I have a 95 LT1 with auto tranny. I want to do a tune up on her, she has @87,000 miles on her. I know I need plugs and wires. I already have NGK plugs. I need to get the wires yet, so looking for suggestions. I am also unsure of what I else I need to do for a tune up. I know I have the opti, does that have a cap & rotor that is replaceable like a regular distributor? Anything that you would do while doing the tune up at this point? All suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

 

There is a cap and rotor. You have to remove the water pump to get to them. You should also replace the air and fuel filters.

 

New filters, new hoses, new belt (serp),fresh fluids (coolant, steering, oil, trans.,diff.). The above should keep you busy for starters.

 

Just my opinion I would not put on a new cap and rotor,or change your opti.If your not having any problems with it don't.I would change plugs and wires.Your serpintine belt,does it look like it is worn then change it.Same goes for your hoses if they look fine though don't change them.

 

If you still have the original water pump, replace it now before it pukes all over the distributor. Added benefit is changing the wires is much easier with it out of the way. I would also recommend going through the vacuum lines. Make sure you're in a happy frame of mind before you tackle the #8 spark plug.

 

a BASIC tune up I would not get into changing the water pump etc.

What I would add to your list is basic stuff, a new air filter, fuel filter, cap and rotor. Those are your basics. For preventive maintenance, you may want to change the serpentine belt as well. That's it.

 

I jsut got done doing all my maint on my new 95 vette.

Good luck with the fuel filter mine was on very tight and I had to actually pull it up thru the engine bay to get it off after hours of messing with it.Also buy some new O rings for the gas line mine were gone.

link to my fuel filter thread
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...as-a-joke.html

I would also recomend getting a drain plug kit for your transmission and install the plug in the back of the pan(not the bottom you dont wana take it off with a speed bump).

 

Thanks guys for the advise. The serpentine belt has been changed already, she decided to go one morning driving to work. Air filter is K&N, so I am good there.

How do I tell the age of the water pump?

So I need to remove the water pump to replace the rotor & cap???

 

WHen it leaks, its too old.


Also, replace the brake fluid.
Remember your not doing a service interval just based on miles.
Theres 15 years of age that you should be considering.

 

I am not doing the service based on miles. I just was letting you guys know where she is at and what your recommendations be. Thanks. I forgot about the brake fluid too.

 

Sure.

What I have found is there are numerous parts that are removed or disconnected during the maintenance process. Here's when the opportunity to replace parts based on age occurs. Of course this is when it gets expensive. After putting my 86 in the garage for U-Joints, it sat for 6 months as I replaced every last rubber hose, bushing and all things that wear in time. Extreme? Oh yeah!!

But this car was almost returned to zero time with the exception of the motor. Even rolled the odometer back to zero. I have peace of mind when rolling out for a short cruise or extended vacation hundreds of miles from home.

KOW...

 

Not exactly.

If it had a basic distributor, I definitely would say change it for the tune up. But with the opti style system it just doesn’t pop off like every other distributor. It is a major job especially doing it for the first time. Water pump, balancer and more. It stretches the phrase “tune up” on your corvette. On a car of 14 years old, is it as much work to replace the cap as it is to replace the whole assembly. The bearings do wear and I personally just would not do all that work just for a cap. If it is running good I would leave the opti alone and do all the other work.

There is a valid argument on replacing the water pump. If it does leak for extended periods of time it can take out the opti. But it is not the immediate kiss of death. You can run your hand under the pump a feel for any wetness or drip. You can check one a week for any problems. I would put this on the bottom of the tune up list for things to be done.

Doing the fuel filter is a tough one. I could not get the top nut and gave up even trying with all king of tools and wrenches. I had to replace the starter at some point and did the fuel filter at that time. It was then a piece of cake. Getting the starter out was not that bad. You can also separate the fuel line on top and un-screw lower nut on filter & take it all out. Or, remove inner wheel well.

Flush the cooling system best as you can. Drop the lower radiator hose, flush radiator. You can remove the knock sensors to drain the block, but I heard of many people destroying them getting them out, just a thought. I also like to flush the heater core, since it probably has never been done.

Last but not least. Do not mix coolants. What ever you got, stay with it.

OK, I’m finished.

 

Thanks everyone for the help. Now it is time to get the rest of my supplies and find some time.