes my car. Yes, it drinks a little oil. But, I'm not sure if it's because of the rings or the valve seal on my #4 cylinder.

 

I've heard that the '04 model was the one to have - it clearly offered the most refinements. I had a '99 and it was a nice car, and I'd have no issue buying another 99-04 C5 again - they are really awesome cars and have been coming down in price.

 

Oil consumption is an LS1 thing, not a C5 thing.

 

02

28# injectors
LS6 intake
241 heads
Doesn't burn oil like an 01 car.

cheaper than a 03 or 04

My Vette is for sale for $22000, btw.

 

Kraest,

Nice ride...only if you lived in CA. Besides, not sure if your 408 would pass CA smog anyways. But something like that is what I'm looking for...not necessarily a 10 sec car, but a few mods or just a clean C5 would do.

 

I wouldn't really consider just one year because they are really all the same. And yes the 01 has been known to use oil just like with the Fbody cars. 02 was the first year for the LS6 intake but then again I wouldn't let that stop me from buying an older one. I have had very good luck with my 97. I bought it because it didn't have many miles and also had the Z51 package which includes the better suspension and a PS cooler and the performance axle. I have full boltons and still get almost 30 mpg on the highway. Great car.

 

STOP SELLING YOUR CARS!

 

Outside of the Z06s i would say the 99 FRC. all others are meh

 

01 ls1 and ls6 engines had problems with the rings, my dads 01 z06 (under factory warentty) had to be re ringed at like 25k miles then when her had his linginfelter motor put in they pulled apart his old motor and said the rings were going bad in it too, that was about 30k miles later

 

i'd get an FRC if i were you...You're going to mod it anyway, so the differences are minimal...If you chose not to mod then an 01+ car is the way to go...

If you had an LS1 camarrow, i'd advise not doing it, but since you're in an LT1 it's a pretty good upgrade...