Hey Guys and Gals, I’m getting ready for my spring project to the ’99 vert (with 35K miles) and wanted to run it by everyone to see if I’ve missed something- you know “while I’m there, might as well do...” I’ll be removing the front fascia and replacing it with a Tiger Shark. To it I’ll be replacing the corner lights with clear lens kit from JW Motorsports and the LED light mod that NVUSGT did to the lower brake air slits. While I have the fascia off I plan to:

a. Remove the skid plate and repair/weld and repaint it due to some minor damage to the skid bars and on then will add the skid support plates.
b. Flush/drain and remove the radiator and thoroughly clean it.
c. Replace the upper and lower radiator hoses and surge tank cap.
d. Replace radiator foam seals- make new high density heat tolerant foam radiator seals (a couple of good posts on this).
e. Search for and hopefully find the build sheet.
f. Replace the air filter housing with a Z06 one and new high flow paper filter (I believe Amsoil makes one or use to?) I’ve had issues on other vehicles with the oil fiber filters getting oil on the MAS.
g. Remove the upper radiator cover and paint it to match body color (Torch Red).
h. Replace serpentine and AC belts.

By the way, does anyone have the OTC 6611 transmission line disconnect tool needed to properly disconnect the transmission line from the radiator? I can buy them at 6ea for about $30 but don’t think I need all 6?

What have I missed/recommendations? Check the harmonic damper- etc.?

 

I thought about slipping a cam in since I had the radiator off, but not sure I want to do all that's involved such as new valve springs etc., required with a new cam.

 

I notice the price of the GM hoses are about 2 times that of the Gates- what's the difference? The AC brand or also cheaper.

 

Dealer and Union tax?

 

Sounds like you have things covered. The TigerShark fascia will look really good on your car. Good luck and post up pics when it is installed.

 

Costs a little more to keep Americans working. If it’s made here, that’s a tax I’ll happily pay

 

I love you
I also love the Tiger Shark front bumper, especially when it also has the chin spoiler option on it. Be sure and post pictures when you are done

 

Have you considered the silicone hose set, from CCA?

 

I replaced all my hoses with Mishimoto silicone about 3 years ago. Our son uses them on 1,000hp racing Honda engines and I figured if they held up there they would definitely hold up for my use.
One thing I have found is that the silicone hoses seem to fit a little tighter than the traditional rubber. I really discovered that when I replaced my radiator this year with a DeWitts. It took serious arm wrestling to get the lower radiator hose on.
Prior to the silicone, I have used Gates many times and never had an issue with their hoses.
I suppose one question would be who actually manufactures the hoses for GM?

As for the other work - definitely agree with your assessment to check the harmonic dampener. You probably don't have enough mileage for it to be bad, but never hurts "while you are there."
And, of course, "while you are there".......if you think you are going to replace your cam anytime in the near future, now is a great time while the radiator is out. (It also helps to drop the steering rack, too). Yeah, you will need new springs, and maybe new push rods, but just look at this as a labor savings.

Otherwise, the work you have outlined looks like good preventative maintenance.

Best wishes with your projects. Please post pics once you have the TS front bumper!

 

I do have the chin spoiler option and trying to determine if I should paint it to match body color or satin black to match the side skirts. Rear spoiler is body color, but lower rear facia is satin black. The other option would be to have it and the side skirts carbon fiber wrapped.