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Old Mar 3, 2007 | 06:39 PM
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Default C5 mechanical questions..

I posted this in the Tech forum and got no response, so I will try here.....

am negotiating with a guy to buy his pristine 1997 black coupe. It has 30K miles on the clock. I drove it quite a bit today and have a few questions. If I can sort them out, the only thing stopping the deal is the price haggle between us. Anyway, my questions:

1. The car has a whine that sounds like it is coming from behind me on the drivers side. Is this the noisy fuel pump I have heard about? If so, what will it cost to replace and will it actually fix the problem?

2. The car has a cold air intake on it. I would not go out and buy one, but what does it add to the performance of the car? Anything?

3. The drivers seat support seems very "floppy" on the outside bolster when I move it. Can it be repaired for not too much $$? I am about 6 ft 2 in so I drive with it all the way back. If it is costly, no way I fix it.


All in all, the car is awesome! It is otherwise all stock and an incredible performance car (bargain price aside) compared to other sports cars on the road. I cannot wait to get behind the wheel of my vette!

Thanks in advance.
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Old Mar 3, 2007 | 07:26 PM
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1. Yes it is a fuel pump. Nothing wrong with it, just annoying. A quieter replacement can replace it, but it'll cost $$$$$$. I just turn the radio up a little.

2. Many variations of answers here. Some feel better throttle response, a 'seat of the pants feel'. Others see better fuel economy. All in all, it will help the motor breathe a little easier.

3. Not sure on this one. My seat had a loose bolt on the hinge, that the previous owner neglected to tighten. As far as the bolster, there should be a 'hinge' beneath the leather. This one I don't have much info on.

Vinny
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Old Mar 3, 2007 | 08:12 PM
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Originally Posted by AuburnShrink
I posted this in the Tech forum and got no response, so I will try here.....

am negotiating with a guy to buy his pristine 1997 black coupe. It has 30K miles on the clock. I drove it quite a bit today and have a few questions. If I can sort them out, the only thing stopping the deal is the price haggle between us. Anyway, my questions:

1. The car has a whine that sounds like it is coming from behind me on the drivers side. Is this the noisy fuel pump I have heard about? If so, what will it cost to replace and will it actually fix the problem?

2. The car has a cold air intake on it. I would not go out and buy one, but what does it add to the performance of the car? Anything?

3. The drivers seat support seems very "floppy" on the outside bolster when I move it. Can it be repaired for not too much $$? I am about 6 ft 2 in so I drive with it all the way back. If it is costly, no way I fix it.


All in all, the car is awesome! It is otherwise all stock and an incredible performance car (bargain price aside) compared to other sports cars on the road. I cannot wait to get behind the wheel of my vette!

Thanks in advance.
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I just had teh bolsters replaced on both seats at a good upholstery shop for $350. They are OEM and perfect.

Good luck and Roll Tide.
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Old Mar 3, 2007 | 11:14 PM
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I agree that it is probably the fuel pump whine that you hear - common problem on the '97 C5s. The air intake may help a bit, especially if it is a true cold air intake. Not really sure about the bolster on the seat.

Good luck negotiating the price - hope you can make a deal and get into a C5.
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Old Mar 4, 2007 | 09:17 AM
  #5  
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From: Birmingham Al
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Thanks guys, for all the advice (except for that roll tide comment from Bonnell)........

My mind is more at peace about these issues and I am scheduling a complete inspection at the local dealer after we finalize a price......

fingers still crossed..........
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Old Mar 4, 2007 | 12:02 PM
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Get the car, mine has pump whine w/ the pumps replaced early on...nothing to worry about there, besides get ya some bullets and it wont be an issue..
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