Got first Vette Today! Questions and problem.

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Jun 16, 2006 | 12:49 AM

valet_devil

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 1,024

Likes: 34

From: Atlanta

Got first Vette Today! Questions and problem.

After years of admiring them, I finally own one: a 2001 Black 6-speed Coupe with the 1SC and Z51 packages. The car was loaded, only had 15k miles, and I got it for $26.5 from a private seller.

Two questions.
1) The differential fluid looked kinda dark. How often should it be changed and how much does that cost?

2) I have a steep driveway. The p-brake held the car fine and then I washed it. After driving it for about 30 minutes and returning two hours later, the brake would moan and not hold the car on the slope. It sounded like it was wet but it should have been dry by then. Should I have it checked? Again, how much does readjusting a parking brake cost?

Jun 16, 2006 | 12:52 AM

CUlookin

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 6,654

Likes: 5

From: Silver Spring MD

I'm not sure about the diff fluid, but there is a techtip on the forum that decribes how to adjust one's parking brake!

https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=158&TopicID=1

Congrats on your new C5!!

Jun 16, 2006 | 01:22 AM

valet_devil

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 1,024

Likes: 34

From: Atlanta

Thanks, I'll try that auto-adjust thing tomorrow.

Jun 16, 2006 | 01:33 AM

pewter99

Team Owner

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http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927

Jun 16, 2006 | 01:41 AM

IDM

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 7,890

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From: FL

the parking brake seems to be weak on my car as well. I always park it in gear always just in case!!

Jun 16, 2006 | 01:51 AM

FiberglassFan

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 2,275

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From: Lake Oswego, Near Portland Oregon

The diff oil is darker than what you may be used to, as it MUST have an additive in it to make the limited slip clutches work properly. If you change the diff oil, FIRST go to a GM or Chevy dealer and pick up a small bottle of the additive. When the technician changes the gear oil, also have him add the additive. My Corvette mechanic suggests a diff oil change at about 70K miles, less if very often briskly driven, and way more often if you drag race or autocross.

Red Line makes the very best gear oils, but any top brand would work ....just add the GM additive for Limited Slip differentials.
I almost never use the handbrake, but having an Auto, "park" provides the locked wheels. For manuals, put it in first gear as you shut off the sngine. That will provide the highest amount of 'engine braking' with the engine off.

Welcome to the Forum!!!!!!!!

Last edited by FiberglassFan; Jun 16, 2006 at 01:53 AM.

Jun 16, 2006 | 01:58 AM

VinceAD

Pro

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 649

Likes: 3

From: Georgia

Congrats on your new Vette!

I use Mobile 1 diff fluid with the GM additive. Very easy to do yourself, just need to be able to lift the car to get under.

Jun 16, 2006 | 09:48 AM

Tact

Former Law Dawg Moderator

Joined: Jan 2005

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From: Eads, Tennessee

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I went with Amsoil synthetic fluid in the differential. I also changed the tranny fluid with Amsoil synthetic. With Amsoil, no need for the additive as it already has it. My Z only had 3300 miles on the clock when I did the change and it made the shifts a lot smoother. Subdiver on the forum is a vendor for Amsoil. Look him up.