Awesome! I have owned a 2001 ZO6 for the past 12 years. I got it for $27k with 56k miles. I've replaced the starter, clutch, passenger side rear wheel hub, an emissions sensor twice and your basic wear and tear. Right now it has 193k miles. I love my Vette. It was my daily driver until recently when I bought a 2008 S550 Benz. You can see photos of my Vette and Benz on my instagram: taino_photography
@Adam Lolno the trans is rock solid as well and the fiberglass body doesnt rust. The car is all things saod extremely reliable. Rarely will you see 911s of the same era as the C5 with more than 200k miles and definitely not with over 300k
I think your comment is not very positive toward the cylinder fluid identity community and I am severely offended. I'm taking this straight to the top of the reddit forums.
My c5 was amazing. Bone stock it was a hoot, great mileage, loved doing 70mph at like 1700 RPM. Surprisingly practical, ton of space in the back, removable top was fun.
@@Incountry Well, the Vette does 100mph @ 2500rpm. However, thats only 38% of it's max revolutions. This 535d runs at 45% of the max revolutions, since it only revs up to 4800 (which is typical for a Diesel).
5five6 The problem is you cant really compare these engines. It’s 20 (!!) years difference in engineering, it’s Diesel vs Gasoline, it’s 8-Speed Auto vs. 6 Speed manual... so what is your point? The original post confirmed the Vette runs at super low rpm on high speeds, give it the same 8 speed tranny and I’m sure it will run even lower than the 535d. (Actually the C7 Vette runs below 2000rpm in 7th manual gear) And as said, you cannot take the absolute rpm as reference since the two engine have totally different max rpm. 2200rpm on one os not the same as 2200 on the other.
Prefer C6 but it's still way cleaner a design then most newer sports cars. Should strip the interior & dynamat the crap out of it to try & stop the horrific interior noise threshold. I'd rock it
Interior noise on them really isn't that bad when they're in proper condition. They don't get "loud" until about 120 and most of that is from the rear tires and the targa tops. At normal speeds, they're acceptable.
It's really just the target top which causes all the noise, the latches must not be very well designed. My 2012 c6 gs has the same problem at 36k miles
This is why I'm looking for an older (98 or 99) Hard top coupe version. They look like a Z06 with base model wheels and every one I've looked at has the 6 speed manual.
Actually the flip up headlights have no effect on gas mileage. The air that hits the nose forces the air that should hit the headlights to go over the top. I've owned 4 c5's and during long trips, I have tested the theory. After 320 miles on the interstate, the gas mileage remained an average of 31mpg whether the headlights were up or not, during similar temps, elevations and barometric pressures. I made the same trip over 40 times with the same results
For your fuel efficiency goal, i have some ideas; shutting off the AC (or better yet delete it and remove it completely), changing to lighter and fresh oils, lighter weight wheels and 'eco' type tires, carbon fibre hood and driveshaft and other weight reductions.. Maybe even clean the heads and valves and injectors, plugs/wires. Some mods to also look into include Electric Water pump, and under drive crankshaft pulley to reduce parasitic loss'.
I love my C5! All stock, white, full black leather interior, targa top, and best part, factory option mag wheels. Bought it from a family friend for a awesome price. Cheers! Glad you got one too. I also think it's the best bang for your buck.
Congrats on the Vinwiki. I emailed Ed a couple months ago and he answered but I didn’t think he would actually get you on. Did you shoot any video while you were there?
2003 C5 Z06 bone stock spanks 5.0 Mustangs and 392s (16 years later). For under 20K I can't see a better platform. Side note: all C5 fixed roof coupes came with the Z51 package.
I wouldn't say "spank", as the numbers are pretty close. The C5 vette is my favorite as far as styling is concerned, and I'll never forget when a C5 Z06 (that sounded like Zeus) spanked me on my bike. LOL You also have to admit, a bone stock C5 was a $45K car, 16 years ago. That's $62K in 2019 money.
A fuel economy build would be a very relevant concept in today's world where big car manufacturers are going with small capacity turbo engines. Would be a shame if a 5.7 litre V8 would beat a four cylinder turbo for fuel economy! ;)
Graham Wilson You guys are lucky. Many countries tax cars based on their engine capacity/ volume, a big engine would tremendously increase the tax. Otherwise, many people would have happily get a big engine car.
6:38 shows "the improper way to get out of any low car." Every time the driver got out, he put his left hand on the bolster of the seat, and pushed off to get up.......eventually wearing the leather out there to that hole. The "car friendly' way to get out is to use the bottom door sill to push off......right next to where the seat belt buckle is resting. Your leather will thank you.
I support the 40 mpg build....also, how about a super-quiet exhaust AND air-ride suspension. Make this a real sleeper and a comfortable daily driver. The air-ride would also minimize any bottom scraping around town and maximize the low-profile on the highway. Good luck with this.
CHROME WAS THE JAM BACK IN THE DAY!!! Ford and Chevy have gotten off the chrome with it's sports/muscle cars these days. Dodge still is on the chrome train. LOL
Great buy and value muscle car! You're absolutely right that the LS engine will go down as one of the top 10 engines of all time. LS engines are like Frank's Red Hot sauce: "They put that s#$t in everything!" I never knew the C5 Corvettes were so reliable. GM has many cars that are very reliable and robust, it's just that they don't usually hold their looks over time. The Corvette and a few others are an exception to that of course.
I daily drive an automatic 2004 Corvette bought last year with only 45,000 on it. Changed all the fluids, did all the brakes with new rotors and Akebono pads. It does not rattle, and it's most gratifying. Everything works on mine. Fixed the driver seat foam and the airbags in it to do the back support.
Jake Bednarz What kind of highway mileage do you get with your C7? I’m getting around 28 with my 7spd manual C7 Z06. 650hp and that kind of mpg, I was impressed. Now when on the throttle it’s a different mpg story. Haha.
Jim Himes I get like 30-35 mpg cruising in 7th at like 75-80. I used cylinder deactivation and got over 40mpg but I’ve heard it’s not very good for the motor
your age classifies you az spring chicken. old musclecars with 450hp did 5 to 8 real mpg. this with simmilar hp does 30 mpg. and thats not an improvement????
Awesome Alex! Go for the 40mpg challenge. My early 20's life goal- own a Vette before 25. Late C4, awesome car, rode like a bread box, good times. I foresee an air-cooled Porsche 911 living in your future garage... seems to be the progression of things given we have owned pretty much the same cars.
Right, my bad, typo in the year. About the price: was it manual or automatic? Manual costs significantly more especially with low mileage. I haven't seen type-S 6mt with
@@ArtemLokhovitskiy it's a stick. I don't see them for anymore than 9500 in my area. From Tennessee btw. At least u have just the small struggle of paying $10k. The car I want, a G37s sedan 6mt, doesn't really go for less than $12.5k and there's only 7 on sale on CarGurus rn Nationwide lmao.
@@ronsvg97-25 plus you have to find one with super low miles coz their engines are notorious for burning oil after 100k miles. I know, I considered this car myself when I bought Honda Accord coupe V6 6mt :)
You have made my day with this purchase. I too have a C5, full top end rebuild, ported heads, aggressive cam, long tubes, 3.15 rear and a Jasper 4L60E. With this current setup I can get 28mpg and I'm at about 490 crank!!! My opinion, turn it into a sleeper. Blower, mild cam, Corsa Sport axle back just to name some things. You do great work and I look to take cues from some great upcoming content on it. I will be hitting the bell to get notifications lol.
What do you think about doing the 150hp electric motor supercharger that couples to the drivetrain through the crankshaft via a standard supercharger belt?
My first Vette was a new 2001, Z51 Manual, same color and pulled a constant 30+ MPG on road trips. Once at the Corvette weekend in Eureka Springs mileage run I pulled 38+ running through the mountains and didn't even place....First Place went to a guy that pulled 43 MPG over the 100 mile hilly course. Love the Vettes; currently driving a '15 Z51 with an A8 and still pull 28 to 30 on trips with over 100 HP more than the C5.....GREAT ROAD CARS!
i’ve been binge watching your videos like crazy for 2 weeks straight and i could hands down say you’re the best automotive youtuber out here! i’m glad to see how far you’ve come with the channel and i seriously hope the great content will continue and us as supporters can help grow out this amazing channel !
@@MrGhostOg I'm aware that he has the vehicle. My comment is more geared towards his growing audience. Which for the more part are European vehicle focused.
Lets agree..no lambo ferrari porsche etc. is as reliable as a C5 Corvette.. an every day drive car and a fantastic sports car, practical, reliable tuneable engine..cheap parts and tons of fun..the worlds best sports car.
Tape up the body gap lines. Narrower tires will help. Shed all the weight you can. Maybe a lip? Definitely lower it. Under car flat panels? Rear diffuser? On the engine side you can port the heads, clean the injectors, new plugs, go catless. This is gonna be sweet, can't wait to see which direction you go with.
@@E_tiBEAMERBOY That is just the starting price for the cheapest one i found, second cheapest almost immediately has asking price of almost $30k. Everyone knows that the cheapest car IS the cheapest one for a reason.
@@E_tiBEAMERBOY Here American cars are seen as rarities. One part of it is the whole engine size thing, there's not many around because of that, and if they are they're seen as something great, I've seen things like a v6 Dodge selling for 30k, being called a muscle car. I guess people can be fooled by that when everyone drives 1.6l pieces of shit. Liking cars and being European is tough. Cause if you want anything better than a 2l you need to spend serious cash on yearly taxes, at least in my country.
renyn21 that’s pretty fucked up honestly, seems like tiny forced induction engines are the way to go, it sucks they aren’t really obtainable where you live
Nice car! Had a C4 until about 2 years ago; agreed on great MPG. I averaged about 27-28 on the hiway with the 4-speed auto. Only sold her because at my age, getting out of her was a task. I'll be watching this recovery with interest!!! Thanks!
When I bought my wife her MDX I took a buddy with me. Pittsburgh to NYC and back same day. I sweetened the pot and we drove my S2000 there and he drove it back. What I am saying is you are a good friend!
hahaha, love the way it was hiding behind the truck, oh and the paint coming off the Mirrors wasn't age it was wind damage, like constantly hitting over 100 mph regularly.
I couldn't believe it! I drove my 1999 from Chicago to California and it was doing 33 mpg or so. I was flogging it too. In parts of the west I was doing over 100 mph when I could. Accelerating hard. Running the AC. It has a slippery shape. Geared right for good mileage.
Awesome! I bought a 2001 C5 Coupe w/Z51and 6MT in November of 2017. Its my summer daily driver. Now, thanks to your inspiration i am wanting to get into the Mercedes-Benz game. Can't wait to see what you'll do with the Vette.
THANK you Alex for making more videos on muscle cars! I love the Trans Am videos and now this I’m very excited to see what’s next with this car on your channel
Had a 2000 C5 with the Z51 package back around 2002 and can confirm the 30MPG. I got 500 miles on a tank in mine once. Kept the good MPG with cai, headers, and cat-back. Lost 2-3 MPG hwy when I got a cam/tune.
This video is totaly true i own a 2001 6speed manual it puts out 535 hpand i was blown away on the highway i average between 30 to 31 mpg and thats at 75 mph but its only running 1600 rpm at that speed i didnt buy the ca for gas milage and was suprised it gets thatkind of milage my daughters VW beetle only gets 32 mpg an its a bug my vette is yellow only has 83 k miles on it and is garage kept never drive in the winter mines cherry
From what I've read putting the C6 Z06 shocks is a really nice bang for the buck on the C5....I'm going to try it out myself! The C5 was way ahead of its time, and it's finally being recognized. Oh and the Tick Performance clutch master cylinder is a MUST for any driver, really changes the experience.
Yesss!!! You got a manual gearbox, that is fantastic! Perfect spec and choice for a used sports car around 10k, it looks fantastic. I can't wait for the paint correction/detailing video. You're amassing quite the car collection there, Alex. : ) Awesome video. This literally had a little bit of everything of why I watch car vids. You rock, Alex! Go quarter million subs! PS. I wonder if your fuel economy is so good because of the LS1 AFM (cylinder deac). Not sure if your model year had that. Also, does it have that strange 1st to 4th shift when not WOT?
Awesome car! I want one! Don't worry about regearing, just throw on your tune, tape up the body gaps, cover the wheels, over inflate the tires, and drive 55. Done. Then you can take all that crap off, resume the fun and show us how to get 500 buff horses on a budget
Alex, would it be possible to add captions with liters/100km whenever you talk about mpg? regarding the economy build C5, go for it but dont focus only on highway fuel consumption but check mixed and city too 😉
@@micheldionne5882 thanks, my point is "rendering" captions into the video, so it is better to watch, stopping video every time the imperial system is used to calculate the value in metric can be annoying on the long run especially when in there is a lot of data
Congratulations on having such a legend in your garage. Look forward to your upcoming adventures. In Australia C5's are between $AUD65-80,000 and sadly, the current ones for sale in Carsales, are all automatics.😥 Business idea, covert a few LHD to RHD and ship em over here, so we can afford them😉
definitely all good points, i still have my firebird, and hits all the points same for the vettte and just loads of fun to drive. everyone assumes they are bad on gas i am easily in the 30's
damn it now I have to sell my c55 that gets 27mpg on the highway for a c5. The best thing is these things are all low mileage, waxed twice a week and plentiful.
If the wheels aren't bent, just sandblast the chrome off and polish! Brushed aluminium wheels are fkn sick! Any level from matte to so glossy people think it's chrome, can be achieved. I don't like corvettes but that doesn't mean I don't like you. Keep the great content coming 'and remember.... Stay ligit my friends.'
Can’t say I love the mpg idea, but it’s unique when it comes to ls mods...so should do great. Paint correction simply explained and shown is great. In for it all.
Me: How you dare cheat on your german ladies whit thar cheap american gold digger “Proceeds to burn rubber whit that v8” Me: God! i have becomes a sinner!!!
C5 is the best bang for the buck around. Make awesome daily's. The hatch is surprisingly roomy. Probably the most reliable car I've ever owned. Bolt on's tune heads and cam and you are still beating up on newer sports cars and newer vettes.Even other modded cars with similar mods. All time great car. Tons of online support and write ups to fix anything yourself. Still run like monsters even after beating on them for over 1xxx,000 mi. Handles awesome too. Cleaned up with newer rims nobody thinks they are circa late 90s early 2000s cars. Still looks like high dollar sports car lowered on the right wheels. Would recommend a C5 to anyone! You almost cant go wrong. I had / have a 1998 and a 2000 and people stop me every day to ask how new they are. Head light motors are a bit of a PIA. Also, I would recommend making sure the clutch has been replaced or budget for it. Would stay away from the digital climate control and opt for a manual one if you can. Also, would recommend going though the trans if replacing the clutch. Typical synchro issues. Other than that they are bullet proof or easily fixed in driveway.
It still looks fantastic today. Performance and reliability are great. If it were German more Europeans would be raving about it. It could be classed as the best sports car in the world..even today. Price alone it knocks others for six. Yes theres cars like the Mazda MX5..but its too small and can't compete with a V8 like the vette. The exhaust note and acceleration of the Corvette are worth the ticket price alone.
Adjusting the lock downs, applying silicone grease and Gummi Pflege Stift rubber conditioner and your top will quit making most of that noise. Only other noise may come from the wind between the gaps in the weatherstripping.
As you've probably learned by now, it's easy and cheap to get the targa in good, quiet shape. The weather seals don't last forever. Definitely a good purchase, and an iconic car indeed (even if somewhat insignificant to the Corvette family itself). My father had a 790RWHP '99 C5 that got mid-30mpg all day (could probably get 40s if you really tried). Other than a tendency to rip belts (Procharger F1), it was still a dependable daily driver for him. Now he has a Lingenfelter C6 ZR-1 and unfortunately, for whatever reason, the gas mileage is more in line with what you'd expect an 800hp car to get.
Back in the day, they were very specific about cold tire inflation at 30 psi and when hot they are supposed to be 34-35 psi. When you start off at 35, I think it is too much and you lose the "contact patch" it should have. Most air inflation websites do say to up the pressure if you are going to be doing high-speed cruising. Check the internet for all the available data before you go to 35 lbs cold pressure. Make sure your TPS shows the same as good gauges. Gauges are not all that well calibrated. There may be differences among a bunch of them and your TPS system.
Love my C5 corvette. You can fix those targa top rattles by tightening the bolts at the windshield and the b pillar hoop. It grips the whole targa top a little tighter that way. Yours has probably come loose over the years. Also those C6 wheels are going to require a spacer in the back unless you got a C5 offset.
![Ice On My Teeth - ATEEZ エイティーズ 에이티즈 [Music Bank] | KBS WORLD TV 241115](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/c-n92OgbbwA/mqdefault.jpg)
Would you rock one of these?
LegitStreetCars I thought the mirrors had a pearlescent.
Awesome! I have owned a 2001 ZO6 for the past 12 years. I got it for $27k with 56k miles. I've replaced the starter, clutch, passenger side rear wheel hub, an emissions sensor twice and your basic wear and tear. Right now it has 193k miles. I love my Vette. It was my daily driver until recently when I bought a 2008 S550 Benz. You can see photos of my Vette and Benz on my instagram: taino_photography
without a doubt....
Why not ! But sadly it’s a gti for me
This video made me want one. Could never get over pop up headlights
Damn that's a nice colour. If only I could use my legs.
do i know you?
We're on rival shows.
Dude hand controls!
The Jewbacabra
Got my lamborfeeties
ruclips.net/video/cB9Njp9dn1Y/видео.html
An mpg build on a corvette is a new concept.... I’m in!!!!
This would be amazing! Something new for once.
That is a video that I would definitely want to watch. A eco Corvette that is fast. It wouls make a Prius look even worse.
I mean it has not really been a secret that they are light and get pretty good mpg if you can stay out of the throttle
Peter Duzniak my GTI makes 500 whp on ethanol and still gets 27 mpg highway easy. 93 octane it gets in the 30s
I have a C6 (08) coming from multiple BMWs and Porsche. No comparison, best driver of all 3, easily the most reliable. I'll never sell it.
The step down in interior quality is worth it every time.
Adam Lolno buddy Ls’ are bulletproof
@Adam Lolno the trans is rock solid as well and the fiberglass body doesnt rust. The car is all things saod extremely reliable. Rarely will you see 911s of the same era as the C5 with more than 200k miles and definitely not with over 300k
@heath mcdonald my E38 740i has been dead reliable. Sitting at 240k miles with a 6spd manual from an M5 E39
singlecellorganism13 Porsche’s are very reliable. The only unreliable porsche is the 944
What IS a “trans V8”? A 4 cylinder that identifies as a V8?
It says manual trans. Like manual transmission
@@nosboiz9821 i think it was a joke
Literally lolled. Nice one.
I think your comment is not very positive toward the cylinder fluid identity community and I am severely offended. I'm taking this straight to the top of the reddit forums.
Unknown Person I love my blt’s with guacamole.
My c5 was amazing. Bone stock it was a hoot, great mileage, loved doing 70mph at like 1700 RPM. Surprisingly practical, ton of space in the back, removable top was fun.
OGPedXing
That’s true, but BMW 535d does 100mph at 2200rpm (3.0L) go figure...
5five6 his is geared funny then mine was 1800 at 90 mph. 31 mpg on a tank of gas with two 140 mph quick runs thrown in there
MrPland1992
That’s more like it, those 6th geared is pure Over Drive, hold her in 5th and run it up in high reds.!
@@Incountry Well, the Vette does 100mph @ 2500rpm. However, thats only 38% of it's max revolutions. This 535d runs at 45% of the max revolutions, since it only revs up to 4800 (which is typical for a Diesel).
5five6 The problem is you cant really compare these engines. It’s 20 (!!) years difference in engineering, it’s Diesel vs Gasoline, it’s 8-Speed Auto vs. 6 Speed manual... so what is your point? The original post confirmed the Vette runs at super low rpm on high speeds, give it the same 8 speed tranny and I’m sure it will run even lower than the 535d. (Actually the C7 Vette runs below 2000rpm in 7th manual gear) And as said, you cannot take the absolute rpm as reference since the two engine have totally different max rpm. 2200rpm on one os not the same as 2200 on the other.
Dude I can't believe you bought an LS swapped Vette. Where is the rotary? 🤔
And here we are all thinking Alex bought an M5 lol
Corvette were the first to get an LS from the factory
@@anthonywebber2211 that joke went right over your head didn't it
@@michaelwills8409
How, it was just so stupid
@@anthonywebber2211 A guy had a c5 z06 with a rotary swap at ls fest..
Prefer C6 but it's still way cleaner a design then most newer sports cars.
Should strip the interior & dynamat the crap out of it to try & stop the horrific interior noise threshold.
I'd rock it
Interior noise on them really isn't that bad when they're in proper condition. They don't get "loud" until about 120 and most of that is from the rear tires and the targa tops. At normal speeds, they're acceptable.
There is no way to fix Corvette interior noises.
Only solution is a louder exhaust.
It's really just the target top which causes all the noise, the latches must not be very well designed. My 2012 c6 gs has the same problem at 36k miles
This is why I'm looking for an older (98 or 99) Hard top coupe version. They look like a Z06 with base model wheels and every one I've looked at has the 6 speed manual.
Kraig7777 your looking for an FRC. It's one of the rarest Corvettes.
It's easier to get a Z06, and why wouldn't you?
I love my C5. I cant believe I didnt pick up one of these earlier in life. So well built, quick, mileage, parts availability.
Timeless good looks, V8, and a manual. This car will never go out of style. 👍
J Moe The front end looks slick but the rear end is showing it’s age.
I wonder if you can sandblast the rims and powder coat them. They look sharp from twenty feet.
I like those rims too. They'd look good in a metallic silver. Not fond of chrome wheels.
MyTruckinLife ACE powder coating wheels is a mistake. Powder coat will chip just by looking at it.
Brandon Keithley maybe so. I like them but he has already gotten new wheels.
@Brandon Keithley Yep. Unless that's OEM chrome it's not going to hold up.
Just don't use the pop up headlights or your fuel economy will go down.
😂😂
Frog light conversion is easily done plus it saves weight!
The lemans headlights!
Actually the flip up headlights have no effect on gas mileage. The air that hits the nose forces the air that should hit the headlights to go over the top. I've owned 4 c5's and during long trips, I have tested the theory. After 320 miles on the interstate, the gas mileage remained an average of 31mpg whether the headlights were up or not, during similar temps, elevations and barometric pressures. I made the same trip over 40 times with the same results
If there is a gas mileage difference, it's maybe a 1mpg difference for every 1000 miles traveled.
For your fuel efficiency goal, i have some ideas; shutting off the AC (or better yet delete it and remove it completely), changing to lighter and fresh oils, lighter weight wheels and 'eco' type tires, carbon fibre hood and driveshaft and other weight reductions.. Maybe even clean the heads and valves and injectors, plugs/wires. Some mods to also look into include Electric Water pump, and under drive crankshaft pulley to reduce parasitic loss'.
My C6 has the LS3 and I am very lucky it doesn't rattle at all.
I love my C5! All stock, white, full black leather interior, targa top, and best part, factory option mag wheels. Bought it from a family friend for a awesome price.
Cheers! Glad you got one too. I also think it's the best bang for your buck.
Congrats on the Vinwiki. I emailed Ed a couple months ago and he answered but I didn’t think he would actually get you on. Did you shoot any video while you were there?
2003 C5 Z06 bone stock spanks 5.0 Mustangs and 392s (16 years later). For under 20K I can't see a better platform. Side note: all C5 fixed roof coupes came with the Z51 package.
I wouldn't say "spank", as the numbers are pretty close. The C5 vette is my favorite as far as styling is concerned, and I'll never forget when a C5 Z06 (that sounded like Zeus) spanked me on my bike. LOL
You also have to admit, a bone stock C5 was a $45K car, 16 years ago. That's $62K in 2019 money.
You lying, I raced a gen 3 5.0 and I know you're lying your ass off lol.. they're great cars but that 5.0 is serious.
You wouldn't beat a 392 with a turbo lol
A fuel economy build would be a very relevant concept in today's world where big car manufacturers are going with small capacity turbo engines. Would be a shame if a 5.7 litre V8 would beat a four cylinder turbo for fuel economy! ;)
Graham Wilson You guys are lucky. Many countries tax cars based on their engine capacity/ volume, a big engine would tremendously increase the tax. Otherwise, many people would have happily get a big engine car.
Kangwei Tan i happily own big engine cars. Got 3 of them!
6:38 shows "the improper way to get out of any low car."
Every time the driver got out, he put his left hand on the bolster of the seat, and pushed off to get up.......eventually wearing the leather out there to that hole.
The "car friendly' way to get out is to use the bottom door sill to push off......right next to where the seat belt buckle is resting. Your leather will thank you.
The problem with that bolster is getting into the car without having run the seat back when getting out.
I support the 40 mpg build....also, how about a super-quiet exhaust AND air-ride suspension. Make this a real sleeper and a comfortable daily driver. The air-ride would also minimize any bottom scraping around town and maximize the low-profile on the highway. Good luck with this.
I knew it was a Corvette by the video title. Great choice.
Those Niche rims on the E55 would look amazing on this car.
Joe Swanson it’d be even better on your wheelchair Joe!
Thanks man, I'll give it a go sometime.
As a European I love Corvettes and LS engines, but I do hate chrome wheels.
CHROME WAS THE JAM BACK IN THE DAY!!!
Ford and Chevy have gotten off the chrome with it's sports/muscle cars these days.
Dodge still is on the chrome train. LOL
Wish we had them here. But the European bullshit does not allow it.
black wheels will go away soon thank goodness....its getting old now. Chrome looks great especially with metallic paint.
Great buy and value muscle car! You're absolutely right that the LS engine will go down as one of the top 10 engines of all time. LS engines are like Frank's Red Hot sauce: "They put that s#$t in everything!"
I never knew the C5 Corvettes were so reliable. GM has many cars that are very reliable and robust, it's just that they don't usually hold their looks over time. The Corvette and a few others are an exception to that of course.
Our 2007 C6 gets 32 highway and 28 in town
So much fun to drive
I daily drive an automatic 2004 Corvette bought last year with only 45,000 on it. Changed all the fluids, did all the brakes with new rotors and Akebono pads. It does not rattle, and it's most gratifying. Everything works on mine.
Fixed the driver seat foam and the airbags in it to do the back support.
"On the seventh day God created the LS V8, and saw that it was good" -Bible
Seems legit
Amen 🙇♂️
As a Christian, I can say this is a lie... God rested on the 7th day.
The LS came on the 8th day. 😉
Paul M Edwards as an atheist i can say that the original comment is a true statement.
The word of the lord, Amen.
Love it! I have a C7 that a daily drive. If you ever wanted to do a comparison I’m also from the Chicago area
Jake Bednarz I want to see this from his perspective.
I’d really like to see a C5 vs C7 video.
Jake Bednarz What kind of highway mileage do you get with your C7? I’m getting around 28 with my 7spd manual C7 Z06. 650hp and that kind of mpg, I was impressed. Now when on the throttle it’s a different mpg story. Haha.
Jim Himes I get like 30-35 mpg cruising in 7th at like 75-80. I used cylinder deactivation and got over 40mpg but I’ve heard it’s not very good for the motor
C7 ugly bruh
Alex Your wife must be a saint. Yes fast car and high MPG isn't that the best of both worlds. No car manufacturer has taken that challenge.
your age classifies you az spring chicken. old musclecars with 450hp did 5 to 8 real mpg. this with simmilar hp does 30 mpg. and thats not an improvement????
It’s all about the simplicity , reliability and power ..I just sold my Porsche Cayman money pit I’m buying a z06
Dam I want a Porsche cayman.
I would love to have a McLaren 720s, but you know what.. I can settle for a C5 anytime. Love from Scandinavia.
Everybody builds corvettes for power. Nobody builds them for fuel economy. I'd watch that series.
Thanks for the feedback and watching until the end. Appreciate that.
Dang. Didn't expect that one. waiting to see what's good to come.
Awesome Alex! Go for the 40mpg challenge. My early 20's life goal- own a Vette before 25. Late C4, awesome car, rode like a bread box, good times. I foresee an air-cooled Porsche 911 living in your future garage... seems to be the progression of things given we have owned pretty much the same cars.
$8500?? Damn it's cheap!
2006 Acura TL type-S with manual transmission costs around $9,000-10,000!!!
Don't know where u looking there about 6-$8000 and a lot more reliable
2007*** they only made a TL Type S in '07-'08 for the 3G. My friend got his '07 with 110k miles for $6500
Right, my bad, typo in the year.
About the price: was it manual or automatic? Manual costs significantly more especially with low mileage.
I haven't seen type-S 6mt with
@@ArtemLokhovitskiy it's a stick. I don't see them for anymore than 9500 in my area. From Tennessee btw. At least u have just the small struggle of paying $10k. The car I want, a G37s sedan 6mt, doesn't really go for less than $12.5k and there's only 7 on sale on CarGurus rn Nationwide lmao.
@@ronsvg97-25 plus you have to find one with super low miles coz their engines are notorious for burning oil after 100k miles.
I know, I considered this car myself when I bought Honda Accord coupe V6 6mt :)
You have made my day with this purchase. I too have a C5, full top end rebuild, ported heads, aggressive cam, long tubes, 3.15 rear and a Jasper 4L60E. With this current setup I can get 28mpg and I'm at about 490 crank!!! My opinion, turn it into a sleeper. Blower, mild cam, Corsa Sport axle back just to name some things. You do great work and I look to take cues from some great upcoming content on it. I will be hitting the bell to get notifications lol.
What do you think about doing the 150hp electric motor supercharger that couples to the drivetrain through the crankshaft via a standard supercharger belt?
My first Vette was a new 2001, Z51 Manual, same color and pulled a constant 30+ MPG on road trips. Once at the Corvette weekend in Eureka Springs mileage run I pulled 38+ running through the mountains and didn't even place....First Place went to a guy that pulled 43 MPG over the 100 mile hilly course. Love the Vettes; currently driving a '15 Z51 with an A8 and still pull 28 to 30 on trips with over 100 HP more than the C5.....GREAT ROAD CARS!
Congrats - epic choice...
Up next on LegitStreetcars “My ultimate 427 LSx build.” 😁
i’ve been binge watching your videos like crazy for 2 weeks straight and i could hands down say you’re the best automotive youtuber out here! i’m glad to see how far you’ve come with the channel and i seriously hope the great content will continue and us as supporters can help grow out this amazing channel !
Yes, definitely YES. In Europe expect twice the price you pay in the US. I'll try to trade my C32 amg for a c5!
A little Vasoline on the rubber gasket for the targa top will soften the rubber a little and reduce the squeaking.
I would have never thought that you would get a LS engine based vehicle. I’m actually shocked.
He's had his 'Bird for almost 2 decades... LS is the bottom bitch of Alex's fleet.
Don’t know how you missed the twin turbo firebird of all the time he’s talked about it
@@TheBrokenLife Bottom bitch theory. Ha, haven't seen this mentioned in a while.
@@MrGhostOg I'm aware that he has the vehicle. My comment is more geared towards his growing audience. Which for the more part are European vehicle focused.
@@WelcomeToTheMadness You're obviously hanging out with a bad crowd who isn't fluent in the automotive pimp game. ;)
Daily drove my 03z06 for 4 years, just traded up to a 13 grand sport. Absolutely loved the car.
Lets agree..no lambo ferrari porsche etc. is as reliable as a C5 Corvette.. an every day drive car and a fantastic sports car, practical, reliable tuneable engine..cheap parts and tons of fun..the worlds best sports car.
porsche was the 2nd most reliable car in the world in 2018
Other than a Porsche 911, right?
Tape up the body gap lines. Narrower tires will help.
Shed all the weight you can.
Maybe a lip?
Definitely lower it.
Under car flat panels?
Rear diffuser?
On the engine side you can port the heads, clean the injectors, new plugs, go catless.
This is gonna be sweet, can't wait to see which direction you go with.
Now if only Corvette C5 with manual transmission starting price wasn't over $20k in Europe.
LTChaosLT still worth it honestly if you ask me they can only appreciate in value
@@E_tiBEAMERBOY That is just the starting price for the cheapest one i found, second cheapest almost immediately has asking price of almost $30k. Everyone knows that the cheapest car IS the cheapest one for a reason.
LTChaosLT oh wow that’s like 50% more that’s crazy
@@E_tiBEAMERBOY Here American cars are seen as rarities. One part of it is the whole engine size thing, there's not many around because of that, and if they are they're seen as something great, I've seen things like a v6 Dodge selling for 30k, being called a muscle car. I guess people can be fooled by that when everyone drives 1.6l pieces of shit. Liking cars and being European is tough. Cause if you want anything better than a 2l you need to spend serious cash on yearly taxes, at least in my country.
renyn21 that’s pretty fucked up honestly, seems like tiny forced induction engines are the way to go, it sucks they aren’t really obtainable where you live
Came here expecting E39 content, left pleasantly surprised! Congrats, I like it!
Try some new weatherstrip on that top. That should get rid of the squeaks.
And vaseline every contact point.
Nice car! Had a C4 until about 2 years ago; agreed on great MPG. I averaged about 27-28 on the hiway with the 4-speed auto. Only sold her because at my age, getting out of her was a task. I'll be watching this recovery with interest!!! Thanks!
40MPG with power to boot? Sent it!
When I bought my wife her MDX I took a buddy with me. Pittsburgh to NYC and back same day. I sweetened the pot and we drove my S2000 there and he drove it back.
What I am saying is you are a good friend!
hahaha, love the way it was hiding behind the truck,
oh and the paint coming off the Mirrors wasn't age it was wind damage, like constantly hitting over 100 mph regularly.
I couldn't believe it! I drove my 1999 from Chicago to California and it was doing 33 mpg or so. I was flogging it too. In parts of the west I was doing over 100 mph when I could. Accelerating hard. Running the AC. It has a slippery shape. Geared right for good mileage.
That be a cool build. Something different. Yeah I’d wanna see a fuel economy vette.
Awesome! I bought a 2001 C5 Coupe w/Z51and 6MT in November of 2017. Its my summer daily driver. Now, thanks to your inspiration i am wanting to get into the Mercedes-Benz game. Can't wait to see what you'll do with the Vette.
I just sold mine, why am I watching this :( it's like looking at pictures of ur ex lol
THANK you Alex for making more videos on muscle cars! I love the Trans Am videos and now this I’m very excited to see what’s next with this car on your channel
Probably my next car other than a foxbody and a e55 which im deciding which one to choose
I'd get the E55. Foxbodys aren't that great. E55 is actually pretty reliable if you take care of it but is only auto
What an absolutely beautiful car and I really love those 5 spoke chrome wheels!
You can take the boy out of America, but you can't take America outa the boy. Nice score Alex!
Should have bought a new set of old Z06 style wheels/tires for it. Love that look.
WOW i own a 2004 C5 and I have NEVER heard that rattle sound in my car ....NEVER !!!
Shot suspension
Had a 2000 C5 with the Z51 package back around 2002 and can confirm the 30MPG. I got 500 miles on a tank in mine once. Kept the good MPG with cai, headers, and cat-back. Lost 2-3 MPG hwy when I got a cam/tune.
This video is totaly true i own a 2001 6speed manual it puts out 535 hpand i was blown away on the highway i average between 30 to 31 mpg and thats at 75 mph but its only running 1600 rpm at that speed i didnt buy the ca for gas milage and was suprised it gets thatkind of milage my daughters VW beetle only gets 32 mpg an its a bug my vette is yellow only has 83 k miles on it and is garage kept never drive in the winter mines cherry
From what I've read putting the C6 Z06 shocks is a really nice bang for the buck on the C5....I'm going to try it out myself! The C5 was way ahead of its time, and it's finally being recognized. Oh and the Tick Performance clutch master cylinder is a MUST for any driver, really changes the experience.
I knew it was a corvette by the thumbnail pic
Yesss!!! You got a manual gearbox, that is fantastic! Perfect spec and choice for a used sports car around 10k, it looks fantastic. I can't wait for the paint correction/detailing video. You're amassing quite the car collection there, Alex. : )
Awesome video. This literally had a little bit of everything of why I watch car vids. You rock, Alex! Go quarter million subs!
PS. I wonder if your fuel economy is so good because of the LS1 AFM (cylinder deac). Not sure if your model year had that. Also, does it have that strange 1st to 4th shift when not WOT?
Eventually the C9 will come with a 1.6L bi-Turbo 12 speed auto that’s Hydrogen..! Does 90mpg..!
It all depends on how you drive it. I've got a 2018 5.0 mustang that gets 30-33 mpg highway if you drive conservatively.
"Sight unseen off the internet" now where have I heard this before? #mightycarmods
Love the Corvette, can't wait for the next episode!
The C5 is my favourite of all the generations. That's an amazing colour you got. Count me in as a new subscriber.
Ok , guys we lost him ....He’s on the other side again 😂😂😂
Awesome car! I want one! Don't worry about regearing, just throw on your tune, tape up the body gaps, cover the wheels, over inflate the tires, and drive 55. Done. Then you can take all that crap off, resume the fun and show us how to get 500 buff horses on a budget
Cheapest, reliable and fuel efficient would have been a 4th gen f-body
You're right, he should have added good car as well. Then that would have ruled out the f body
I've had my 02 Fbody for alittle over 3 years now, always puts a smile on my face when I drive it which is a lot especially in the summer in NY
98-02 The Z/28's and SS's are going for around the same price as the C5.
Bought a C5 Z16 for 18, love it to bits. Great platform, and the hard top Zs aren't very rattly.
Alex, would it be possible to add captions with liters/100km whenever you talk about mpg?
regarding the economy build C5, go for it but dont focus only on highway fuel consumption but check mixed and city too 😉
Kanapka Z Pasztetem hello 235/mpg = l/100km and vise versa. So 235/35mpg = 6.7l/100km.
@@micheldionne5882 thanks, my point is "rendering" captions into the video, so it is better to watch, stopping video every time the imperial system is used to calculate the value in metric can be annoying on the long run especially when in there is a lot of data
Congratulations on having such a legend in your garage.
Look forward to your upcoming adventures.
In Australia C5's are between $AUD65-80,000 and sadly, the current ones for sale in Carsales, are all automatics.😥
Business idea, covert a few LHD to RHD and ship em over here, so we can afford them😉
Dry rotted tires on a corvette? Time to do some burnouts to get rid of them
definitely all good points, i still have my firebird, and hits all the points same for the vettte and just loads of fun to drive. everyone assumes they are bad on gas i am easily in the 30's
damn it now I have to sell my c55 that gets 27mpg on the highway for a c5. The best thing is these things are all low mileage, waxed twice a week and plentiful.
If the wheels aren't bent, just sandblast the chrome off and polish! Brushed aluminium wheels are fkn sick! Any level from matte to so glossy people think it's chrome, can be achieved.
I don't like corvettes but that doesn't mean I don't like you. Keep the great content coming 'and remember.... Stay ligit my friends.'
i Thought, that i had a rough idea, but I was way way off. Love the Car,
Can’t say I love the mpg idea, but it’s unique when it comes to ls mods...so should do great. Paint correction simply explained and shown is great. In for it all.
Ha I'm trying to talk my wife into letting me get one of these for a daily driver and this should help. ;)
Me too! Lol
You just can't beat American muscle with actual sports car handling.
Super solid buy my dude!
Thanks my diesel brother
Me: How you dare cheat on your german ladies whit thar cheap american gold digger
“Proceeds to burn rubber whit that v8”
Me: God! i have becomes a sinner!!!
Love the lean burn idea. I’m subscribing to see that and more. Thanks. I’m also a five time Corvette owner and think they are hidden gems,
Did he just call a Mercedes reliable?!
😂🤣😂
Engines are usually ok but everything else is shit. I've had better experience with BMW
DJBATMANGOLD Mercedes are reliable? So are BMWs.. are you a Honda owner?
I test drove a few of this today and now you got one in the channel it must be a sign.
i got mine black with 124000miles light oil leak like very light repainted on rear QP and clean title $5400 money talks especially cash
C5 is the best bang for the buck around. Make awesome daily's. The hatch is surprisingly roomy. Probably the most reliable car I've ever owned. Bolt on's tune heads and cam and you are still beating up on newer sports cars and newer vettes.Even other modded cars with similar mods. All time great car. Tons of online support and write ups to fix anything yourself. Still run like monsters even after beating on them for over 1xxx,000 mi. Handles awesome too.
Cleaned up with newer rims nobody thinks they are circa late 90s early 2000s cars. Still looks like high dollar sports car lowered on the right wheels.
Would recommend a C5 to anyone! You almost cant go wrong.
I had / have a 1998 and a 2000 and people stop me every day to ask how new they are.
Head light motors are a bit of a PIA. Also, I would recommend making sure the clutch has been replaced or budget for it. Would stay away from the digital climate control and opt for a manual one if you can. Also, would recommend going though the trans if replacing the clutch. Typical synchro issues.
Other than that they are bullet proof or easily fixed in driveway.
FCP euro is not gonna like this video lol
Id be curious to see some dyno results doing a cold air, headers, no cats and and a mild cam with tuning
It still looks fantastic today. Performance and reliability are great. If it were German more Europeans would be raving about it. It could be classed as the best sports car in the world..even today. Price alone it knocks others for six. Yes theres cars like the Mazda MX5..but its too small and can't compete with a V8 like the vette. The exhaust note and acceleration of the Corvette are worth the ticket price alone.
Nothing special just a typical v8 sound
Great video man! I like that you just admit you like the car too. Do whatever test you want to it and report! I'm impressed.
Adjusting the lock downs, applying silicone grease and Gummi Pflege Stift rubber conditioner and your top will quit making most of that noise. Only other noise may come from the wind between the gaps in the weatherstripping.
As you've probably learned by now, it's easy and cheap to get the targa in good, quiet shape. The weather seals don't last forever.
Definitely a good purchase, and an iconic car indeed (even if somewhat insignificant to the Corvette family itself). My father had a 790RWHP '99 C5 that got mid-30mpg all day (could probably get 40s if you really tried). Other than a tendency to rip belts (Procharger F1), it was still a dependable daily driver for him.
Now he has a Lingenfelter C6 ZR-1 and unfortunately, for whatever reason, the gas mileage is more in line with what you'd expect an 800hp car to get.
Back in the day, they were very specific about cold tire inflation at 30 psi and when hot they are supposed to be 34-35 psi.
When you start off at 35, I think it is too much and you lose the "contact patch" it should have.
Most air inflation websites do say to up the pressure if you are going to be doing high-speed cruising.
Check the internet for all the available data before you go to 35 lbs cold pressure.
Make sure your TPS shows the same as good gauges. Gauges are not all that well calibrated. There may be differences among a bunch of them and your TPS system.
Love my C5 corvette. You can fix those targa top rattles by tightening the bolts at the windshield and the b pillar hoop. It grips the whole targa top a little tighter that way. Yours has probably come loose over the years. Also those C6 wheels are going to require a spacer in the back unless you got a C5 offset.
Those are c5 wheels though....
@@SuperWaterskiboy The new ones he bought are C6 style. Maybe they are replica wheels with a C5 offset. They are definitely not C5 wheels.
@@erichwiederhold sorry didnt get that far yet. Lol. Yes base c6 wheels..