Looking into a 2004 C5
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Houston Texas
Looking into a 2004 C5
Looking into a 2004 C5. Any particular issues related to this end of series car. Also, what is and and value of "rip shifter" and what is a "crossover bar? I assume most of the bugs have been resolved by 2004.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Richardson TX
You are correct that the 2001-2004 C5s are more desirable. They have fewer issues overall, and a little better performance.
I'm not sure what a crossover bar is? There is a "Crossover tube" that connects the 2 gas tanks. Sometimes the crossover tube leaks, and its not an easy repair, so if the crossover tube has been replaced, that would be a plus. Crossover bar might refer to the sway bars or anti-roll bars? Not sure.
Rip Shifter probably means that the shifter has been changed to an aftermarket "B&M Ripper" shifter. I happen to have this shifter in my car, and I do like it. It is a short throw shifter and is generally one of the more aggressive and "notchy" shifters out there. Its more race oriented. If you are looking more for a daily cruiser, you might want to change it out to something more comfortable. Just depends on preference. If/when you drive the car you can see how you like it.
The aftermarket shifter does not add anything to the value of the car, infact some could argue it detracts.
I'm not sure what a crossover bar is? There is a "Crossover tube" that connects the 2 gas tanks. Sometimes the crossover tube leaks, and its not an easy repair, so if the crossover tube has been replaced, that would be a plus. Crossover bar might refer to the sway bars or anti-roll bars? Not sure.
Rip Shifter probably means that the shifter has been changed to an aftermarket "B&M Ripper" shifter. I happen to have this shifter in my car, and I do like it. It is a short throw shifter and is generally one of the more aggressive and "notchy" shifters out there. Its more race oriented. If you are looking more for a daily cruiser, you might want to change it out to something more comfortable. Just depends on preference. If/when you drive the car you can see how you like it.
The aftermarket shifter does not add anything to the value of the car, infact some could argue it detracts.
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Make sure you know how to pull the "onboard" computer(s) DIC trouble codes from the dash. You need to pull and record them and then delete them before you go for a drive. Afterwards pull them again BEFORE you turn the engine OFF. If you don't know how let us know and we can provide you with the info.
Always not if they are H, C, or H and C. Meaning History or Current
Always not if they are H, C, or H and C. Meaning History or Current
Melting Slicks
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Usually, the end-of-series cars are always the best. In this case, you need to be careful. 2004 was the first year that GM decided to phase-in some C6 tech such as relocating the fuel filter within the gas tank. But all in all, apart from the cracked fuel crossover pipes (on top of engine), there shouldn't be any major issues to look out for.
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From: Houston Texas
Pull trouble codes
Make sure you know how to pull the "onboard" computer(s) DIC trouble codes from the dash. You need to pull and record them and then delete them before you go for a drive. Afterwards pull them again BEFORE you turn the engine OFF. If you don't know how let us know and we can provide you with the info.
Always not if they are H, C, or H and C. Meaning History or Current
Always not if they are H, C, or H and C. Meaning History or Current
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Safety Car
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From: Sunniest city on Earth
You don't have to do it every time, but it is recommended the first time; that way you will know if the car is having issues. Once you clear the codes, you could check them every once in a while to make sure that everything is working properly. You've never heard of people doing this because this feature is unusual; most vehicles require a tool to read the codes.
Le Mans Master
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From: Columbia SC
Thread Starter
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From: Houston Texas
Thanks
Thanks to all for your input. In the meantime, I came across another 2004 Torch Red convertible at a major LA dealer. Checked the vin and numbers not in the range of concern for the fuel crossover issue. They had the complete Car Fax with ALL service history. 40,000 miles at $20K. New Michiline sport RFs. All original garage queen traded in for C7z51. Fresh Mobile 1 and full tank of 91. Detailed to car show quality. I swear, the engine compartment was cleaner than new. Thnk I'll pull the plug today. I have a 2011 Torch Red Coupe. Am I crazy to put a 2004 Torch Red Convertible next to it. Can you own too many Vettes?
Le Mans Master
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From: OK
Thanks to all for your input. In the meantime, I came across another 2004 Torch Red convertible at a major LA dealer. Checked the vin and numbers not in the range of concern for the fuel crossover issue. They had the complete Car Fax with ALL service history. 40,000 miles at $20K. New Michiline sport RFs. All original garage queen traded in for C7z51. Fresh Mobile 1 and full tank of 91. Detailed to car show quality. I swear, the engine compartment was cleaner than new. Thnk I'll pull the plug today. I have a 2011 Torch Red Coupe. Am I crazy to put a 2004 Torch Red Convertible next to it. Can you own too many Vettes?
The Run Flats are very noisy.. clickity clack clickity clack
Good luck can't wait to see it, auto or manual?
Safety Car
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From: Sunniest city on Earth
I'd drive it before I make that call
I just won't run them because they're stiffer and heavier than I want, but I probably have different goals with my car than a guy buying a vert
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From: Houston Texas
They might actually be good to go if they're Super Sports... Pilot Super Sport ZPs are not the Goodyear EMTs these cars came with
I'd drive it before I make that call
I just won't run them because they're stiffer and heavier than I want, but I probably have different goals with my car than a guy buying a vert
I'd drive it before I make that call
I just won't run them because they're stiffer and heavier than I want, but I probably have different goals with my car than a guy buying a vert
The tires are super sports. I believe in RFs. Got a sidewall puncture on my C 6 OEM Goodyears in the winding hlls above Malibu. No way did I want to pump goo in and try to add air or wait for a flatbed. Had 28k miles so was time for new tires. Got Firestone Firehawk RFs. Car runs great and no road noise. Non RFs may be better, but not worth the risk to me. Thanks for all the good feedback. Love the wealth of info on the Forum.
