[Z06] Newb questions- Z06- Please help.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 204
Likes: 4
From: Clear Lake City Texas
Newb questions- Z06- Please help.
Hello all,
Recently bought a 2004 Yellow Z 06 with a LT's, cat back and cold air kit, car also appears to have a small aftermarket cam as it has a slight rough idle and pulls harder than the other stock cars I drove the same C 5 Z's. This is my first vette and love the way it drives but have some questions for you experts- please chim in.
Car seems to track or drive funny down the road- like it needs a 4 wheel alignment or something? Will have it checked out this week, but if I drive the car on uneven road surfaces it wants to pull to different directions without turning the wheel. Any ideas?
I want to change the fluids to synthetics for the tranny, and rear end and wanted to know what brand of fluid (weights,..) is best for the C 5 Z06 vette? And how much to can I expect to pay to have the tranny and rear end fluid changed at a local garage?
What temps do you run in your Z for temp and oil temp in the car, rather is what is the normal range for these?
Lastly, I will not be putting my front license plate on the car and wanted to know where I can get the front ( not sure what you call this part), filler plate for the front of the nose? What is the part called and where can I can get one of these in Millenium Yellow?
Thanks for your comments.
Recently bought a 2004 Yellow Z 06 with a LT's, cat back and cold air kit, car also appears to have a small aftermarket cam as it has a slight rough idle and pulls harder than the other stock cars I drove the same C 5 Z's. This is my first vette and love the way it drives but have some questions for you experts- please chim in.
Car seems to track or drive funny down the road- like it needs a 4 wheel alignment or something? Will have it checked out this week, but if I drive the car on uneven road surfaces it wants to pull to different directions without turning the wheel. Any ideas?
I want to change the fluids to synthetics for the tranny, and rear end and wanted to know what brand of fluid (weights,..) is best for the C 5 Z06 vette? And how much to can I expect to pay to have the tranny and rear end fluid changed at a local garage?
What temps do you run in your Z for temp and oil temp in the car, rather is what is the normal range for these?
Lastly, I will not be putting my front license plate on the car and wanted to know where I can get the front ( not sure what you call this part), filler plate for the front of the nose? What is the part called and where can I can get one of these in Millenium Yellow?
Thanks for your comments.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 4
From: Northern VA
Hello all,
Recently bought a 2004 Yellow Z 06 with a LT's, cat back and cold air kit, car also appears to have a small aftermarket cam as it has a slight rough idle and pulls harder than the other stock cars I drove the same C 5 Z's. This is my first vette and love the way it drives but have some questions for you experts- please chim in.
These cars do have somewhat of a shaky idle compared to others, they had a pretty aggressive cam from the factory. Car could use some new plugs or it does have a cam like you said
Car seems to track or drive funny down the road- like it needs a 4 wheel alignment or something? Will have it checked out this week, but if I drive the car on uneven road surfaces it wants to pull to different directions without turning the wheel. Any ideas?
Normal. These cars tend to track a lot. It's due to the wide rubber they come with. Much more noticeable on grooved or uneven pavement.
I want to change the fluids to synthetics for the tranny, and rear end and wanted to know what brand of fluid (weights,..) is best for the C 5 Z06 vette? And how much to can I expect to pay to have the tranny and rear end fluid changed at a local garage?
Any type of syncromesh will work for the tranny. I use Royal Purple Syncromax. For the diff i use M1 75w90 with some of the posi additive. Get them done at the same time, should be no more then a couple of hours of labor at any shop.
What temps do you run in your Z for temp and oil temp in the car, rather is what is the normal range for these?
200-220 coolant temps and normally 190-210 oil temps around town. I have seen 230 during spirited driving. Sees 290 on the road course
Lastly, I will not be putting my front license plate on the car and wanted to know where I can get the front ( not sure what you call this part), filler plate for the front of the nose? What is the part called and where can I can get one of these in Millenium Yellow?
License plate filler would be my guess. Check the classifieds here, ebay, or it's the dealer.
Thanks for your comments.
Recently bought a 2004 Yellow Z 06 with a LT's, cat back and cold air kit, car also appears to have a small aftermarket cam as it has a slight rough idle and pulls harder than the other stock cars I drove the same C 5 Z's. This is my first vette and love the way it drives but have some questions for you experts- please chim in.
These cars do have somewhat of a shaky idle compared to others, they had a pretty aggressive cam from the factory. Car could use some new plugs or it does have a cam like you said
Car seems to track or drive funny down the road- like it needs a 4 wheel alignment or something? Will have it checked out this week, but if I drive the car on uneven road surfaces it wants to pull to different directions without turning the wheel. Any ideas?
Normal. These cars tend to track a lot. It's due to the wide rubber they come with. Much more noticeable on grooved or uneven pavement.
I want to change the fluids to synthetics for the tranny, and rear end and wanted to know what brand of fluid (weights,..) is best for the C 5 Z06 vette? And how much to can I expect to pay to have the tranny and rear end fluid changed at a local garage?
Any type of syncromesh will work for the tranny. I use Royal Purple Syncromax. For the diff i use M1 75w90 with some of the posi additive. Get them done at the same time, should be no more then a couple of hours of labor at any shop.
What temps do you run in your Z for temp and oil temp in the car, rather is what is the normal range for these?
200-220 coolant temps and normally 190-210 oil temps around town. I have seen 230 during spirited driving. Sees 290 on the road course
Lastly, I will not be putting my front license plate on the car and wanted to know where I can get the front ( not sure what you call this part), filler plate for the front of the nose? What is the part called and where can I can get one of these in Millenium Yellow?
License plate filler would be my guess. Check the classifieds here, ebay, or it's the dealer.
Thanks for your comments.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
I'm by no means an expert and there are some here but, How's the tire wear? Could need an alignment, To me the active handling makes these cars feel a little weird (but I wouldn't drive without it on) Are you talking about normal driving or when your getting on it?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Reston Manitoba
I just bought my 03 z 2 months ago and it drives the same as yours. All the highways near me are grooved badly from heavy truck traffic and the car is constantly darting about. I haven't let any of my friends drive the car not because of the power but because of the sensitive steering. If you get the alignment checked/adjusted I would like to hear if it makes it better.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 204
Likes: 4
From: Clear Lake City Texas
Thanks for the replies. As far as the car not tracking or just seems different- i really noticed it one day when I was going on a left turn on the highway overpass at a high rate of speed- say 90 mph or so, and it seemed to want to change directions slightly or felt like it was fighting itself. I also seem to notice it when I am getting on it more than just cruising around.
Rear tires are in good shape the fronts are slightly more worn, it may be time for an alignment. I will keep you posted.
Thanks again for the help.
Rear tires are in good shape the fronts are slightly more worn, it may be time for an alignment. I will keep you posted.
Thanks again for the help.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 204
Likes: 4
From: Clear Lake City Texas
Paul- how do I post pics?
Newb- not sure how to post- I need to take some decent pics and will post. is there a self help section on posting pics?
Paul or anyone else - where can I pick up an owners manual for my '04 Z06?? **I am ashamed to say it did not come with one and did not look for it until it was purchased. I really need one to learn more about the car options.
Thanks
Mike
Paul or anyone else - where can I pick up an owners manual for my '04 Z06?? **I am ashamed to say it did not come with one and did not look for it until it was purchased. I really need one to learn more about the car options.
Thanks
Mike
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park KS
If you want to lower the car (4 bolts) you need to do that BEFORE you have an alignment. Just follow one of the procedures on this site for lowering and make sure you let the car "settle" before taking it in for an alignment. Anytime you lower it you need to have an alignment.
As for your current handling issues:
- How "old" are the tires? The datecode on the side of the tire can be used to figure out how old they are. Perhaps they are original, i.e. 5-6 years old? The ride quality suffers as tires get older.
- The stock Goodyear tires were not run-flat tires. Many people "back in the day" freaked out with no spare tire and they didn't think the tire inflator and tire goo was a good solution so they replaced the F1 tires with run-flats. That could be another reason why your car doesn't handle as well as it could.
As for your current handling issues:
- How "old" are the tires? The datecode on the side of the tire can be used to figure out how old they are. Perhaps they are original, i.e. 5-6 years old? The ride quality suffers as tires get older.
- The stock Goodyear tires were not run-flat tires. Many people "back in the day" freaked out with no spare tire and they didn't think the tire inflator and tire goo was a good solution so they replaced the F1 tires with run-flats. That could be another reason why your car doesn't handle as well as it could.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and make a suggestion...since you were saying you noticed it on a ramp doing 90....could be your making the inputs yourself...I don't know what your driving experience is but, at 90 that's about the time you need to start looking way out in front of the car.Things are happening fast at that point and if your making any large corrections its gonna be multiplied immensely by the nimbleness of this car. I think you just have to get used to your car....Sounds like it is completely normal...congrats on your Z
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 9
From: O'Fallon MO
Thanks for the replies. As far as the car not tracking or just seems different- i really noticed it one day when I was going on a left turn on the highway overpass at a high rate of speed- say 90 mph or so, and it seemed to want to change directions slightly or felt like it was fighting itself. I also seem to notice it when I am getting on it more than just cruising around.
Rear tires are in good shape the fronts are slightly more worn, it may be time for an alignment. I will keep you posted.
Thanks again for the help.
Rear tires are in good shape the fronts are slightly more worn, it may be time for an alignment. I will keep you posted.
Thanks again for the help.
What I found was that my axle nuts were lose. After loosening them a bit and re-tightening them, my car felt like new again. No more pushing and pulling me during lane changes like you are describing.
Hope this helps, it sure helped me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 880
Likes: 0
From: Bath PA
It's not uncommon for Z06 owners to deviate from the recommended factory alignment settings to improve the numb (but stable) handling. My suspension setup for the track includes more negative camber and more toe in, which results in quicker turn-in and flatter cornering at the track, but makes the car much more "twitchy" on the street. Suggest you check the alignment and compare the numbers to stock. If you see deviations in negative camber and toe in that's likely the reason for what you're experiencing.
Also I wouldn't assume you have a cam. A good set of LTs with proper tune are worth 30-50 RHWP which is definitley noticeable. Rough idle could be a number of things from spark plug to 02 sensor. 02 sensors can cause rough idle prior to failing and causing the check engine light to come on, and a bad plug wire can cause chaos as well. I would visit an experienced tuner and make sure the air-fuel mix is right for your headers and intake and he can probably tell you if you need new plugs and wires as well. If your tuner dynos your car and you have significantly more than 380-400 RWHP then you know something's been done besides just headers and an intake.
Have fun!
Also I wouldn't assume you have a cam. A good set of LTs with proper tune are worth 30-50 RHWP which is definitley noticeable. Rough idle could be a number of things from spark plug to 02 sensor. 02 sensors can cause rough idle prior to failing and causing the check engine light to come on, and a bad plug wire can cause chaos as well. I would visit an experienced tuner and make sure the air-fuel mix is right for your headers and intake and he can probably tell you if you need new plugs and wires as well. If your tuner dynos your car and you have significantly more than 380-400 RWHP then you know something's been done besides just headers and an intake.
Have fun!
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 857
Likes: 0
From: DFW Texas
Hello all,
Recently bought a 2004 Yellow Z 06 with a LT's, cat back and cold air kit, car also appears to have a small aftermarket cam as it has a slight rough idle and pulls harder than the other stock cars I drove the same C 5 Z's. This is my first vette and love the way it drives but have some questions for you experts- please chim in.
Car seems to track or drive funny down the road- like it needs a 4 wheel alignment or something? Will have it checked out this week, but if I drive the car on uneven road surfaces it wants to pull to different directions without turning the wheel. Any ideas?
I want to change the fluids to synthetics for the tranny, and rear end and wanted to know what brand of fluid (weights,..) is best for the C 5 Z06 vette? And how much to can I expect to pay to have the tranny and rear end fluid changed at a local garage?
What temps do you run in your Z for temp and oil temp in the car, rather is what is the normal range for these?
Lastly, I will not be putting my front license plate on the car and wanted to know where I can get the front ( not sure what you call this part), filler plate for the front of the nose? What is the part called and where can I can get one of these in Millenium Yellow?
Thanks for your comments.
Recently bought a 2004 Yellow Z 06 with a LT's, cat back and cold air kit, car also appears to have a small aftermarket cam as it has a slight rough idle and pulls harder than the other stock cars I drove the same C 5 Z's. This is my first vette and love the way it drives but have some questions for you experts- please chim in.
Car seems to track or drive funny down the road- like it needs a 4 wheel alignment or something? Will have it checked out this week, but if I drive the car on uneven road surfaces it wants to pull to different directions without turning the wheel. Any ideas?
I want to change the fluids to synthetics for the tranny, and rear end and wanted to know what brand of fluid (weights,..) is best for the C 5 Z06 vette? And how much to can I expect to pay to have the tranny and rear end fluid changed at a local garage?
What temps do you run in your Z for temp and oil temp in the car, rather is what is the normal range for these?
Lastly, I will not be putting my front license plate on the car and wanted to know where I can get the front ( not sure what you call this part), filler plate for the front of the nose? What is the part called and where can I can get one of these in Millenium Yellow?
Thanks for your comments.
What tires are on it? Sizes?
Check out this remote control LP holder:
http://www.corvettesofdallas.com/pro...roducts_id=514
-Adam
Corvettes of Dallas
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 204
Likes: 4
From: Clear Lake City Texas
Thanks for all the replies
I am having the car aligned, rear end fluid changed at the dealer today, will pick up the car tomorrow and will ask to see what the numbers are compared to original (prior to the alignment).
What kind of plugs do most use in their Z06 with LT's, cat back, cold air kit? I might look to change them soon.
I plan on having the car tuned at G Force in Pearland sometime later this month, as I think it is "fat" based on the mileage in town of 13-14 mpg, Hwy is about 26mpg, are those numbers about normal??
Thanks again for your comments
Mike
Clear Lake City
What kind of plugs do most use in their Z06 with LT's, cat back, cold air kit? I might look to change them soon.
I plan on having the car tuned at G Force in Pearland sometime later this month, as I think it is "fat" based on the mileage in town of 13-14 mpg, Hwy is about 26mpg, are those numbers about normal??
Thanks again for your comments
Mike
Clear Lake City
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 880
Likes: 0
From: Bath PA
I am having the car aligned, rear end fluid changed at the dealer today, will pick up the car tomorrow and will ask to see what the numbers are compared to original (prior to the alignment).
What kind of plugs do most use in their Z06 with LT's, cat back, cold air kit? I might look to change them soon.
I plan on having the car tuned at G Force in Pearland sometime later this month, as I think it is "fat" based on the mileage in town of 13-14 mpg, Hwy is about 26mpg, are those numbers about normal??
:
What kind of plugs do most use in their Z06 with LT's, cat back, cold air kit? I might look to change them soon.
I plan on having the car tuned at G Force in Pearland sometime later this month, as I think it is "fat" based on the mileage in town of 13-14 mpg, Hwy is about 26mpg, are those numbers about normal??
:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 986
Likes: 4
From: Galaxy Traveler
Mike,
I'm a recent Z06 owner too. I know mine is bone stock. My first mileage test was 14.88 but I'm not sure I filled the tank complete before I ran it. Filled it to the first click off. My next run was highway and it came out to 25. I ran a combined after that and got 20.
That 90 mph ramp squirrel could have been active handling kicking in. I've noticed mine feeling funny and seeming like it tried to straighten itself out when I went around a turn kinda fast. Careful on that hot rodding around on the highways. Save your license and take it to the track.
See if you can order a manual and one of those intro tapes that came with the car new. Will answer some questions if you watch that tape.
I'm a recent Z06 owner too. I know mine is bone stock. My first mileage test was 14.88 but I'm not sure I filled the tank complete before I ran it. Filled it to the first click off. My next run was highway and it came out to 25. I ran a combined after that and got 20.
That 90 mph ramp squirrel could have been active handling kicking in. I've noticed mine feeling funny and seeming like it tried to straighten itself out when I went around a turn kinda fast. Careful on that hot rodding around on the highways. Save your license and take it to the track.
See if you can order a manual and one of those intro tapes that came with the car new. Will answer some questions if you watch that tape.