C4 vs C5 Maintenance and Repair
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
C4 vs C5 Maintenance and Repair
OK...this is not the typical C4 vs C5 post, so lets keep the "this is a superior design" "that is better looking" to a minimum please. 
What I'm interested in knowing is how the C5 compares to the C4 in the ease of maintenance category that I've never heard discussed. I'm working on a 95 right not and pulling the engine and lets just say things are a bit cramped. The wiring harness is run in odd places that seem that would lead to shorts, etc. and connectors are tucked up into tiny crevices that my small hands can't easily access. Has any of this been improved on the C5? How is engine removal, spark plug access, transmission removal, etc? I appreciate any responses especially from those of you who do your own maintenance and modifications. Thanks!
What I'm interested in knowing is how the C5 compares to the C4 in the ease of maintenance category that I've never heard discussed. I'm working on a 95 right not and pulling the engine and lets just say things are a bit cramped. The wiring harness is run in odd places that seem that would lead to shorts, etc. and connectors are tucked up into tiny crevices that my small hands can't easily access. Has any of this been improved on the C5? How is engine removal, spark plug access, transmission removal, etc? I appreciate any responses especially from those of you who do your own maintenance and modifications. Thanks!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I had an 85 Coupe and I must say that the C5's are much easier to work on mechanicaly. Electronics on the other hand are A LOT more complicated!!! I think that the C5 factory service manuals are better than C4 manuals.
Replacing a clutch is a snap on a C4! On a C5 "FORGET ABOUT IT!"
Working on a C4 intake system is a ROYAL PAIN!!!! On a C5 it is a piece of CAKE!
Bill
Replacing a clutch is a snap on a C4! On a C5 "FORGET ABOUT IT!"
Working on a C4 intake system is a ROYAL PAIN!!!! On a C5 it is a piece of CAKE!
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,979
Likes: 5
From: San Diego, CA "leaf" "tee" "e"
I haven't had a C4, but I think the C5 is very easy to work on, except for the drivetrain from the rear cover back... For most things, I can't imagine it being much simpler. Even clutch changes would be easy if I had the right setup to do it. For an idea of what can go wrong, check the sticky in C5 General.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 285
Likes: 5
From: Palos Verdes California
I have an '88 coupe and an '04 Z06. I've pulled the entire drivetrain out of the '88, and can't imagine it getting any easier, especially in the engine compartment because of the "full" clamshell hood. I was able to get at any fastener I needed to.
I've only changed the fluids on the Z06, and installed a tunnel plate, but it seems just as straight forward. However, it seems that the Z06 would be more difficult to do engine work on because the front fenders stay in place when you open the hood, and clearance seems to be tighter around the engine. Good luck.
I've only changed the fluids on the Z06, and installed a tunnel plate, but it seems just as straight forward. However, it seems that the Z06 would be more difficult to do engine work on because the front fenders stay in place when you open the hood, and clearance seems to be tighter around the engine. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
Originally Posted by crznZ06
I have an '88 coupe and an '04 Z06. I've pulled the entire drivetrain out of the '88, and can't imagine it getting any easier, especially in the engine compartment because of the "full" clamshell hood. I was able to get at any fastener I needed to.
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
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From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
I have limited experience on a C4 but this is what I've seen- the C5's engine bay is much less cramped and easy to get to. Of course the C4's entire front clip lifts up vs the more traditional hood/fender config on a c5.
The clutch is *much* more difficult on a C5 vs a C4.
The clutch is *much* more difficult on a C5 vs a C4.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
I had an 85 Coupe and I must say that the C5's are much easier to work on mechanicaly. Electronics on the other hand are A LOT more complicated!!! I think that the C5 factory service manuals are better than C4 manuals.
Replacing a clutch is a snap on a C4! On a C5 "FORGET ABOUT IT!"
Working on a C4 intake system is a ROYAL PAIN!!!! On a C5 it is a piece of CAKE!
Bill
Replacing a clutch is a snap on a C4! On a C5 "FORGET ABOUT IT!"
Working on a C4 intake system is a ROYAL PAIN!!!! On a C5 it is a piece of CAKE!
Bill
I also used to own an '85 and so far, everything that I have done to my C4 in the past has been way easier to do to the C5.
