The underwater vette
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
The underwater vette
Hi guys, I'm new to this forum. I just bought a salvage title 2002 zo6. its been flood damaged from when it went under the red river. Guy said the engine was running when it went in and that the engine needs work. Do I need a new motor? What type of things do I need to look at with the rest of the car? Any technical info would be welcome!
Cheers
Cheers
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,493
Likes: 1,178
From: Dyer, IN
Hi guys, I'm new to this forum. I just bought a salvage title 2002 zo6. its been flood damaged from when it went under the red river. Guy said the engine was running when it went in and that the engine needs work. Do I need a new motor? What type of things do I need to look at with the rest of the car? Any technical info would be welcome!
Cheers
Cheers
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
I assume you are in really shallow (pardon the pun) but I would think that everything will need to be rebuilt or replaced. Water damage has a way of raising its head is so many ways.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Yes, and no.
Lots of people with lots of electrical problems, but they usually point to module and sensor issues. The C5 really isn't all that electrically complex by today's standards, and for the most part reasonably easy to troubleshoot.
Not sure what your intentions are for the car, but it sounds like the perfect candidate to be stripped down and turned into a track machine. I wouldn't say parting out is the only option, but trying to restore and resell as a street car probably isn't a practical option either.
Lots of people with lots of electrical problems, but they usually point to module and sensor issues. The C5 really isn't all that electrically complex by today's standards, and for the most part reasonably easy to troubleshoot.
Not sure what your intentions are for the car, but it sounds like the perfect candidate to be stripped down and turned into a track machine. I wouldn't say parting out is the only option, but trying to restore and resell as a street car probably isn't a practical option either.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 0
First, yes, you probably need a new motor, it is most likely hydro siezed. You can pull it all apart and inspect/rebuild it though. The electicals could turn into a real headache if the car wasnt' yanked quick and dried well right after. Check the grounds for signs of corriosion, take that as a 'meter' mark. Also, the computers in the are mostly low, and if gotten wet and not dried properly will probably not function well. The car could be way more work than it's worth, but some careful checking should tell you up front. You can buy all the modules new if you need, but $$$ starts racking up quick, and I assume you want to keep it under a decent $$ amount, so as not to border into "used but not flooded" territory. The C5's are coming down in price, it's a good time to look for a clean title one right now if it's for you to enjoy.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 600
Likes: 6
From: Las Vegas NV
HA HA!! Seriously though, if that car has spent any significant amount of time under or in very deep water, ie about 5mins, it will most likely be problematic from now till the day you die. Think of how many places water will have gone into, air vents, electrical relays & ecu's, whole interior, dash, everywhere. I'd part it out, or if you really know what your doing make it a track only car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 4
From: Rockford Illinois
I agree to either make it a racecar, or part it out.
Anytime a car is under water, water will get in the smallest opening including the engine. You will have to completly rebuild the entire engine, the car itself. Even if you replace the entire interior with new, you will still have electrical issues. Finding those wil require you to tear the whole car down, and at worst start a fire.
If you have alot of time and money then rebuild it, otherwise it isnt worth it.
Anytime a car is under water, water will get in the smallest opening including the engine. You will have to completly rebuild the entire engine, the car itself. Even if you replace the entire interior with new, you will still have electrical issues. Finding those wil require you to tear the whole car down, and at worst start a fire.
If you have alot of time and money then rebuild it, otherwise it isnt worth it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
Most likely every high dollar computer module in it is toast-ECM, BCM, ABS, EBCM, .... If you buy these and have them programmed at the dealr-your looking at THOUSANDS just for these pieces. Finf another car with a messed up body and try to make 1 out of the 2 or part this one out.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,237
Likes: 11
From: Lacombe Louisiana
Level 4 electrical in HS will pretty much make you an entry level tech.You may be able to get it running at a pretty high cost,but you will never be rid of electrical problems down the road.Part it out or strip it down to race.
