Base C5 handling prowess?

Hey all,

Going to look at a few base model no handling options 98-99 C5's soon, all are around 75-90k miles, excellent shape & $10-12k asking. I'll be using the car on weekends & to take the place of my aging DD for autox.

Regarding it's handling, how pricy will it be to get frc/z51 handling out of it (assuming similar hi-po summer road tires)? I'm guessing shocks, f/r sway bars and possibly a slightly stiffer rear leaf spring will make up the difference?

I have no input on the suspension stuff, but after autocrossing a c5Z I would recommend running a square tire setup. The car pushed quite a bit even with big tires (295 front, 315 rear), and the rear was planted unless full on the fun pedal. I think a square 295 or 305 setup would shift it towards a more neutral balance.

We did an FRC project a few years ago, and just this afternoon JG and I were discussing it. It's now in STU and B Street. We should get another one.

Paging JG, paging JG.

Main differences in the regular and Z51 were swaybars, shocks, springs, end links, power steering cooler and rear end gear. Basically the Z51 option combines the G92 (performance rear axle), with FE3 (sport suspension), then added the PS cooler. So there could conceivably be cars with G92 and FE3 that are NOT Z51s, but for nearly all practical purposes are close enough.

ALL FRCs were Z51.

Bottom line, if it's mostly stuff you're going to change anyway, buy the best condition you can afford. There's plenty out there, though. You may be better off buying a plane ticket to get what you want rather than going in knowing you're going to spend more money.

Having worked on literally hundreds of these, I have a few bits of wisdom.

95% of drivers cannot get all there is out of a stone stock c5.

If you are one of the 5%, start by ditching the stock runcraps and akignment. Most of my setup experience is on hpde and tt cars, so I cannot give a good autox spec.

Next would be a good set of swaybars. Addco makes a set of wonderful hollow bars that are inexpensive.

After that, if still looking for more id go with the full vb&p sport suspension. Great setup for dual purpose cars.

As far as brakes/wheels/tires, id reccomend wilwood h pads on all four corners and either 305/35/18 or 275/40/17 square setup. Depends on budget.

Additionally, c6 z06 sway bars and shocks bolt on and make a nice upgrade if you can find them cheap enough.

The only problem with a base C5 is that you can never go for a ride in a Z06, because then you'll have to have one of those.

But no joke, Duster is right. Any C5 is a hell of a car. Even the convertibles are incredibly fun to drive.

A 97 auto c5 on run-flats is still one of the most capable autoX cars ive driven since i discovered the sport about 11 years ago. I think the comment about 95% of people not being able to get all there is out of a stock c5 is the most relevant and important point made so far.

Stock base C5, big bars, decent shocks, good tires and go? I saw a silver one this morning and they are pretty.

Love these. My 5 year plan/pre-mid life crisis is a C5 for my 35th.

I'm going to have to own one of these cars someday. As much as I like my Camaro, the same engine in a decent chassis and less weight is too good to pass up.

My only hesitation is the Corvette owner stigma.

Vigo wrote: I think the comment about 95% of people not being able to get all there is out of a stock c5 is the most relevant and important point made so far.

I wasn't able to get all that there was out of a stock C4; I can't imagine a C5 being easier to drive. This is the sort of car I'd only worry about mods after taking care of repairs and getting plenty of seat time.

Thanks for all the info guys! I'm still in the price negotiation phase of buying the C5, can't get over paying 2-3k over kbb for most of the car's I've seen...

Will wrote: My only hesitation is the Corvette owner stigma.

Do you REALLY care what people think who have that stigma? I don't personally like Miata's, but I'd only make fun of someone in the having a good time with them sense about it. I wouldn't actually go "that person is a hair dressing flamer because he drives a miata", just like I wouldn't think an older guy driving a corvette is a "midlife crisis gold chainer driving a crappy american dream machine".

Those people suck. Why worry about them?

And at the end of the day, bitches love them some Camaro or Corvette. Get it in red or triple black. Doesn't matter if you need the bitches, you want them to want you

I drove another c6 today and re-affirmed my opinion that i like the c5 better.

HiTempguy wrote:

Will wrote: My only hesitation is the Corvette owner stigma.

Do you REALLY care what people think who have that stigma?

Don't care what others think. But when I buy into the stigma a little bit myself...

Look, I know there are a lot of good people in Corvettes. I just fear that one day I'll find myself at a car show in my stock C5 with the hood up, next to 8 other stock C5s with the hood up, as if no one's ever seen under the hood of one before. The other owners and I will be talking about which brand of embroidered floormat or logoed vinyl car bra is the best. I'll be wearing a Corvette hat, Corvette shirt, and Corvette jacket. So will they.

I don't want to be that guy.

Vigo wrote: I drove another c6 today and re-affirmed my opinion that i like the c5 better.

Por que?

I haven't driven either, but I lust over a C6 Z06.

Because i like the looks better inside and out and im not jaded enough to care much about the difference between 350 and 400hp in a small car.

Inside, the c6 reminds me of an impala. The c5, on the other hand, reminds me of the slightly more interesting pontiac bonneville!

Outside, i think the c5 is just plain prettier, by a little in the back, and by a lot in the front.

I'm with Matt... if i bought a c5 i would leave it mostly alone for a good long while.

Will wrote: My only hesitation is the Corvette owner stigma.

Nice corvette! Sorry about your hootus.

In reply to Will:

Keep in mind, those guys are having fun. It's not the same fun you have, but it's fun. My father in law started going to local cruise nights about the time he retired. I went to one with him last summer and finally understood. Don't kid yourself that autocross serves any different purpose than car shows or any other car hobby for that matter. Having said that, way way more young guys in C5 corvettes lately. I think the word is getting out.

In reply to mazdeuce:

True. Some of them just seem to go full fanboi really fast. Still, if they're having fun with cars, that's a good thing.

And for the record, that's the only stereotype I meant, not the small hootus stereotype.

I was just poking fun. I won't knock anyone for loving cars, wether they race them or have a low mileage garage queen.

Btw, if you buy a vette, does it come with a free Titleist hat?