New here - 2002 Corvette
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,650
Likes: 7,292
From: CT
$900 to do your oil pressure sending unit?
I missed that one. Wow.
You could buy the part, drive to CT, I do the work while you go shoe shopping with my wife (she'd love it) and even if you spend $300 on shoes you'd still be $500 ahead after the sensor, gas and meals. Or if you wanted to get fancy and install a remote access for the sensor so it can be done in 2 minutes in the future... then you spend another $100 or so.
I missed that one. Wow.
You could buy the part, drive to CT, I do the work while you go shoe shopping with my wife (she'd love it) and even if you spend $300 on shoes you'd still be $500 ahead after the sensor, gas and meals. Or if you wanted to get fancy and install a remote access for the sensor so it can be done in 2 minutes in the future... then you spend another $100 or so.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 758
Likes: 366
I wouldn’t have done business with that shop.
I know a shop has to make money and cover overhead, but dang.
The C5 is actually not that hard to work on at least no more than the average car. Coming from the mustang world it’s way easier than a mod motor. I hated messing with my 03 cobra.
I know a shop has to make money and cover overhead, but dang.
The C5 is actually not that hard to work on at least no more than the average car. Coming from the mustang world it’s way easier than a mod motor. I hated messing with my 03 cobra.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
From: Philly
Welcome to the forum!
I have to LMAO at the "seat won't pass inspection" statement. I'm sorry if it offends you, but for me this is a HUGE red flag!! A seat which moves back and forth 1/4"-3/8" is no one's idea of imminent danger!!! BTW, many here call it a seat "rocking" problem, which, in my experience on the forum, usually means a back and forth motion, NOT an actual rocking motion. The rocking motion does exist on some cars, but most of the posts I've read are actually NOT rocking, they're sliding. So make sure to identify exactly what motion you're getting so you can do the proper fix.
I have to LMAO at the "seat won't pass inspection" statement. I'm sorry if it offends you, but for me this is a HUGE red flag!! A seat which moves back and forth 1/4"-3/8" is no one's idea of imminent danger!!! BTW, many here call it a seat "rocking" problem, which, in my experience on the forum, usually means a back and forth motion, NOT an actual rocking motion. The rocking motion does exist on some cars, but most of the posts I've read are actually NOT rocking, they're sliding. So make sure to identify exactly what motion you're getting so you can do the proper fix.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
From: Philly
Run run run away from that shop. They see you coming from miles away and are actively trying to rip you off and then also price gouge you.
Find your local PA Corvette Club website and call/e-mail the president. Ask for shop recommendations in your area for someone to trust. It won't be cheap, but they won't be trying to rip you off either.
Nails don't preclude you from spinning a wrench, and the problems listed her would involve minimal skill or tools. My ex wife was a Vogue couture model but boy could she drive a tractor and ride a horse too! Likewise, I've mucked my share of stalls coming home and doing it wearing a suit. You are absolutely capable if you choose to be - and amen to the Imelda Marcos life. My wife is like that. I had to build her a custom set of shelves to store all her shoes!
Find your local PA Corvette Club website and call/e-mail the president. Ask for shop recommendations in your area for someone to trust. It won't be cheap, but they won't be trying to rip you off either.
Nails don't preclude you from spinning a wrench, and the problems listed her would involve minimal skill or tools. My ex wife was a Vogue couture model but boy could she drive a tractor and ride a horse too! Likewise, I've mucked my share of stalls coming home and doing it wearing a suit. You are absolutely capable if you choose to be - and amen to the Imelda Marcos life. My wife is like that. I had to build her a custom set of shelves to store all her shoes!
I will find the local PA Corvette club and ask. True, I can hold a hammer and a flathead LOL....and yes I would love to do my own work but need someone to help guide me. I think I am more afraid of doing something and making it unsafe. I also dont have a garage ....live in a 2nd floor condo when kids left for college.
KUDOS to your wife!!
Love that!!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 522
From: Central Jersey
Jes,
Followed you here from another thread.
Still hoping that in spite of it all, your Corvette will come back to you repaired to your satisfaction. Sorry my recommendation didn't work out for you.
If not, I'm going to stick my neck out once again and offer another option for your older Corvette.
County Corvette is located in west Chester Pa. They specialize in complete Corvette restorations for all earlier generations of Corvette. As such, they should be well versed in dealing with obsolete or hard to find parts.
I've no personal experience with their service department, but have had to use their paint and body shop on two occasions and their work was excellent.
They are not cheap, and they are not fast, but they do good work.
I can't speak to their attitude toward women, but one can hope.
Perhaps something to file away for future reference.
BTW I am a relatively new member of the local Corvette club which has been sponsored by Bryner for decades. The $50 annual membership gets you a modest discount on all work performed by the dealership.
Followed you here from another thread.
Still hoping that in spite of it all, your Corvette will come back to you repaired to your satisfaction. Sorry my recommendation didn't work out for you.
If not, I'm going to stick my neck out once again and offer another option for your older Corvette.
County Corvette is located in west Chester Pa. They specialize in complete Corvette restorations for all earlier generations of Corvette. As such, they should be well versed in dealing with obsolete or hard to find parts.
I've no personal experience with their service department, but have had to use their paint and body shop on two occasions and their work was excellent.
They are not cheap, and they are not fast, but they do good work.
I can't speak to their attitude toward women, but one can hope.
Perhaps something to file away for future reference.
BTW I am a relatively new member of the local Corvette club which has been sponsored by Bryner for decades. The $50 annual membership gets you a modest discount on all work performed by the dealership.
Last edited by blueray16; Apr 7, 2023 at 12:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
From: Philly
Jes,
Followed you here from another thread.
Still hoping that in spite of it all, your Corvette will come back to you repaired to your satisfaction. Sorry my recommendation didn't work out for you.
If not, I'm going to stick my neck out once again and offer another option for your older Corvette.
County Corvette is located in west Chester Pa. They specialize in complete Corvette restorations for all earlier generations of Corvette. As such, they should be well versed in dealing with obsolete or hard to find parts.
I've no personal experience with their service department, but have had to use their paint and body shop on two occasions and their work was excellent.
They are not cheap, and they are not fast, but they do good work.
I can't speak to their attitude toward women, but one can hope.
Perhaps something to file away for future reference.
BTW I am a relatively new member of the local Corvette club which has been sponsored by Bryner for decades. The $50 annual membership gets you a modest discount on all work performed by the dealership.
Followed you here from another thread.
Still hoping that in spite of it all, your Corvette will come back to you repaired to your satisfaction. Sorry my recommendation didn't work out for you.
If not, I'm going to stick my neck out once again and offer another option for your older Corvette.
County Corvette is located in west Chester Pa. They specialize in complete Corvette restorations for all earlier generations of Corvette. As such, they should be well versed in dealing with obsolete or hard to find parts.
I've no personal experience with their service department, but have had to use their paint and body shop on two occasions and their work was excellent.
They are not cheap, and they are not fast, but they do good work.
I can't speak to their attitude toward women, but one can hope.
Perhaps something to file away for future reference.
BTW I am a relatively new member of the local Corvette club which has been sponsored by Bryner for decades. The $50 annual membership gets you a modest discount on all work performed by the dealership.
Hey thanks for your reply. So I did take it to County Corvettes (btw on here they have changed their position to "beware" of them - not sure how that works but i found it on the search). They were very nice though and treated me with respect. However, they wanted $5600 to replace my harmonic balancer which I am told is absolutely fine (which way to turn on honest opinions!) I feel CC is more of a restorative body work place and not so much a mechanic place for the general population. If I had that kind of cash I would def go there but hey I dont have 6 high end cars sitting around to choose from LOL
Det not blaming you at all - we live and learn and I am def learning from this board. What is the local Corvette Club you are part of? I see none in my area (Morgantown PA).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 522
From: Central Jersey
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,667
$900 to do your oil pressure sending unit?
I missed that one. Wow.
You could buy the part, drive to CT, I do the work while you go shoe shopping with my wife (she'd love it) and even if you spend $300 on shoes you'd still be $500 ahead after the sensor, gas and meals. Or if you wanted to get fancy and install a remote access for the sensor so it can be done in 2 minutes in the future... then you spend another $100 or so.
I missed that one. Wow.
You could buy the part, drive to CT, I do the work while you go shoe shopping with my wife (she'd love it) and even if you spend $300 on shoes you'd still be $500 ahead after the sensor, gas and meals. Or if you wanted to get fancy and install a remote access for the sensor so it can be done in 2 minutes in the future... then you spend another $100 or so.
I know you're right, and it's not a laughing matter, but I LOVE $300 shoe shopping, and still be $500 ahead!!! LMAO!!!!!!
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
From: Philly
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,667
Hey thanks for your reply. So I did take it to County Corvettes (btw on here they have changed their position to "beware" of them - not sure how that works but i found it on the search). They were very nice though and treated me with respect. However, they wanted $5600 to replace my harmonic balancer which I am told is absolutely fine (which way to turn on honest opinions!) I feel CC is more of a restorative body work place and not so much a mechanic place for the general population. If I had that kind of cash I would def go there but hey I dont have 6 high end cars sitting around to choose from LOL
Det not blaming you at all - we live and learn and I am def learning from this board. What is the local Corvette Club you are part of? I see none in my area (Morgantown PA).
Det not blaming you at all - we live and learn and I am def learning from this board. What is the local Corvette Club you are part of? I see none in my area (Morgantown PA).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 758
Likes: 366
OP, why not contact a local C5 owner thru the local Vette club, and see if anyone local would be willing to do the job? My good God-$5,600 for a harmonic balancer job???!! Must be made of 1/8" thick gold plating!!!! As for the oil sender, Stevie Wonder could probably change it. If my math is right, these shops want $6,500 to change the balancer and sender??!!! WOW. I wonder how some of these people sleep at night. If I were you, I wouldnt even call the shop where your car is, I'd just catch an Uber and show up to get your keys. Tell them your sorry to burden them with all the "work" your car needed, and drive away. Whatta bunch of losers...
I’m with you.
How can someone keep a straight face. No it’s not easy to get to with the steering rack but it’s not a 25 hour job.
I can have everything from the torque tube back out in a 2 hours with a quick jack setup. I literally just did this kicking back beer
I could do all that plus pull the motor and have it all back in a weekend working on my back.
So what pull radiator condenser tires disconnect tie rods loosen rack ? I’ve not done it without the motor pulled but damn. Once you get stuff out of the way it’s just a plain ole LS. And to think I had sticker shock over a $35 ARP bolt
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,667
I've had my balancer off and on several times, all for cam changes. Don't even need to pull the radiator for balancer R&R. I drop the cradle, pull the rack, and your there. I can do this in 5-6 hours, not busting my ***. I'm sure that even if a shop charged 10 hours labor@$140/hr labor, your looking at $1,400 labor, and $400-$500 for the balancer (ASP, ATI, Fluidamper, etc.). There are cheaper balancers. Personally, I think $2,000 is way high, but $5,600???!! Mechanics name must be Ben.....Ben Dover!!!
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 178
Likes: 85
From: Elverson, PA
I also live near Morgantown. You may want to try J&J Automotive in Elverson. I used to take my 87 vette there for normal maintenance. They are very fair and honest. We take our highlander there for everything. I don't know what kind of experience they have with C5s.
My neighbor has a C7 and he takes it to Turnpike Chevy in Morgantown. He seems to like them. I have no experience with them.
Funny you mention County Corvette. I purchased my 2004 from them a little over a year ago. I love my C5. It had the right color combo, very low miles, and all the right options. I probably paid a little more but I know what I have. I recently had my C5 at CC for oil and filter change and inspection. No issues. CC does a lot of high-end restorations. I hear pros and cons dealing with them.
My neighbor has a C7 and he takes it to Turnpike Chevy in Morgantown. He seems to like them. I have no experience with them.
Funny you mention County Corvette. I purchased my 2004 from them a little over a year ago. I love my C5. It had the right color combo, very low miles, and all the right options. I probably paid a little more but I know what I have. I recently had my C5 at CC for oil and filter change and inspection. No issues. CC does a lot of high-end restorations. I hear pros and cons dealing with them.