C5 mechanical help!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 198
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From: Birmingham Al
C5 mechanical help!
I am negotiating with a guy to buy his pristine 1997 black coupe. It has 30K miles on the clock. I drove it quite a bit today and have a few questions. If I can sort them out, the only thing stopping the deal is the price haggle between us. Anyway, my questions:
1. The car has a whine that sounds like it is coming from behind me on the drivers side. Is this the noisy fuel pump I have heard about? If so, what will it cost to replace and will it actually fix the problem?
2. The car has a cold air intake on it. I would not go out and buy one, but what does it add to the performance of the car? Anything?
3. The drivers seat support seems very "floppy" on the outside bolster when I move it. Can it be repaired for not too much $$? I am about 6 ft 2 in so I drive with it all the way back. If it is costly, no way I fix it.
All in all, the car is awesome! It is otherwise all stock and an incredible performance car (bargain price aside) compared to other sports cars on the road. I cannot wait to get behind the wheel of my vette!
Thanks in advance.
1. The car has a whine that sounds like it is coming from behind me on the drivers side. Is this the noisy fuel pump I have heard about? If so, what will it cost to replace and will it actually fix the problem?
2. The car has a cold air intake on it. I would not go out and buy one, but what does it add to the performance of the car? Anything?
3. The drivers seat support seems very "floppy" on the outside bolster when I move it. Can it be repaired for not too much $$? I am about 6 ft 2 in so I drive with it all the way back. If it is costly, no way I fix it.
All in all, the car is awesome! It is otherwise all stock and an incredible performance car (bargain price aside) compared to other sports cars on the road. I cannot wait to get behind the wheel of my vette!
Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Well, I suggest running a search for question numbers 1 and 3. As for question 2, that depends on the intake system. With a cold air intake system - one that is fead outside air to its filter, your engine HP will generally increase more than 10 RWHP. Without a cold air intake and just a larger filter, the initial 10+ RWHP can easily be dialed back to zero if you encounter stop&go and slow-moving conditions. The heat buildup in the engine bay will result in hot air being drawn into the engine. To avoid detonation, the ECU will retard the timing and a loss of power is the result.
Also, check the differential gasket seals for leakage and make sure the doors lock, the gas gauge works at a full tank, and the column lock mechanism has been inactivated. You should NOT hear a "zzztttt" sound when you turn the ignition key to the "on" position.
Good luck!
Dave
Also, check the differential gasket seals for leakage and make sure the doors lock, the gas gauge works at a full tank, and the column lock mechanism has been inactivated. You should NOT hear a "zzztttt" sound when you turn the ignition key to the "on" position.
Good luck!
Dave
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham Al
Well, I suggest running a search for question numbers 1 and 3. As for question 2, that depends on the intake system. With a cold air intake system - one that is fead outside air to its filter, your engine HP will generally increase more than 10 RWHP. Without a cold air intake and just a larger filter, the initial 10+ RWHP can easily be dialed back to zero if you encounter stop&go and slow-moving conditions. The heat buildup in the engine bay will result in hot air being drawn into the engine. To avoid detonation, the ECU will retard the timing and a loss of power is the result.
Also, check the differential gasket seals for leakage and make sure the doors lock, the gas gauge works at a full tank, and the column lock mechanism has been inactivated. You should NOT hear a "zzztttt" sound when you turn the ignition key to the "on" position.
Good luck!
Dave
Also, check the differential gasket seals for leakage and make sure the doors lock, the gas gauge works at a full tank, and the column lock mechanism has been inactivated. You should NOT hear a "zzztttt" sound when you turn the ignition key to the "on" position.
Good luck!
Dave
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
97 and early 98's had a very loud fuel pump. There is nothing wrong with the pump other than it can be annoying.
The seat can be easly disassembled and anything wrong can be repaired.
Te cold air intake is an improvement but if you dont like it,,,a stock ZO6 air box is easily purchased.
BC
The seat can be easly disassembled and anything wrong can be repaired.
Te cold air intake is an improvement but if you dont like it,,,a stock ZO6 air box is easily purchased.
BC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 198
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From: Birmingham Al
I have looked at used vettes from here to Florida and I have not seen one in more pristine condition. I am thinking 18.5 to 19K as an offer.
Jason was very kind with auction data, I just hope I am not going to overpay.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 47
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From: Enon Ohio
I have a 97 with 133,000mi. on it and still running strong (knock on wood) with the same noise in the fuel pump. So far no problems. The seats are fairly easy to repair and there are plenty of posts on here telling you how to fix them. Get the price you want and buy the car these are awesome rides!!!!!!!!
