Newbie
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 527
Likes: 2
From: Havasu, AZ
Newbie
Hi All,
Bought my first Vette in Feb. After working on old British cars most of my life I thought an American built classic would be better! Certainly drives nicer, but within 150 miles after I bought it, I've replaced the oil pressure sender, and repaired the climate control display. This forum was a lifesaver for both. My question is, is this car going to be a full time hobby to keep it going, and should it be trustworthy? Thanks, AL
Bought my first Vette in Feb. After working on old British cars most of my life I thought an American built classic would be better! Certainly drives nicer, but within 150 miles after I bought it, I've replaced the oil pressure sender, and repaired the climate control display. This forum was a lifesaver for both. My question is, is this car going to be a full time hobby to keep it going, and should it be trustworthy? Thanks, AL
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,794
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
You just happened on two of the most common issues.
My '01 has 130K (s)miles.
in addition to those I have replaced a door control module and a wheel position sensor.
the rest have been routine maintainence or mods...
Welcome to the family
My '01 has 130K (s)miles.
in addition to those I have replaced a door control module and a wheel position sensor.
the rest have been routine maintainence or mods...
Welcome to the family
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 527
Likes: 2
From: Havasu, AZ
Thanks
Thanks for the reply and the welcome! Reading these posts can make it sound like these cars are quite troublesome, but also tons of good help! Who would have ever thought to re-solder a bunch or resistors on tne climate display? I opted to make a hole to access my oil pressure sender, but used a holesaw and did it very cleanly. That makes for a nice plug to put back in the hole. I think I will look at the accordian things in the door joints next...sounds like that one could be a nightmare.
Looking forward to many miles of hard driving. I have a perfect Corvette canyon road right ooutside my door!
AL
Looking forward to many miles of hard driving. I have a perfect Corvette canyon road right ooutside my door!
AL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,579
Likes: 291
From: Carmel Indiana
Welcome, I too spent many years restoring old Italian sports cars and graduated to the vett. You and I both probably had 10 times more issues with British and Italian cars than we will have with our vetts. Have fun and don't forget to get your CLB (column lock bypass), its the third most written problem on this forum
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,579
Likes: 291
From: Carmel Indiana
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 1
From: Windsor California
I've had a few, and I must say this 2003 I have has been great. 92,000 miles and all I have had it in shop for (knock on wood) 
is the half shaft seal had replaced twice and a fuel sending unit replaced.
It's been a good car so far, my 1999 vert had issues with fuel quantity big time - took two years worth of trouble shooting , parts replacing before they fixed it (dealer) o2 sensor, vapor leak in fuel tank - replaced
but they don't like to sit too long - they tend to let you know hey take me out....
is the half shaft seal had replaced twice and a fuel sending unit replaced.
It's been a good car so far, my 1999 vert had issues with fuel quantity big time - took two years worth of trouble shooting , parts replacing before they fixed it (dealer) o2 sensor, vapor leak in fuel tank - replaced
but they don't like to sit too long - they tend to let you know hey take me out....
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
There are some common problems with the C5 and you've found two of them. Overall, the C5 is a reliable car so hopefully you won't have any more problems for quite a while.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Slidell LA
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 83
From: . New York
Welcome aboard.....and you would be hard pressed to find a better car to run up and down that road outside your door, you're gonna love it
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Welcome to the forum and don't forget to wave when you come upon another corvette out on the road.
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Air Capitol Kansas
Am I correct by checking to see if my Z06 has the CLB installed all I have to do is check if the steering wheel is locked or not without the key in the ignition????
I have read some of the sticky about it but may have not read deep enough to find how to see if my car has this fix already installed.....Any help is greatly appreciated.
I have read some of the sticky about it but may have not read deep enough to find how to see if my car has this fix already installed.....Any help is greatly appreciated.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Welcome aboard. Like you I have some experience with British cars
This was my 4th car
I've found that after some teething troubles the C5 has been as reliable as most cars I've owned and many of the jobs are easily DIY. Surprising for a car as complex as this one. You'll find great How Tos here for most of the routing maintenance and the common problems.
This was my 4th carI've found that after some teething troubles the C5 has been as reliable as most cars I've owned and many of the jobs are easily DIY. Surprising for a car as complex as this one. You'll find great How Tos here for most of the routing maintenance and the common problems.
Last edited by DeeGee; Apr 8, 2010 at 01:12 AM.