Thinking about saving a C4
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Oceanside California
June Update.
*I posted an update thread a while back but I'm not sure who caught it. I should have kept it all here.
So a fall update would be. rebuilt motor, refreshed the heads and did just about everything including a new cam. The motor had a bad head gasket and worn rockers.
Then I hit the paint!
We scored some nice C5 wheels with fresh rubber for next to nothing.
Then we did a brake upgrade. Had to paint em red!
Next is tint, more cleaning and a new drivers side power window motor. The new weatherstripping did a number on the motor. I have some ASR codes and engine light. Dad should be visiting soon again so we will work on that soon.
*I posted an update thread a while back but I'm not sure who caught it. I should have kept it all here.
So a fall update would be. rebuilt motor, refreshed the heads and did just about everything including a new cam. The motor had a bad head gasket and worn rockers.
Then I hit the paint!
We scored some nice C5 wheels with fresh rubber for next to nothing.
Then we did a brake upgrade. Had to paint em red!
Next is tint, more cleaning and a new drivers side power window motor. The new weatherstripping did a number on the motor. I have some ASR codes and engine light. Dad should be visiting soon again so we will work on that soon.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 86
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From: Hampstead NC
Tim is right in that we did work on the car ... but he skimped a little on the detail. Compcams roller rocker special (to go with the new RR's). All non-rotating internal/external engine parts renewed. New oil pump. New Water pump. New Optispark. New coil pack. New water hoses.
The C5 upgrade was straight from the list postings and used Jeffvette brackets (worked like a dream!), and searching down the GM part numbers we ended up with a really low cost upgrade (I think the C5 calipers are GM units from Australia, via Google. Way cheaper than dealer or Vette-dealer sourced items).
The interior needs some finishing off, but the car drives just as it should! I'm really looking forward to bringing her home to Michigan in September. I just hope that my TR6 rebuild is far enough forward by then that the Vette can share garage space!
The C5 upgrade was straight from the list postings and used Jeffvette brackets (worked like a dream!), and searching down the GM part numbers we ended up with a really low cost upgrade (I think the C5 calipers are GM units from Australia, via Google. Way cheaper than dealer or Vette-dealer sourced items).
The interior needs some finishing off, but the car drives just as it should! I'm really looking forward to bringing her home to Michigan in September. I just hope that my TR6 rebuild is far enough forward by then that the Vette can share garage space!
Last edited by atgordon; Jun 30, 2011 at 10:35 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
I remember this thread and thanks for updating it again! Very, very cool! You and your Dad did a great job on saving this C4! I am sure, that your C4 is returning the love you put into it!
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From: El Paso Texas
I remember it too. Thanks for the update. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: folsom california
June Update.
*I posted an update thread a while back but I'm not sure who caught it. I should have kept it all here.
So a fall update would be. rebuilt motor, refreshed the heads and did just about everything including a new cam. The motor had a bad head gasket and worn rockers.
*I posted an update thread a while back but I'm not sure who caught it. I should have kept it all here.
So a fall update would be. rebuilt motor, refreshed the heads and did just about everything including a new cam. The motor had a bad head gasket and worn rockers.
Was the clutch still attached to the flywheel ?
Did you leave the transmission in place ? If so, any problems clearing the transmission input shaft ?
gotta do mine; wish I had an as enthusiastic helper.
This is Much better then Cable News...................
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 69
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From: Oceanside California
you pulled the engine with bell housing and flywheel from the side ?
Was the clutch still attached to the flywheel ?
Did you leave the transmission in place ? If so, any problems clearing the transmission input shaft ?
gotta do mine; wish I had an as enthusiastic helper.
Was the clutch still attached to the flywheel ?
Did you leave the transmission in place ? If so, any problems clearing the transmission input shaft ?
gotta do mine; wish I had an as enthusiastic helper.
The motor pulled from the side, it was tight but it was actually very straight forward. The only challenge was the car was high on the HD jackstands we really had to get the motor high to pull it out.
Dad def got his use out of me, we did the entire pull and rebuild in 7 days.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 69
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From: Oceanside California
*July 29th Update*
Dad is back in San Diego and we are working on the window motor / AC / driveability issues.
The project started out mellow, the window motor was not busted the window switch had got a little funky from removal and had to be pushed back in place to allow continuity so the motor would work.
Next was new emblems... yeah removing those didn't go too well but I'll keep you updated.
She is down at the AC shop getting recharged, hopefully this will stop the fan from running non stop and assist us with some codes.
Sorry for the quick post, more to come!
Dad is back in San Diego and we are working on the window motor / AC / driveability issues.
The project started out mellow, the window motor was not busted the window switch had got a little funky from removal and had to be pushed back in place to allow continuity so the motor would work.
Next was new emblems... yeah removing those didn't go too well but I'll keep you updated.
She is down at the AC shop getting recharged, hopefully this will stop the fan from running non stop and assist us with some codes.
Sorry for the quick post, more to come!
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: Hampstead NC
I should finish by readily admitting that he really pulled his weight on the pull out and reinstall, and most evenings as well!
It's great to be now fixing the small items and trying to determine why we have a very persistent ASR light on ...
More next week before I return to Michigan once more ...
Tony (Tim's Dad)
