Recently acquired c5 corvette
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Instructor
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 199
Likes: 101
Recently acquired c5 corvette
Hello all,
I recently acquired a 2004 c5 from my father in-law. The car has 48,000 miles, hasn’t been driven since 2017 and potentially hasn’t had service since then as well. I’m changing the battery, all fluids/filters and shocks and struts. Is there anything else I should consider changing at this mileage and age? Like spark plugs for example?
I recently acquired a 2004 c5 from my father in-law. The car has 48,000 miles, hasn’t been driven since 2017 and potentially hasn’t had service since then as well. I’m changing the battery, all fluids/filters and shocks and struts. Is there anything else I should consider changing at this mileage and age? Like spark plugs for example?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,663
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From: Orange County, CA
Definitely tires.
Are you including brake fluid and clutch hydraulic fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, etc.?
Probably would be worthwhile to change out the accessory and AC belts.
If the harmonic balancer is stock, look it over closely since that has rubber in it.
Wouldn't bother with spark plugs unless they get gummed up from being run with old gas. Speaking of gas, are you planning to drain the tanks? Probably a good idea to replace the fuel filter as well.
Are you including brake fluid and clutch hydraulic fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, etc.?
Probably would be worthwhile to change out the accessory and AC belts.
If the harmonic balancer is stock, look it over closely since that has rubber in it.
Wouldn't bother with spark plugs unless they get gummed up from being run with old gas. Speaking of gas, are you planning to drain the tanks? Probably a good idea to replace the fuel filter as well.
Melting Slicks
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Good call on the fluids, I comment it on every post 
Change it all! Clutch, trans, diff, brake, coolant, steering, oil...
Good point by @MetalMan2 , but the fuel filter is built into the pump/sending unit for 2004.
Change it all! Clutch, trans, diff, brake, coolant, steering, oil...
Good point by @MetalMan2 , but the fuel filter is built into the pump/sending unit for 2004.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,033
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From: Nappytown MD
Fuel filter/regulator. If it has been sitting and not run, I would want to check the fuel system and make sure all is well. Also put it up on a rack and check all of the bushings, they could have gotten real hard by now and not doing their job well.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 199
Likes: 101
yeah the outer tie rods are suspect and making some noise. The fuel filter isn’t serviceable on 04 and up from what I understand.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 199
Likes: 101
Definitely tires.
Are you including brake fluid and clutch hydraulic fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, etc.?
Probably would be worthwhile to change out the accessory and AC belts.
If the harmonic balancer is stock, look it over closely since that has rubber in it.
Wouldn't bother with spark plugs unless they get gummed up from being run with old gas. Speaking of gas, are you planning to drain the tanks? Probably a good idea to replace the fuel filter as well.
Are you including brake fluid and clutch hydraulic fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, etc.?
Probably would be worthwhile to change out the accessory and AC belts.
If the harmonic balancer is stock, look it over closely since that has rubber in it.
Wouldn't bother with spark plugs unless they get gummed up from being run with old gas. Speaking of gas, are you planning to drain the tanks? Probably a good idea to replace the fuel filter as well.
idle. It does feel under power, but Im also used to driving a c8z so I can’t really tell what’s normal or not.
on a positive note the interior looks pretty good : )
Last edited by Z06305; May 28, 2025 at 11:40 PM.
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All good suggestions above, especially the tires and fluids.
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Looks like everyone covered, I would also add to the list a new Serpentine belt, my C6 blew the belt, and did damage they need to drop the engine to repair.
Glad it happened block from the house!
Avoid expensive repairs.
Glad it happened block from the house!
Avoid expensive repairs.
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