1999 - The Fixed Roof Coupe (FRC) debuts as a decontented and more "hardcore" model for autocrossers and open-track enthusiasts. Borrowing some bracing and body panels from the convertible, the rugged look of the FRC draws inspiration mostly from racers as it is only available with the manual transmission and 3.42 gears. For all models (Coupe, Convertible and FRC), a new PCM arrives with enhanced features and greater processor power while the fuel system goes to a returnless type. Heads Up Display comes to the party while a new power telescoping steering column tags along. Magnetic Red is new while Aztec Gold and Medium Purple Pearl are out. Our suggestion? Get an FRC and keep the wheels on it so everyone knows it a '99.
2000 - New forged wheels in a five-spoke design retain the same dimensions as the previous 1997-1999 "wagon" wheels (17x8.5 front, 18x9.5 rear.) To celebrate the defeat of the Y2K bug, Chevy releases Millennium Yellow and all models are now LEV (low emissions vehicle) compliant. New tailpipe finishers and Dark Bowling Green Metallic, and the aforementioned Millennium Yellow, debut. A two-tone Torch Red interior option adds some much-needed flair to the otherwise stark black interior. An FRC is the hot ticket for any enthusiast and this model year incorporates most of the goodies you'd want for the best price.
2001 - The highly anticipated ZO6 arrives with 385 horsepower. The engine is dubbed the LS6 with new 243 cylinder heads, an engine block modified for high-rpm efficiency, and a revised intake manifold for more power. A T56 with a wider gear ratio is used specifically for the new top model, as are thinner front and rear windows, lighter base seats, and other weight-saving measures for this special model. Available only in manual transmission, ZO6s get wider wheels, tires, FE4 suspension, and a new second-generation Active Handling system. The base C5 benefits from the ZO6's technology and horsepower goes up to an even 350 thanks to the LS6 intake manifold. The new Active Handling system is standard on all C5s, allowing users to enter a Competition mode, which allows for more slip before the stability system intervenes. Speedway White comes on board as Arctic White takes a bow while Quicksilver makes its debut, replacing Sebring Silver. A Speedway White ZO6 tickles our rev limiter the most.
2002 - Electron Blue replaces Navy and a CD player is now standard on all models while the Magnesium wheels are no longer offered. ZO6s get a larger front anti-sway bar, new rear dampers, and a stiffened rear leaf spring for its FE4 suspension, a revised camshaft profile, and other subtle changes inside the LS6 help it make 405 horsepower in the ZO6 for its sophomore year. Fender badges are adjusted accordingly and HUD is standard on the baddest C5 yet. Production was still strong and without any special editions, more ZO6s are cranked out to meet demand.
2003 - A 50th Anniversary Special Edition debuts with Anniversary Red paint, badging, and Champagne wheels to celebrate the Corvette's 50th anniversary. All non-ZO6 Corvettes can be had with Magnetic Ride Control, which is an innovative damper system that features Magneto-Rheological fluid in the shocks that can instantly alter viscosity thanks to a coil located within each piston head. New standard equipment include foglamps, sport seats, a power passenger seat, dual zone HVAC, and a parcel net in Coupe and Convertible models. Pewter is dropped and Spiral Gray Metallic's arrival round out the changes as rumors of the C6 linger. If we were to buy a convertible, the Anniversary Edition with MRC and an Auto is the way to go.
2004 - The C5 enters its final year as news of the C6 takes over the airwaves. To celebrate its success, a Commemorative Edition is released with LeMans Blue paint and is available on all body styles. On the CE ZO6s, polished wheels, a carbon-fiber hood, and C5-R-style stripes were added. In total, over 248,000 C5s from 1997-2004 were produced, making the odds very favorable for first-time Corvette buyers to sample supercar performance made in motoring heaven.
 It is common to find a car...  It is common to find a car with aftermarket exhaust and headers, but with all the high-flow catalytic converters out there that come with little performance loss, it makes no sense to use an off-road pipe. Your local wildlife and forestry associations will thank you. Besides, it's against the law to use one of these on the street. |  Engine mods are so common...  Engine mods are so common on the C5 that items such as cold-air intakes, pulleys, headers, and even small cams can be considered bolt-ons. When looking at a car, make sure the mods are done with quality parts that are installed properly. Pay what you think the mods are worth, but sometimes, it's nice to buy a completely stock car as a basis for your modified dream car while you do the work yourself. |  All C5s (except ZO6s) came...  All C5s (except ZO6s) came with runflat tires because there was no room for a spare. While it was nice to have a tire that could get you out of a jamb, the ride quality wasn't always that great with the factory Goodyears. Many owners switch to non-runflats for improved ride, handling, and reduced cost and buy themselves a AAA membership for protection on the road. Always check for abnormal wear in a prospective car as it will give you telltale signs to any problems with the suspension. ZO6s came with Goodyear F1 supercar tires, which were not runflat in design. |
 All Corvettes were designed...  All Corvettes were designed to handle additional power with ease. Diving into the motor should be left to experienced professionals. Because of the C5's light weight, horsepower gains, even minor ones, can be easily felt by the seat of the pants. Here, we're doing a cam swap on another project vehicle. |  The seats in all C5s basically...  The seats in all C5s basically came in two versions-a base seat and sport seat. Both were covered in leather but over time, wrinkles and stretch marks become quite noticeable as shown in the sport seat found in this 1997 coupe. The best cure is to use a liberal amount of leather conditioner from the moment you take delivery. |  In 2004, the C5 would pace...  In 2004, the C5 would pace its third and last Indy 500. This time around, a more patriotic red, white, and blue color combination was used in the C5's final year. In total, nearly 248,000 were produced in its eight-year production run. |