New owner!!

[91savyvette]

Well not exactly, my girlfriend is a new owner, which means I am the fixer of a newly bought Vette. 1991 Burghundy Red Coupe, 85,000 miles and in great shape.. except for a few minor things.

One, the idle is a little rough (i'm a small econo car driver so i'm not sure if the idle is rough for a larger car, or if it's normal). Feels like a small bump every other second, regular and always there. Also, the roof, tons of rattling, is this an easy fix?

And the biggest, the stereo doesn't work. I've got tons of experience with stereo's...but not in a Vette. Is the system powered through the deck, or did Chevy install it with an amping system. It's the Bose Cd/Tape deck. We're looking to keep that original if possible. But back to my problem, powers up, locates stations and all but there's no sound (a faint hiss from one of the speakers, didn't have time to locate which one). Even with the volume at max I was getting no feedback.

Thanks for any help, and i'm sure i'll be back soon!

 

[Toms007]

First off Welcome! Now on to your issues....Can't help you much with the rough idle, I don't think the L98 should idle like that, I know my LT1 doesn't, but can't tell you why. Next your Bose system has amps in each speaker, and they have a tendency to go out and need replacing/repaired. I chose the latter. I sent my head unit in as well as the CD's would not accept/eject the disk. There are a couple of different places that several members have used. Dr. Don's is one (they have a website, just do a search for Dr. Don). The source I used was a guy that advertises/sells on Ebay here is link to a current auction (just what you need http://cgi.ebay.com/90-on-UP-Corvet...ryZ32815QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) read all the way down and he has the option of fixing your amps as well. You can email him and ask all the questions you want and he'll get right back to you. I am one happy customer.

 

[XLR8]

Sorry I can't help you with your issues but welcome to the CAC!

Jane Ann

 

[tonylong]

Welcome. My L 98 engine purrs like a kitten, large kitten. No stumbling or missing. You could look into replacing all plugs, wires, dist cap and rotor. The usual tune up.
HTH

 

[91savyvette]

The tune up is first on the list of "honey do". Rough idle was probably the incorrect way to describe. More of a slight rev, and I didn't notice it with the A/C off (prob just the compressor kicking in). Radio is going to give me fits. I'm going to pull the entire system out over the weekend and start from scratch on what is and what isn't working and go from there (thanks for answering the amp question).

Got the silencer screws for the top. Hopefully that will fix that issue.

Has anyone had problems with any water leaks, we ended up in a pretty heavy rainstorm last night and every 2-3 minutes i was getting a few drops of water in my lap. I'm assuming the weather strip along the door has seen it's better days.... or is this something that just happens.

Thanks tons, this website is quickly making me the "awesome boyfriend that knows everything about cars"

 

[XLR8]

Thanks tons, this website is quickly making me the "awesome boyfriend that knows everything about cars"

Good one! Aren't you glad you found us?

Jane Ann

 

[designeraccd]

Enjoy the Corvette! As far as ride: try a Mazdaspeed Miata...now that is stiff! You can feel a pebble going under a tire, so compared to that my C4 has a (almost) schaaamooooothhh, comfy ride, but still does quite well in curves. Funny thing is the LT1 gas mileage isn't much less than the lil MX-5, but oh that torque!

Have fun "learning" how to drive the Corvette. DFO

 

[GS Diva]

Thanks tons, this website is quickly making me the "awesome boyfriend that knows everything about cars"

We aim to please!!!:L

Welcome to the Corvette Action Center, by the way!

Elaine

 

[milehigreg]

Welcome!

My diagnosis? Your girlfriend has contracted a case of Vette Fever.:cry It is very contagious but not to worry. The condition is chronic but not terminal. You will find plenty of help and encouragement here at the . My 89 runs smooth as silk with the same mileage showing. The technician who supports the CAC and the annual Cruisefest , C4C5 Specialist, highly recommends Techron as a first step for any drivability issues.

 

[John Robinson]

Howdy

For the small roof leak you might try getting some good silicone spray and removing the top spray all the rubber seals and put the top back on. On the older cars the weather seals tend to dry out but a good shot of silicone (Not WD40) will revive them. Spray it on all the hood seals the little rubber pads etc. windows.

As for the Bose speaker amps check out this http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51790

 

[LT4man]

Welcome to one of the friendliest sites on the net. You are going to know more than a lot of us down the road.

Do a search for "Throttle body cleaning". Follow the instructions and you should see some good results.

As my buddy, milehigreg, said in the earlier post. Start with Techron! The stuff is amazing and will not harm ANYTHING in the fuel system or engine.

Do visit often!

SAVE THE WAVE!

 

[ToolGuy]

Welcome to the site!

 

[91savyvette]

My diagnosis? Your girlfriend has contracted a case of Vette Fever.:cry It is very contagious but not to worry. The condition is chronic but not terminal. You will find plenty of help and encouragement here at the . My 89 runs smooth as silk with the same mileage showing. The technician who supports the CAC and the annual Cruisefest , C4C5 Specialist, highly recommends Techron as a first step for any drivability issues.

She has the same vette as you...except a 90. She told me it was a 91..then before i looked in the book i registered a 91..so..guess i learn quick.

Speaking of learning to drive, i drove it the other day. Lovely ride

 

[91savyvette]

Silencer bolts came in. Great stuff,

Now onto the stereo. Those of you that have replaced the stereo in a 90...is this something i am going to want a stereo store to do or myself. I've read a couple threads about having to incorporate resistors into the wiring, that one guy threw a system code after a few miles of driving....anybody else have stories or should i drop it off at circuit city for a couple hours.

 

[Nevets2004]

Sorry I can't help you with your issues but welcome to the CAC!

Jane Ann

Nice, very nice. I don't think I've seen that color before. And I thought black was the only Corvette color . Nice photo too

 

[vee93]

1st--Welcome to the !!!!
2nd-Targa top rattle--- Tighten the latch bolts. There should be a ratchet that came with the car for doing this. A bolt or two could be missing. Check. If missing..., the bolts, latch plates and ratchet are replaceable. Also, check the underside of the targa top and see if the previous owner added seal pads to the corners. If present, are they worn out? These were added by GM starting in 92 thru 96 to combat annoying targa top vibrations.
3rd--That rough idle might be a few things: fouled spark plugs, incorrect ignition timing, clogged PCV valve, clogged fuel filter, fuel pump malfunction, crappy gas or wrong octane gas, dirty air filter, leaking EGR valve, timing chain worn, air leak from intake manifold, etc... Try getting a tune-up from a reputable mechanic that knows Vettes. Try gettin' on it and blowing the cobwebs outta it--might be just a simple case of sittin too long in the garage under a cover.
4th--Stereo. I'm in the process of changing out my stock Bose Gold Cassette for the B.G. CD/Cassette combo. Do a search of the forum. My post and others similar are still around.
Good luck!!

 

[XLR8]

Nice, very nice. I don't think I've seen that color before. And I thought black was the only Corvette color . Nice photo too

Thanks!

Jane Ann

 

[91savyvette]

Bolts fixed the problem.

Idle was fixed with a quick throttle body cleaning. There was a little buildup of "gunk" that was allowing it to close at idle.

Stereo... well think circuit city is getting this one. Already have a head unit, bought some speakers over the weekend to fit the enclosures. Made a couple brackets to make it snug. Getting them to run the wires and put the cd player in (feeling a little lazy )