Here's 5 Must have upgrades for your C5 Corvette Link to this month's charity of the month www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/ Corvette Forum www.corvetteforum.com/
I got the service column lock message ..I was 250 miles away from home, on the FIRST day of my vacation..it cost $180.00 to flatbed the car back home AFTER my AAA benefit. Then the dealer played around for two weeks ..a Chevy dealer. Installing the bypass kit is SMART and really a must do.
Use a battery tender if your C5 is not used on a weekly basis. Takes seconds to connect, but maintains the battery at top condition and helps avoid electronic gremlins. Note: 2001-2004 automatic models eliminated the column steering lock mechanism. No need for LCM5 kit. Seat rocking issues happen when accelerating or braking. Easy low price replacement of weak bushings. Some 1997-2000 turn signals work intermittently. Connected to flasher for some reason. Can be fixed with a simple kit. 1997-2000 models have no known inexpensive replacements for the Electronic Braking Control Module which renders the ABS, Active Handling, and Traction Control from working. This results in driving on your own without safety Nannie’s. Car is drivable but just realize the LS1’s power limits and handling. Not sure if some states require the EBCM to be functional to pass inspection. All C5 air filters get all the intake air fro the front splitter. Air filters require frequent replacement. Easy to do and cheap compared to my C6’s $120 air filter. Radiator should be cleaned of trapped leaves and road litter. Check the four udders under the hood below the firewall for clogging from leaves which leads to wet carpets and damaged windshield motor because rain water cannot be flushed away. Protect all window rubber moldings with dielectric grease. Expensive to replace but stay as new with regular conditioning.
I'm really impressed by your ability to do these shots in 1 take without mistakes. As someone who has a small car UA-cam channel, that's definitely something I've struggled with. Good for you man; keep up the good content!
Very good advice sir!! I own an 02 Z06 and love it. I've done everything you've mentioned. The skip shift was the first thing i got rid of. The harmonic balancer/pulley was changed by my friends at Vengeance Racing. When they tried to remove the old one, the bolt broke and they spent hours drilling the rest out. They installed an ATI under-drive pulley and it performs great. And it gave me a little more torque.
Excellent video sir! I will definitely check out your other videos, and subscribe after this comment. I used to own an Electron Blue, 2003 Corvette Z51 Targa MN6 that I modified. Unfortunately, I had to sell my C5 in late 2007 because I needed the money at the time. Biggest regret of my life! I loved that Corvette! My father owned a 2002 Corvette Z06. He bought it new, and kept it until 2006. He supercharged his Z06 with a Procharger. He also added Kooks 1-7/8" LT Headers, 3" Catted X-Pipe, custom Dyno Tune, Hurst Shifter, plus more. All said and done, his Z06 put down 593 RWHP / 498 RWTQ, and it looked bone stock from the outside. My C5 put down 440 RWHP / 401 RWTQ on the same Dynojet my father had his tested on that same day. It's too much to list every mod and brand, but my C5 was modified with... A full Vararam Induction System, Heads & Cam, LG Pro Long Tube Headers, LG Metal Matrix HF Catted X-Pipe, B&B Route 66 Cat-Back, DTE HD 3.90 Rear, Upgraded Clutch/Flywheel, Upgraded Brakes, lowered about 1" on stock bolts, OEM 2001 Forged C5 Z06 gray wheels with OEM Z06 tires, Hurst Shifter, plus many more upgrades, like cosmetic... LED lighting, interior upgrades etc. I spent a lot of $ upgrading that C5. I miss it so much! Sorry for the long comment. Thanks again, -Chris
Nice, well done video. I live in Texas where the summers are so hot they destroy AGM batteries. Red top batteries were initially built here but Johnson Controls bought them out and moved production to Mexico. Their quality has slipped since. The other issue with gel batteries is how much they can be allowed to discharge. A flooded battery can be discharged by 80% but gel batteries will never be the same if they go to 50% especially the red top.
I'm impressed you got 11 years out of a Red Top. I went through 3 of them in 2 years. The last one even lived on a Battery Tender. Never again. Now I am back to lead acid with an acid absorbing pad under the battery. I also cut a piece of plastic to go over the top of the PCM to keep acid from getting to the aluminum case
These are all excellent "Must Haves," but I lean towards the Steering Lock Column as a must, must have/do upgrade. All C5's have this problem, none of the C5 years does not have this problem, so it's just a matter of time as to when it will it surface. When it does happen, rest assured you will be in the middle of nowhere, it will be 2am in the morning, it will be 10 degrees out and you won't have cell service. As the old adage states, he who hesitates is lost. I love the two dividends you gave us at the end of your video. The Weather Tech products and the external cup holder. Referring to the factory cup holder is not correct. It's pretty much just a coin holder or a holder for M & M's. 😉 Stay the course with these types of information/suggestions. Well done. 👍 Save the Wave👋
@@stevequartarola6280 From what I have read if you had the recall done you should be ok with the automatic cars. Also I think the cars from 2001 to 2004 with autos were ok. Can’t remember off the top of my head but I think I mentioned it in the video.
You're more than welcome George. But feedback is the easy part, you had/have the hard part with doing the content for all of us to just sit back watch, listen and enjoy. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Great video and sound advise. All upgrades are done on my 2003 C5 50th Anniversary Corvette, except cup holder (can't find one in a light almond "shale" color which is Std. on 50th Anniversary interior).
Man, that interior is MINT. Very nice. I've been customizing mine. Did changed the knew bolster and glove box from black to shale. Goes way better with my aftermarkets seats. I updated my headlights with Knightdrive sleepy eyes
On a A4 C5, the first mod I would do is a mild stall convertor/shift kit and trans cooler. On a manual C5, I'd go with the C6 shift knob. Thanks for a good video!
I have a 1998 auto trans. I have an AGM battery, the column lock, have not had to do the harmonic balancer! I am happy with my pop up headlights. I have heard that ATI is the best balancer! Also have weather mats and cup holder. I love my 1998 C5!
Overall, some superb advice, George. As a couple others mentioned, hot climates (AZ, TX, FL, etc.) are not good for AGM or gel cells; we need to stick with the flooded batteries and watch them carefully. Aside from that, I've actually done several of the other changes. For the headlights, I've found that Sylvania SilverStar bulbs suffice for my purpose. I put WeatherTech floor mats in my ragtop for the cold/rainy months. I actually had the LMC5 and CAGS elimination kits on order before I bought my C5; I installed them as soon as they arrived. My wife refused to drive the car until the CAGS was installed!
I just know that after laying on the door sill to do the wiring modifications my body was bruised as if I had been dragged into a dark alley and beaten like a poor redheaded stepchild.
I had an ‘02 convertible. I put a Vararam intake and a B&B exhaust w/round tips. That car was fast. My california best friend told me the engine was a LS6 and so did my cousin back home in Detroit.
@@georgeoncars663 Wasn’t an engine swap. GM started using LS6’s on the under in ‘02 convertibles. GM does strange things sometimes. And yes, even with 4 cats, she was loud whenever I nailed it.
6:11 if I recall correctly there was a recall for the steering column lock and GM removed the lock. My steering column doesn’t lock. The headlights are a bane though I agree. I tried all kinds of upgrades then found out the lights fade over time so I went back to original. I mean they are ok, just not very bright. 11:07 you can also protect the floor by ripping out the floor carpet, the carpet is what keeps the moisture locked in. The actual floor is fiberglass and has drain holes.
@@georgeoncars663 GM tried several times to fix the column lock, but used the same recall so no one really knows what was done to their specific car if bought used. The LMC5 is worth the small amount of money just for the peace of mind.
I bought it a long time ago from Corvette Central. Don’t think they make it anymore, but there are some other good ones. I noticed they have one like mine except it holds 2 drinks. Thanks for checking out the video.
Good question. The trunk mat has indentations where the pin holders are so I just cut them out with a utility knife. It was very easy and the fit was good. Thanks for checking out the video.
George, my 2003 C5 already came with a AGM battery. I think some of the earlier c5's may have had the regular non agm batteries. Battery life on original ac delco agm was 1 year. it was replaced a couple times for free under warranty. Factory agms lasted about 1 year ea. where I live( Las vegas) it does not matter what brand you buy. you will be lucky if a battery lasts 2 years, maybe 3 years, if really lucky. They all fail, you take them in, get a new one with warranty, and a couple years later just get a new one at full price. Then start the warranty cycle again. You say you had an optima battery last 11 years. I bet that is not where I live. Try living in Vegas, you will be lucky if it lasts a little more than 2 years. the summer months are brutal on batteries. Harmonic balancer: i replaced mine at 203,000 miles, while replacing torque tube. I chose to stick with original equipment. I have been resisting the urge to use aftermarket parts lately, due to quality issues experienced with other aftermarket parts lately. I am up to 250,000 miles an car still running like new. Nice c5 you got there. what year is it? Black just like mine.
Thanks for the detailed feedback. Mine’s a 99 and you’re right about my battery. I live in southern Canada so we don’t get the kind of heat you get in Vegas.
I ran the PCM cables into the battery box and put the PCM on top of the battery and insulated it to keep the heat down now when I have to get to it I open the hood
Issue #1... the days of good Optima Red Tops are over. Since they started making them in Mexico, quality has dropped and you are lucky to get 2-3 years out of them. Issue #2... instead of installing a unit that can fail on the outside of your transmission, get the skip-shift PROGRAMMED out, and while there, get a performance tune that increases HP and mileage, resulting in a mod that pays for itself over time! Issue #3... Use a REAL LCM-5 if you must, imitators fail often. BTW, do you know how to unlock a locked steering wheel on the car in emergencies? Research that one. Free hint: If you still get the occasional issues with the steering wheel locking, check battery, as an old or poor quality battery causes low voltages and the C5 HATES those and tosses all kinds of codes and issues. Issue #4... A big indicator that your harmonic balancer is going... your Vette is tossing off it's serpentine belt! This can happen even if you don't see any harmonic balancer wobble. Issue #5... Forget using HID lighting. Long delays in turning on and slightly harder installation times (as well as flickering if you are NOT doing it right and using a relay'ed harness). Go LED. If you choose right, they are brighter, last longer and are super easy to install. That said the stock headlight housings are crappy and give a poor beam spread. Here you have 2 options, cheap and "the Right Way". 1. Use LEDs in both high and low beams and add the High-4 mod (when turning on high beams, the lows stay turned on). 2. If you have the cash to spare, purchase Projector Headlight kit, there is NO better quality out there. Enjoy!
I would love to supercharge my C5, but it's super-expensive, and over here (Sweden) you can't get a supercharged car through the yearly obligatory inspection unless it is supercharged as stock.
We have the same car and our battery was leaking and I put a optima red top in the car it was purchased from a auction and it had sit for 18 months so brakes rotors and lines were put on the car first thing our car is a 2000
If you have an auto 2000 C5, that column lock mod is mandatory. The recall failed on me last year and left me stranded at a red light for 10mins. Every time I pressed the throttle, it would turn the car off and tell me "steering lock fault". After the mod, issue gone.
@@georgeoncars663 No problem 🙂 I thought the same thing and didn't bother with the mod...I learned the hard way. And I definitely have the recall mod done since I can turn my wheels with the car off.
There’s some good videos on how to buy a C5. It’s hard to say everything in a brief comment section. I’d check out UA-cam and the Corvette Forum. I might do a video of how to buy a used C5 when time permits. Thanks.
C5 Corvettes NEED a seat! the stock seats are great for long commutes or for cruising if you're a big guy but for any sort of spirited driving, tracking or even racing - this car NEEDS a proper seat!
So let’s say I have a stock c5 with no issues, how do I know if this vette supports the column lock bypass without having it lock on me? Kinda worried if the one I purchase falls into the 10%
I am having trouble with my vetted 1999.It is an electrical the column lock stays on had it into the dealer cist me over 5000.no luck so I have a very good car guy electrical just wondering if you have an idea what it would cost to rewire the car
Sorry wish I could help you out, but I have no idea. I’d check out the corvette forum. There’s a lot of really knowledgeable people on there that might be able to point you in the right direction. Best of luck.
I have a 1998 C5 with a 2006 ZO6 engine transmission headers cam high output electrical aftermarket air intake automatic all the electronics out of the ZO6 into the 98 want to put a wing door on left side
I’m 77 6 ft 2 and 215 lbs and a 2003 C5 owner. 32000 miles. After two 5 hour at a time trips spread over 5 days my back is killing me. The car is very uncomfortable. I use it as my only summer car. Fall and winter my Cadillac SRX Premium is the only car I drive and zero back problems. Not sure if I can do another summer with my back aches. Is there any way to make it comfy to drive routinely??? Thanks for answers. !!!!! Old grandad in Toronto.
Hi there and thanks for the question. You might want to try a seat cushion or perhaps the massaging seat beads or heated seating pad. Google “seat massager for car seat”. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the question. You might want to try a heated seating pad or massaging cushion or beads for the car seat. Google “seat massager for car” and you’ll see what I mean. You could also try switching to different seats, but that’s a bit more work to buy and install. Hope that helps.
I’ve not even watched this but saying must have upgrades makes little sense ,since everyone uses their vett in different driving situations, if your drag racing ,your not going to need the same as a road course enthusiast, or someone just driving from A TO B which is what most people use their corvettes for…what would be more useful would be the best yr C5 ,which is 03-04 ,I agree with red top batteries, I’ve had one in my turbo truck for basically ten yrs ,using a battery tender ..
I commend donating to Doctors Without Borders, the rest seems just repeating internet gossip about the C5. Trust me, with modern traffic and the streets full of automatics leaving the lights as fast as possible, , you won't be dawdling in the lower rev bands where the CAGS feature kicks in. I was also gratified that after mentioning all the various lighting options that are not providing the safety of side light projection, he mentions requiring D.O.T. approval, which does require side lighting going down the road. You want to avoid a bright beam straight ahead, which would tend to black out useful side information, particularly at intersections or going around curves. A friend should tell the good man that the bright red connector in his air intake detracts from his advice giving credibility. Although such parts are marketed and talked about on the internet a performance improvement it is not. the factory part it replaces has corrugations that tumble the air, so that the sensors down line get a better read . Intuitively , a smooth flow would seem best, but this is not an old electronically dumb small block chevy, every system is engineered with supercomputer time to interface with all the other optimized systems. So unless you understand the problem, and how the solution will correct the problem, you are probably just screwing things up adopting internet modifications with nothing more to recommend them than internet gossipers saying how they outsmarted the team of GM engineers that originally developed the LS1.
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback. Just an FYI I bought the car with the “red connector” and black wing. I’m too lazy to switch it to stock and from what I recall I never mentioned it as a performance upgrade or something anyone should do.
Thanks for the feedback and checking out the video. I’ve heard a lot of people are unhappy with the red tops over the last few years. Mine have been good, but I might have just gotten lucky.
George. Do your audience a favor…. You spent 12 minutes giving us 5 must-have up…. I mean seven must-have upgrades for our C5 corvettes. Great job! BUT…. Spending the last minute listing recapping those bullet points of your presentation will serve us (your audience) well. Recap…. So we don’t have to rewatch parts of the vid. 😀
New sub here. Great video and Some of these tips are also on C&S corvettes UA-cam channel and a toys4life. I’ve consolidated a list of things to look for when I’m ready to buy a C5 in 2024. I’ve gone back-and-forth trying to figure out which Corvette I want to buy, started with a C5 then C6 and then C7. Now finally settled on C5. I think the C5 exterior looks is the best out of all the years. Yes the interior lacks the quality and fit and finish of a C7 but that’s OK. In august 2022 a C7 is going for about 50 K here in United States, While a very good condition C5 is about half that I know the better years are 2002 through 2004, I’ll be looking for the non-adjustable suspension in the 2004 because I heard the F55 suspension shocks cannot be replaced by any aftermarket and GM doesn’t make them anymore. 2003 can be reprogrammed to except regular shocks. More than likely it’ll be a 2003 or 2004 (w/o F55 suspension), one or two owner low mileage, certainly not a garage queen manual transmission, non-Z 51 suspension since I won’t be tracking it. Most likely upgrade to a Double Din head unit w apple car play and a hardwired backup camera Also As close to OEM as possible.
@@georgeoncars663turns out I came across a 1999 FRC with only 18,800 miles and I couldn’t resist waiting until 2024 or beyond when I retire in 5 years. It’s in near showroom condition being garaged it’s whole life and pampered. The last owner only drove it about 800 miles in last 6 1/2 years. Certainly a garage queen. Turns out I had to put a new heavy duty interstate battery since the no name battery which was only 1 year old wasn’t holding a charge due to lack of use. 100% bone stock except for smoke windows. Just over 4,000 FRC’s were built in 1999 and mine being pewter metallic is very rare. I upgraded the halogen headlights Bulbs (lower and uppers) to LASFIT LED bulbs and what a major difference. Definitely in the minority , but I actually like the skip shift 1-4 so not modding that. Column lock out is something I need to do. The interior still smells new. The only thing I don’t like are the bone stock seats, which have zero lateral support. The sport seat option was not available in the FRC‘s. For me the C5 (especially the FRC) is the best bang for the buck. I’ve already put nearly 1200 miles on it in 2 months of ownership and it has kicked out my 2002 Lexus ES300 of my garage!
I got the service column lock message ..I was 250 miles away from home, on the FIRST day of my vacation..it cost $180.00 to flatbed the car back home AFTER my AAA benefit. Then the dealer played around for two weeks ..a Chevy dealer. Installing the bypass kit is SMART and really a must do.
Thanks for sharing and sorry to hear what happened.
Use a battery tender if your C5 is not used on a weekly basis. Takes seconds to connect, but maintains the battery at top condition and helps avoid electronic gremlins.
Note: 2001-2004 automatic models eliminated the column steering lock mechanism. No need for LCM5 kit.
Seat rocking issues happen when accelerating or braking. Easy low price replacement of weak bushings.
Some 1997-2000 turn signals work intermittently. Connected to flasher for some reason. Can be fixed with a simple kit.
1997-2000 models have no known inexpensive replacements for the Electronic Braking Control Module which renders the ABS, Active Handling, and Traction Control from working. This results in driving on your own without safety Nannie’s. Car is drivable but just realize the LS1’s power limits and handling. Not sure if some states require the EBCM to be functional to pass inspection.
All C5 air filters get all the intake air fro the front splitter. Air filters require frequent replacement. Easy to do and cheap compared to my C6’s $120 air filter.
Radiator should be cleaned of trapped leaves and road litter.
Check the four udders under the hood below the firewall for clogging from leaves which leads to wet carpets and damaged windshield motor because rain water cannot be flushed away.
Protect all window rubber moldings with dielectric grease. Expensive to replace but stay as new with regular conditioning.
Thanks for the awesome and detailed feedback. Appreciate it.
@@georgeoncars663 You are welcome. Great video!
I would add an oil pressure sensor relocation kit for ease in future replacement.
aside from #5 i can honestly say this is the first video iv seen with this title that isnt bullshit opinion based and not click bait.
Thanks for taking the time to check out the video. 👍
I'm really impressed by your ability to do these shots in 1 take without mistakes. As someone who has a small car UA-cam channel, that's definitely something I've struggled with. Good for you man; keep up the good content!
I wish it was just one take. Usually 2 or more. Thanks for checking out the video.
That cup holder is a big pos
Excellent video and all Great tips for us new owners.. Thanks George!!
Thanks for the feedback and checking out the video. 👍
Very good advice sir!! I own an 02 Z06 and love it. I've done everything you've mentioned. The skip shift was the first thing i got rid of. The harmonic balancer/pulley was changed by my friends at Vengeance Racing. When they tried to remove the old one, the bolt broke and they spent hours drilling the rest out. They installed an ATI under-drive pulley and it performs great. And it gave me a little more torque.
Thanks for the feedback.
Great video! Thank you for the advice. New owner of an ‘04 C5.
Congratulations on your purchase. Enjoy the ride. 👍
Thank you for this focused and informative video
Thanks for taking the time to check out my video. 👍
the AGM battery advice is great, most older vehicles have a rusted out battery tray due to battery gas leakage
Yup. Had some corrosion on mine when I first bought it and had to. Lean it up. 👍
Very good info, George!
Thanks for checking out the video. 👍
Wow thanks for the tip's, very helpful.
Thanks for checking out the video.
Good info on the battery, also can’t beat weathertech.
Thanks and glad you took the time to check out the video.
Thank you for this video! Good stuff
Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to check out the video. 👍
Excellent video sir! I will definitely check out your other videos, and subscribe after this comment. I used to own an Electron Blue, 2003 Corvette Z51 Targa MN6 that I modified. Unfortunately, I had to sell my C5 in late 2007 because I needed the money at the time. Biggest regret of my life! I loved that Corvette! My father owned a 2002 Corvette Z06. He bought it new, and kept it until 2006. He supercharged his Z06 with a Procharger. He also added Kooks 1-7/8" LT Headers, 3" Catted X-Pipe, custom Dyno Tune, Hurst Shifter, plus more. All said and done, his Z06 put down 593 RWHP / 498 RWTQ, and it looked bone stock from the outside. My C5 put down 440 RWHP / 401 RWTQ on the same Dynojet my father had his tested on that same day. It's too much to list every mod and brand, but my C5 was modified with... A full Vararam Induction System, Heads & Cam, LG Pro Long Tube Headers, LG Metal Matrix HF Catted X-Pipe, B&B Route 66 Cat-Back, DTE HD 3.90 Rear, Upgraded Clutch/Flywheel, Upgraded Brakes, lowered about 1" on stock bolts, OEM 2001 Forged C5 Z06 gray wheels with OEM Z06 tires, Hurst Shifter, plus many more upgrades, like cosmetic... LED lighting, interior upgrades etc. I spent a lot of $ upgrading that C5. I miss it so much! Sorry for the long comment. Thanks again,
-Chris
Thanks for the awesome feedback and taking the time to check out the video. 👍
Good set of tips. I appreciate it.
Thanks for checking out the video. 👍
@@georgeoncars663 Of course.
Nice, well done video. I live in Texas where the summers are so hot they destroy AGM batteries. Red top batteries were initially built here but Johnson Controls bought them out and moved production to Mexico. Their quality has slipped since. The other issue with gel batteries is how much they can be allowed to discharge. A flooded battery can be discharged by 80% but gel batteries will never be the same if they go to 50% especially the red top.
That’s some great feedback Doug. Thanks for taking the time to reply. 👍
Great video!
Thanks for taking the time to check it out.
I'm impressed you got 11 years out of a Red Top. I went through 3 of them in 2 years. The last one even lived on a Battery Tender. Never again. Now I am back to lead acid with an acid absorbing pad under the battery. I also cut a piece of plastic to go over the top of the PCM to keep acid from getting to the aluminum case
I hear the red tops aren’t very good anymore but I’ve been pretty lucky with them. Thanks for sharing your feedback and process. Appreciate it. 👍
Most battery tenders will so in the instructions not to use on agm batteries. There are agm specific ones though.
Great information
Thanks for taking the time to check out the video. 👍
P.S. Awesome C5 interior George! (Black & Tan) Stay safe... Rico
Thanks 👍
Thanks for the info
Thanks for checking out the video. 👍
These are all excellent "Must Haves," but I lean towards the Steering Lock Column as a must, must have/do upgrade. All C5's have this problem, none of the C5 years does not have this problem, so it's just a matter of time as to when it will it surface. When it does happen, rest assured you will be in the middle of nowhere, it will be 2am in the morning, it will be 10 degrees out and you won't have cell service. As the old adage states, he who hesitates is lost.
I love the two dividends you gave us at the end of your video. The Weather Tech products and the external cup holder. Referring to the factory cup holder is not correct. It's pretty much just a coin holder or a holder for M & M's. 😉
Stay the course with these types of information/suggestions. Well done. 👍 Save the Wave👋
I've heard that the steering lock column issue is only a problem with the manual transmission. Is that true, or misinformation?
Thanks for the detailed feedback Peter. Appreciate it.
@@stevequartarola6280 From what I have read if you had the recall done you should be ok with the automatic cars. Also I think the cars from 2001 to 2004 with autos were ok. Can’t remember off the top of my head but I think I mentioned it in the video.
You're more than welcome George. But feedback is the easy part, you had/have the hard part with doing the content for all of us to just sit back watch, listen and enjoy. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Makes me happy to know I'll be able to avoid this dreaded headache with my 2003 😎
Great video and sound advise. All upgrades are done on my 2003 C5 50th Anniversary Corvette, except cup holder (can't find one in a light almond "shale" color which is Std. on 50th Anniversary interior).
Thanks for the kind words and I love the 50th anniversary cars. 👍
Cup holders?....this video is for morons, or pretentious morons.
Excellent video! CAGS skip and LMC5 were done my first week of ownership :D
Both just got delivered to my place yesterday. They’ll make for a good winter project for me. Thanks for checking out the video.
@@georgeoncars663 I like the quality presentation and worthwhile charities
@@jivadaya6439 Thanks for the kind words.
How's the car been since?
@@WarriorsPhoto haven’t done the skip shift or col lock yet crazy busy. Hopefully soon.
Very good video, George, thank you!
Thanks for the kind words. 👍
Great Video Bro
Thanks for the kind words. 👍
Really good stuff
Thank you. Appreciate the feedback. 👍
Man, that interior is MINT. Very nice. I've been customizing mine. Did changed the knew bolster and glove box from black to shale. Goes way better with my aftermarkets seats. I updated my headlights with Knightdrive sleepy eyes
Sounds like you’ve done some really cool stuff to your car. Enjoy 👍
Thank you veeeeeerry much
❤
You’re welcome. Thanks for checking out the video. 👍
On a A4 C5, the first mod I would do is a mild stall convertor/shift kit and trans cooler. On a manual C5, I'd go with the C6 shift knob. Thanks for a good video!
Great suggestions. Thanks. 👍
I have a 1998 auto trans. I have an AGM battery, the column lock, have not had to do the harmonic balancer! I am happy with my pop up headlights. I have heard that ATI is the best balancer! Also have weather mats and cup holder. I love my 1998 C5!
Nice ride. Enjoy 👍
I have a 1998 corvette too. Bought it in 1998. 105k miles. Still love it
Overall, some superb advice, George. As a couple others mentioned, hot climates (AZ, TX, FL, etc.) are not good for AGM or gel cells; we need to stick with the flooded batteries and watch them carefully. Aside from that, I've actually done several of the other changes. For the headlights, I've found that Sylvania SilverStar bulbs suffice for my purpose. I put WeatherTech floor mats in my ragtop for the cold/rainy months. I actually had the LMC5 and CAGS elimination kits on order before I bought my C5; I installed them as soon as they arrived. My wife refused to drive the car until the CAGS was installed!
Thanks for the kind words and great feedback.
Great list. I would add a dry sump system if you have a Z06 and your car is going to live mostly on the track with sticky tires.
Good points thanks for sharing. 👍
I just know that after laying on the door sill to do the wiring modifications my body was bruised as if I had been dragged into a dark alley and beaten like a poor redheaded stepchild.
I really like this video
Thanks for checking it out. 👍
I had an ‘02 convertible. I put a Vararam intake and a B&B exhaust w/round tips. That car was fast. My california best friend told me the engine was a LS6 and so did my cousin back home in Detroit.
Your car sounded awesome. LS6 was only in the Z06, yours might have had an engine swap? Thanks for checking out the video.
@@georgeoncars663 Wasn’t an engine swap. GM started using LS6’s on the under in ‘02 convertibles. GM does strange things sometimes. And yes, even with 4 cats, she was loud whenever I nailed it.
Cool channel. Just subbed
Great and thanks. 👍
C5's had a AGM battery from the factory. Although many were probably switched to lead acid batteries later in life.
Thanks for the info. I didn't know that.
@@georgeoncars663 your welcome
Led taillights are a must IMO
Good point and great suggestion. Thanks
Yup, the first 5 are must haves for sure. Replacing the Yellow OEM valves springs should also be on there.
Great point. Thanks. 👍
6:11 if I recall correctly there was a recall for the steering column lock and GM removed the lock. My steering column doesn’t lock.
The headlights are a bane though I agree. I tried all kinds of upgrades then found out the lights fade over time so I went back to original. I mean they are ok, just not very bright.
11:07 you can also protect the floor by ripping out the floor carpet, the carpet is what keeps the moisture locked in. The actual floor is fiberglass and has drain holes.
I heard the recall didn’t work in all cases. Thanks for the feedback and checking out the video. 👍
@@georgeoncars663 GM tried several times to fix the column lock, but used the same recall so no one really knows what was done to their specific car if bought used. The LMC5 is worth the small amount of money just for the peace of mind.
Do you have a link for the additional cup holder you installed?
I bought it a long time ago from Corvette Central. Don’t think they make it anymore, but there are some other good ones. I noticed they have one like mine except it holds 2 drinks. Thanks for checking out the video.
It’s like Mr Rogers for C5’s lol. Almost fell asleep but decent info.
I’ll liven up the next one a bit more for you. Lol.
Your the best they just don’t have enough passion !
Did you have to drill/cut holes in the Weathertech trunk mat for the targa top pin holders?
Good question. The trunk mat has indentations where the pin holders are so I just cut them out with a utility knife. It was very easy and the fit was good. Thanks for checking out the video.
George, my 2003 C5 already came with a AGM battery. I think some of the earlier c5's may have had the regular non agm batteries. Battery life on original ac delco agm was 1 year. it was replaced a couple times for free under warranty. Factory agms lasted about 1 year ea. where I live( Las vegas) it does not matter what brand you buy. you will be lucky if a battery lasts 2 years, maybe 3 years, if really lucky. They all fail, you take them in, get a new one with warranty, and a couple years later just get a new one at full price. Then start the warranty cycle again. You say you had an optima battery last 11 years. I bet that is not where I live. Try living in Vegas, you will be lucky if it lasts a little more than 2 years. the summer months are brutal on batteries.
Harmonic balancer: i replaced mine at 203,000 miles, while replacing torque tube. I chose to stick with original equipment. I have been resisting the urge to use aftermarket parts lately, due to quality issues experienced with other aftermarket parts lately. I am up to 250,000 miles an car still running like new.
Nice c5 you got there. what year is it? Black just like mine.
Thanks for the detailed feedback. Mine’s a 99 and you’re right about my battery. I live in southern Canada so we don’t get the kind of heat you get in Vegas.
Great video George! Thanks for the info. Your 99 Vette looks beautiful, how long have you owned it and how many miles on it. Thanks again.
@@josephvaughan9856 thanks for the kind words. I bought it used in 2005. Just under 60,000 miles. Runs like a champ.
Get job on the video! You look like a pro! You have plenty of info. Actually I am looking at buying a vette. Your old buddy Dave O from Fomoco.
Hi Dave thanks for checking out the video. Get a Vette, they’re awesome.
I installed my kids car seat it has cup holders.
I ran the PCM cables into the battery box and put the PCM on top of the battery and insulated it to keep the heat down now when I have to get to it I open the hood
Cool. 👍
Issue #1... the days of good Optima Red Tops are over. Since they started making them in Mexico, quality has dropped and you are lucky to get 2-3 years out of them.
Issue #2... instead of installing a unit that can fail on the outside of your transmission, get the skip-shift PROGRAMMED out, and while there, get a performance tune that increases HP and mileage, resulting in a mod that pays for itself over time!
Issue #3... Use a REAL LCM-5 if you must, imitators fail often. BTW, do you know how to unlock a locked steering wheel on the car in emergencies? Research that one. Free hint: If you still get the occasional issues with the steering wheel locking, check battery, as an old or poor quality battery causes low voltages and the C5 HATES those and tosses all kinds of codes and issues.
Issue #4... A big indicator that your harmonic balancer is going... your Vette is tossing off it's serpentine belt! This can happen even if you don't see any harmonic balancer wobble.
Issue #5... Forget using HID lighting. Long delays in turning on and slightly harder installation times (as well as flickering if you are NOT doing it right and using a relay'ed harness). Go LED. If you choose right, they are brighter, last longer and are super easy to install. That said the stock headlight housings are crappy and give a poor beam spread. Here you have 2 options, cheap and "the Right Way". 1. Use LEDs in both high and low beams and add the High-4 mod (when turning on high beams, the lows stay turned on). 2. If you have the cash to spare, purchase Projector Headlight kit, there is NO better quality out there.
Enjoy!
Thanks for the detailed feedback 👍
Great video thanks. New subscriber. Here
Thanks for the feedback and taking the time to check out the video. 👍
I would love to supercharge my C5, but it's super-expensive, and over here (Sweden) you can't get a supercharged car through the yearly obligatory inspection unless it is supercharged as stock.
That’s too bad. I’ve thought about supercharging, but have held off so far. Great way to get some extra power. Thanks for checking out the video. 👍
George, where did you find that cup holder? Thanks for all the tips 😊
I bought it a long time ago from Corvette Central, but I don’t think they make it anymore. Thanks for checking out the video. 👍
a dewitts double row aluminm radiator is a good upgrade,
100 percent agree. 👍
We have the same car and our battery was leaking and I put a optima red top in the car it was purchased from a auction and it had sit for 18 months so brakes rotors and lines were put on the car first thing our car is a 2000
Sounds like you got it tuned up and ready to enjoy. 👍
CAGS is not an issue or frustration, just rev past it is all I do.
That’s a great solution 👍
If you have an auto 2000 C5, that column lock mod is mandatory. The recall failed on me last year and left me stranded at a red light for 10mins. Every time I pressed the throttle, it would turn the car off and tell me "steering lock fault". After the mod, issue gone.
Wow, that’s the first I’ve heard of that. Thanks for the info. 👍
@@georgeoncars663 No problem 🙂 I thought the same thing and didn't bother with the mod...I learned the hard way. And I definitely have the recall mod done since I can turn my wheels with the car off.
The gas guzzler tax should have been avoided by the overall low mileage of the corvette brand, instead of the acceleration value. Imo. Helpful video.
Thanks for the feedback and taking the time to check out the video.
hey im lookin forward to buy a c5 2001.Should i go for it and is there anything i have to check before buying even the electronic issues too?.pls help
There’s some good videos on how to buy a C5. It’s hard to say everything in a brief comment section. I’d check out UA-cam and the Corvette Forum. I might do a video of how to buy a used C5 when time permits. Thanks.
C5 Corvettes NEED a seat! the stock seats are great for long commutes or for cruising if you're a big guy but for any sort of spirited driving, tracking or even racing - this car NEEDS a proper seat!
Agree. Lots of guys upgrading the seats. Thanks for the feedback. 👍
I got Corbeau A4 racing seats. I don't drive my vette everyday or take long trips, so they're great for my needs.
So let’s say I have a stock c5 with no issues, how do I know if this vette supports the column lock bypass without having it lock on me? Kinda worried if the one I purchase falls into the 10%
All C5s support the bypass. If your car is a manual I’d install it. JMO
Headlights/safety first.
👍
I get the steering column message every three times I put the key in I just remove it and put the key back in the ignition and im good to go, idk why
Not sure what’s going on there but I would check with compliance parts and look into getting the bypass. Hope that helps.
I am having trouble with my vetted 1999.It is an electrical the column lock stays on had it into the dealer cist me over 5000.no luck so I have a very good car guy electrical just wondering if you have an idea what it would cost to rewire the car
Sorry wish I could help you out, but I have no idea. I’d check out the corvette forum. There’s a lot of really knowledgeable people on there that might be able to point you in the right direction. Best of luck.
Just a FYI the skip shift is also on my 94 c4
Thanks for the info. 👍
Since 1984 models.
I have a 1998 C5 with a 2006 ZO6 engine transmission headers cam high output electrical aftermarket air intake automatic all the electronics out of the ZO6 into the 98 want to put a wing door on left side
Sounds awesome 👍
I just put a battery mat acid absorber and neutralizer under my lead acid battery.
That’s a great alternative. Thanks for the feedback. 👍
I’m 77 6 ft 2 and 215 lbs and a 2003 C5 owner. 32000 miles. After two 5 hour at a time trips spread over 5 days my back is killing me. The car is very uncomfortable. I use it as my only summer car. Fall and winter my Cadillac SRX Premium is the only car I drive and zero back problems. Not sure if I can do another summer with my back aches. Is there any way to make it comfy to drive routinely??? Thanks for answers. !!!!! Old grandad in Toronto.
Hi there and thanks for the question. You might want to try a seat cushion or perhaps the massaging seat beads or heated seating pad. Google “seat massager for car seat”. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the question. You might want to try a heated seating pad or massaging cushion or beads for the car seat. Google “seat massager for car” and you’ll see what I mean. You could also try switching to different seats, but that’s a bit more work to buy and install. Hope that helps.
Appreciate the thoughts. Will google for help.
Where can I get that cup holder?
I got it a long time ago from Corvette Central. Not sure they have it anymore though. Thanks for checking out the video. 👍
Where do u get them
Get what.
Get harmonic balancer replaced and Oil sending unit
Thanks for the feedback.
Thoroughly enjoyed this upload... Thumbs up and a sub from me... Stay safe... Rico ('01 Millennium Yellow C5)
Thanks for the kind feedback 👍
I’ve not even watched this but saying must have upgrades makes little sense ,since everyone uses their vett in different driving situations, if your drag racing ,your not going to need the same as a road course enthusiast, or someone just driving from A TO B which is what most people use their corvettes for…what would be more useful would be the best yr C5 ,which is 03-04 ,I agree with red top batteries, I’ve had one in my turbo truck for basically ten yrs ,using a battery tender ..
How can I tell if my car has this already
If you’re talking about the CLB I’ll be doing a video on it soon. Stay tuned. 👍
Cup holder interferes with your passenger. It is also a dumb place for the driver to reach while driving.
True but options are limited.
Haven’t got time for all the non c5 stuff
I hear ya. More C5 content coming. 👍
C5's came from the factory with AGM batteries. If you're going to do a pod cast on a car like the corvette, please do your research.
You are incorrect. BTW this is a UA-cam video not a podcast. Thanks for checking it out though.
Newer side-post batteries are fine to hae these days. AGM batteries are going to die faster, and they HATE cold weather if you daily drive yours.
Thanks for the feedback 👍
I commend donating to Doctors Without Borders, the rest seems just repeating internet gossip about the C5. Trust me, with modern traffic and the streets full of automatics leaving the lights as fast as possible, , you won't be dawdling in the lower rev bands where the CAGS feature kicks in. I was also gratified that after mentioning all the various lighting options that are not providing the safety of side light projection, he mentions requiring D.O.T. approval, which does require side lighting going down the road. You want to avoid a bright beam straight ahead, which would tend to black out useful side information, particularly at intersections or going around curves.
A friend should tell the good man that the bright red connector in his air intake detracts from his advice giving credibility. Although such parts are marketed and talked about on the internet a performance improvement it is not. the factory part it replaces has corrugations that tumble the air, so that the sensors down line get a better read . Intuitively , a smooth flow would seem best, but this is not an old electronically dumb small block chevy, every system is engineered with supercomputer time to interface with all the other optimized systems. So unless you understand the problem, and how the solution will correct the problem, you are probably just screwing things up adopting internet modifications with nothing more to recommend them than internet gossipers saying how they outsmarted the team of GM engineers that originally developed the LS1.
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback. Just an FYI I bought the car with the “red connector” and black wing. I’m too lazy to switch it to stock and from what I recall I never mentioned it as a performance upgrade or something anyone should do.
This video screams of soccer dads wanting to look cool. Cup holders, and floor mats, and promoting a battery. Yeah. Radioflyer upgrade...agreed.
Lol
@@georgeoncars663 Where's the mods, then? It's sad to see a C5 with stock exhaust, at the very least.
I take it back this channel
Thanks again. Really appreciate the kind feedback.
optima batteries are not how they used to be…. wouldn’t waste money on one again
I’ve heard that from a lot of people.
I get yellow tops but red tops are garbage. They last me two years only.
Thanks for the feedback and checking out the video. I’ve heard a lot of people are unhappy with the red tops over the last few years. Mine have been good, but I might have just gotten lucky.
Can you spot the paid advertisement segment? *Cough weathertech cough*
Lol. I wish. I paid full price. I don’t even have a thousand subscribers…no freebies for me.
@@georgeoncars663 well you deserve a sponsor 100%
@@asmrking2014 thanks for the kind feedback and checking out the video. 👍
No no no no no drink or cup holders in a vette !!!!! 😡
Come on where am I going to put my coffee?😀👍. Jk. Thanks for checking out the video.
Where'd you get the cup holder from ??
I dont need to watch or eead ..SEATS SEATS SEATS
Agree seats. 👍
George. Do your audience a favor….
You spent 12 minutes giving us 5 must-have up…. I mean seven must-have upgrades for our C5 corvettes.
Great job!
BUT….
Spending the last minute listing recapping those bullet points of your presentation will serve us (your audience) well.
Recap…. So we don’t have to rewatch parts of the vid.
😀
Good suggestion. I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks.
Please don't tell people that installing the column lock bypass is easy. It's not !!!!!!
I didn’t think it was too bad but I guess easy is relative. Thanks for the feedback.
New sub here. Great video and Some of these tips are also on C&S corvettes UA-cam channel and a toys4life. I’ve consolidated a list of things to look for when I’m ready to buy a C5 in 2024.
I’ve gone back-and-forth trying to figure out which Corvette I want to buy, started with a C5 then C6 and then C7. Now finally settled on C5. I think the C5 exterior looks is the best out of all the years. Yes the interior lacks the quality and fit and finish of a C7 but that’s OK. In august 2022 a C7 is going for about 50 K here in United States, While a very good condition C5 is about half that
I know the better years are 2002 through 2004, I’ll be looking for the non-adjustable suspension in the 2004 because I heard the F55 suspension shocks cannot be replaced by any aftermarket and GM doesn’t make them anymore. 2003 can be reprogrammed to except regular shocks. More than likely it’ll be a 2003 or 2004 (w/o F55 suspension), one or two owner low mileage, certainly not a garage queen manual transmission, non-Z 51 suspension since I won’t be tracking it.
Most likely upgrade to a Double Din head unit w apple car play and a hardwired backup camera
Also As close to OEM as possible.
Great comment. Thanks for your feedback and taking the time to check out my video. 👍
@@georgeoncars663turns out I came across a 1999 FRC with only 18,800 miles and I couldn’t resist waiting until 2024 or beyond when I retire in 5 years.
It’s in near showroom condition being garaged it’s whole life and pampered. The last owner only drove it about 800 miles in last 6 1/2 years. Certainly a garage queen. Turns out I had to put a new heavy duty interstate battery since the no name battery which was only 1 year old wasn’t holding a charge due to lack of use. 100% bone stock except for smoke windows. Just over 4,000 FRC’s were built in 1999 and mine being pewter metallic is very rare.
I upgraded the halogen headlights Bulbs (lower and uppers) to LASFIT LED bulbs and what a major difference. Definitely in the minority , but I actually like the skip shift 1-4 so not modding that. Column lock out is something I need to do. The interior still smells new. The only thing I don’t like are the bone stock seats, which have zero lateral support. The sport seat option was not available in the FRC‘s.
For me the C5 (especially the FRC) is the best bang for the buck.
I’ve already put nearly 1200 miles on it in 2 months of ownership and it has kicked out my 2002 Lexus ES300 of my garage!
@@stephendibari5010 any more info on ur headlight LED bulbs upgrade? Most interested in the upgrade. Best, GE.