Gonna start doing some maintenance on my new ride...
Plug wires? which ones should I get? should I order them internet or get them from local parts store like Discount auto?or at the dealer?
on the to do list is:
oil,fuel filter,hoses,belt,plugs,tranny fluid change and rear end fluid change, radiator flush.......
any tips before I get started?

 

I like the wires sold by tpis. They look stock, fit the factory retainers, have a lifetime warrantee. I put over 200k on a set and they are still in perfect shape. The extra heat from my headers did not cook them either.

 

I do not use synthetic fluid in gearboxes anymore. I have had odd failures. I would use gm fluid in the rear. Be sure to add the gm posi additive. 2 of them if you like.

 

Did you get any maintenance records with the car? That may give you an idea where to start.

Before you get too deep, go to www.helminc.com and order the Factory Service Manual for your car. This is the same set of books the GM techs use and they are worth their weight in gold when it comes to working on the C4. Other sources are the C4 Parts For Sale section or eBay.

Don't bother with the $10 Haynes or Chilton's books; they are garbage.

How many miles are on the car? I wouldn't bother with wires at this time unless there are signs of the insulation cracking or areas where heat has burned the insulation. Wires and plugs are not real easy to do and any wire larger than stock will require modding the wire retainers.

Finding the correct belt may be an issue. In the middle of the 93 model run, GM changed the belt from a two-sided version to a single side. Which one do you have? If it's the 2-sided version, get a belt from the dealer or one of the Forum Supporting Vendors like Fred Beans Chevrolet or Ken Fichtner Chevrolet. If the belt is single-sided, you should be able to find a belt at a NAPA or CarQuest store. Dealer is also an option.

I installed MSD 8.5 SuperConductor wires in my 92 and it took a good 3 hours to do with removing or shoving aside most of the accessories to get to the Opti so I could release the wires. I did plugs (NGK Iridiums) at the same time. I removed the center and rear lower fender lines to access the plugs but #6 and 8 is a real PITA anyway.

A complete radiator flush involves removing the 2 knock sensors at the bottom of the block to drain all the old coolant. Not hard, just messy and you need a 22mm socket to remove them. Use a 50-50 mix of green coolant and distilled water. There are two bleed valves that must be opened to "burp" the system of air. One is on the top of the t-stat housing and the other is on the lower front drivers side of the throttle body. DO NOT let any coolant run down over the Opti!!

There are lots of neat Tech Tips for C4''s available. Go to the "OTHER" button at the top of the page, select Tech Tips and then C4.

 

The key here is what maintenance records do you have and what REALLY needs to be done. I would drive it a while and see how things go. If it's starting and running well why change plugs and wires unless there are problems. One thing for sure on an old car, plenty will go wrong without looking for trouble.

 

Yep, best place to start is with your profile; add some infor on car, options, 6 or auto, miles, etc. Helps peop decide/help.

As to wires, I'm not sure. I'd replace them if you've got miles on the car and they're carbon core which breaks down beneath the surface.

Green coolant only for pre-'95, orange for later years. Note from what I understand, thermostat is unique to Corvette if you decide to replace. And not only no coolant over the Opti, no water at all.

Give us some more info on the car like what's been done, or what you think's been done.

 

Plug wires are a pretty nasty job on an LT1. You can do it, but it's no fun at all. If the wires are okay, I wouldn't advise you to replace them so soon. If they are at end-of-life, go for it. If you need tech tips about how to replace them, I can post some here for you.

I recommend the OEM AC Delco wires for a stock engine. They are high quailty, and are the exact length to fit perfectly, and will also fit correctly into the wire looms without breaking them. Larger diameter wires can be problematic with the looms. Contact Chris May at Superior Chevrolet (1-800-728-8267) for OEM wires at a great price. Be sure to tell him you're a Forum member.

Be well,

SJW

 

Well the owner babied the car cosmetically and the way he drove it...His last oil change with Mobil 1 was 10 months ago and less than 2,000 miles...tranny fluid 2 years ago,radiator fluid 3 years ago..He also gave me a drip charger so my battery doesn't die while in the garage for a couple of weeks at a time
from looking over the car wires look ok,hoses upper radiator definitely need replacing as they are swollen when hot.....
belt is double sided so will get that from the dealer as it has some cracks in it...
fuel filter was never changed by previous owner and brakes are a little low for me still some meat on the pads but not enough for me...

P.S. profile updated

 

OK, based on what you say and the profile info, trans next year. Radiator flush, now. Belt now. Hoses right now! And I'll let wiser minds be the guide on this one, but if the rad hose is bulging and needs replacement, what do others think about all the other hoses, heater, etc.? Do they need replacement, too?

May also want to drain and replace brake fluid as well as pads if you don't like the way they look. Fuel filter, now. Do PS, too. Differential, maybe?

 

Flush radiator, change hoses, change belt. If PS fluid is very dark change that too. I would wait on the gas filter until you do the brakes. Do brakes and related next. All these things are relatively easy and inexpensive. Pull 2 or 3 plugs and check them. If they look pretty good that can wait. Go slow buy geniune GM parts where you can, don't be cheap. You have an original car, keep it that way if you can.