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I just purchased my first C5 - Its a 1998 with 100k miles on it. To get started I have a couple questions for the maintainance of my new baby.
1. What services should I perform to the car since it has 100k miles and I do not know the history?
2. This is the big one - Every now and then when I try to shift into first, it won't engage and I get a wierd grinding noise and it pops out of gear. Other times I have to finagle it for a few moments to get the shifter to even slide into the first gear slot. Any thougts on what could be causing this?
How does the clutch feel?
Put it in 6th, put your foot on the brake, and ever so slowly let out the clutch. If it stays running the clutch is bad. if it stalls, its got some life.
1. What services should I perform to the car since it has 100k miles and I do not know the history?
2. This is the big one - Every now and then when I try to shift into first, it won't engage and I get a wierd grinding noise and it pops out of gear. Other times I have to finagle it for a few moments to get the shifter to even slide into the first gear slot. Any thougts on what could be causing this?[/QUOTE]
First get a set of shop manuals, either ebay or a forum vendor. The manual will give you lots of information on what to do and how to do it.
As far as the first gear, first gear can sometimes be a booger to get in, they have a different cut syncro if you don't get it all the way in it will pop out, especially cold. If it is poping out most all the time or you are constantly having problems getting it in gear someone will need to drop the drive train and look into the transmission. You should not have to finagle a whole lot to get it in. I usually shift into 2nd and then first and have no problems.
2. This is the big one - Every now and then when I try to shift into first, it won't engage and I get a wierd grinding noise and it pops out of gear. Other times I have to finagle it for a few moments to get the shifter to even slide into the first gear slot. Any thougts on what could be causing this?
This is an unfortunate quirk....
The more you drive, the less it will happen
Flush your tranny with some mobil 1 synthetic auto tranny fluid.Then bleed your clutch,This is a PITA but it will help with first gear.BTW these trannies are fussy to get in first.When you attempt to put in first you should feel the shifter click twice.There are two syncros.Your tranny is fine I had the exact same issues and I read on here a bunch of times about the same issues.Sleep well bro.JER
Make sure the clutch is fully disengaged, then, like others say, put the tranny in second, then first. Mine has popped out of first a few times-scares the crap out of me. You might also try an aftermarket shifter. They are stiff, but get rid of the slop. There isn't much maintenance to do on a late-model Corvette. Follow the owner's manual suggestions, plus change the fluids and belts, and you should be ready for years and miles of fun.
You guys all Kick a**. Thanks for all the responses. I am getting the hang of the first gear thing. Its a pain sometimes, but I have seemed to find a feel for double clutching it in place when its a problem. I am gonna have the tranny checked out tomorrow, along with having an 'overall' inspection done on the car. I will try out that 6th gear thing to see if it stalls or not. good idea... thanks for the tips
1. I want to change all the fluids out but I have no idea where to jack the car up from the front/rear...
2. Anyone know where the oil pressure sensor is located on the block?
3. I think I may have an a/c vacuum line leak, because my control **** is stuck on the face/foot setting and will not change. The **** feels like its operative but nothing happens. Where are the lines I need to check for this located?