Hi,

I just bought my first Corvette (97) and I'm new to this site. I've read over alot of the posts and still have some questions I thought some of you experienced people could kindly answer.

1) The temperature on my car runs about 190-195 during regular driving. If I'm in stop and go traffic for longer periods of time (10-15 minutes or more) The car goes up to 225 degrees but solidly hangs at this level. I've even let it idle for 10 minutes after driving and watched the temperature hover at 225 and never get any hotter. My question is, is this normal...bad....good?

2) I will need new tires in the next few months. What are some quality brand recommendations? I'm not looking for the best, but definitely looking for high quality tires. I'd say my tire budget would be $700-$1000.

3) I've read a few topics on the lettering used on the front and back of the Corvette. Zip's website has a few different versions. Some appear cheap and some appear expensive. The $40 lettering is about what I'd "like" to spend, but they have $90 laser etched lettering. Will the $40 letter be cheap and peal off in a few months? Does adding this lettering damage the paint job? Any recommendations?

4) Finally, any advice on things to look out for?

Thanks in advance for your time and help!!

Chris L

 

Welcome to the forum. I can't help you much as I'm still a novice, but these cars do run normally up to 225 degrees. Mine is an 03 Coupe MN6 and it worried me initially too. Tire advice is available from forum vendors. I have used Tire Rack for many years and have always obtained good advice, product, and service. There is also Discount Tires. Can't help you on the lettering. Again welcome.

 

Welcome aboard - I'd say your temps are about normal. One thing to check - these cars are like Hoovers, and will suck debris up into the radiator area. It's good to get underneath it every now and then to clean it out. Invest in a set of Rhino Ramps from Pep Boys and you're set.

 

1. Your temps and the way it acts when idling is completely normal. If you see it go over 230, then it's time to be concerned.

2. Your tire question involves more than just quality and price. As you probably know, these cars come with runflat tires and no spare. There are many good choices of runflats out there that are far superior to the OEM Goodyear EMT's, namely Firestone, Yokohama, and Michelin....but cheaper (and better performing) tires will be found by not opting for runflats...such as the Goodyear GS-D3 or Kumho Ecsta MX tires.
You'll need to first decide if you want to retain the practicality the runflat security provides, or go for cheap and performance, but be willing to deal with a flat in your travels.

3. The SS lettering is the best quality and fit I've seen and is usually about $60 or so for each end. If you want colored, I know Eckler's has a good selection, but I can't advise on the quality or stickiness. None of the offerings should damage the paint.

Lastly, the things to look out for would be to check for battery leakage at the terminals as the PCM and wiring is right below the battery, and leakage with the older OEM batteries is common and can do much destruction.
The steering column lock mechanism is another common trouble area, and it would be wise to invest in a Column Lock Bypass (CLB).

 

Welcome Chris-

1) Your temp is about right.....not sure where you live or your driving conditions but your temp is consistent with hot weathered & heavy traffic driving. The car is designed to run at those temps, so no prob here.

2) Tires..... Everyone has their own opinion on this topic. If you use the "search" feature on this site you'll find 10,000 posts about tires and peoples different opinions. Don't cut corners when buying tires.....it's the only thing between you and the road Nothing like buying an expensive sports car and then going cheap on the tires.

3) Take my advice on this one- you'll want the stainless rear/front inserts....yes, they're expensive but well worth the extra $$. The vinyl ones tend to peel off after a while......that's been my experience anyway. The stainless ones look much better also....again, just my .02. I bought mine at "Corvettes of Houston" for a pretty good price, but they're several forum vendors that sell them.

Have fun with your car-

Jason

 

Oh yeah- for sure!!

 

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the car. You are going to love it.

 

Welcome to the forum. Good folks here that give good advice.

 

I agree with all of the above! Temp is about right. Mine hovers between 195 and 200 but I live in sunny AZ. Fans don't kick on until 220-225 in most cases. GM designed it to run at that temp. Alot of folks go to a lower temp thermostat but won't do any good unless you have the computer reprogrammed to have the fans come on lower. I would definitely say the SS letters are the way to go unless you have a color that they really clash with. I personally like red on yellow for instance. Then I'd go with the better plastic/acrylic ones, not the decals. Brakelight red looks awesome on black. Battery is a definite worry if you don't have the GM AGM battery or a red top. Research teh column lock and see if you need to worry about it. It could be a really bummer if it hits at the wrong time.

Good Luck and welcome to the Forum and the Vette family!

 

1) The temperature on my car runs about 190-195 during regular driving. If I'm in stop and go traffic for longer periods of time (10-15 minutes or more) The car goes up to 225 degrees but solidly hangs at this level. I've even let it idle for 10 minutes after driving and watched the temperature hover at 225 and never get any hotter. My question is, is this normal...bad....good?

As the others have said - that's normal. I too live in Arizona (Hi Eddie!), and as long as your cooling system is in good shape - relatively fresh Dex Cool and a flushed cooling system I think you should be fine!

2) I will need new tires in the next few months. What are some quality brand recommendations? I'm not looking for the best, but definitely looking for high quality tires. I'd say my tire budget would be $700-$1000.
Also as the others have said - you can get Kumho Extas which are at the lower end of the price spectrum, or choose the expensive option like Michelins. Many CF members run and love the Kumhos - personally I don't want no Korean tire on my American Icon!

3) I've read a few topics on the lettering used on the front and back of the Corvette. Zip's website has a few different versions. Some appear cheap and some appear expensive. The $40 lettering is about what I'd "like" to spend, but they have $90 laser etched lettering. Will the $40 letter be cheap and peal off in a few months? Does adding this lettering damage the paint job? Any recommendations?

The SS Inserts are high quality stainless steel laser cut letters that fit beautifully and stick well, assuming proper surface preparation. Personally I have a black car and have the Braklight red domed letters that Eckler's sells for about $60. I love the look and receive a lot of compliments on them. Again - surface prep is the key!

4) Finally, any advice on things to look out for?

Battery would be #1 in my book and was the first thing I replaced - I bought an Optima 75/35. As they say in Austrailla - No Worries Mate!
Column lock, is another simple fix with the CLB bypass.

Other than those things, good routine maintenance and enjoy the only sportscar that matters! Miles and miles of smiles!

 

Your temp is normal from what I have seen on mine.

Tires: Runflats - I recommend Firestone Firehawks. Non-runflats - I recommend Goodyear Supercars or GS-D3's.

Lettering: You can get either stainless steel, vinyl, or acrylic. I have the brakelight red acrylic letters on mine and really like them. Got them at Mid-America.

 

I'm not going to repeat what others have said other than to tell you,

DON'T GET ANOTHER SET OF GOODYEAR RUNFLATS.

You can get the Kumho, Yokahoma, Firestones or Michlens and ALL of them are better than the Goodyear runcraps. They're all quieter, ride better and handle better. Go to the Tirerack web site and do a compare on those brands and look how low Goodyear rates.

 

If this helps, my 98 runs 204 highway, and 220 city. I have no overheat problems. Corvettes have always been known to run warm, no matter what year

 

Welcome fellow 97 owner! I agree with all the posts. I am currently running Firehawks but plan on going with Kuhmo's on my next set.

Best preventative mods are a column lock bypass and a Optima battery.

 

Hope the above assists. Congratulations on the

 

Welcome to the Forum ...and congrats on the ride!

 

Lot's of advise here tonight. I have had Goodyear, Yokohama's, Firestone and Michelins and quite frankly, Michelin's are my choice. I am waiting for the PS2's to come out in Z06 sizes so I can mount the Z06 chromies on my '04 vert.

 

Another tire option that I haven't seen listed is the BF Goodrich gForce KDWs. I ditched my runflats for these tires 5 months ago and have been very happy with them. I paid less than $900 including tax and mounting and balancing for mine.

 

Me too- awesome tires.

 

Thanks everyone!!


This site is excellent!! I almost feel like I got a bargin by buying my Vette because of all the knowledge and friendly help on this board!! The boards are very active too which is great for a novice like myself. The overall consistent replys also tell me I'm at the right place. Again, thanks to all for the great advice!!


Now if someone could point me to the boards that tell you how to handle your wife when you spend too much time with your car....