I will be picking up a '00 FRC on Monday. This car has 13k on it and will be my first C5. I am aware of the A/C drain hose issue as well as the leaky battery problem but what else do I need to check immediately. I do have a few mods planned but need to get the basics taken care of first. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have a 99 and have never dealt with the A/C hose issue...you are probably almost due for a battery anyway....at this point though you shouldn't have any service isssues to be concerned with. Not sure about column lock on the 00...so you may want to ask around here about that.

 

Normal maintenance items. Check the belts and hoses they should be replaced (5 yrs.) battery, antifreeze replacement, oil and filter, possibly plugs and wires. Leaky rearend!!! Congratulations on your purchase.
Bob

 

If the battery is original don't even think about it. Just replace it.


If the car has the original Delco spark plugs you may want to change them. There is a good chance some of the ground elctrodes have their platinum inserts missing leaving a wide gap. NGK TR55IX plugs work great and will last a very long time.
http://www.sparkplugs.com/

Also coolant is due if it hasn't been replaced, DEX-COOL only! (5 year max)

I would also replace the brake fluid, rear end and transmission fluid so I had a baseline on where you are at.

Not to spend all your money at 1 time but if you have the original runflats they are getting up in age and will be even harder then they were when they were new. A pretty bad tire.

 

First thing, buy a column lock bypass and install it. Do this before you even wash and wax it.

Scott

 

Thanks,

I will get these issues taken care of ASAP. I have a 1200 mi drive home so I will check fluids and get them changed when I get back. Would most everyone recommend synthetics for all fluids?? I will get the CLB very soon, don't need that problem.

 

Absolutely.

I use Redline D4 ATF for the manual transmission and Redline 75w/90 gear oil for the differential. 4 quarts of D4 ATF and 2 quarts of 75W/90 which already has the friction modifier additive added in. Just changed both of mine.

http://www.myoilshop.com/AutoPrds.html

 

The engine definitely takes synthetic. Mobil 1 5w-30 is the normal oil. It will take 7 quarts. The rest I just use what Chevy recommends.

There are some other drains to look at. Three are located behind the drivers side front tire. I pull off the lower wheelwell cover(very easy) and look slighly up and you will see what looks like 3 cow udders. I just stick my finger in and pull out the gunk. The other one is located behind the pass front tire. If the A/c drain is not clear it will back up into the passenger footwell and short out the BCM computer. If the "udders" are not clean they will back up into the wipermotor area and short it out.

Scott

 

I'd recommend changing out the fluids so you know what is in it and when it was changed.
I use (and sell) AMSOIL products as I think their performance is exceptional. Sales of AMSOIL via the link to the left help this site and my race team. Thanks for your support.
I recommend
Oil: AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 5w30
Tranny: AMSOIL Synthetic ATF
Diff: AMSOIL 75w90 and get a bottle of the friction modifier
Note: all of the above meet GM specifications

AMSOIL products for you new car:

2000 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 5.7L 8-cyl VIN Code G

FILTERS
Oil Filter......SDF32
Air Filter......TS83
Fuel Filter......GF336
PCV Valve......HV199

BOSCH SPARK PLUGS
All submodels
Wire......B09448
Plug......B4458

BOSCH WIPER BLADES
Driver side......B40922
Passenger side......B40922

LUBRICANTS & FLUIDS
Engine Oil
Grade 1......API*
Series 2000 Synthetic 0W-30 Motor Oil
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
SAE 5W-30 XL-7500 Synthetic Motor Oil
Series 3000 Synthetic 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil
Above 0°F......10W-30[1]
All Temps......5W-30[2]
All Temps......5W-30[3]
Manual Transmission,.....AF3
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Controlled Slip Differential, Rear .....GL5*[4][5]
75W-90
Series 2000 Synthetic Gear Lube
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Slip-Lock Differential Additive

1. Oil must meet GM specification 4718M.
2. 5W-30 is preferred.
3. Oil must meet GM specification 4718M.
4. CS IDENTIFICATION: tag under cover-ataching bolt. Models
with limited slip use 4 oz of GM part no. 1052358
additive or equivalent when fluid is changed.
5. Synthetic gear oil is required.

CAPACITIES
Engine, with filter..........6.5 quarts[1]
Cooling System, W/ AT Initial Fill..........13.0 quarts
Cooling System, W/ MT Initial Fill..........13.0 quarts
Manual Transmission, 6-spd..........8.2 pints
Differential, Rear..........3.4 pints

1. Capacity shown includes filter. After refill check oil level
2. With the engine automatic transmission operating temp, shift transmission
through all gears. Let engine slow idle in PARK for at
least 3 minutes. Check fluid level and add fluid as needed.
Do not overfill.

TORQUES
Oil Drain Plug.....18 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission
Fill Plug.....20 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....20 ft-lbs

SERVICE INTERVAL
http://www.amsoil.com/lit/g1490.pdf

P.S. If you are interested in becoming a preferred customer and buying the above products at wholesale, feel free to drop me a PM.

Good luck and have fun with it.