[Z06] When inspecting a C5 Z06....
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 65
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From: Colorado Springs Colorado
When inspecting a C5 Z06....
I am looking very seriously at purchasing a new to me C5 Z06. What particular things should I be looking at when inspecting the car besides the usual stuff? I mean what areas specifically should I focus on when inspecting the C5? I am more familiar with the C3s. Looking at a 2004 Z06 today with 15K miles, a 2002 Z with 18K, among others.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
The cars you mention have such low miles that most things should be fine. Check for modifications - existing and removed -- are they what you want ? Also check the battery box and general area carefully for any signs of corrosion. The gel cell batterys were known leakers and can cause tremendous damage to electrical components located under the tray.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 4
From: Palo Alto CA
Pull all the codes. Check the hydraulic clutch fluid to see how dirty it is. The '02 would need valve springs replaced if you go with what the majority thinks on these forums. I just did mine and they cost around $650 installed.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 475
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Look at the ground under the car where it usually sets for leaks on the floor. What are they asking for these cars ? These are very solid cars. I bought mine two years ago with 8200 miles and have not had to do anything to it besides normal maintenance. Only put 10,000 miles on the car but so far so good.
Last edited by BLKOHZ06; Oct 29, 2011 at 07:50 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
The cars you mention have such low miles that most things should be fine. Check for modifications - existing and removed -- are they what you want ? Also check the battery box and general area carefully for any signs of corrosion. The gel cell batterys were known leakers and can cause tremendous damage to electrical components located under the tray.
Goodpoint above about checking for leaks but I also doubt many guys are going to be ok spraying down their cars for you.
Last edited by MY03C5Z; Oct 29, 2011 at 08:31 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 4
From: Palo Alto CA
I recently bought one with 40K miles, and mine has been far from trouble free. In 3 months I have well over $4K into the car, though about $2K of that was expected maintenance. EBCM failed with a damaged connector, water pump failed, needed all new belts, replaced valve springs, etc. The EBMC connector requires pins that are no longer made. So it required that I buy a whole new harness out of a totaled car! On top of that I replaced all the fluids, got new tires, aligned the car, added a steering lockout removal module, iPod adapter, etc. I think my car is going to need a new clutch very soon too. I don't the prior owner replaced the clutch fluid ever. I am now bleeding it once ever tank of gas and it is still slightly sticky. http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html So I am guessing that will be another $2K in the next few months. And believe it or not I had this car checked out by one of the top Vette guys in my area, and he missed all this!
Unfortunately, my car seems to have been an almost worse case scenario, and I checked everything out before I got it. So hopefully you are luckier than me!!!
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
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From: PA
Yeah some of that stuff I would expect, the wiring harness replacement would be a shocker though. I owned a 97 z28 for 14 years and did all the work myself to that car and it put down 375whp so Im pretty familiar with mods and fixing most things that can go wrong. Still hope I don't have too many major issues though. At least it won't be a dd so if anything does go wrong I can take my time fixing it.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Thanks for the input!
Purchased her today. 2004 Z06 with 15K on the clock. Super clean Imaculate! Stock except for the Hurst shifter. Battery compartment perfect. Not a scratch under the front fascia or even the frame protector rails. No leaks.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
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From: PA
JD, that's exactly what I'm trying to find, car looks beatiful, congrats! Looks like my search is on hold this weekend, we got 6-8" of snow here yesterday, it's not even Halloween yet for Petes sake! Lol
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
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From: PNW
Actually, the Z16 came with polished aluminum wheels, not chromed. The wheels on JD McC's new ride are aftermarket, unless someone had the OEM wheels chromed.
Someone also put colored letters in the dash on on the rear where it says "Corvette" ... that's not stock either.
Nice looking Zee!
Someone also put colored letters in the dash on on the rear where it says "Corvette" ... that's not stock either.
Nice looking Zee!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 65
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From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Actually, the Z16 came with polished aluminum wheels, not chromed. The wheels on JD McC's new ride are aftermarket, unless someone had the OEM wheels chromed.
Someone also put colored letters in the dash on on the rear where it says "Corvette" ... that's not stock either.
Nice looking Zee!
Someone also put colored letters in the dash on on the rear where it says "Corvette" ... that's not stock either.
Nice looking Zee!
Not that it matters too much, but, how could I tell if the wheels were chromed OEMs or aftermarket?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: PNW