Newbie with questions
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
From: Birmingham Alabama
Newbie with questions
Hello
I just purchased my first Corvette, a 2003 Coupe, manual.
I have a few questions:
1). What type fuel is best: 87, 89 or 93?
2). My C5 is equipped with the magnetic ride system, however, when switching it I can not tell the difference. How can I tell if it is working or has been disabled?
3). The C5 just turned 100K miles. The owners manual has a short list of items to check/change. What do the experienced owners recommend?
4). I would like to keep it mostly stock but what MODS are appreciated by the Corvette family?
5). The HUD works for abut 15 minutes after startup then displays dashes (--). Is it the HUD or faulty signal from the ICP? How to troubleshoot?
6). Where/how does the cargo net install?
7). The leather seats are good but starting to show wear. Any recommendations on seat covers that fit well and look decent?
That's it, for now. Any guidance is appreciated.
I just purchased my first Corvette, a 2003 Coupe, manual.
I have a few questions:
1). What type fuel is best: 87, 89 or 93?
2). My C5 is equipped with the magnetic ride system, however, when switching it I can not tell the difference. How can I tell if it is working or has been disabled?
3). The C5 just turned 100K miles. The owners manual has a short list of items to check/change. What do the experienced owners recommend?
4). I would like to keep it mostly stock but what MODS are appreciated by the Corvette family?
5). The HUD works for abut 15 minutes after startup then displays dashes (--). Is it the HUD or faulty signal from the ICP? How to troubleshoot?
6). Where/how does the cargo net install?
7). The leather seats are good but starting to show wear. Any recommendations on seat covers that fit well and look decent?
That's it, for now. Any guidance is appreciated.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,187
From: Buffalo Texas
wellcome !!!!!! 1. 93
2. you should feel a difference in the ride and steering
3. fluids,tires? should check if the LMC5 was installed (pull key issue)
4. cold air intake,cat back exhaust
5. hud could be a few issues ?????
6. owners manual
7.tons of info on seats on the forum,do a search
2. you should feel a difference in the ride and steering
3. fluids,tires? should check if the LMC5 was installed (pull key issue)
4. cold air intake,cat back exhaust
5. hud could be a few issues ?????
6. owners manual
7.tons of info on seats on the forum,do a search
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
Hey there,
I too own a 2003, you can see the pics below.
Use PREMIUM at all times. She will simply run better.
With our suspension system, you will notice little at low speeds. I can best feel the two settings when on rough pavement, running 50mph. You will notice that you feel many more bumps etc, and that she will corner flatter.
Its just a Chevrolet. Follow the maintenance schedule as you would any other American made vehicle. I go a lot further and do things "just because," but all will be great if you just use typical common sense.
Do what you wish as far a mods go. I have some cosmetic additions, and just a couple of performance mods. I too like things mostly stock, so I suggest viewing this site, take in what others do and make your own decisions. $$$$
Not sure about your HUD issue. Might be something to initially search the net for, then consult a reputable dealership. I love the HUD
The cargo net just hooks to the plastic anchors along the back wall of the cargo area. Honestly, I installed mine, didn't like the look or functionality, so I took it off. In the box with all the other "stuff" I did not need in my ride.
Lots of covers for your seats, including DIY recovering. I would initially suggest working them over with a good cleaner/conditioner product and see where you are. You are probably NOT going to avoid the wear on the drivers seat-bottom from ingress and egress.
Most of all, ENJOY your ride. Mine is of great joy to me.
I too own a 2003, you can see the pics below.
Use PREMIUM at all times. She will simply run better.
With our suspension system, you will notice little at low speeds. I can best feel the two settings when on rough pavement, running 50mph. You will notice that you feel many more bumps etc, and that she will corner flatter.
Its just a Chevrolet. Follow the maintenance schedule as you would any other American made vehicle. I go a lot further and do things "just because," but all will be great if you just use typical common sense.
Do what you wish as far a mods go. I have some cosmetic additions, and just a couple of performance mods. I too like things mostly stock, so I suggest viewing this site, take in what others do and make your own decisions. $$$$
Not sure about your HUD issue. Might be something to initially search the net for, then consult a reputable dealership. I love the HUD
The cargo net just hooks to the plastic anchors along the back wall of the cargo area. Honestly, I installed mine, didn't like the look or functionality, so I took it off. In the box with all the other "stuff" I did not need in my ride.
Lots of covers for your seats, including DIY recovering. I would initially suggest working them over with a good cleaner/conditioner product and see where you are. You are probably NOT going to avoid the wear on the drivers seat-bottom from ingress and egress.
Most of all, ENJOY your ride. Mine is of great joy to me.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
From: Birmingham Alabama
Codes:
38-RTD B2795 H
A0-LDCM B2282 H, B2284 H, B2282 H, B2284 H, B2262 H
A1-RDCM B2203 H, B2283 H, B2285 H, B2265 H, U1064 H
As they were all History, I reset them all.
Thanks for the link
38-RTD B2795 H
A0-LDCM B2282 H, B2284 H, B2282 H, B2284 H, B2262 H
A1-RDCM B2203 H, B2283 H, B2285 H, B2265 H, U1064 H
As they were all History, I reset them all.
Thanks for the link
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 455
From: Stella, North Carolina
Ok....I have to ask ....LMC5 03?
And check your codes frequently to see what consistently reports looking for trends. There are gurus on here who can help you with the codes when they become a real problem.
And check your codes frequently to see what consistently reports looking for trends. There are gurus on here who can help you with the codes when they become a real problem.
Last edited by jdvann; Jan 27, 2016 at 11:23 PM.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,187
From: Buffalo Texas
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 139
From: Surprise AZ
1). What type fuel is best: 87, 89 or 93?
93 if you can get it. Around here I can only get 91. My experience has been that it knocks with inferior fuel.
4). I would like to keep it mostly stock but what MODS are appreciated by the Corvette family?
I would recommend a shifter. That was the first thing I did. Recommend the MGW. I found the stock shifter to be very disappointing and inferior. The second thing I did was exhaust. The stock exhaust didn't have much of a bite. Thought it sounded pretty weenie stock. My stock exhaust on my Mustang BULLITT sounded downright aggressive compared to stock corvette. I went with BORLA and I'm really happy with it. Huge improvement.
7). The leather seats are good but starting to show wear. Any recommendations on seat covers that fit well and look decent?
I know there are a lot of options out there and I had thought about upgrading. I thought it was kind of sad that my Focus ST has better seats by far than my Corvette. And mine were showing a bit of wear. The thing that scared me off of changing was the fact that the seat module interfaces with steering column and airbag systems from what I understand, and I really didn't want to mess with that so I found a good interior upholstery shop and had them work my stock seats over. Still not as good as the RECARRO seats in my ST, but much improved and with all systems in tact.
You will find that opinions on all of this are like parts of the anatomy. Everyone has them. These are simply a few of mine.
Welcome. You will find that the vast majority here are terrific people and will really go out of their way to help you in any way they can. Real salt of the earth folks. Many with amazing amounts of knowledge.
Oh, one more thing...
Get to know Chuck Cow on here. My next mod in Feb or March, depending on budget, is a Chuck Cow tune. He has tremendous knowledge, is great to work with, and many on here swear by his advice and his tunes.
93 if you can get it. Around here I can only get 91. My experience has been that it knocks with inferior fuel.
4). I would like to keep it mostly stock but what MODS are appreciated by the Corvette family?
I would recommend a shifter. That was the first thing I did. Recommend the MGW. I found the stock shifter to be very disappointing and inferior. The second thing I did was exhaust. The stock exhaust didn't have much of a bite. Thought it sounded pretty weenie stock. My stock exhaust on my Mustang BULLITT sounded downright aggressive compared to stock corvette. I went with BORLA and I'm really happy with it. Huge improvement.
7). The leather seats are good but starting to show wear. Any recommendations on seat covers that fit well and look decent?
I know there are a lot of options out there and I had thought about upgrading. I thought it was kind of sad that my Focus ST has better seats by far than my Corvette. And mine were showing a bit of wear. The thing that scared me off of changing was the fact that the seat module interfaces with steering column and airbag systems from what I understand, and I really didn't want to mess with that so I found a good interior upholstery shop and had them work my stock seats over. Still not as good as the RECARRO seats in my ST, but much improved and with all systems in tact.
You will find that opinions on all of this are like parts of the anatomy. Everyone has them. These are simply a few of mine.
Welcome. You will find that the vast majority here are terrific people and will really go out of their way to help you in any way they can. Real salt of the earth folks. Many with amazing amounts of knowledge.
Oh, one more thing...
Get to know Chuck Cow on here. My next mod in Feb or March, depending on budget, is a Chuck Cow tune. He has tremendous knowledge, is great to work with, and many on here swear by his advice and his tunes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 455
From: Stella, North Carolina
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
If you do any night driving, consider upgrading your headlights.
The C-5 does not have a very good headlight system and the investment of some focused HID's is one of the best investments you can make. I personally would not go for the non pop up replacement lights (frog eyes), however there are several vendors here that can help you out with the right stuff.
The C-5 does not have a very good headlight system and the investment of some focused HID's is one of the best investments you can make. I personally would not go for the non pop up replacement lights (frog eyes), however there are several vendors here that can help you out with the right stuff.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,187
From: Buffalo Texas
Administrator
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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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Hello
I just purchased my first Corvette, a 2003 Coupe, manual.
I have a few questions:
1). What type fuel is best: 87, 89 or 93?
At a minimum, use 91 octane, but if you have 93 available, use it. In a pinch you can use the lower octane fuels, but I wouldn't do it on a regular basis.
3). The C5 just turned 100K miles. The owners manual has a short list of items to check/change. What do the experienced owners recommend?
Depending on what maintenance you have already done, changing the fluids would be a good start. Check your belts/hoses and make sure they are in top shape. Include other recommended maintenance items that are detailed in the owner's manual.
4). I would like to keep it mostly stock but what MODS are appreciated by the Corvette family?
Better air intake, catback exhaust, upgraded lighting, non-runflat tires if you have runflats, aftermarket wheels, better interior pieces.
5). The HUD works for abut 15 minutes after startup then displays dashes (--). Is it the HUD or faulty signal from the ICP? How to troubleshoot?
Could be a loose connection or a short somewhere. Might have to get that one looked at by a tech.
7). The leather seats are good but starting to show wear. Any recommendations on seat covers that fit well and look decent?
If you just want seat covers and not replace the entire leather skins, then look at Wet Okoles. They slip on and fit very snugly to the stock seats. If you want to get new leather covers, many here have found the offerings from Interior Innovations to be good for the money. I run a set of Vette Essentials leather covers on mine - top notch quality, great customer service, but not the cheapest out there. I've had mine on the car for six years and they still look like new.
That's it, for now. Any guidance is appreciated.
I just purchased my first Corvette, a 2003 Coupe, manual.
I have a few questions:
1). What type fuel is best: 87, 89 or 93?
At a minimum, use 91 octane, but if you have 93 available, use it. In a pinch you can use the lower octane fuels, but I wouldn't do it on a regular basis.
3). The C5 just turned 100K miles. The owners manual has a short list of items to check/change. What do the experienced owners recommend?
Depending on what maintenance you have already done, changing the fluids would be a good start. Check your belts/hoses and make sure they are in top shape. Include other recommended maintenance items that are detailed in the owner's manual.
4). I would like to keep it mostly stock but what MODS are appreciated by the Corvette family?
Better air intake, catback exhaust, upgraded lighting, non-runflat tires if you have runflats, aftermarket wheels, better interior pieces.
5). The HUD works for abut 15 minutes after startup then displays dashes (--). Is it the HUD or faulty signal from the ICP? How to troubleshoot?
Could be a loose connection or a short somewhere. Might have to get that one looked at by a tech.
7). The leather seats are good but starting to show wear. Any recommendations on seat covers that fit well and look decent?
If you just want seat covers and not replace the entire leather skins, then look at Wet Okoles. They slip on and fit very snugly to the stock seats. If you want to get new leather covers, many here have found the offerings from Interior Innovations to be good for the money. I run a set of Vette Essentials leather covers on mine - top notch quality, great customer service, but not the cheapest out there. I've had mine on the car for six years and they still look like new.
That's it, for now. Any guidance is appreciated.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
From: Birmingham Alabama
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
From: Birmingham Alabama
DTC B2795 Suspension Control Select Switch Circuit Malfunction
That code is likely the cause of no difference in the suspension settings.
Might lift the small panel the suspension switch is on and look to see if it is connected........
Do you have any warning messages that appear in the DIC indicating that the vehicle speed is limited to 80mph?
That code is likely the cause of no difference in the suspension settings.
Might lift the small panel the suspension switch is on and look to see if it is connected........
Do you have any warning messages that appear in the DIC indicating that the vehicle speed is limited to 80mph?
Last edited by lmc503; Jan 28, 2016 at 11:17 AM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
From: Birmingham Alabama
If you do any night driving, consider upgrading your headlights.
The C-5 does not have a very good headlight system and the investment of some focused HID's is one of the best investments you can make. I personally would not go for the non pop up replacement lights (frog eyes), however there are several vendors here that can help you out with the right stuff.
The C-5 does not have a very good headlight system and the investment of some focused HID's is one of the best investments you can make. I personally would not go for the non pop up replacement lights (frog eyes), however there are several vendors here that can help you out with the right stuff.
I will look to upgrade them as they aren't too bright now (much like the driver).
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
From: Birmingham Alabama
I did the TPMS programming as suggested and followed the instructions in the video. LF, horn, RF, horn, RR, nothing. Wouldn't move on from there. Does that indicate it is dead? It does have a reading on the DIC. How accurate are those anyway?
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,187
From: Buffalo Texas
the TPMS sensors could be bad or the batteries dead ???
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 255
From: Ossining New York
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'12-'13-'14
Thank you VERY much!
1). What type fuel is best: 87, 89 or 93?
93 if you can get it. Around here I can only get 91. My experience has been that it knocks with inferior fuel.
4). I would like to keep it mostly stock but what MODS are appreciated by the Corvette family?
I would recommend a shifter. That was the first thing I did. Recommend the MGW. I found the stock shifter to be very disappointing and inferior. The second thing I did was exhaust. The stock exhaust didn't have much of a bite. Thought it sounded pretty weenie stock. My stock exhaust on my Mustang BULLITT sounded downright aggressive compared to stock corvette. I went with BORLA and I'm really happy with it. Huge improvement.
7). The leather seats are good but starting to show wear. Any recommendations on seat covers that fit well and look decent?
I know there are a lot of options out there and I had thought about upgrading. I thought it was kind of sad that my Focus ST has better seats by far than my Corvette. And mine were showing a bit of wear. The thing that scared me off of changing was the fact that the seat module interfaces with steering column and airbag systems from what I understand, and I really didn't want to mess with that so I found a good interior upholstery shop and had them work my stock seats over. Still not as good as the RECARRO seats in my ST, but much improved and with all systems in tact.
You will find that opinions on all of this are like parts of the anatomy. Everyone has them. These are simply a few of mine.
Welcome. You will find that the vast majority here are terrific people and will really go out of their way to help you in any way they can. Real salt of the earth folks. Many with amazing amounts of knowledge.
Oh, one more thing...
Get to know Chuck Cow on here. My next mod in Feb or March, depending on budget, is a Chuck Cow tune. He has tremendous knowledge, is great to work with, and many on here swear by his advice and his tunes.
93 if you can get it. Around here I can only get 91. My experience has been that it knocks with inferior fuel.
4). I would like to keep it mostly stock but what MODS are appreciated by the Corvette family?
I would recommend a shifter. That was the first thing I did. Recommend the MGW. I found the stock shifter to be very disappointing and inferior. The second thing I did was exhaust. The stock exhaust didn't have much of a bite. Thought it sounded pretty weenie stock. My stock exhaust on my Mustang BULLITT sounded downright aggressive compared to stock corvette. I went with BORLA and I'm really happy with it. Huge improvement.
7). The leather seats are good but starting to show wear. Any recommendations on seat covers that fit well and look decent?
I know there are a lot of options out there and I had thought about upgrading. I thought it was kind of sad that my Focus ST has better seats by far than my Corvette. And mine were showing a bit of wear. The thing that scared me off of changing was the fact that the seat module interfaces with steering column and airbag systems from what I understand, and I really didn't want to mess with that so I found a good interior upholstery shop and had them work my stock seats over. Still not as good as the RECARRO seats in my ST, but much improved and with all systems in tact.
You will find that opinions on all of this are like parts of the anatomy. Everyone has them. These are simply a few of mine.
Welcome. You will find that the vast majority here are terrific people and will really go out of their way to help you in any way they can. Real salt of the earth folks. Many with amazing amounts of knowledge.
Oh, one more thing...
Get to know Chuck Cow on here. My next mod in Feb or March, depending on budget, is a Chuck Cow tune. He has tremendous knowledge, is great to work with, and many on here swear by his advice and his tunes.
YES, you're right! Chuck CoW CAN BE YOUR BEST FRIEND!
He wants to be EVERYONE's BEST FRIEND in the Corvette World!
Call any time. 914-332-0049
Chuck CoW
Last edited by Chuck CoW; Jan 28, 2016 at 11:24 PM.