Possible Z06 purchase
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 272
Likes: 7
From: Warrenton VA
Possible Z06 purchase
Folks, finally got my sights set on a beautiful red 2002 z06. Good service history, but the current owner (2nd), is unaware if any of the main issues have been addressed. I plan to do the lmc5 immediately after purchase and will monitor the HB as it does not seem to be an issue right now. I am unsure if the valve springs have been done so that might be the first thing to tackle at 65k miles. Do I need to do this right away? Only plan to do 3k miles per year.
The current owner sent me the following cold start video. Please let me know if anything seems off. I believe everything seems solid, but would like some other unbiased feedback. Thanks and I hope to be back in a vette this week!
The current owner sent me the following cold start video. Please let me know if anything seems off. I believe everything seems solid, but would like some other unbiased feedback. Thanks and I hope to be back in a vette this week!
Last edited by Z06Coop; May 18, 2020 at 01:51 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 760
Likes: 242
From: All Over The Place
Sounded ok at idle but can't tell for sure that was a cold start.
Trunnion upgrade-weakest link in the valve train.
Check the valve springs. If needed, switch to the GM blue ones.
Get a catch can as to stop spitting oil into the intake manifold. (remove and clean it when you get an opportunity)
Check the records for last fluid/filter changes and service as needed.
Inspect the belts.
Pull the MAP and clean.
Yes-monitor the HB.
Should be good on plugs and wires for another 20-25k miles. Visually look the wires over for cracking/damage.
Run the VIN and have it checked for recall servicing history.
Condition of the battery. Pull it and inspect for any leaks. The BCM is right underneath the battery tray.
Age of tires? Check the DOT code on each.
Check the DIC for any diagnostic codes.
Just a few of the things that come to mind. I'm sure other brothers/sisters will chime in with other things I have missed.
TC
Trunnion upgrade-weakest link in the valve train.
Check the valve springs. If needed, switch to the GM blue ones.
Get a catch can as to stop spitting oil into the intake manifold. (remove and clean it when you get an opportunity)
Check the records for last fluid/filter changes and service as needed.
Inspect the belts.
Pull the MAP and clean.
Yes-monitor the HB.
Should be good on plugs and wires for another 20-25k miles. Visually look the wires over for cracking/damage.
Run the VIN and have it checked for recall servicing history.
Condition of the battery. Pull it and inspect for any leaks. The BCM is right underneath the battery tray.
Age of tires? Check the DOT code on each.
Check the DIC for any diagnostic codes.
Just a few of the things that come to mind. I'm sure other brothers/sisters will chime in with other things I have missed.
TC
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 272
Likes: 7
From: Warrenton VA
^^^^ Thanks for the mention of the Trunnion upgrade, I thought I did a fair amount of research but never came across that previously. Is this something can be easily tackled if my mechanic is already changing the springs? Should I do this if I am not planning a cam upgrade at this time? What kit is best to purchase?
Also, that was a cold start - the owner's video was longer and he showed the temperature gauge a start up. So I pretty confident based on my communication with the seller he has nothing to hide.
My call to the local GM said that the only recall work was the steering column lock "remedy" - I understand this is not really a remedy, so I will still do the Lmc5 update. Of note, GM said the car got a new tranny at 10k miles and new steering rack at 24k miles. Various switch replacement (both sides) and head light actuators were also replaced.
Also, that was a cold start - the owner's video was longer and he showed the temperature gauge a start up. So I pretty confident based on my communication with the seller he has nothing to hide.
My call to the local GM said that the only recall work was the steering column lock "remedy" - I understand this is not really a remedy, so I will still do the Lmc5 update. Of note, GM said the car got a new tranny at 10k miles and new steering rack at 24k miles. Various switch replacement (both sides) and head light actuators were also replaced.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 760
Likes: 242
From: All Over The Place
Comp Cams Trunnion Upgrade Kit (13702-KIT). can be had for +/- $150.00. Very easy to do at time of spring replacement. Pretty straight forward process. I have done three sets myself and have it down to about an hour to swap all 16, using a table top press. I would do this regardless of a cam swap in the equation or not.
Good to know you actually had a cold start video.
Did you happen to run a Carfax? It may not pick up not reported items but could provide additional insight to the car. Best case, it exposes everything you already know. Cheap insurance.
Good to know you actually had a cold start video.
Did you happen to run a Carfax? It may not pick up not reported items but could provide additional insight to the car. Best case, it exposes everything you already know. Cheap insurance.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 272
Likes: 7
From: Warrenton VA
Sounds like it is a pretty solid car then. carfax shows two owners/no accidents, all maintenance performed at dealerships, minus an LS7 clutch and slave install with a tune at a performance shop 1.5 years ago.
Last edited by Z06Coop; May 18, 2020 at 09:04 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
With the miles it may have already had springs replaced, boroscope down the oil fill cap hole and see if you can see a color, if yellow that is the bad ones. If it had the column lock recall as you state and you are having no problems I may not fix it if it ain't broke. I am in a similar situation, just bought an 03 Z with 70K miles and did the boroscope and only one spring was visible so couldn't tell much but didn't see yellow so will pull valve cover and check before changing. Make sure HVAC display is bright. Good luck
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 272
Likes: 7
From: Warrenton VA
With the miles it may have already had springs replaced, boroscope down the oil fill cap hole and see if you can see a color, if yellow that is the bad ones. If it had the column lock recall as you state and you are having no problems I may not fix it if it ain't broke. I am in a similar situation, just bought an 03 Z with 70K miles and did the boroscope and only one spring was visible so couldn't tell much but didn't see yellow so will pull valve cover and check before changing. Make sure HVAC display is bright. Good luck
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 272
Likes: 7
From: Warrenton VA
Water leaks as in from the windows or else where? To my knowledge but the owners have had it in the garage the entire life, paint seems to confirm that too.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
There are guys that will resolder the joints on the HVAC display for pretty cheap. MY 03Z is tight as can be, no wind noise, no water leaks and no squeaks and rattles at all, I was pleasantly surprised. Another minor generic issue is the trun signal and hazard switch is all in one component behind the hazard switch button, cheap fix but a pain to get to. Had an 01 yrs ago and read on forum that exercising the hazard switch would cure the turn signal flaw, well I was having no problem at all and thought I will try that so ended up with the problem and had to change the switch, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Reading the forum is good and bad if you know what I mean. Cheers
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 168
Likes: 89
From: Northwest Nevada
The roof gutter rails can sources of interior water leaks. Pull back the weatherstrip at top center of the door opening and look for discolored or deteriorating headliner backing. Replacing the gutters is expensive and tedious (I recently completed the job on both sides) but not difficult. There are a lot of threads on the topic (including a recent and thorough one by Earl Leigh Berd).
The condition of my car's gutters indicated that drivers and passengers very likely used the roof gutters as hand-holds to enter and exit, which pulled on the gutter assembly causing separation, cracking end eventual leaking. The roof gutter design is not flawed - they can leak due to operator error.
The condition of my car's gutters indicated that drivers and passengers very likely used the roof gutters as hand-holds to enter and exit, which pulled on the gutter assembly causing separation, cracking end eventual leaking. The roof gutter design is not flawed - they can leak due to operator error.