Every Chevrolet Corvette generation is better than the last, especially when it comes to the C6 vs. the C5. It was like alien technology facing off against troglodytes. For all of its disadvantages, the Chevrolet Corvette C5 is still a great car, capable of driving fast and cornering with confidence. They’re also one of the cheapest Corvettes you can buy with a decent engine. That said, like any performance car, it has its fair share of issues. Here’s how to fix them and have a solid, reliable Chevrolet Corvette C5 ready for the track.

Electrical problems of the C5

One of the most common problems that plague the Corvette C5 is its electrical system. Grounding wires can become corroded, especially behind the headlights. These grounds affect many of the Corvette’s various systems, including traction control. If you’re experiencing problems with these systems, fixing them may require disassembling and thoroughly cleaning the ground connectors.

Corvette C5’s famous oil disappearing act

An inherent problem with the C5 has to do with engine oil burning up. This is caused at higher RPMs when the piston ring “flutters”, according to John Juriga in an interview with The Idaho Corvette Page. Fundamentally the piston rings become unstable and allow oil into the combustion chamber at high RPMs. This doesn’t appear to cause any long-term damage to the engine. The PCV system may also cause excessive oil consumption, as it can suck oil into the intake, which also doesn’t seem to cause problems, according to some C5 owners. It’s best to keep an eye on the oil level regardless.

Unruly steering column lock plagues Chevrolet Corvette C5 owners

The Corvette C5 suffers from a renegade steering column lock, which can defy the driver at will. A dealership can provide a different locking plate that can stop the problem, or you can buy a kit, but they aren’t 100-percent effective. It’s best just to take it to a dealer to have them sort it out or go to an experienced Corvette mechanic. 

Check your Corvette C5 differential for leaks

A leaking differential can cause detrimental issues and may render the car undrivable. The best way to tackle this problem is to prevent it from happening. The carrier lip isn’t wide enough to create a seal with the differential cover. Owners get around this with a solvent to make a proper seal. Ensure you get the right kind of anaerobic sealant, which doesn’t require air to dry. If you go to replace your axle housing seal, you may want to look into changing the axle ratio as well.

The LS1 is not invincible

If you start to hear valvetrain noises, high-tail your Corvette to an engine shop. The LS1 has exceptional rockers that can handle high RPMs well but have needle bearings that often fail. The bearings can fall out of the rockers and stick to the oil drain plug. The best solution to this is to have a reputable shop rebuild them with upgraded bearings or buy a set of bearings that are already upgraded, like this kit from Summit Racing, explained by MotorTrend.

Get your Chevrolet Corvette C5 track-ready

Once your Corvette is reliable, you can get it track-ready by inciting some weight reduction. There are about a hundred different weight-reduction steps you can take to make your Corvette C5 as light as a feather. Deleting pop-up headlights, for instance, removes about 40 pounds. It all depends on the extent you’re willing to go to save a few pounds. The Chevrolet Corvette C5 has plenty of power already, and with care, can be a reliable car for a long time.