Hi everyone,
Well we drove to see the 97 Vette (blk/blk, 6spd, all options except CD changer) with 2,659 miles yesterday and wow.....brand new car. We fell in love and bought it. The seller is the original owner and kept it as a garage queen.....lucky me.
I stopped at my local Chevy dealer after we got back home and talked to the mechanic that has always worked on our 91 C4. I told him about the Vette and he recommended that I have diagnostics run on it to see if the computer needs updating since it is 8 years old with such low miles. They charge $75.00 to do this.
My question in....do you guys think that it is necessary? Doe's anyone out there know off hand if there were any update mods made to the computer from GM for a 97?
I'm thinking it may be a smart thing to do, but I'm waiting to hear from all of you.
Thanks,
Craig

 

I'd ask the dealership to provide me a list of changes that have occured since the car was new. See if any have even been issued.

I can't remember any computer updates on my 99 except for the current one as part of the column lock problem (which I'm in no hurry to do). If you chose to have that done they'd update the program to current code for free under the recall program.

 

If the car is stock (no custom tuning), and the original owner has not had the recall done, then take the car in for the recall and the PCM will be updated with the latest code for no charge. If he has had the recall done, then it already has the latest code.

Then, buy a CLB, and install it ASAP.

BTW, congrats on the new ride

 

the update is done when the car is in for the recall

 

If the car is running fine, why would you want to spend $75.00? GM often changes/fine tunes the PCM and BCM programs to correct little problems that they find. Unless they can prove to you that it is necessary, I would save my money. I know that they have an `up date tor the fuel level sensor program that may need to be installed if you have fuel sensor problems.

Drive the car for a while and see if you have any issues. If you do you can take it in and have them fix everything at once and save on the diagnostic fees. The flat rate for computer work should be LESS than $75.00 I had my 02 ZO6 BCM reprogrammed for tire presseure sensors and each wheel programmed and it only cost me $60.

Before you take it any where for repairs, post your problems on the forum! Often, we can talk you through the repair and save you time and money! Even if you have to take it to the dealer for the repair, we can atleast buff up your knowledge so that they cant BULL SH!% you!

If it is a 97, I know for a fact that your Throttle Actuation Control (TAC) module may fail/cause you to go into REDUCED POWER MODE" There were problems with the modules and they can give you problems.

GM has an up-dated TAC module that replaces the bad ones. If it ever gives you a problem, MAKE SURE that they install the up-dated TAC module. It cost $208 (Discount) at Fitchners Chevy and they can mail it to you an a few days!

Enjoy your car!

 

I appreciate everyones help. If there are no drastic changes that anyone is aware of that are needed, then maybe I'll wait.
Another question though....how about any fluid changes? Coolant, rear end, break fluid, etc.? I know that it only has 2700 miles on it, but I'm trying to consider the age also.

 

cajung - I jumped from a '91 to a '97 MN^ about 3 years ago - you'll find it is a quantum leap in most every category. As for your super low mileage, I would change the following fluids to be safe (oil, diff, tranny, coolant). Forum has good instructions for each. Good luck!