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I've built, driven and enjoyed a resto mod 62' for 15 years or so but now looking to add a C5 to my fleet. I have my eye on a beautiful 99 coupe but after extensive research on the breed I'm really questioning if this is really a good choice. I would intend to drive the car frequently, including some more extended trips, but will I end up on the side of the road hating life?
does anyone have insight to what percentage of early C-5 will require a replacement ECBM? that seems to be the big $ issue with the early C-5. I do all my own work so the labor isn't a factor, but $ for high dollar and questionable used parts is. the car I'm looking at has 60K ish miles and appears exceptionally well cared for but does that really matter in regard to ECBM failures? are they a part that if it goes 20K+ miles it should go forever? or perhaps it's more related to how the car is cared for or was it driven hard/abused? maybe driven in foul weather a lot. etc, etc.
How many here have an early C-5 and never had a problem with the ECBM? talk me into buying this beautiful car.
I have not had a C-5, But it apears to be a common problem with the 97 to 2000 c-5s. 2000 to 2004 had a updated system. There seems to have ben solder issues with the 97s to 2000 models. there could be a possibility the ECBM could have been serviced or replaced. If not there are company's that specialize in servicing ECBMs and they are cheaper than new. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a c-5 if that was the biggest issue.
Last edited by thomas77; Apr 23, 2026 at 06:39 PM.
Reason: spelling
After viewing the car in person and chatting with the owner (who has owned an astounding 16 Corvettes of all kinds), and then agreeing on a mutually agreeable price, she came home with me last week. so far I'm VERY happy with my choice. a more well cared for C-5 would be VERY hard to find. oem window sticker shows over 6K in options and I doubt it's ever been driven in the rain.