(completely)
1995 Vette - Advice Needed
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Winter Haven FL
1995 Vette - Advice Needed (updated with pics)
I recently came into possession of my brother's 95 Vette (LT1). It was given to him by my father who has since passed away, so its sentimental value is significant.
The problem is he abused the hell out of it. He has had it at college since 2003 and I don't think he had it serviced a single time. It is a complete mess.
It has 122K miles. I took it to my mechanic today and he is servicing the hell out of it (brakes, tranny, power streering, flush, etc.). I haven't decided to do any major mechanical work done yet, b/c I figured I would see how the servicing affects it.
I guess my question is this: what major mechanical problems should I forsee in the near future? My mechanic said the engine and tranny all seem relatively sound at this point, but I can only imagine this won't last much longer considering the mileage. Is this a safe assumption?
Thanks for any help.
Also, the paint and interior are pretty much trashed. I'll probably take some pics and show the progression as I restore that, if anyone is interested.
UPDATED SEE PICS BELOW
The problem is he abused the hell out of it. He has had it at college since 2003 and I don't think he had it serviced a single time. It is a complete mess.
It has 122K miles. I took it to my mechanic today and he is servicing the hell out of it (brakes, tranny, power streering, flush, etc.). I haven't decided to do any major mechanical work done yet, b/c I figured I would see how the servicing affects it.
I guess my question is this: what major mechanical problems should I forsee in the near future? My mechanic said the engine and tranny all seem relatively sound at this point, but I can only imagine this won't last much longer considering the mileage. Is this a safe assumption?
Thanks for any help.
Also, the paint and interior are pretty much trashed. I'll probably take some pics and show the progression as I restore that, if anyone is interested.
UPDATED SEE PICS BELOW
Last edited by poodfoison; May 25, 2007 at 07:43 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 5
From: 2010 C6 Grand Sport Convertible
That varies. A 350 small block is a dependable engine. It takes a lot of abuse. Neglect on the otherhand may present future problems. Anything that can go wrong just may, and perhaps nothing major at all.
If you follow the routine maintanence schedule and keep your fingers crossed, you might be pleasantly be surprised. After all, the car has made it this far without TLC. Oh, do yourself a favor and clean all exposed engine parts to look for leaks. Just don't get the opti-junk wet.
Mike
If you follow the routine maintanence schedule and keep your fingers crossed, you might be pleasantly be surprised. After all, the car has made it this far without TLC. Oh, do yourself a favor and clean all exposed engine parts to look for leaks. Just don't get the opti-junk wet.
Mike
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 1
From: Pueblo CO
What he means is, don't wash under the hood with a hose. If you get the OptiSpark distributor wet, you could be looking at big money for repairs.
Other than that, I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. Good luck with the car!
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Underground, NC
I like your mechanic's approach. He's changing out all fluids and that's a good start. In the meantime, he's going to be all over the car. He'll spot any other areas that need attention. If it hasn't had any of the areas prone to leakage repaired previously, particularly on the engine I'm speaking of now, a good cleaning and then observation is a good idea. Don't worry about the opti on a '95, it's sealed. Do make sure that the venting hoses are in good shape though from end to end. If all's well, a careful cleaning will hurt nothing. Obvious areas to check: water pump and the water pump, opti and front crank seals, intake end sealing and the rear crank seal. Also all coolant hoses, steering hoses (glad to hear he's flushing that system too) vacuum hoses and I'm sure there is much I haven't thought of yet. Point is that given his approach, I think you're in good hands. Odds are that this should be a good reliable car once all maintenance is up to date. Enjoy it. And your late father is no doubt smiling about your concern and care of his toy.
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As mentioned above, the car itself should be fine. The fact that it was driven is probably what's saving it.
I beat the crap out of both my LT1's and yes I did blow one up, but it was totally my fault from abuse. Being a quart low on oil and starving the oil pump on hard acceleration after a rapid deceleration will do that.
I've heard in the past that a tranny flush is a big
because it dislodges too much gunk and screws everything up.
Lots of folks here had tranny problems and most happened after a flush.
Like mentioned, the car made it this far and is still going, I wouldn't worry too much.
I made it to 134,000 with every one of those miles being abusive miles.
With that mileage, it is possible that the water pump and opti may need replacement. My water pump made it to 67,000 before it went, and I changed the opti at the same time.
Seems like you doing everything you need to to make sure it's in good running shape.
I beat the crap out of both my LT1's and yes I did blow one up, but it was totally my fault from abuse. Being a quart low on oil and starving the oil pump on hard acceleration after a rapid deceleration will do that.
I've heard in the past that a tranny flush is a big
because it dislodges too much gunk and screws everything up.Lots of folks here had tranny problems and most happened after a flush.
Like mentioned, the car made it this far and is still going, I wouldn't worry too much.
I made it to 134,000 with every one of those miles being abusive miles.
With that mileage, it is possible that the water pump and opti may need replacement. My water pump made it to 67,000 before it went, and I changed the opti at the same time.
Seems like you doing everything you need to to make sure it's in good running shape.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: White House Tennessee
Power flushing can be bad on tranny's with higher mileage. Dropping the pan can changes about 40% but that is better than nothing. I dropped the pan on mine then had them push the fluid through with out using the detergents used in a power flush. Remember to use Mobil 1 in your engine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
As mentioned above, the car itself should be fine. The fact that it was driven is probably what's saving it.
I beat the crap out of both my LT1's and yes I did blow one up, but it was totally my fault from abuse. Being a quart low on oil and starving the oil pump on hard acceleration after a rapid deceleration will do that.
I've heard in the past that a tranny flush is a big because it dislodges too much gunk and screws everything up.
Lots of folks here had tranny problems and most happened after a flush.
Like mentioned, the car made it this far and is still going, I wouldn't worry too much.
I made it to 134,000 with every one of those miles being abusive miles.
With that mileage, it is possible that the water pump and opti may need replacement. My water pump made it to 67,000 before it went, and I changed the opti at the same time.
Seems like you doing everything you need to to make sure it's in good running shape.
I beat the crap out of both my LT1's and yes I did blow one up, but it was totally my fault from abuse. Being a quart low on oil and starving the oil pump on hard acceleration after a rapid deceleration will do that.
I've heard in the past that a tranny flush is a big
because it dislodges too much gunk and screws everything up.Lots of folks here had tranny problems and most happened after a flush.
Like mentioned, the car made it this far and is still going, I wouldn't worry too much.
I made it to 134,000 with every one of those miles being abusive miles.
With that mileage, it is possible that the water pump and opti may need replacement. My water pump made it to 67,000 before it went, and I changed the opti at the same time.
Seems like you doing everything you need to to make sure it's in good running shape.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Winter Haven FL
Here are the body and interior. The body isn't bad at all, it just needs paint and weatherstripping, I think. You can tell it hasn't been washed (not to mention waxed) in about a million years.
I just got it back from my mechanic. It is running MUCH better. Here is a sample of the work done:
-R&R (what does that mean?) upper and lower intake manifold
- replaced gaskets, valve cover gaskets
- degrease engine and undercarriage
- replaced upper and lower radiator hoses, heater hoses, bypass hose, clamps
- replaced fuel filter
- transmission flush (it was too late for me to tell him not to do this)
- coolant flush
- power steering flush
- fuel inj. and fuel induction svc
- new front and rear pads/rotors
- oil change
All of the hoses were original.
It really ran great on the way home. Maybe I'll take it out this weekend in the beautiful (but hot) Central FL weather.
I just got it back from my mechanic. It is running MUCH better. Here is a sample of the work done:
-R&R (what does that mean?) upper and lower intake manifold
- replaced gaskets, valve cover gaskets
- degrease engine and undercarriage
- replaced upper and lower radiator hoses, heater hoses, bypass hose, clamps
- replaced fuel filter
- transmission flush (it was too late for me to tell him not to do this)
- coolant flush
- power steering flush
- fuel inj. and fuel induction svc
- new front and rear pads/rotors
- oil change
All of the hoses were original.
It really ran great on the way home. Maybe I'll take it out this weekend in the beautiful (but hot) Central FL weather.
Last edited by poodfoison; May 25, 2007 at 07:30 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 545
Likes: 0
From: West Dundee IL
Hey, you're on your way! Now it's time for some elbow grease 
Until you get it painted, you could at least go nuts with some heavy rubbing compound and a high speed (or even a random orbital) buffer. It would help a little bit. When I used to detail, we took some products we had on an IROC Z and buffed out a whole hood that had that whitened out look (it was also black) and made it look real good.
Get yourself a can of carpet shampoo and a water spray bottle, and scrub the you know what out of the carpet. Clean the seats with a good leather cleaner, and you'll be surprised how much more comfortable you'll be in the car.
Also, get those pens out of the console! Do you know how much extra weight that adds! Performance hit man!
Have fun!
Until you get it painted, you could at least go nuts with some heavy rubbing compound and a high speed (or even a random orbital) buffer. It would help a little bit. When I used to detail, we took some products we had on an IROC Z and buffed out a whole hood that had that whitened out look (it was also black) and made it look real good.
Get yourself a can of carpet shampoo and a water spray bottle, and scrub the you know what out of the carpet. Clean the seats with a good leather cleaner, and you'll be surprised how much more comfortable you'll be in the car.
Also, get those pens out of the console! Do you know how much extra weight that adds! Performance hit man!
Have fun!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
A tip of the hat to you for taking in such an abused vette. Looks like it will need a lot of TLC. Unfortuneately in your case, its going to cost you some money to restore it to original. If it were mine, heres what I might do. Low cost seat covers are available for a fraction of the cost of new replacement leather, soap and water will help out for carpet and interior plastic. Meguiars sells a vinyl and rubber treatment that willl help some of the rubber trim, replace any seals that leak. And unfortuneately paint jobs these days are not cheap. A while back a lot of discussion was held on Maaco paint, some guys had real good luck, some hadnt. But a total repaint is necessary in your case. Its just a matter of how much you want to spend. It doesnt look like the body is broken by your pics so thats the good news. Good luck with your project, C4 corvettes are really nice cars to own and drive
