Welcome, and enjoy your new ride, and don't forget to Save The Wave.
First Corvette
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 229
Likes: 23
From: Philo, Illinois
First Corvette
Purchased my first Corvette a couple of weeks ago. '98 with 88K on the odometer. Definitely new to the Corvette scene, so what maintenance items should be taken care of or items to watch for? Bought it from an elderly gentleman who owned it for the past 19 yrs and put 17K miles on it. So the bulk was the first owner. I look forward to learning from this forum!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10,247
Likes: 888
From: Hickory NC
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '17 thru '26
Welcome to the Forum, and congratulations on your C5! 
I believe most members here would recommend changing out all the fluids and also carefully evaluating the hoses/belts. Especially check the date codes on the tires. Sometimes when owners have a long term car that they do not drive much they will simply see good looking tread on the tire and not consider that the tires could be past their normal service life. (Most tire manufacturers recommend no more than 5-7 years usage on a tire regardless of the treadwear. The tire can start breaking down internally and lead to a significant tire failure. Some European countries even limit the number of years of age {about 6-7 years if I remember correctly), and will fail your safety inspection if the tires are too old).
You may never have an issue with some of the electronics (steering wheel position sensor, EBCM, etc), but if you do, realize these parts are getting hard to find.....hard to find these parts used and almost impossible to find new.
Read the Sticky Threads at the top of the C5 General and Tech sections to learn more about some of these possible issues. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-1997-2004-2/.
Other than that.....get out....drive your Corvette.....and have a great time!
Enjoy your ride and save the wave!
Please post some pics when you can.
I believe most members here would recommend changing out all the fluids and also carefully evaluating the hoses/belts. Especially check the date codes on the tires. Sometimes when owners have a long term car that they do not drive much they will simply see good looking tread on the tire and not consider that the tires could be past their normal service life. (Most tire manufacturers recommend no more than 5-7 years usage on a tire regardless of the treadwear. The tire can start breaking down internally and lead to a significant tire failure. Some European countries even limit the number of years of age {about 6-7 years if I remember correctly), and will fail your safety inspection if the tires are too old).
You may never have an issue with some of the electronics (steering wheel position sensor, EBCM, etc), but if you do, realize these parts are getting hard to find.....hard to find these parts used and almost impossible to find new.
Read the Sticky Threads at the top of the C5 General and Tech sections to learn more about some of these possible issues. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-1997-2004-2/.
Other than that.....get out....drive your Corvette.....and have a great time!
Enjoy your ride and save the wave!
Please post some pics when you can.
Last edited by Route99; Aug 5, 2021 at 10:50 AM. Reason: typo
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 229
Likes: 23
From: Philo, Illinois
Welcome to the Forum, and congratulations on your C5!
I believe most members here would recommend changing out all the fluids and also carefully evaluating the hoses/belts. Especially check the date codes on the tires. Sometimes when owners have a long term car that they do not drive much they will simply see good looking tread on the tire and not consider that the tires could be past their normal service life. (Most tire manufacturers recommend no more than 5-7 years usage on a tire regardless of the treadwear. The tire can start breaking down internally and lead to a significant tire failure. Some European countries even limit the number of years of age {about 6-7 years if I remember correctly), and will fail your safety inspection if the tires are too old).
You may never have an issue with some of the electronics (steering wheel position sensor, EBCM, etc), but if you do, realize these parts are getting hard to find.....hard to find these parts used and almost impossible to find new.
Read the Sticky Threads at the top of the C5 General and Tech sections to learn more about some of these possible issues. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-1997-2004-2/.
Other than that.....get out....drive your Corvette.....and have a great time!
Enjoy your ride and save the wave!
Please post some pics when you can.
I believe most members here would recommend changing out all the fluids and also carefully evaluating the hoses/belts. Especially check the date codes on the tires. Sometimes when owners have a long term car that they do not drive much they will simply see good looking tread on the tire and not consider that the tires could be past their normal service life. (Most tire manufacturers recommend no more than 5-7 years usage on a tire regardless of the treadwear. The tire can start breaking down internally and lead to a significant tire failure. Some European countries even limit the number of years of age {about 6-7 years if I remember correctly), and will fail your safety inspection if the tires are too old).
You may never have an issue with some of the electronics (steering wheel position sensor, EBCM, etc), but if you do, realize these parts are getting hard to find.....hard to find these parts used and almost impossible to find new.
Read the Sticky Threads at the top of the C5 General and Tech sections to learn more about some of these possible issues. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-1997-2004-2/.
Other than that.....get out....drive your Corvette.....and have a great time!
Enjoy your ride and save the wave!
Please post some pics when you can.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,590
Likes: 3,317
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Welcome to the forum. Congrats on your new Vette. I agree that you will want to change all the fluids. You will really want to check hoses, belts, and anything else rubber. Low use Corvettes especially have trouble with rubber parts and seals if you suddenly start to actually drive them. Watch for oil leaks. I would also recommend applying dielectric grease to all of the weather stripping. This keeps it soft a supple, and aids in keeping water out of the car. I would also recommend changing out the battery. These cars are VERY sensitive when it comes to their electronics. The new battery should be an AGM battery. This is important, as a leaking battery can destroy the electronics that are below it. You might also want to clean out the "udders" There is 1 large one just behind the battery, and 3 smaller ones under the windshield shroud on the driver's side. You'll want to clean these out at least once a year to ensure that water drains correctly. If you run into any problem, or have any questions feel free to ask. We're always happy to help. Finally, post up some pictures of your Corvette. We want to see it!
Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!!
EDIT: You may also wish to clean the ends of your ground wires.
Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!!
EDIT: You may also wish to clean the ends of your ground wires.
Last edited by MWWarlord; Aug 5, 2021 at 11:46 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Göteborg, Sweden, Europe
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Welcome, enjoy your ride and post some pics when you can. There are many great suggestions and advice by experience mechanics and DIY'ers on this forum but do your research and make educated decisions
. Now drive it like you stole it. .
. Now drive it like you stole it. .
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Welcome to the forum and congrats on the purchase of your C5. You have received some excellent advice from the other members - good luck with your car and enjoy it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,590
Likes: 3,317
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 229
Likes: 23
From: Philo, Illinois
Here's the pics of his car. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ette-pics.html