MarbleGT

How are they???? I looked for grins as to how much 98-02 C5's ran today and was astonished that I could pick one up with less than 40k miles for right around $20k.

My dad has the 6 spd and its rediculous how much I dont like it. Its like a tractor.

Any input?

Costco

I believe the C5s have the same T56 6-speed as the 4th gen F-Bodys. Yes, they shift like a moving truck, but can handle a lot of power. GM Synchromesh should smooth out the shifts a lot.

On another note, I really wanna drive a 2008 C6. I think they have a new Tremec 6060 or something like that which is a lot smoother than the old T56. I think all C6s have a 6-speed automatic too.

If you want a drag strip car, get an auto, and a stall will make up the difference between the manual. Honestly though I would just spring for a Z06.... there isn't too much difference between an LS1 F-Body and a C5, aside from the nicer styling, you lose 2 back seats.

MarbleGT

for example....I see stuff like this, and cant help but think about how good of a deal that is for what you get.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...uperSpotlight=

Costco

That is quite a good deal, looks like a mint C5. But if you look hard enough you could probably find an LS1 Trans-Am or Z28 for about half that. C5s are lighter but the engines put out roughly the same amount of power to the wheels.

I guess if you strictly want an auto, then settle for a C5. But just as an example, if YOU had an LS1 Camaro, and were in a position to get a new car, what would you get, a base C5 or a C5 Z06? And if so, why? I'm just going to assume that you would choose the Z06, because the base C5 is very similar to an LS1 Camaro, right?

Like I said... why not spring the extra for a Z06? Sure, a C5 handles and brakes better than an LS1 F-Body, but if you're going to spend $8,000 more than you would for an F-Body, wouldn't you want a car that handles and brakes MUCH better and hauls even more ass?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/490137152.html

I'm just sayin. And I personally LOVE when a car has great shift feel, but the pushing-an-oar-through-rocks feeling of the T56 couldn't convince me to get an auto.

TheMirror

GM RWD automatics are pretty darn good, I'd definitely recommend trying a C5 with one.

MarbleGT

Corvettes are quite a bit cheaper to insure than Camaros/Trans Am's. I know my rate would sky rocket anyway, but the cheaper the better. Also, as much as like the ZO6, I have to side with my Dads decision in not getting one and opting for the targa. That open air top is addictive.

Don't get me wrong, theres nothing like a black Trans Am, but a Covette is a Corvette!

MarbleGT

Its the 4spd, right?

Costco

Yep. And I know what you mean, I just wouldn't buy a Camaro without T-Tops no matter how good the deal was.

MarbleGT

If, and am not saying I am, but if I were to ever go down the Corvette route it would be very tough, even though I hate it, to purchase an auto.

I like the sound of an LS1 way to much to not rev at ever stoplight....oh yea, plus the added control over the engine.

SodaLuvr

The GM 4L60E isn't the most reliable transmission on the market, but rebuilds and remanufactured units are dirt cheap so I wouldn't worry about it.

MarbleGT

Im surprised you guys aren't all about the 6spd. With the amount of "spirited drives" I go on, I think I would enjoy the ability to pick my own gear, despite its harshness.

charliemike

I can't grow a moustache so the T/A or Z28 wouldn't work.