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I have just purchased a 2003 Corvette C5 with 3.15 differentian ratio. It has only 34200km (21250miles) on it. It has been kept indoors and I inspected the car, all electronics are working fine, engine runs smooth. There is no rust underneath (some surface rusting on diffential) and even the air ducts has not scratch on it...the owner is a 75 year young man and the last 10 years he drove it couple of thousands km..good thing he changed the oil every year. I drove it under heavy Dutch rain, and also there is no leakage at all. However, I noticed the harmonic balancer is wobbling, not much but it is visible, the belt looks alright but still wobbling is there. Also the tyres look new, however they are manufactured in 2016!.
Tomorrow I will pick up the car and drive appxomately 250 km (I live in the Netherlands) to my home. Do you think it is safe to drive 250km with a slight wobbling balancer?
I already got in touch with Corvette shop in here this is what they told me about my Harmonic Balancer change request:
"We generally recommend an ATI Super Damper or Summit Racing SFI balancer only for vehicles that are used on the track or for other high-performance applications. For normal road use, we typically install an original harmonic balancer, as it provides excellent performance and reliability for the intended use of the vehicle. As you would also like to have the car serviced, we can combine the maintenance and harmonic balancer replacement in a single appointment. The current lead time for parts is approximately 4 to 5 weeks, so we could schedule an appointment in about 5 to 6 weeks' time."... Well I am a normal user and not a car abuser..
Every youtube video I watched or AI recommend me not to change with the OEM part, rather they say go with Summit ot ATI..should I insist?
I will immediately change the tyres to Michelin Pilot Sport 5, any feedback on this?
Apart from all these any recommendation to a person who never owned a Corvette before?
PS: this is going to be my daily drive and the car will rest outside unfortunately. I will be driving max 500-800km a month.
Cheers!
Last edited by Felixarnhem; Jun 4, 2026 at 06:07 AM.
I have just purchased a 2003 Corvette C5 with 3.15 differentian ratio. It has only 34200km (21250miles) on it. It has been kept indoors and I inspected the car, all electronics are working fine, engine runs smooth. There is no rust underneath (some surface rusting on diffential) and even the air ducts has not scratch on it...the owner is a 75 year young man and the last 10 years he drove it couple of thousands km..good thing he changed the oil every year. I drove it under heavy Dutch rain, and also there is no leakage at all. However, I noticed the harmonic balancer is wobbling, not much but it is visible, the belt looks alright but still wobbling is there. Also the tyres look new, however they are manufactured in 2016!.
Tomorrow I will pick up the car and drive appxomately 250 km (I live in the Netherlands) to my home. Do you think it is safe to drive 250km with a slight wobbling balancer?
I already got in touch with Corvette shop in here this is what they told me about my Harmonic Balancer change request:
"We generally recommend an ATI Super Damper or Summit Racing SFI balancer only for vehicles that are used on the track or for other high-performance applications. For normal road use, we typically install an original harmonic balancer, as it provides excellent performance and reliability for the intended use of the vehicle. As you would also like to have the car serviced, we can combine the maintenance and harmonic balancer replacement in a single appointment. The current lead time for parts is approximately 4 to 5 weeks, so we could schedule an appointment in about 5 to 6 weeks' time."... Well I am a normal user and not a car abuser..
Every youtube video I watched or AI recommend me not to change with the OEM part, rather they say go with Summit ot ATI..should I insist?
I will immediately change the tyres to Michelin Pilot Sport 5, any feedback on this?
Apart from all these any recommendation to a person who never owned a Corvette before?
PS: this is going to be my daily drive and the car will rest outside unfortunately. I will be driving max 500-800km a month.
Cheers!
"Slight" is obviously a relative assessment absent of a video.
Just get a factory replacement from Dayco/Powerbond # PB1117N. This is all you need for a non-race street driven car.
How bad is the wobble? Are you sure it isn’t just the engine jiggling? I bought my car last year and of course was worried about the balancer after reading all about our cars… built in fears…. research is good, but it makes us nervous. Mine wobbles slightly, but the rubber looks good so I just keep an eye on it. The pulleys are lined up and my wobble is just the engine shaking. I took a white paint pen and drew a line from the hub to the rim. If it truly dies, the line across the two halves will shift clearly indicating I have a problem.
But it’s your money and your decision. When you do replace it, go with an aftermarket unit so you never have to worry about it again.
Good pick with the Michelins, if you have the cash for them, you can’t go wrong. Congrats on the C5, you’ll love it. It will consume your thoughts. A Corvette makes all owners crazed enthusiasts. 😉
Last edited by Gorn Captain; Jun 4, 2026 at 07:49 AM.
I have just purchased a 2003 Corvette C5 with 3.15 differentian ratio. It has only 34200km (21250miles) on it. It has been kept indoors and I inspected the car, all electronics are working fine, engine runs smooth. There is no rust underneath (some surface rusting on diffential) and even the air ducts has not scratch on it...the owner is a 75 year young man and the last 10 years he drove it couple of thousands km..good thing he changed the oil every year. I drove it under heavy Dutch rain, and also there is no leakage at all. However, I noticed the harmonic balancer is wobbling, not much but it is visible, the belt looks alright but still wobbling is there. Also the tyres look new, however they are manufactured in 2016!.
Tomorrow I will pick up the car and drive appxomately 250 km (I live in the Netherlands) to my home. Do you think it is safe to drive 250km with a slight wobbling balancer?
I already got in touch with Corvette shop in here this is what they told me about my Harmonic Balancer change request:
"We generally recommend an ATI Super Damper or Summit Racing SFI balancer only for vehicles that are used on the track or for other high-performance applications. For normal road use, we typically install an original harmonic balancer, as it provides excellent performance and reliability for the intended use of the vehicle. As you would also like to have the car serviced, we can combine the maintenance and harmonic balancer replacement in a single appointment. The current lead time for parts is approximately 4 to 5 weeks, so we could schedule an appointment in about 5 to 6 weeks' time."... Well I am a normal user and not a car abuser..
Every youtube video I watched or AI recommend me not to change with the OEM part, rather they say go with Summit ot ATI..should I insist?
I will immediately change the tyres to Michelin Pilot Sport 5, any feedback on this?
Apart from all these any recommendation to a person who never owned a Corvette before?
PS: this is going to be my daily drive and the car will rest outside unfortunately. I will be driving max 500-800km a month.
Cheers!
Very often, what people think is balancer wobble, turns out to be optical illusion, just the way light reflects as the balancer turns.
You will be fine driving it home, 10 year old tires, on a garage housed car are fine.
So, I think you are worrying too much.
Sounds like a really nice car. Congratulations! Post some pictures when you get home.
Take a light colored ink pen (Sharpie), Like silver and mark the balancer. Turn on the AC and a few high load electrical items while running, then shut off and look to see if the marks are still aligned. If the marks are still aligned, drive it. Tires are old, just go the speed limit and make sure they are properly inflated.
Thank you all for the prompt responses. Since this will be my first American big engine car, I think I am overthinking and also a bit concerned. After reading comments I am relieved a bit. Is there any tips for someone like me who will drive 5-6K annualy and leave the car under Dutch weather. Well, here it snows rarely but quite rainly though. Temps rarely go below sub zero (32F) and UV in summer time not much a concern. I think I should take care of the weather strips every quarter but is there anything you'd like to add up.
Many thanks again for the responses and your warm wishes.
Cheers!
Last edited by Felixarnhem; Jun 4, 2026 at 10:47 AM.
Thank you all for the prompt responses. Since this will be my first American big engine car, I think I am overthinking and also a bit concerned. After reading comments I am relieved a bit. Is there any tips for someone like me who will drive 5-6K annualy and leave the car under Dutch weather. Well, here it snows rarely but quite rainly though. Temps rarely go below sub zero (32F) and UV in summer time not much a concern. I think I should take care of the weather strips every quarter but is there anything you'd like to add up.
Many thanks again for the responses and your warm wishes.
Cheers!
One thing about YOUR American V8 is that mechanically, it's practically bulletproof. It's all the sensors and early tech that can be troublesome. As for keeping it out in the weather, check your rain udders regularly, keep tree matter off the cowl area so the udders don't clog up. Lubricate weatherstrip as you intend. Look over every evry little area of your car, and make notes of "little fixes" to do before they become problems. Read all you can to become familliar with what to look for, but don't let worry creep into your head.
Truly, other than some known problem areas, the potential longevity of the car makes BMW and Mercedes, etc. look like clown cars (I think I'm safe on the Corvette forum to slag Euro junk). As my dad says, "there's only three things wrong with BMW and Mercedes: They're over-priced, Overrated, and over here (North America)"
Last edited by Gorn Captain; Jun 4, 2026 at 11:53 AM.
One thing about YOUR American V8 is that mechanically, it's practically bulletproof. It's all the sensors and early tech that can be troublesome. As for keeping it out in the weather, check your rain udders regularly, keep tree matter off the cowl area so the udders don't clog up. Lubricate weatherstrip as you intend. Look over every evry little area of your car, and make notes of "little fixes" to do before they become problems. Read all you can to become familliar with what to look for, but don't let worry creep into your head.
Truly, other than some known problem areas, the potential longevity of the car makes BMW and Mercedes, etc. look like clown cars (I think I'm safe on the Corvette forum to slag Euro junk). As my dad says, "there's only three things wrong with BMW and Mercedes: They're over-priced, Overrated, and over here (North America)"
So the OP is from the Netherlands.....what's the point of making the "Euro junk" comments? This is why everyone hates Americans.
Thank you all for the prompt responses. Since this will be my first American big engine car, I think I am overthinking and also a bit concerned. After reading comments I am relieved a bit. Is there any tips for someone like me who will drive 5-6K annualy and leave the car under Dutch weather. Well, here it snows rarely but quite rainly though. Temps rarely go below sub zero (32F) and UV in summer time not much a concern. I think I should take care of the weather strips every quarter but is there anything you'd like to add up.
Many thanks again for the responses and your warm wishes.
Cheers!
You obviously already know this, but I will reinforce it, if you can possibly find a way to keep it inside a garage or under a carport when not in use, your car will be the better for it.
If not, at the very least you could get a outdoor car cover.
That is alright. I think it was funny. By the way hatred usually comes from people who never met with someone foreigner. I work for an American company, and have many American colleagues, they are all nice people
You obviously already know this, but I will reinforce it, if you can possibly find a way to keep it inside a garage or under a carport when not in use, your car will be the better for it.
If not, at the very least you could get a outdoor car cover.
I am considering it, but a cover sheet might keep the moisture inside and even expedite the corrosion...I am not sure if there is really high quality breathable sheets around
So the OP is from the Netherlands.....what's the point of making the "Euro junk" comments? This is why everyone hates Americans.
Because I felt like it DAD. Its funny. Lighten up. The Dutch OP has entered the world of American badass cars, a convert if you will. He’s going to love his Vette. Lighten up.
Last edited by Gorn Captain; Jun 4, 2026 at 04:29 PM.
I am considering it, but a cover sheet might keep the moisture inside and even expedite the corrosion...I am not sure if there is really high quality breathable sheets around
Covers designed for outdoor use are made to be breathable while blocking water infiltration.
And, of course, the body won't corrode since it isn't metal!
Covers designed for outdoor use are made to be breathable while blocking water infiltration.
And, of course, the body won't corrode since it isn't metal!
If you don’t mind, which outdoor cover do you recommend? There’s a wide array of them, but looking for something I can use while the garage is occupied, forcing me to park in the driveway.
If you don’t mind, which outdoor cover do you recommend? There’s a wide array of them, but looking for something I can use while the garage is occupied, forcing me to park in the driveway.
Really just depends on your budget.
Look at California Car Cover, they have everything. calcarcover.com
People have had great experiences with the Summit SFI balancer. My engine builder said he liked ATI... so I have an ATI. Remember to replace the Balancer bolt - it's torque to yield.
RE Outdoor car covers: I think they're a waste of money. Once they get wet, they never dry out. I used to sell Covercraft, and they had the best fit of anything at the time (25 years ago).
Regarding covers, I’m on my third. No name Amazon started out great but was disintegrating after two years. Sealskin, absolute garbage from the start, company shouldn’t exist. Current Covercraft, happy after one year.
New C5 purchase and Harmonic Balancer question
