New Vette Owner & Plenty of Questions

[nmacdonald]

Update from the Many '85 Questions

Took my "Red Dawg" to a trusted mechanic and had them do a thorough run through of all fluids, hoses, belts, ac, brakes, etc. The issues found were: poor master cyclinder, so it was replaced, problem solved; minor seapage from loose valve cover bolts, nothing major, but tightened to specs; adjusted TV cable and trans seems to shift fine; small leak around oil drain plug - fixed; small ac freon leak, fixed; and compressor seems fine - there is an aux switch the previous owner installed to govern the AC and fan during parades. Switch needs to be on for AC to work; all brake lines were bled when Master Cyclinder was replaced; differential fluid drained and replaced along with additive; coolant checked and is fresh and clean; all hoses and belts were fine; brake pads were fine; tires needed balanced; and that was it.

In my mind, not bad for an '85. Nothing major and nothing I haven't experienced on new cars or trucks.

Now it's time to enjoy!!!!!!

Still have the fiberglass attachment issue on the front spoiler, but I have a friend who restores Vets, so I'll take it in to him.

Again --- THANK YOU for all your help and support. It's been terrific.

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

Sounds great.
I wish that I could come out of the Doctor’s office with only a few minor adjustments and a change of fluids.:L

 

[tyrel]

1. What's the best service manual to have in the garage?

You should have the service manual, which you can find used on ebay, there is no need to pay full price for a new one. I also find that the Haynes manual comes in handy sometimes too, it has actual photographs.

2. It's an automatic, around town, is it best to use "drive" or one of the other gears?

You can safely use overdrive all around town most of the time, the only time you need drive is when you are driving up a really steep hill or along a winding mountain road.

3. Haven't been able to identify the exhaust system. To me, it looks like "straight pipes" with no mufflers. She's got spunk, but perhaps a bit too loud. I've spotted lot's of systems for the "86+ but few for the '85. Any recommendations?

I have the stock mufflers on my car, they sound perfect.

4. Any special "characteristics" of this year that I should be aware of, or a web site to visit that can tell me more about this year?

Yes, your alternator will die eventually, usually at the most inconvenient time. This one part has caused me more grief than any other part. Do yourself a favor and get a heavy duty alternator or have the stock one rewound with heavy-duty components. It's just a matter of time until yours craps out.

Man, am I looking forward to enjoying this car. It's got 45K on it and looks to have been owned by a true enthusiast. Clean and maticulously cared for.

I have always loved the C4, the lines are beautiful, it's a small car, and it is well balanced. I'm sure you'll enjoy it for many years to come!

 

[Edmond]

Yes, your alternator will die eventually, usually at the most inconvenient time. This one part has caused me more grief than any other part. Do yourself a favor and get a heavy duty alternator or have the stock one rewound with heavy-duty components. It's just a matter of time until yours craps out.

Kinda funny because mine died just as I had pulled into my driveway. I had enough forward momentum to get to the top of the driveway.

Get a Delco and you'll be satisfied.