This gentlemen seems to express his sincere concern for others who are interested in owning a corvette. Thank you for your time and effort and especially the good wise advice.
I literally just purchased a 01 Z06 yesterday. Found your channel repairing my drivers seat. I did my research but missed your video. That info a about the weatherstrip was news to me, thanks.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm a Corvette lover and I've been following you for a year now. I live in Canada and I hope one day I can have my own Corvette.
I am a businessman and am here to EARN money for my business and my family...the keyword being EARN, not TAKE. :) Thank you so much for your kind words! Lyle
I've had my 2007 C6 for 3 years. The dealer I purchased out from also choices all of the service and has meticulous records. I'll have to check on the torque tubes and balancer during its next service inspection. Thanks for the awesome advice!
Great video,been watching alot of these. Very helpful, but bums me out at same time cause I've been looking at a 2000 FRC vette as my 1st. Keep up the great content.
Fantastic video you hit the most important things! I own a c6 I replaced the balancer. It was hard to find the Abs system, but I did find it on eBay. If you have a C6 change the rear differential fluid!
The last comment, about garage queens, applies to all cars, in particular my 96 C4. When I purchased it, the average annual mileage was just over 2000 miles. I've replaced multiple devices, and one or two more than once. Up side, I have a dependable reader, but still finding the bill going up with new failures of one thing or another. My annual expenses, for repairs, runs around $900.
My harmonic balancer failed last week :( only had it for 3 months but man was it an absolute joy to drive. Luckily just lost my ac belt. I took off the serpentine and gonna replace it and already replaced the tensioner with ac Delco. Bought an ati HB so hopefully after this repair I’ll be solid... can’t wait to drive her again :(
Wow!! I had zero idea those weather strips are so hard to get and so expensive! During the winter, I keep my windows down a bit. And I just put Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579) on everything rubber. I bought mine new and hope to keep all that stuff in good shape for a long time to come.
Very good advice! I purchased a 2003 z06 with 22000 miles, very clean car , all stock, (garage queen probably) What i should be doing first to make sure it’s up to date and not have problems later! Thank you !
Its important to keep in mind the EBCM for the c5 corvette is discontinued for ALL c5 corvettes, not just the 99 and earlier. The key difference is that the 99 and earlier circuit board is coated some kind of resin presumably to protect it from moisture damage, but makes it impossible to repair. The 00+ is not coated therefore is more repairable. Having said that, it appears the 00+ has a higher failure rate. Either way, its a major down fall for the c5. But also these parts are becoming discontinued on the earlier c6 vettes also, along with various other control modules.
Agreed that all of the C5 modules are no longer available. I have not seen the "module death" in the 01-up cars that the earlier version exhibited. The percentage of later module that are unrebuildable is tiny--less than 5% in our experience. The earlier module's boards are contained in clear silicone and getting them apart is almost impossible--even after you remove the silicone with heat. Lyle
Very good info. I appreciate it. I have an 04 Commerative Edition. Now I know with the F55, it's going to cost me in the future. I think I'm good for now. I have 27,000 plus miles.
Curious whether C&S offers Corvette inspections for buyers and said cost. Greatly enjoy your presentations - you should be on Corvette Hall of Fame for helping others.
Man I tell you, I got a very low mileage 2000. Two oil changes, Goodyear pilots. Runs like a dream. Only problem is the drivers vanity light and drivers door little clip,drive it every day
GREAT INFORMATION AS ALWAYS.....LOVE MY 1999 C5 CORVETTE COUPE.....IT HAS 99K MILES...TORCH RED....GOT IT 2 YEARS AGO FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER....80 YEAR OLD DOCTOR.....HE HAS REPLACED EVERYTHING.....GOT THE CAR 8K BECAUSE HE HAD KNEE SURGERY AND WANTED TO SELL......
Absolutely correct on the Garage Queen with 20k mileage. Went to look/buy a C4 with 25k mileage and maybe a few oil changes. This car was just plain horrible in every aspect but the worst part was the 26 year old tires, my God it was Fred Flintstone Driving, that rubber was rock hard. So, bought a 08 with 59k mileage and a night/day difference.
I love your video's Lyle! Been fully bit by the corvette bug after renting a C7 and C8. I'm loving your content and search for your videos specifically on UA-cam! C8 is my dream car but I would have to trade my other dream car which is 2016 Mustang Convertible GT, so I'll be focusing on having both my Mustang and a C5 or C6 to satisfy my Corvette obsession. Open to suggestions from viewers in same boat! Thank you all!
Mine had the wobbling balancer when I bought it but I did notice it before purchasing. It was a little more work than I expected but it went okay. Like this guy said a shop will charge quite a bit to do it but if I had it to do over I'd take it to the shop.
Thank you for the reply. It's not a leaking problem It's just to replace fuel pump. So just a cut large enough to do the pump. Then patch under carpet. I see some mustangs have a removable panel built from factory
C5 if you want to save a few bucks, or if you really prefer the pop-up head lights. C6 if you want the updatesd styling, or if you want a better 6 speed automatic with slapshift, you want the bigger LS3 in the 08+. Outside of age, miles, styling and price there isn't a huge difference between C5s and C6s.
Lyle- Love the channel. Can you comment here or make a video on the best places to buy a Corvette? Private Party, Dealer in a specific geography, online? You mention things to watch out for which is awesome, but are there types of sellers that are more trustworthy than others? Or specific types to stay away from? I'm looking for a C6 Grand Sport, but worries about buying from Northern states and/or online without actually seeing/inspecting the car in person. Thanks!
Would of liked to hear you cover the ECBM because " Service Active Handling or Traction Control" & GM screwed us by no longer making them my C6 had this situation in at the dealer over 27 times including the day I took delivery in 2005.
Great comments on the C5 and C6. I own a C6 currently but thinking of selling it and looking into a C3. Somewhere in the '74-'78 range. A little advice on these would be nice. Such as rust issue and how to look for it, such as bird cage and major frame points.
I will plan on making that video in the near future, but in the meantime remember that a pre-purchase inspection by a knowledgeable shop is your best insurance against such issues. Lyle
Excellent advice. One other issue worth mentioning is the 1997 - 2004 manual transmissions and the 1997 - 2000 automatic transmissions have the "Steering Column Lockout" problem. Relatively easy and inexpensive fix that prevent the unexpected need for a tow truck if the steering column locks up.
John- you are 100% correct about the steering column issue. The only reason I left it out was that there is a reliable and inexpensive fix for that problem--nothing that would keep you from buying a particular car. :) Lyle
The guy on one of the channels, Carhub, or something like that, had his balancer go out. It was his worst nightmare. If I remember right they are plastic from the factory or at least part of it is. Way to go Chevrolet! I don't know much about vettes yet. Do they have a transaxle on the C4 and C5? Is that the reason for a torque tube? I had a 63 Pontiac Tempest with that. I was told the prop shaft was flexible and could break any time. It never gave me any trouble. It was the shifter that killed the car. The shifter rod bushing (2 piece neoprene) went out. It was irreplaceable.
I'm looking for a C6,08-10 right now,I wanna buy it in California and drive it back to PA for a nice road trip adventure with the wife but this got me thinking,maybe not so much.
Thanks for the buying tips. I am surprised you didn't mention the "dropped valve" issue with the LS7 motor. Do you recommend replacing the valve guides on LS7 motors regardless of the model year as some folks do? Certainly don't want to blow up an engine.
That US Flag C3 Looks really Cool, lets made a Video about it. 👍All Vettes got some Issues, because they not built like german or Japan Qualitywise, the worst are magride, leafsprings, stockbrakes, radiators they not like up to date. 🇺🇸🤔
I've owned three 99 C5's. One of which I've owned since brand new. Both my younger brothers purchased the other 2 from me. One of my brothers kept The FRC. The two still in our possession for 21 years and 16 years are still fantastic cars. None of them had any of the issues Lyle described.
Well thanks for talking me out of getting a C5.... And that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'll just stick to restoring my 72. Much more affordable repairs.
This gentlemen seems to express his sincere concern for others who are interested in owning a corvette. Thank you for your time and effort and especially the good wise advice.
This guy has given some of the best advice on Vettes that I've heard so far on UA-cam....Very helpful.
Thanks for that invaluable info !
Appreciate the time you took making the video and sharing your knowledge. Thank you!
Some interesting tips that will save someone a lot of money. Thanks and have a nice weekend.
Great video series. Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Thank you Sir for what you do!!
Even I can understand that! Thanks for keeping it simple!!!
Excellent advice! Thank you 👍
Great tips. I learned enough of these over the years to decide to buy a new 2019 Corvette C7 Grand Sport with a Manual Transmission. Love my Corvette.
Thank you, that was valuable information.
I literally just purchased a 01 Z06 yesterday. Found your channel repairing my drivers seat. I did my research but missed your video. That info a about the weatherstrip was news to me, thanks.
Thank you Lyle. I’ve been watching your videos and feel a lot more confident when going to look at Corvettes. (:
Thank you SO much, my friend! I'm scheduled to view (and potentially buy) my first C6 this weekend. I know NOW what to look for! Whew!
Thanks for spelling these details out for us!
Thanks, for your informative videos!
Lyle thank you for the great tips!
That's great advice about the low mile garage Queens, never thought of that
Best advice I have seen, the guy knows his stuff, and presents it well. Just happy mine is a 2001 model.
Thanks for the great tips!!!
Wow thanks for the great advice, just getting ready to buy a c5 or c6.
You got me taking notes, thanks again
I’m contemplating a C6, your videos are a tremendous help. Thx for your efforts…..much appreciated.
Thank you I own a 2001 C5 modified a great video here 💯🇺🇸😊✌️
Knowledge is power, so keep making us powerful.. thanks mate.
Eddie C4 Australia.
Didn't know C5/C6 weatherstrip was $$$ or hard to get - thanks for the info!
Outstanding videos and much appreciated as I still am a proud C6 owner. 🇺🇸👍
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm a Corvette lover and I've been following you for a year now. I live in Canada and I hope one day I can have my own Corvette.
Very helpful, my first time purchasing a vette.
Real man real video.unbelievable,may god bless us with more people like this to battle the money hungry take your money people.
I am a businessman and am here to EARN money for my business and my family...the keyword being EARN, not TAKE. :) Thank you so much for your kind words! Lyle
Great video! Considering buying a C5 or C6 and this was very informative
Thank You, new to the corvette world . I live in a suburb near Chicago.. trying to learn much as possible about caring for the new baby,
Thanks, Very informative.
Very informative. Thank you.
Garage Queen, I love it.
Awesome video sir.
Great advice thank you!
Sub’ed. Researching my purchase and your vids are very helpful.
I just ordered some parts for my C5, because I watch these videos, and I like this guy.
I've had my 2007 C6 for 3 years. The dealer I purchased out from also choices all of the service and has meticulous records. I'll have to check on the torque tubes and balancer during its next service inspection. Thanks for the awesome advice!
Good man god bless lyle you know alot about Corvette you are a life saver David Webster
Good Advice 👍 Thank you
Wow I thought I knew at least a penny worth of knowledge. You just took my penny and threw it down the road LOL
Great video,been watching alot of these. Very helpful, but bums me out at same time cause I've been looking at a 2000 FRC vette as my 1st. Keep up the great content.
thanks for the info! I'm subscribed now, don't want to miss anything!
Day what you want I have a 99 c5 and love it haven’t had any issues just the weatherstripping you mentioned but no other issues
Fantastic video you hit the most important things! I own a c6 I replaced the balancer. It was hard to find the Abs system, but I did find it on eBay. If you have a C6 change the rear differential fluid!
The last comment, about garage queens, applies to all cars, in particular my 96 C4. When I purchased it, the average annual mileage was just over 2000 miles. I've replaced multiple devices, and one or two more than once. Up side, I have a dependable reader, but still finding the bill going up with new failures of one thing or another. My annual expenses, for repairs, runs around $900.
Great info
My harmonic balancer failed last week :( only had it for 3 months but man was it an absolute joy to drive. Luckily just lost my ac belt. I took off the serpentine and gonna replace it and already replaced the tensioner with ac Delco. Bought an ati HB so hopefully after this repair I’ll be solid... can’t wait to drive her again :(
Great suggestions. Would be great to identify the aprox mileage that these failure items typically start to occur.
Wow!! I had zero idea those weather strips are so hard to get and so expensive! During the winter, I keep my windows down a bit. And I just put Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579) on everything rubber. I bought mine new and hope to keep all that stuff in good shape for a long time to come.
I also use the Dielectric Silicone grease on my 1998! Doing a good rubbing in is the best way to keep all that rubber in great shape!
Very good advice!
I purchased a 2003 z06 with 22000 miles, very clean car , all stock, (garage queen probably)
What i should be doing first to make sure it’s up to date and not have problems later!
Thank you !
This is great, next ill be getting a either c5,c6 if I stretch maybe c7. Great video thanks
Nice video. Info great. Got a mint 96. C4. This year teo replace my 85. Now I want two upgrade teo c 5. Or c6. Now
Got the vette life going on!!
great video
Nice video. Got my second c4.
Very informative I have a 98 just over 1000,000 miles. So far no issues. 😊
A Million miles? You may have put one too many zero’s on that number.
Its important to keep in mind the EBCM for the c5 corvette is discontinued for ALL c5 corvettes, not just the 99 and earlier. The key difference is that the 99 and earlier circuit board is coated some kind of resin presumably to protect it from moisture damage, but makes it impossible to repair. The 00+ is not coated therefore is more repairable. Having said that, it appears the 00+ has a higher failure rate. Either way, its a major down fall for the c5. But also these parts are becoming discontinued on the earlier c6 vettes also, along with various other control modules.
Agreed that all of the C5 modules are no longer available. I have not seen the "module death" in the 01-up cars that the earlier version exhibited. The percentage of later module that are unrebuildable is tiny--less than 5% in our experience. The earlier module's boards are contained in clear silicone and getting them apart is almost impossible--even after you remove the silicone with heat.
Lyle
I just brought a 2005 c5! So happy!
Still happy?
Very good info. I appreciate it. I have an 04 Commerative Edition. Now I know with the F55, it's going to cost me in the future. I think I'm good for now. I have 27,000 plus miles.
Curious whether C&S offers Corvette inspections for buyers and said cost.
Greatly enjoy your presentations - you should be on Corvette Hall of Fame for helping others.
Man I tell you, I got a very low mileage 2000. Two oil changes, Goodyear pilots. Runs like a dream. Only problem is the drivers vanity light and drivers door little clip,drive it every day
Had a 97 c5 hopefully I never had the problem with the harmonic balancer now have a c6 2005 I love it reliable as hell
GREAT INFORMATION AS ALWAYS.....LOVE MY 1999 C5 CORVETTE COUPE.....IT HAS 99K MILES...TORCH RED....GOT IT 2 YEARS AGO FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER....80 YEAR OLD DOCTOR.....HE HAS REPLACED EVERYTHING.....GOT THE CAR 8K BECAUSE HE HAD KNEE SURGERY AND WANTED TO SELL......
Man you got a great deal..
That’s a great deal!
Thanks
Absolutely correct on the Garage Queen with 20k mileage. Went to look/buy a C4 with 25k mileage and maybe a few oil changes. This car was just plain horrible in every aspect but the worst part was the 26 year old tires, my God it was Fred Flintstone Driving, that rubber was rock hard. So, bought a 08 with 59k mileage and a night/day difference.
Love the Video's learning so much. Any good recommendations on good Corvette service locations in the north Houston area?
I have a 99 and I bought it with all the lights on in the dash. ABS, traction, active handling….. I still drive the hell out of it
Lyle I would like to have my original build sheet for my 2003 C5.
Indeed a list of the option codes
Thanks
Lou
Thanks for all the information Lyle. Im currently in the market for a c5 or c6, leaning towards c6 but still not sure yet.
I love your video's Lyle! Been fully bit by the corvette bug after renting a C7 and C8. I'm loving your content and search for your videos specifically on UA-cam!
C8 is my dream car but I would have to trade my other dream car which is 2016 Mustang Convertible GT, so I'll be focusing on having both my Mustang and a C5 or C6 to satisfy my Corvette obsession.
Open to suggestions from viewers in same boat!
Thank you all!
Thanks for the info, which I knew mostly. I do have a slight ratting just below my dash, but it goes away. Torque tube?
Wish I had seen this before I bought my 1998, just buying a steering position sensor was hard to find and expensive. Love the car though
Love it
Mine had the wobbling balancer when I bought it but I did notice it before purchasing.
It was a little more work than I expected but it went okay.
Like this guy said a shop will charge quite a bit to do it but if I had it to do over I'd take it to the shop.
Thank you for the reply. It's not a leaking problem It's just to replace fuel pump. So just a cut large enough to do the pump. Then patch under carpet. I see some mustangs have a removable panel built from factory
Sound advice! 👍
Glad it was helpful! Lyle
This guy knows what he is talking about
C5 if you want to save a few bucks, or if you really prefer the pop-up head lights.
C6 if you want the updatesd styling, or if you want a better 6 speed automatic with slapshift, you want the bigger LS3 in the 08+.
Outside of age, miles, styling and price there isn't a huge difference between C5s and C6s.
Absolutely correct--under the skin, they are almost identical. Lyle
Lyle- Love the channel. Can you comment here or make a video on the best places to buy a Corvette? Private Party, Dealer in a specific geography, online? You mention things to watch out for which is awesome, but are there types of sellers that are more trustworthy than others? Or specific types to stay away from? I'm looking for a C6 Grand Sport, but worries about buying from Northern states and/or online without actually seeing/inspecting the car in person. Thanks!
Would of liked to hear you cover the ECBM because " Service Active Handling or Traction Control" & GM screwed us by no longer making them my C6 had this situation in at the dealer over 27 times including the day I took delivery in 2005.
Love your videos Lyle Very helpful and informative. Buy the way i am from Montreal Canada and i am curious as to where your shop is , Thank you
Hi Dave! We are in Sarasota, Florida! :) Lyle
Really like your video's I'm looking for a c4 ZR-1
has a partially Maserati motor onthe zr1
I'm anxious to get another Corvette, I'm 6ft3, heard the C6 was the most comfortable for taller men
Great comments on the C5 and C6. I own a C6 currently but thinking of selling it and looking into a C3. Somewhere in the '74-'78 range. A little advice on these would be nice. Such as rust issue and how to look for it, such as bird cage and major frame points.
I will plan on making that video in the near future, but in the meantime remember that a pre-purchase inspection by a knowledgeable shop is your best insurance against such issues. Lyle
The main thing to look for when buying a C5 or C6 is the Z06 option.
Excellent advice. One other issue worth mentioning is the 1997 - 2004 manual transmissions and the 1997 - 2000 automatic transmissions have the "Steering Column Lockout" problem. Relatively easy and inexpensive fix that prevent the unexpected need for a tow truck if the steering column locks up.
John- you are 100% correct about the steering column issue. The only reason I left it out was that there is a reliable and inexpensive fix for that problem--nothing that would keep you from buying a particular car. :) Lyle
C&S Corvettes I figured that was the case. Keep up the great videos Lyle. They are very appreciated.
Do c6’s (2011) also have the steering column lockout issue and if so have you gone over the “easy fix” somewhere?
@@rtazman12 No issue I am aware of on 2011. I neloeve 2005 years may have this issue.
The guy on one of the channels, Carhub, or something like that, had his balancer go out. It was his worst nightmare. If I remember right they are plastic from the factory or at least part of it is. Way to go Chevrolet!
I don't know much about vettes yet. Do they have a transaxle on the C4 and C5? Is that the reason for a torque tube?
I had a 63 Pontiac Tempest with that. I was told the prop shaft was flexible and could break any time. It never gave me any trouble. It was the shifter that killed the car. The shifter rod bushing (2 piece neoprene) went out. It was irreplaceable.
I'm looking for a C6,08-10 right now,I wanna buy it in California and drive it back to PA for a nice road trip adventure with the wife but this got me thinking,maybe not so much.
Lyle keeps it simple yet effective. Any Corvette owner should keep his number handy.
Can I give this guy two thumbs up instead of just one ?
i just picked up an 04' with 172k it was a weekly commuter between san diego and phoenix, bone stock and in amazing condition
How's it going do you still have the car and or how long did it last etc..?
Thanks for the buying tips. I am surprised you didn't mention the "dropped valve" issue with the LS7 motor. Do you recommend replacing the valve guides on LS7 motors regardless of the model year as some folks do? Certainly don't want to blow up an engine.
check the history and see if its even been done before under warranty say by GM or a chevy dealer
Can you share a video about the different transmissions that can be put into these cars? (Stock vs Performance (?))
Lyle, how about a video on your recommendations for the LS7 valve guide fix
Here is a recommendation. Don't buy it.
That US Flag C3 Looks really Cool, lets made a Video about it. 👍All Vettes got some Issues, because they not built like german or Japan Qualitywise, the worst are magride, leafsprings, stockbrakes, radiators
they not like up to date. 🇺🇸🤔
You literally justed saved me 15k by not buying a 1999 c5. THANK YOU SO MUCH
I've owned three 99 C5's. One of which I've owned since brand new. Both my younger brothers purchased the other 2 from me. One of my brothers kept The FRC. The two still in our possession for 21 years and 16 years are still fantastic cars. None of them had any of the issues Lyle described.
Look for one with Yokohama tires on it👍
Hope my 2000 black 6 spd conv doesnt have brake issues
Well thanks for talking me out of getting a C5.... And that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'll just stick to restoring my 72. Much more affordable repairs.