Just purchased c5 need help
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 19
From:
Just purchased c5 need help
Hey everybody!
I have been a guest on these forums for a while now and I finally purchased a 1997 black c5 6spd this morning. I purchased from a private seller and will be waiting for the check to clear, should have title and temp tags etc. cleared up by tues. or weds.
I need advice there are many of the standard nuanced with the car, such as no included owners manual... some minor wear on the seals in the coupe roof and hatch. MANY small dings and chips in the paint and its going to need a new front left tire(you can see one of those "bubbles" in it(the other three are good condition.They are Nitto high perf. tires (555s?) i believe and they still have LOTS of tread on them, and (one) of the tire pressure sensors will need to be replaced, also needs a maryland inspection, the good things are it has an excellent condition glass roof ( the original body color roof was dropped by owners wife [:@]and had a chip out of the corner) transmission is super stiff still and clutch feels tight, it has had all the recalls done except for I believe the oil pressure sender (reads 80 psi) Oh yea and did I mention the biggest plus, its a corvettte[8D]. I couldn't pass this car up for the price (under 14,500) but I just want to know exactly how much I may need to know anything in peticular. I know the car needs someTLC and definetly a good detailing but I am aware of the work it needs andcan'twait to get started!I allready have purchased touch up paint and plan on ordering a clay bar... someday when the car is heavily modded (perhaps show car) I plan to repaint it... [align=right][/align]
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 73
From:
RE: Just purchased c5 need help
Welcome to Corvette Ownership!!!
Just off the top of my head, here are the things i can think of:
1. the oil pressure sensor (i think it may be what you were mentioning?) is not that big of a deal to replace. if it goes out, you will know it, because the oil pressure will read 130psi with the key on but engine not running. I just cut a small hole in the fiberglass and bought a socket to fit the thing and changed it myself for about $50, tools and part included.
2. make sure to use sunshades in the summer, especially if you have Heads Up Display....i used to not worry about it, but after my car sat in the sun for a week or so last summer, the HUD won't adjust all the way up, and now needs to be fixed.
3. alot of people prefer regular tires (not runflats). not sure about the ones you mentioned, but i have had both kinds. regular tires (good ones like goodyear, etc.) are not nearly as bouncy as the runflats (ofcourse this has to do with tire pressure too)
4.changinh a tire pressure sensor isreally no big deal, just order a sensor online or pick one up at your local chevy dealer and have it swapped out. they are easy to reprogram. i had one go out, and when i changed it there was alot of moisture in that tire. some people have gone to using nitrogen to inflate the tires, cause it avoids teh moisture and changing tire pressure issue.
5. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE A HABBIT TO DOUBLE CHECK YOUR LATCHES EVERY TIME YOU TAKE THE TOP OFF!! on my previous corvette, i got in a hurry once and sat the top on and took off. needless to say when i hit the highway the top went airborn....and they aren't cheap! luckily it didn't hit anyone else's car!!!
6. you might want to (if you haven't already done so) subscribe to a periodical of some type. I get Corvette Magazine, it has random tidbits of tech tips, repairs, etc, for all generations of corvette's. some of the articles that people write are often similar to issues i've had with my vette's. there are other good one's out there too.
7. you can get an item (forgot what it's called, bypass i think) to avoid the annoying skip shift thing that the 6 speed C5 does. i think just about everybody carries them now.
8. don't freak out if you get a random check engine light or code. alot of people panic at these things, but i just see them as the car being smart enough to tell you when something needs attention. sometimes it may be minor. one thing you can count on, if you have any problem, code, etc, i'm sure there's somebody on this forum who's either dealt with it themselves or atleast knows where to find the answer(s).
9. don't be too proud. what i mean is, when you are at a stoplight, some random kids or whomever in a vehicle next to you act as though they want a race, just try and remember that you have nothing to prove....most of the time its those little civics or nissans or whatever little mustangs, etc, that want to race. i don't even bother with those, it's not worth the ticket and rising insurance costs.
That's a good price. sounds like it may need a little tlc, but if you're up to the challenge it can be alot of fun!!!
Just off the top of my head, here are the things i can think of:
1. the oil pressure sensor (i think it may be what you were mentioning?) is not that big of a deal to replace. if it goes out, you will know it, because the oil pressure will read 130psi with the key on but engine not running. I just cut a small hole in the fiberglass and bought a socket to fit the thing and changed it myself for about $50, tools and part included.
2. make sure to use sunshades in the summer, especially if you have Heads Up Display....i used to not worry about it, but after my car sat in the sun for a week or so last summer, the HUD won't adjust all the way up, and now needs to be fixed.
3. alot of people prefer regular tires (not runflats). not sure about the ones you mentioned, but i have had both kinds. regular tires (good ones like goodyear, etc.) are not nearly as bouncy as the runflats (ofcourse this has to do with tire pressure too)
4.changinh a tire pressure sensor isreally no big deal, just order a sensor online or pick one up at your local chevy dealer and have it swapped out. they are easy to reprogram. i had one go out, and when i changed it there was alot of moisture in that tire. some people have gone to using nitrogen to inflate the tires, cause it avoids teh moisture and changing tire pressure issue.
5. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE A HABBIT TO DOUBLE CHECK YOUR LATCHES EVERY TIME YOU TAKE THE TOP OFF!! on my previous corvette, i got in a hurry once and sat the top on and took off. needless to say when i hit the highway the top went airborn....and they aren't cheap! luckily it didn't hit anyone else's car!!!
6. you might want to (if you haven't already done so) subscribe to a periodical of some type. I get Corvette Magazine, it has random tidbits of tech tips, repairs, etc, for all generations of corvette's. some of the articles that people write are often similar to issues i've had with my vette's. there are other good one's out there too.
7. you can get an item (forgot what it's called, bypass i think) to avoid the annoying skip shift thing that the 6 speed C5 does. i think just about everybody carries them now.
8. don't freak out if you get a random check engine light or code. alot of people panic at these things, but i just see them as the car being smart enough to tell you when something needs attention. sometimes it may be minor. one thing you can count on, if you have any problem, code, etc, i'm sure there's somebody on this forum who's either dealt with it themselves or atleast knows where to find the answer(s).
9. don't be too proud. what i mean is, when you are at a stoplight, some random kids or whomever in a vehicle next to you act as though they want a race, just try and remember that you have nothing to prove....most of the time its those little civics or nissans or whatever little mustangs, etc, that want to race. i don't even bother with those, it's not worth the ticket and rising insurance costs.
That's a good price. sounds like it may need a little tlc, but if you're up to the challenge it can be alot of fun!!!
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 19
From:
RE: Just purchased c5 need help
Thanks for the good info architect. Everythings been straightened out with the check and title etc. I am going to pick her up tomorrow
(freaking ecstatic) I mean I'm so happy now I don't know how I'll keep that ****-eating grin off my face for the first week. I especially appreciate the last comment as far as pride. I plan on willingly excercising just this type of self-control. Because your absolutley right with a premium all out best-thing for your money sports car, theres really nothing to prove I get satisfaction from having a car that i can baby on the weekdays and my commute to work, and tear up the track on the weekends. I'll be setting up my profile better as well as sig, and 50 gajillion pictures with the car and I after I get hom.
Can't wait. Hope to hear from everybody soon!!
(freaking ecstatic) I mean I'm so happy now I don't know how I'll keep that ****-eating grin off my face for the first week. I especially appreciate the last comment as far as pride. I plan on willingly excercising just this type of self-control. Because your absolutley right with a premium all out best-thing for your money sports car, theres really nothing to prove I get satisfaction from having a car that i can baby on the weekdays and my commute to work, and tear up the track on the weekends. I'll be setting up my profile better as well as sig, and 50 gajillion pictures with the car and I after I get hom.Can't wait. Hope to hear from everybody soon!!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 236
From:
RE: Just purchased c5 need help
ORIGINAL: Architect
Welcome to Corvette Ownership!!!
Just off the top of my head, here are the things i can think of:
1. the oil pressure sensor (i think it may be what you were mentioning?) is not that big of a deal to replace. if it goes out, you will know it, because the oil pressure will read 130psi with the key on but engine not running. I just cut a small hole in the fiberglass and bought a socket to fit the thing and changed it myself for about $50, tools and part included.
2. make sure to use sunshades in the summer, especially if you have Heads Up Display....i used to not worry about it, but after my car sat in the sun for a week or so last summer, the HUD won't adjust all the way up, and now needs to be fixed.
3. alot of people prefer regular tires (not runflats). not sure about the ones you mentioned, but i have had both kinds. regular tires (good ones like goodyear, etc.) are not nearly as bouncy as the runflats (ofcourse this has to do with tire pressure too)
4.changinh a tire pressure sensor isreally no big deal, just order a sensor online or pick one up at your local chevy dealer and have it swapped out. they are easy to reprogram. i had one go out, and when i changed it there was alot of moisture in that tire. some people have gone to using nitrogen to inflate the tires, cause it avoids teh moisture and changing tire pressure issue.
5. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE A HABBIT TO DOUBLE CHECK YOUR LATCHES EVERY TIME YOU TAKE THE TOP OFF!! on my previous corvette, i got in a hurry once and sat the top on and took off. needless to say when i hit the highway the top went airborn....and they aren't cheap! luckily it didn't hit anyone else's car!!!
6. you might want to (if you haven't already done so) subscribe to a periodical of some type. I get Corvette Magazine, it has random tidbits of tech tips, repairs, etc, for all generations of corvette's. some of the articles that people write are often similar to issues i've had with my vette's. there are other good one's out there too.
7. you can get an item (forgot what it's called, bypass i think) to avoid the annoying skip shift thing that the 6 speed C5 does. i think just about everybody carries them now.
8. don't freak out if you get a random check engine light or code. alot of people panic at these things, but i just see them as the car being smart enough to tell you when something needs attention. sometimes it may be minor. one thing you can count on, if you have any problem, code, etc, i'm sure there's somebody on this forum who's either dealt with it themselves or atleast knows where to find the answer(s).
9. don't be too proud. what i mean is, when you are at a stoplight, some random kids or whomever in a vehicle next to you act as though they want a race, just try and remember that you have nothing to prove....most of the time its those little civics or nissans or whatever little mustangs, etc, that want to race. i don't even bother with those, it's not worth the ticket and rising insurance costs.
That's a good price. sounds like it may need a little tlc, but if you're up to the challenge it can be alot of fun!!!
Welcome to Corvette Ownership!!!
Just off the top of my head, here are the things i can think of:
1. the oil pressure sensor (i think it may be what you were mentioning?) is not that big of a deal to replace. if it goes out, you will know it, because the oil pressure will read 130psi with the key on but engine not running. I just cut a small hole in the fiberglass and bought a socket to fit the thing and changed it myself for about $50, tools and part included.
2. make sure to use sunshades in the summer, especially if you have Heads Up Display....i used to not worry about it, but after my car sat in the sun for a week or so last summer, the HUD won't adjust all the way up, and now needs to be fixed.
3. alot of people prefer regular tires (not runflats). not sure about the ones you mentioned, but i have had both kinds. regular tires (good ones like goodyear, etc.) are not nearly as bouncy as the runflats (ofcourse this has to do with tire pressure too)
4.changinh a tire pressure sensor isreally no big deal, just order a sensor online or pick one up at your local chevy dealer and have it swapped out. they are easy to reprogram. i had one go out, and when i changed it there was alot of moisture in that tire. some people have gone to using nitrogen to inflate the tires, cause it avoids teh moisture and changing tire pressure issue.
5. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE A HABBIT TO DOUBLE CHECK YOUR LATCHES EVERY TIME YOU TAKE THE TOP OFF!! on my previous corvette, i got in a hurry once and sat the top on and took off. needless to say when i hit the highway the top went airborn....and they aren't cheap! luckily it didn't hit anyone else's car!!!
6. you might want to (if you haven't already done so) subscribe to a periodical of some type. I get Corvette Magazine, it has random tidbits of tech tips, repairs, etc, for all generations of corvette's. some of the articles that people write are often similar to issues i've had with my vette's. there are other good one's out there too.
7. you can get an item (forgot what it's called, bypass i think) to avoid the annoying skip shift thing that the 6 speed C5 does. i think just about everybody carries them now.
8. don't freak out if you get a random check engine light or code. alot of people panic at these things, but i just see them as the car being smart enough to tell you when something needs attention. sometimes it may be minor. one thing you can count on, if you have any problem, code, etc, i'm sure there's somebody on this forum who's either dealt with it themselves or atleast knows where to find the answer(s).
9. don't be too proud. what i mean is, when you are at a stoplight, some random kids or whomever in a vehicle next to you act as though they want a race, just try and remember that you have nothing to prove....most of the time its those little civics or nissans or whatever little mustangs, etc, that want to race. i don't even bother with those, it's not worth the ticket and rising insurance costs.
That's a good price. sounds like it may need a little tlc, but if you're up to the challenge it can be alot of fun!!!
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 19
From:
RE: Just purchased c5 need help
Hey guys,
Got everything straight at MVA picking up the vette today Gosh im stoked.
One more quick question! When I went to see the vehicle I checked under the gas cap and I didn't see any labeling as far as what gas to use. I know on the newer vehicles if it requires premium it will say it. I am going to fill it up with the highest octane I can find when i fill it up today, just to be safe. But what is your guy's experience on this. what is a good rating to use, for best performance/cost/ gas mileage. Is premium required??
Got everything straight at MVA picking up the vette today Gosh im stoked.
One more quick question! When I went to see the vehicle I checked under the gas cap and I didn't see any labeling as far as what gas to use. I know on the newer vehicles if it requires premium it will say it. I am going to fill it up with the highest octane I can find when i fill it up today, just to be safe. But what is your guy's experience on this. what is a good rating to use, for best performance/cost/ gas mileage. Is premium required??
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 73
From:
RE: Just purchased c5 need help
91, use 93 + if you can find it. also, watch the sulfur content on the pump you will use regularly. occassionally pour a bottle of chevron techron inthe tank to avoid fuel gauge issues. if the place you get gas has too much sulfur, it can cause problems for the gauge. i had a much longer blurb typed up about this just now, but my freakin wireless went down. anyway, i'm sure you've seen threads about this fuel gauge issue on the forum, just keep at as high an octane as possible....
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 19
From:
RE: Just purchased c5 need help
Yess I finally have the car. I am at work right now but I will be posting up pictures hopefully by tonight. Another question. When I picked up the vehicle it was raining pretty heavily. I flipped the wipers on and they cycled about one or two times slowly then went to put them up to the second interval and i heard a noise... By noise i mean some sort of crunch, crack or something... Mid way they stopped working... I gently moved them to the down position... but they wouldnt operate had to drive home 3 hours on 495, and 50 through heavy va, dc traffic with no wipers. I made it safely needless to say. But really all im asking is does this sound like a fuse? im praying it is I still have to pay for inspectiono and a new front tire. Can anyone please help me if you've had a problem like this before with your c5? does anyone know what fuse/mini-circuit or whatever is associated with the windshield wipers?? I know I will need them to be working to pass MD inspection. Thanks for all your guys help. I'm happy to be in the corvette family
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 19
From:
RE: Just purchased c5 need help
got the wipers problem fixed (thanks for ignoring [sm=chairshot.gif]that post guys LOL)
Okay boys and girls heres the moment you've all been waiting for finally got some good pictures. I will be posting interior shots too as soon as I install the red leather shifter boot and **** i purchesd to day. (the black boot is just old,stiff, and cracked like a 230 year old ball sack!) Haven't figured out a name for him/her yet. I really just cant decide... I like nora, and black betty. But then again the c5 its self is just so bad *** i figured it must be a manly beast.. Jet maybe, black bone? suggestions are greatly appreciated...
One last thing I SEVERELY need help with. is how on earth do i safely remove the little stud/bolts on the original 1997 C5 "wagon wheels" so i can remove the wheel. I tried asking the previous owner, he wasnt to much of a DIY type of guy he said all of the work was done by service centers and inspections places etc etc (i even found about 50 "premium" car wash reciepts in the center compt. at 14 dollars a pop!) I couldnt find any sort of key in the rear hatch area where it says its supposed to be in the owners manual. So i will repeat again someone please help me figure out how to get the studs out of the wheel lock(cap thingies) I need a new tire and dont want the guys servicing it to F|_|CK something up
Okay boys and girls heres the moment you've all been waiting for finally got some good pictures. I will be posting interior shots too as soon as I install the red leather shifter boot and **** i purchesd to day. (the black boot is just old,stiff, and cracked like a 230 year old ball sack!
) Haven't figured out a name for him/her yet. I really just cant decide... I like nora, and black betty. But then again the c5 its self is just so bad *** i figured it must be a manly beast.. Jet maybe, black bone? suggestions are greatly appreciated... One last thing I SEVERELY need help with. is how on earth do i safely remove the little stud/bolts on the original 1997 C5 "wagon wheels" so i can remove the wheel. I tried asking the previous owner, he wasnt to much of a DIY type of guy he said all of the work was done by service centers and inspections places etc etc (i even found about 50 "premium" car wash reciepts in the center compt. at 14 dollars a pop!) I couldnt find any sort of key in the rear hatch area where it says its supposed to be in the owners manual. So i will repeat again someone please help me figure out how to get the studs out of the wheel lock(cap thingies) I need a new tire and dont want the guys servicing it to F|_|CK something up
