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So my cousin came across this corvette for $4k after some negotiating I paid $3,400 for the car. It is a 1999 Corvette Z51 6 speed manual with 127k miles. It ran well but was definitely neglected. I drove it home and the next morning I started basic maintenance. Did transmission with 4qt DexIII, rear diff was 2qts 75w90 synthetic (with modified), 7qts Mobil 1 and filter. Next it was off to a friends shop for a clutch bleed on a lift. Once I got it back I did the AC Delco Iridium plug and Edlebrock wires.
Congrats on the car, and welcome to the forum. Thanks for sharing your story. It looks like you have a pretty good plan to start with. We are here if you have any questions. In addition to the aftermarket CAI, I can see you also have Euro style tail lights, and an aftermarket exhaust. Somebody loved this car at one time, but it has sadly been neglected. I'm very glad to hear that it has been rescued by someone who will give it the care and attention that it deserves. Unfortunately, it sounds like you have an issue with the EBCM. For a '99 there is no cheap fix for this, if you can fix it at all. The car can still be driven, but your ABS and traction control will not function. There is a small chance that that the EBCM can be fixed, but it depends on the issue. More than likely, you would need to purchase a used one for big $$ that may or may not work. Even if it does work, you may be looking at the same problem again in a year or two. I don't want to discourage you, I just want you to know the reality of that particular issue. Next, I would check the date code on the tires. It is likely that they are old, and should be replaced even if they still have good tread. Finally, you should find out if the column lock issue has been fixed. If it hasn't you'll want to install an LMC5. Good luck with the car.
Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!
Congrats on the car, and welcome to the forum. Thanks for sharing your story. It looks like you have a pretty good plan to start with. We are here if you have any questions. In addition to the aftermarket CAI, I can see you also have Euro style tail lights, and an aftermarket exhaust. Somebody loved this car at one time, but it has sadly been neglected. I'm very glad to hear that it has been rescued by someone who will give it the care and attention that it deserves. Unfortunately, it sounds like you have an issue with the EBCM. For a '99 there is no cheap fix for this, if you can fix it at all. The car can still be driven, but your ABS and traction control will not function. There is a small chance that that the EBCM can be fixed, but it depends on the issue. More than likely, you would need to purchase a used one for big $$ that may or may not work. Even if it does work, you may be looking at the same problem again in a year or two. I don't want to discourage you, I just want you to know the reality of that particular issue. Next, I would check the date code on the tires. It is likely that they are old, and should be replaced even if they still have good tread. Finally, you should find out if the column lock issue has been fixed. If it hasn't you'll want to install an LMC5. Good luck with the car.
Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!
I appreciate the reply, I’m currently talking to a friend of mine that deals with automotive electrical and programming, to code out the abs/tc. I wouldn’t mind spending the money to fix it but it’s not a permanent fix. I’m comfortable with no abs or TC in this car, of the 7 cars I own only three have it. It’s annoying seeing those lights in the dash.
I’m still diagnosing to make sure it’s not a bad connection, cut wire, etc. Slim chance but my personal cars are maintained and sorted, as close to stock as possible.
This car will be no different, I’ll finish the mechanical maintenance, move on to suspension, electrical functions and finally paint it.
The interior while dusty/dirty doesn’t show much wear, especially considering the exteriors condition. Overall this was an excellent candidate to bring back to life. Progress may be a little slow but I will update as often as possible. Thank you all for the replie
s
$3,400 Why can't I find that kind of deal? She looks rough but if she runs well you got the deal of a lifetime.
As far as the EBCM, I would not invest the $ to replace it. I know of no way to tune out the lights on the cluster. Hopefully your friend can figure out how to do that and I hope you will post a "how to" so others can do it. Personally, I own two 99's with no problems but recently had to repair my 02's EBCM. The 99's cannot be repaired but the 02's can be. Best wishes
I appreciate the reply, I’m currently talking to a friend of mine that deals with automotive electrical and programming, to code out the abs/tc. I wouldn’t mind spending the money to fix it but it’s not a permanent fix. I’m comfortable with no abs or TC in this car, of the 7 cars I own only three have it. It’s annoying seeing those lights in the dash.
I’m still diagnosing to make sure it’s not a bad connection, cut wire, etc. Slim chance but my personal cars are maintained and sorted, as close to stock as possible.
This car will be no different, I’ll finish the mechanical maintenance, move on to suspension, electrical functions and finally paint it.
The interior while dusty/dirty doesn’t show much wear, especially considering the exteriors condition. Overall this was an excellent candidate to bring back to life. Progress may be a little slow but I will update as often as possible. Thank you all for the replie
s
You definitely have a good plan. Good luck tuning out the dash lights. If you can actually do it, that's probably your best option. Worst case scenario, you could remove the bulbs, although you might still get the warnings on the DIC. Nice Firebird! I'm looking forward to updates on your progress.
That was a good buy! I'm a big fan of running cars like this. Get the mechanicals straightened out and maybe do a rattle can satin (not flat) black paint job or just redo the clear and then drive the hell out of it. Don't have to worry about the paint, park it anywhere, use it like a regular car and have a blast. Beaters are better!
That was a good buy! I'm a big fan of running cars like this. Get the mechanicals straightened out and maybe do a rattle can satin (not flat) black paint job or just redo the clear and then drive the hell out of it. Don't have to worry about the paint, park it anywhere, use it like a regular car and have a blast. Beaters are better!
100% this. Also THANK GOD someone else can see the difference between satin black and flat black. haha
I had my Caprice wagon slammed and satin black for awhile and LOVED it.
100% this. Also THANK GOD someone else can see the difference between satin black and flat black. haha
I had my Caprice wagon slammed and satin black for awhile and LOVED it.
Although she won’t be a garage queen she’ll be restored to her former glory. I grew up in a body shop so scratches and panel touch up aren’t a problem. A paint job will cost me around $200 doing it myself.
Although she won’t be a garage queen she’ll be restored to her former glory. I grew up in a body shop so scratches and panel touch up aren’t a problem. A paint job will cost me around $200 doing it myself.
Only $200? Man, not with any materials costs I've seen lately.
Only $200? Man, not with any materials costs I've seen lately.
Sherwin Williams finish1 clear was $80 and 2qts paint (reduced to 3 qts) is $70. 3 rolls tape is $8 and 1 roll paper $18. 2k primer is $90 but it won’t be necessary on this car.
I read through that thread and was lead to believe that is was only for active handling equipped cars. Mine does not have active handling. It also has manual climate control but has the HUD.
So the air Filter and MAF are now clean, tomorrow if the weather is nice I’ll get the throttle body cleaned. Lots of parts on order and interior cleaning is coming once driver window regulator is replaced. Waiting on lots of parts.
on making the deal you wanted. There is a lot of information here to help you.
Cheap C5 Build (Z51)
Why can't I find that kind of deal? 
She looks rough but if she runs well you got the deal of a lifetime. 
