Questions from a new owner...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 848
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Questions from a new owner...
I just bought my first Corvette, a 1996 collectors edition with 7k miles. It's light years ahead of the Mustangs I've owned, and I love everything about the car. I'm very mechanically inclined, and can do just about anything on a car, but a few questions for the veterans out there:
1) Is the rearend a Dana 36 or 44? I've had conflicting info on this one!
2) Stock gear ratio? It seems to have really tall gears, like 3.08's.
3) Is there a special GM tool for accessing the rear two spark plugs on the passenger side? I've given up half the skin on my hands trying to change those things from above and below.
4) What are the most comprehensive performance parts shops out there for these cars? My usual shops (Summit, Jeg's, etc.) don't seem to have anything, and the few I've visited (Mid America, Zip, SLP) don't seem to have much variety either!
Thanks for any advice you can send my way.
Dave
1) Is the rearend a Dana 36 or 44? I've had conflicting info on this one!
2) Stock gear ratio? It seems to have really tall gears, like 3.08's.
3) Is there a special GM tool for accessing the rear two spark plugs on the passenger side? I've given up half the skin on my hands trying to change those things from above and below.
4) What are the most comprehensive performance parts shops out there for these cars? My usual shops (Summit, Jeg's, etc.) don't seem to have anything, and the few I've visited (Mid America, Zip, SLP) don't seem to have much variety either!
Thanks for any advice you can send my way.
Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,202
Likes: 9
From: St. louis, MO
Re: Questions from a new owner... (fullboogie)
Welcome...like was said we need more info. In the real "glove box is the RPO list, it will give all your options. There are books (Corvette Black Book) and web sites that will decode the RPO's meanings. If you see G44 and G92, you have 3.07 performance axle. If not, you've got 2.59's. Also, check: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/1996/lt1lt4.html
It will give you some info. I believe the 6spd transmission has the Dana 44 rear. If so, you should have 3.45.
[Modified by Gary96LT4, 11:39 AM 8/27/2002]
It will give you some info. I believe the 6spd transmission has the Dana 44 rear. If so, you should have 3.45.
[Modified by Gary96LT4, 11:39 AM 8/27/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 11,007
Likes: 1
From: Probably in the paint booth....
Re: Questions from a new owner...
Ahhhhhh another one brought over to the light :D We won't hold your prior transgressions against you.....
Seriously! Welcome & hope you enjoy the Vette.
Neal
Seriously! Welcome & hope you enjoy the Vette.
Neal
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Questions from a new owner... (fullboogie)
Congrats on your new Vette (with 7k miles is realy is) and welcome to the Forum.
1) 36/44=auto/stick
2) ??
3) I use a combo of spark plug socket, extensions, swivels and even a box-end wrench on some of the plugs. With practice it will become about a 1/2 hr job.
4) For performance parts like heads, cams, exhaust, etc try TPI Specialties, for new/used Vette parts try Contemporary Corvette (link on my site).
Enjoy your Vette and save the wave.
1) 36/44=auto/stick
2) ??
3) I use a combo of spark plug socket, extensions, swivels and even a box-end wrench on some of the plugs. With practice it will become about a 1/2 hr job.
4) For performance parts like heads, cams, exhaust, etc try TPI Specialties, for new/used Vette parts try Contemporary Corvette (link on my site).
Enjoy your Vette and save the wave.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 848
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Re: Questions from a new owner... (fullboogie)
Sorry I didn't include this info in my post - I assumed all collector's edition cars had the same equipment. It's the LT4 and 6spd combo. And yeah, believe it or not, it's got 7k miles on it. Thanks to everyone for the advice so far. I'm glad to know there's a place to turn when I run into trouble with the car.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: Questions from a new owner... (fullboogie)
If it's a 6-spd it should have the dana 44 and 3.45 gears stock. 3.54 gears might have been an option, not sure on what years that was available.
The easiest way to get to the spark plugs is to ditch the maninfolds in favor of a set of long tube headers provided emissions are not a concern.
Welcome to the Corvette Family!
The easiest way to get to the spark plugs is to ditch the maninfolds in favor of a set of long tube headers provided emissions are not a concern.
Welcome to the Corvette Family!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Iowa City IA
Re: Questions from a new owner... (Nathan Plemons)
some good places for parts for the LT1/LT4...www.tpis.com...good tuned port stuff. another place to go for parts is http://www.azspeed.com, and http://www.motorsporttech.com, and http://www.speeddemonmotorsports.com. good luck, welcome to the forum, and that congrats on the practically new car :cool: :cheers:
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12,182
Likes: 1
From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
Re: Questions from a new owner... (Gary96LT4)
Welcome...like was said we need more info. In the real "glove box is the RPO list, it will give all your options. There are books (Corvette Black Book) and web sites that will decode the RPO's meanings. If you see G44 and G92, you have 3.07 performance axle. If not, you've got 2.59's. Also, check: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/1996/lt1lt4.html
It will give you some info. I believe the 6spd transmission has the Dana 44 rear. If so, you should have 3.45.
[Modified by Gary96LT4, 11:39 AM 8/27/2002]
It will give you some info. I believe the 6spd transmission has the Dana 44 rear. If so, you should have 3.45.
[Modified by Gary96LT4, 11:39 AM 8/27/2002]
[Modified by CoolVette86, 10:42 PM 8/27/2002]