Reviving a neglected c5

[TheNextAZN]

Hi guys, my name is Daniel.

I've got a 1998 Automatic (well it's my girlfriends brothers car) that has been neglected for a good while now. My girlfriend uses it as a daily driver every other day of the work week(approx. 20 miles a week). Her brother knows nothing about it, except for the fact it's a Corvette. He had purchased it about a few years ago from a guy who had slapped on aftermarket lips, sideskirts and rear skirts, depo non flip-up head lamps, and a borla exhaust which 1 of the mufflers point at an odd angle .. there are some nice '05 z06 wheels (i think). . but the tire monitor system is now not working.

So basically, since my girlfriend's been using it, i've changed the oil and air filter.. and that's about it. I'm ready to revive this poor girl. It's starting to shutter and shake like its starving for attention. I'd due for a nice tune up, so I need your guys guidance and help.

I would like to know what basic things you guys do for a vette tune-up.

Spark Plugs, Oil, Tranny fluid, Air filter, i definite need to put a better battery in this car...

And for all these parts,, any recommendation on brand and specs?

as of right now I want to run: AMsoil 5w-30, Redline D4 atf, Optima red or yellow top ... Not sure on what type of spark plugs and so on.

So if you guys could point me in the right direction that would be great! I'm going to need all the help i can get.. lol

.. oh yeh the belts seem to be squeeling ever so lightly. .

I'm also wondering if anyone who is on this forum in the San Jose/San Francisco Bay area, can suggest a place I can take this car in for a good tune-up to save myself time. If not i'll do the tune up one bit at a time

 

[jims427400]

I believe in factory GM replacement parts and fluids.. even my 4 yr old original battery which stays on a maintainer is still running strong.

 

[napacruzerC5]

Daniel,

Check out your local vette club. Look up the Santa Clara Corvettes web site at sccorvettes.org

I'm sure the membership there can turn you onto a local Corvette shop in your area. I know there is at least one on your neighborhood. You may even get a member or two to help you DIY

 

[TheNextAZN]

Daniel,

Check out your local vette club. Look up the Santa Clara Corvettes web site at sccorvettes.org

I'm sure the membership there can turn you onto a local Corvette shop in your area. I know there is at least one on your neighborhood. You may even get a member or two to help you DIY

awesome! thanks for the link. I know there's a corvette center shop near my house, i will have to check them out.

I will check out sccorvettes.org and see what's going on there.. thank you!

 

[Junkman2008]

You'll find these zipped maintenance documents of much use.

 

[STi-to-Z06]

I gotta ask. Who OWNS the car? Is it your gf's brother? If so, why are you going to fix up HIS car? Even if she drives it, it is still his responsibility unless she becomes the owner of the car.

You fix it up, he might notice it and want to drive it again.

You are out the time money and effort of getting it back in the green.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Hi guys, my name is Daniel.

Hi Daniel

I've got a 1998 Automatic (well it's my girlfriends brothers car) that has been neglected for a good while now.

It isn't stated but we'll assume the car has a lot of miles on it.

but the tire monitor system is now not working.

Is the LTPWS service light on? If not, does it come on during bulb check?

I would like to know what basic things you guys do for a vette tune-up.

First, you decide if it needs a "tune up". As for basics...that'd be plugs, plug wires, air filter, fuel filter and a treatment with a detergent-based injector cleaner.

And for all these parts,, any recommendation on brand and specs?

as of right now I want to run: AMsoil 5w-30, Redline D4 atf, Optima red or yellow top ... Not sure on what type of spark plugs and so on.

Red Line 10W30 instead of a 5W30. A little more viscosity is better for performance and Red Line makes a better product than Amsoil, IMO. Also, Red Line is local for you. It's made over in Benecia. Their D4 ATF is an excellent choice--don't forget to change the trans filter, too. In the rear axle use Red Line's 75W90.

You also need to change:
power steering fluid
coolant
brake fluid

Optima batteries = poor choice. Their quality had dropped. As far as batteries made by vendors who a concerned with being competitive as to price, I'd consider Interstate or even Costco Kirkland. If you want the best battery for a high-performance car without regards to price, the Odyssey Battery is the way to go. The Odyssey was reviewed here on the CAC.

.. oh yeh the belts seem to be squeeling ever so lightly.

Belt noise can be the belts but it can also be the tensioner or any of the belt-driven accessories. If it's been 50,000 or more miles since you last changed them, I'd do it. I use Goodyear drive belts but GM is good, too.

Good luck with your service work.

 

[TheNextAZN]

I gotta ask. Who OWNS the car? Is it your gf's brother? If so, why are you going to fix up HIS car? Even if she drives it, it is still his responsibility unless she becomes the owner of the car.

You fix it up, he might notice it and want to drive it again.

You are out the time money and effort of getting it back in the green.

lol, I just love the car soo much, haha. But it's all good i don't mind the work, because he pays for anything i need to do to the car. It's basically my girlfriends car. This car is under his name but his car, Toyota Sequioa, is under her name. lol. She's got good credit and the c5 is paid off.

You'll find these zipped maintenance documents of much use.

Hi Daniel

It isn't stated but we'll assume the car has a lot of miles on it.Is the LTPWS service light on? If not, does it come on during bulb check?
First, you decide if it needs a "tune up". As for basics...that'd be plugs, plug wires, air filter, fuel filter and a treatment with a detergent-based injector cleaner.

Red Line 10W30 instead of a 5W30. A little more viscosity is better for performance and Red Line makes a better product than Amsoil, IMO. Also, Red Line is local for you. It's made over in Benecia. Their D4 ATF is an excellent choice--don't forget to change the trans filter, too. In the rear axle use Red Line's 75W90.

You also need to change:
power steering fluid
coolant
brake fluid

Optima batteries = poor choice. Their quality had dropped. As far as batteries made by vendors who a concerned with being competitive as to price, I'd consider Interstate or even Costco Kirkland. If you want the best battery for a high-performance car without regards to price, the Odyssey Battery is the way to go. The Odyssey was reviewed here on the CAC.

Belt noise can be the belts but it can also be the tensioner or any of the belt-driven accessories. If it's been 50,000 or more miles since you last changed them, I'd do it. I use Goodyear drive belts but GM is good, too.

Good luck with your service work.

ALL the info i needed! i really appreciate this info. Thank you!

Just FYI the car is @ 100,030 miles. I've began to clean up all the cosmetic damage. I've changed the oil and oil filter, changed the plugs and wires, adjusted the tensioner to fix the belt noise. topped off coolant, replaced air filter.

I will look into replacing the drive belts(just for good measure) and I'll get on changing the tranny fluid and filter, as well as fuel filter.

good times Thank you all for the replies.