New to me 2003 Anniversary Edition
11-16-2015, 03:25 PM
#21
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks for the congrats! New tires are in the works and it seems like everyone is in agreement that they need to be changed. Anything else I should be checking on the car?
11-16-2015, 03:27 PM
#22
Racer
Thread Starter
These are nice cars mine has 82000 miles on it and i drive it as often as I can you don't have to worry it's fiberglass and plastic so it can get wet, I live in new york and take it out all year round ,just not when it's snowing hope you enjoy your's as much as I have mine
Anyways, happy motoring.
Mike
11-16-2015, 03:28 PM
#23
Racer
Thread Starter
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bluemike28 (11-17-2015)
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11-16-2015, 07:43 PM
#26
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Sep 2011
Location: The beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast!!
Posts: 3,498
Received 680 Likes
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What a beautiful Corvette! Congrats & enjoy it. As for tires, I bought the Michelin Pilot Super Sports for mine 3 years ago, and I've really enjoyed the ride. It seems everyone is real happy with the Hankook Evo's too - I don't think you can go wrong with either.
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bluemike28 (11-17-2015)
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11-16-2015, 09:46 PM
#28
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2002
Location: Bonita Springs, Florida
Posts: 21,984
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The paint looks amazing
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bluemike28 (11-17-2015)
11-16-2015, 10:29 PM
#29
Advanced
Congrats on a great car. Love the AE, which is why I have one as well.
Not my DD but when the weekend is here...Woo Hoo!!!! Off and driving all over. Can't get me out of it. Make up reason to go drive around.
Your going to love if. Have fun!!
Not my DD but when the weekend is here...Woo Hoo!!!! Off and driving all over. Can't get me out of it. Make up reason to go drive around.
Your going to love if. Have fun!!
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bluemike28 (11-17-2015)
11-16-2015, 11:16 PM
#30
Miles of Smiles
Member Since: Mar 2010
Location: Omaha Nebraska
Posts: 3,181
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2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
Congrats on a beautiful AE! Enjoy it!!
And for what it's worth, I run Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sports and love 'em.
And for what it's worth, I run Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sports and love 'em.
Last edited by FrankLP; 11-16-2015 at 11:16 PM.
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bluemike28 (11-17-2015)
11-17-2015, 03:18 AM
#31
Racer
great choice, AE brotherhood ,
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11-17-2015, 04:07 AM
#33
Le Mans Master
Definitely one of the best colors on the C5! 
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11-17-2015, 07:26 AM
#35
Melting Slicks
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bluemike28 (11-17-2015)
11-17-2015, 08:06 AM
#36
Melting Slicks
With 6K miles, the main thing I would try and do first, is get the service records. If the oil, trans fluid, coolant, brake fluid, etc has not been changed in the last 12 months, I would start there. You do not want to run a practically brand new Corvette (going by your mileage) that has been basically sitting for 11 years on old fluids. Remember your baby is pristine and practically brand new, but she has been sitting up for most of her life. Treat her as such.
With 6,000 miles on a 12 year old car, she could not have been driven more than 500 miles per year. The PER YEAR is the key thing here. If the 6,000 miles were done in first two years and she basically SAT the rest of the time, that means I would follow EVERYTHING I have outlined here. If she was driven at least twice a year say 100 miles, you will probably find she is FINE. Still, go through these check procedures, does not mean you have to perform all of them.
Everything I am going to tell you forward is based on sitting time. If they previous owner(owners) drove her at least twice a year to standard operating temps, you probably can forgo most of the suggestions I will make below. If in doubt, DO IT!
Fluids/All
Oil: Changed in the last twelve months? -- If not, change.
Brake Fluid -- Changed in the past 24-36 months? if not change
Radiator -- Serviced in the past 3 years? If not flush and refill
Transmission -- Serviced in the last 3 years? If not flush and change.
Differential/Transaxle -- Last 4 years? If not change
Of course it is not that these fluids have been used with 6K miles, it is that they are OLD, setting up, gumming up, etc. Again driving time per year is key here. As long as they have been kept mobile and had standard operating temps applied to them at least twice a year, they are probably all OK. I would change the oil out unless it was changed < 12 months ago, regardless.
Wiring
Check the wiring to make sure no critters have been chewing on them. Also check Spark Plugs wires to make sure they are not brittle. Same with other wires. No need to replace them, unless they need replacing due to age and time.
If the car was run to operating temps at least once a year, you are probably fine here.
Battery and Battery Area
If the battery has been on a battery tender, you are probably fine. If not, well I would get it tested. The Electrical system on these Vettes cause more issues than anything else on these cars. Low voltage batteries over a long period of time, will create electrical gremlins.
Also, the area under the battery is where many of the grounding points and other internal wiring is located. Make sure no acid leaks here. I doubt that this is a problem, but I do not know what type of garage it was stored in and what elements she was exposed to.
Belts/Hoses/Etc
Follow the same procedure for your belts, hoses, etc. as wiring. They are probably fine, but better safe than sorry. If the previous owner got her out at least once a year, you a probably fine.
DIC codes
Check them all and see if there are any codes being thrown. Look for History codes as well. The main ones I would look for are electrical ones. That could indicate battery issues as per above. If she is clean, you are probably OK, but I would definitely follow my advice per above.
Seals, Gaskets, etc
If you have to change fluids, while she is up, I would have the mechanic check all seals, gaskets, etc. Wheel bearing grease could be old and bad. Again, not a mileage problem, an age one.
Again, if the previous owner(s) got her out at least two times a year and ran her to standard operating temps, you. should be golden.
Finally
You have basically a pristine car. I would not skimp on fluids. She has no miles on her and probably has the new car smell. Treat her right and she will treat you right.
Not trying to get you to spend money you don't have to, but want you to have many safe and happy trouble free miles.
Watch out for the dealerships. Some dealerships will rip you off to do a front to rear changing of fluids. Most service shops that specialize in oil changes and lubes are much more reasonable. Make sure to bring your own GM filters though and demand Mobile One oil or better synthetics (like Amsoil). Make sure that they use the GM 2 additive for the differential, if you need to change these fluids out.
Best of luck and welcome. You have a pristine baby and she is really a new car that has been sitting most of her life. Not necessarily a bad thing as long as she was driven at least once or twice a year. Just would rather you be safe with that queen, rather than sorry.
Hope this helps.
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11-17-2015, 08:16 AM
#37
Racer
Great looking car you found! 
I have the Michelin SS on my "03 Coupe" and love them!
I also have the Hankook on my Aura XR and I love them as well! Don't think you would go wrong with either choice, although the Michelins are a little more expensive. Definitely helps that my son-in-law is service manager at a local Best-One Tire Center.......
Can't believe the mark up on tires.
I have the Michelin SS on my "03 Coupe" and love them!
I also have the Hankook on my Aura XR and I love them as well! Don't think you would go wrong with either choice, although the Michelins are a little more expensive. Definitely helps that my son-in-law is service manager at a local Best-One Tire Center.......
Can't believe the mark up on tires.
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bluemike28 (11-17-2015)
11-17-2015, 10:02 AM
#38
Le Mans Master
Finally
You have basically a pristine car. I would not skimp on fluids. She has no miles on her and probably has the new car smell. Treat her right and she will treat you right.
Not trying to get you to spend money you don't have to, but want you to have many safe and happy trouble free miles.
Watch out for the dealerships. Some dealerships will rip you off to do a front to rear changing of fluids. Most service shops that specialize in oil changes and lubes are much more reasonable. Make sure to bring your own GM filters though and demand Mobile One oil or better synthetics (like Amsoil). Make sure that they use the GM 2 additive for the differential, if you need to change these fluids out.
Best of luck and welcome. You have a pristine baby and she is really a new car that has been sitting most of her life. Not necessarily a bad thing as long as she was driven at least once or twice a year. Just would rather you be safe with that queen, rather than sorry.
Hope this helps.
Changing tranny fluid in a C5 is a special procedure and most small shops have never done it. My dealership is honest and fair and have treated me better than the small shops. It is a small town dealer and that might have something to do with it. Do not take your Vette to a quick oil change shop.
.
Last edited by JR-01; 11-17-2015 at 10:30 AM.
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bluemike28 (11-17-2015)
11-17-2015, 11:50 AM
#39
Melting Slicks
I disagree. Service shops that specializes in oil changes are not all that great. They pay very little, have a lot of turnover and don't have the best people. I used to use them for my daily drivers until they forgot to put the drain plug back in the differential. I will never use them again. On the other hand the techs at the dealership are well trained, have experience working on these cars, have all the tools and service manuals, have access to parts and usually have the expertise to handle the job. You might pay more at a dealership, but it may well be worth it. My dealership charges the same for fluid changes as everyone else and were half the cost of the others for a fuel filter change. Independent shops will rip you off even more since they aren't trying to sell you a new car also.
Changing tranny fluid in a C5 is a special procedure and most small shops have never done it. My dealership is honest and fair and have treated me better than the small shops. It is a small town dealer and that might have something to do with it. Do not take your Vette to a quick oil change shop.
.
Changing tranny fluid in a C5 is a special procedure and most small shops have never done it. My dealership is honest and fair and have treated me better than the small shops. It is a small town dealer and that might have something to do with it. Do not take your Vette to a quick oil change shop.
.
Of course I do not mean a jiffy lube per se. I mean a more reputable shop that specializes in normal maintenance service repairs. Tire shops are also an option that do fluid changes, brake work, tune ups, etc. as well as tires.
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bluemike28 (11-17-2015)
11-17-2015, 12:22 PM
#40
Racer
Thread Starter
With 6K miles, the main thing I would try and do first, is get the service records. If the oil, trans fluid, coolant, brake fluid, etc has not been changed in the last 12 months, I would start there. You do not want to run a practically brand new Corvette (going by your mileage) that has been basically sitting for 11 years on old fluids. Remember your baby is pristine and practically brand new, but she has been sitting up for most of her life. Treat her as such.
With 6,000 miles on a 12 year old car, she could not have been driven more than 500 miles per year. The PER YEAR is the key thing here. If the 6,000 miles were done in first two years and she basically SAT the rest of the time, that means I would follow EVERYTHING I have outlined here. If she was driven at least twice a year say 100 miles, you will probably find she is FINE. Still, go through these check procedures, does not mean you have to perform all of them.
Everything I am going to tell you forward is based on sitting time. If they previous owner(owners) drove her at least twice a year to standard operating temps, you probably can forgo most of the suggestions I will make below. If in doubt, DO IT!
Fluids/All
Oil: Changed in the last twelve months? -- If not, change.
Brake Fluid -- Changed in the past 24-36 months? if not change
Radiator -- Serviced in the past 3 years? If not flush and refill
Transmission -- Serviced in the last 3 years? If not flush and change.
Differential/Transaxle -- Last 4 years? If not change
Of course it is not that these fluids have been used with 6K miles, it is that they are OLD, setting up, gumming up, etc. Again driving time per year is key here. As long as they have been kept mobile and had standard operating temps applied to them at least twice a year, they are probably all OK. I would change the oil out unless it was changed < 12 months ago, regardless.
Wiring
Check the wiring to make sure no critters have been chewing on them. Also check Spark Plugs wires to make sure they are not brittle. Same with other wires. No need to replace them, unless they need replacing due to age and time.
If the car was run to operating temps at least once a year, you are probably fine here.
Battery and Battery Area
If the battery has been on a battery tender, you are probably fine. If not, well I would get it tested. The Electrical system on these Vettes cause more issues than anything else on these cars. Low voltage batteries over a long period of time, will create electrical gremlins.
Also, the area under the battery is where many of the grounding points and other internal wiring is located. Make sure no acid leaks here. I doubt that this is a problem, but I do not know what type of garage it was stored in and what elements she was exposed to.
Belts/Hoses/Etc
Follow the same procedure for your belts, hoses, etc. as wiring. They are probably fine, but better safe than sorry. If the previous owner got her out at least once a year, you a probably fine.
DIC codes
Check them all and see if there are any codes being thrown. Look for History codes as well. The main ones I would look for are electrical ones. That could indicate battery issues as per above. If she is clean, you are probably OK, but I would definitely follow my advice per above.
Seals, Gaskets, etc
If you have to change fluids, while she is up, I would have the mechanic check all seals, gaskets, etc. Wheel bearing grease could be old and bad. Again, not a mileage problem, an age one.
Again, if the previous owner(s) got her out at least two times a year and ran her to standard operating temps, you. should be golden.
Finally
You have basically a pristine car. I would not skimp on fluids. She has no miles on her and probably has the new car smell. Treat her right and she will treat you right.
Not trying to get you to spend money you don't have to, but want you to have many safe and happy trouble free miles.
Watch out for the dealerships. Some dealerships will rip you off to do a front to rear changing of fluids. Most service shops that specialize in oil changes and lubes are much more reasonable. Make sure to bring your own GM filters though and demand Mobile One oil or better synthetics (like Amsoil). Make sure that they use the GM 2 additive for the differential, if you need to change these fluids out.
Best of luck and welcome. You have a pristine baby and she is really a new car that has been sitting most of her life. Not necessarily a bad thing as long as she was driven at least once or twice a year. Just would rather you be safe with that queen, rather than sorry.
Hope this helps.
With 6,000 miles on a 12 year old car, she could not have been driven more than 500 miles per year. The PER YEAR is the key thing here. If the 6,000 miles were done in first two years and she basically SAT the rest of the time, that means I would follow EVERYTHING I have outlined here. If she was driven at least twice a year say 100 miles, you will probably find she is FINE. Still, go through these check procedures, does not mean you have to perform all of them.
Everything I am going to tell you forward is based on sitting time. If they previous owner(owners) drove her at least twice a year to standard operating temps, you probably can forgo most of the suggestions I will make below. If in doubt, DO IT!
Fluids/All
Oil: Changed in the last twelve months? -- If not, change.
Brake Fluid -- Changed in the past 24-36 months? if not change
Radiator -- Serviced in the past 3 years? If not flush and refill
Transmission -- Serviced in the last 3 years? If not flush and change.
Differential/Transaxle -- Last 4 years? If not change
Of course it is not that these fluids have been used with 6K miles, it is that they are OLD, setting up, gumming up, etc. Again driving time per year is key here. As long as they have been kept mobile and had standard operating temps applied to them at least twice a year, they are probably all OK. I would change the oil out unless it was changed < 12 months ago, regardless.
Wiring
Check the wiring to make sure no critters have been chewing on them. Also check Spark Plugs wires to make sure they are not brittle. Same with other wires. No need to replace them, unless they need replacing due to age and time.
If the car was run to operating temps at least once a year, you are probably fine here.
Battery and Battery Area
If the battery has been on a battery tender, you are probably fine. If not, well I would get it tested. The Electrical system on these Vettes cause more issues than anything else on these cars. Low voltage batteries over a long period of time, will create electrical gremlins.
Also, the area under the battery is where many of the grounding points and other internal wiring is located. Make sure no acid leaks here. I doubt that this is a problem, but I do not know what type of garage it was stored in and what elements she was exposed to.
Belts/Hoses/Etc
Follow the same procedure for your belts, hoses, etc. as wiring. They are probably fine, but better safe than sorry. If the previous owner got her out at least once a year, you a probably fine.
DIC codes
Check them all and see if there are any codes being thrown. Look for History codes as well. The main ones I would look for are electrical ones. That could indicate battery issues as per above. If she is clean, you are probably OK, but I would definitely follow my advice per above.
Seals, Gaskets, etc
If you have to change fluids, while she is up, I would have the mechanic check all seals, gaskets, etc. Wheel bearing grease could be old and bad. Again, not a mileage problem, an age one.
Again, if the previous owner(s) got her out at least two times a year and ran her to standard operating temps, you. should be golden.
Finally
You have basically a pristine car. I would not skimp on fluids. She has no miles on her and probably has the new car smell. Treat her right and she will treat you right.
Not trying to get you to spend money you don't have to, but want you to have many safe and happy trouble free miles.
Watch out for the dealerships. Some dealerships will rip you off to do a front to rear changing of fluids. Most service shops that specialize in oil changes and lubes are much more reasonable. Make sure to bring your own GM filters though and demand Mobile One oil or better synthetics (like Amsoil). Make sure that they use the GM 2 additive for the differential, if you need to change these fluids out.
Best of luck and welcome. You have a pristine baby and she is really a new car that has been sitting most of her life. Not necessarily a bad thing as long as she was driven at least once or twice a year. Just would rather you be safe with that queen, rather than sorry.
Hope this helps.
I am working now on trying to just get the car sorted as far as identifying anything at all that needs attention so she remains trouble free for years to come. Fingers crossed, there shouldn't be much to do beyond new tires and changing the oil as needed.
Thanks for the helping hand to get up and running!
Best Regards,
Mike