does the corvette need a specialized mechanic?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles CA
does the corvette need a specialized mechanic?
I have a 2004 coupe and was wondering if a specialized vette mechanic is worth the extra cash for regular maintenance and service? (timing belt, coolant flush, clutch install etc)
not for performance tuning or race prep.
are c5s pretty normal for most mechanics?
not for performance tuning or race prep.
are c5s pretty normal for most mechanics?
Race Director
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 16,574
Likes: 13
From: Winfield IN
Does a Vette "need" a specialized mechanic? No. Just like Jrose, said, it's still a Chevy. For routine stuff like fluid changes, tune-up items, brakes, etc., any repair shop will do. But when you start getting into more in-depth work like a clutch job or tearing into an engine, I would be more reassured having someone knowledgeable and familiar with Vettes doing the work.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh PA
I assume you mean the serpentine drive belt.
Most what you listed should be no problem with a good mechanic. However a clutch job is bit different than other cars. Nothing any good mechanic can't do but labor intensive. This is one of those cases where getting someone that does it a lot may actually be cheaper. They should be able to do it quicker than a first timer and hopefully pass some of that savings along. Not saying the job wouldn't get done correctly either way but something to consider.
Most what you listed should be no problem with a good mechanic. However a clutch job is bit different than other cars. Nothing any good mechanic can't do but labor intensive. This is one of those cases where getting someone that does it a lot may actually be cheaper. They should be able to do it quicker than a first timer and hopefully pass some of that savings along. Not saying the job wouldn't get done correctly either way but something to consider.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
but they do need to be smart about low cars...
The mechanic doesn't have to specialize in Vette's, only in GM. But they do need to understand that our cars are very low and can't be "handled" the same way a malibu or civic can.
Just make sure the mechanic understands you consider the car your baby and not just any car. That way they'll treat it proper.
Just make sure the mechanic understands you consider the car your baby and not just any car. That way they'll treat it proper.
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Just find yourself a good, competent mechanic - that should be all you need.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,050
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles CA
It helps if they've worked on Corvettes before. They need to know the jacking points on these cars. But once they've got it up there it's just turning the wrench and should be good to go. Sometimes you find vettes in the craziest places. My wife was in a pinch and a tire went flat on her. The nearest shop was some sort of euro car shop, mostly old Benzs out front. But she pulled up and the guy had 3 vettes inside.
The bad part is sometimes shops will see it's a Corvette and think they need to charge you more for simplest things.
Good luck.
The bad part is sometimes shops will see it's a Corvette and think they need to charge you more for simplest things.
Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 871
Likes: 3
From: Alpha/Coopersburg NJ/PA
I was lucky; my Vette mechanic started his own shop when the local GM dealership went bust after the financial poop-storm of 2008. He was the dealership's Corvette mechanic, and his prices are very reasonable. He always has 4-5 Vettes in there, and he is the only employee (which makes things slow), but all the customers picking up their cars give him rave reviews. I've only had an inspection done so far, but I'm confident about using him. See if you can't find someone in your area through the grapevine here that could provide you with everything you need at a good price. Having a specialist mechanic has its benefits too; I talked to another customer who was getting his windshield replaced, and ended up getting a ride in his ZR1 after he was done while mine was having the differential drained and filled.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
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I see the OP mentioned a clutch and in my experience shopping around for quotes to get my clutch replaced I’ve found that one of our local performance/tunner shops was the cheapest. They primarily deal with Vette and Mustang builds so they are very familiar with the car. They were also the cheapest when I had a new diff installed by a few hundred dollars and had it done in a day. It's best just to shop around.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
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From: Pittsburgh PA
I see the OP mentioned a clutch and in my experience shopping around for quotes to get my clutch replaced I’ve found that one of our local performance/tunner shops was the cheapest. They primarily deal with Vette and Mustang builds so they are very familiar with the car. They were also the cheapest when I had a new diff installed by a few hundred dollars and had it done in a day. It's best just to shop around.
See...That's what I thought. They know what they are doing...all the tricks so to speak... and can afford to be more competitive because of that.
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The mechanic doesn't have to specialize in Vette's, only in GM. But they do need to understand that our cars are very low and can't be "handled" the same way a malibu or civic can.
Just make sure the mechanic understands you consider the car your baby and not just any car. That way they'll treat it proper.
Just make sure the mechanic understands you consider the car your baby and not just any car. That way they'll treat it proper.
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From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
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Shade tree mechanics who don't understand the importance of certain torque specs can get you killed.