Recent content by Jim Shoemaker

97RedCorvette, While I share your enthusiasm for owning the first model year C5, the '97 suffers from some serious shortfalls (see some of my previous posts). Also, it wasn't "completely" new - the door handles were borrowed from the Aurora. Jim

99WhiteC5Coupe, Thanks for the reply. From the way the TSB reads, it looks like that's the problem. Looks like another fair chunk of change to throw into the money pit. And I thought I'd already had every problem associated with the first model year; fuel pump noise, battery leak, steering...

My vette's been sitting in the garage for a couple months and I decided to give it a wash and wax today. The battery appeared dead when I went to start it, so I decided to jump it according to the owner's manual. As I connected the ground to the vette, the defroster fan began blowing (key...

Randy, Tried replying to the questions you e-mailed me. For whatever reason, the SMTP server rejected your address. I'll cut and paste it here. I also see no reason you can't receive them through the mail; I got mine FedEx'd though. Here's the message I tried to send: Randy, Sorry I took...

You crawled underneath your 'Vette?!?! That's quite a feat and you need to gain some weight. An X-pipe replaces the stock H-pipe (located aft of the cats) and is more effective in balancing the exhaust pressures from the left and right side headers. As far as noise differences between the...

Just looked up the codes at http://www.obdii.com/codes.asp - here's what they had to say: P1518 Electronic Throttle Module to PCM Communication C1278 TCS Temporarily Inhibited By PCM B0521 TACH Signal Out Of Range B2252 Drv Dr Key Cyl Unlock Switch Fault B2282 Driver Clean Battery Fault...

I've got the stainless steel letters; ordered them from West Coast Corvette.....this link will take you to their on-line catalog's picture. http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/product_detail.cfm?iid=191 Jim

Well, as I've written before, I believe I've had every problem they've issued a TSB for......Fuel pump whine, Column lock, battery leak (which corroded the wiring harnass), fuel sensor, etc. All trivial since they didn't occur simultaneously. You'll never be able to pry the steering wheel of a...

I'm also considering the Procharger, but I'm putting it off until other upgrades (brakes, shocks, swaybars). I've got their brochure and it seems fairly easy to install and reliable (3-yr warranty). As has already been stated, if you stick to low boost you'll be safe and still get significant...

I replaced the stock h-pipe with a Bassani x-pipe when I had my Corsa Indy exhaust installed....that was before Corsa offered an x-pipe, but I have no regrets....good sound and no burping on deceleration.

I have the Pacecar exhaust and think they probably sound alike at idle and cruise, but the pacecar is a bit louder on acceleration. I've been asked numerous times by Mustang & Camaro drivers what kind of exhaust I have; however, the best compliment came from a gentleman who simply said "Wow...

I believe the steering column lock is only disabled if you have an automatic transmission.

I also love my '97 and couldn't imagine not owning it, but I've experienced a few problems since buying it in 2000. First, I endure the whine of the fuel pump because the previous owner never had it fixed under warranty. Maybe I'll have that replaced when I get around to fixing the...

I've got a Bassani X-pipe with Corsa Indy Pace car exhaust....all I've got to do is turn the key and all the neighbors are looking. Also swapped out the throttle body and MAF sensor, as well as the air plenum to go along with the Vortex ram air induction. I jokingly call it my money pit, but...

My right rear has been losing pressure (slowly) for the last six months; discovered 2 nails in it last month while cleaning her up. What the heck.....I'll just keep pumping a couple pounds of air into her every week until I get around to fixing it. Needless to say, I have run-flats......noise...