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Just bought a Z. How to check on valvesprings, steering column bypass, + other items?
Hi all, just bought a new 02 Z (pics attached). Thanks so much to everyone on this forum for the knowledge I gathered on these machines during my hunt for one. The Z has had 8 previous owners, and the seller, while he took exceptional care of the car, was unfamiliar as to some of the C5Z's quirks and common failure points and whether they might have already been addressed by previous owners.
Besides pulling the valvecovers, any way to check if the valvesprings have been upgraded to the blue ones?
As for the steering column lock bypass, I see that there are a number of different devices for this, so probably doesn't make sense to dig around through wiring. How would I test whether the steering column lock is bypassed? If the steering wheel turns when the key is out, would that be telling me that the bypass was done?
Anything else I should check on the car as far as C5Z quirks/failure points that should be addressed?
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; 05-03-2017 at 07:57 PM.
The easiest way to check your springs is to remove the oil filler cap and shine a flash light in there. That's how I was able to check mine and was able to see that they needed to be replaced.
To check for the column lock bypass I suppose you could just try turning the steering wheel with the key out of the ignition and see if it locks. That's what I did with my car and when I found that it still locked I promptly ordered the LMC5 module. Hope that helps!
Hi all, just bought a new 02 Z (pics attached). Thanks so much to everyone on this forum for the knowledge I gathered on these machines during my hunt for one. The Z has had 8 previous owners, and the seller, while he took exceptional care of the car, was unfamiliar as to some of the C5Z's quirks and common failure points and whether they might have already been addressed by previous owners.
Besides pulling the valvecovers, any way to check if the valvesprings have been upgraded to the blue ones?
As for the steering column lock bypass, I see that there are a number of different devices for this, so probably doesn't make sense to dig around through wiring. How would I test whether the steering column lock is bypassed? If the steering wheel turns when the key is out, would that be telling me that the bypass was done?
Anything else I should check on the car as far as C5Z quirks/failure points that should be addressed?
Exactly what Glendows said......Congrats on the new ride....from the pics it looks like the 8 previous owners loved the car as much as you will.....
The essentials for my '03 included: Valve spring replacement to blue stockers, bushing the rocker arms, sound deadening kit plus trunk partition, steering column kit, aux. input for the sound system, 1-4 skip shift elimination, armrest pads for the doors, venom mod (just adding a washer) for transmission shift detent, shifter minor cut-down and addition of a round shift ****, and an assist spring for the trunk lid. The above addresses most if not all of the reliability, convenience, and comfort issues with the c5 ZO6... IMHO
It may be good to pull the valve covers off, to inspect everything. Very easy to do and doesn't require much time.
As for the bypass, another option is to pull the passenger kick panel and look at the BCM. If it has a wire pack connected to the BCM connectors and a black ground wire running to the bottom of the mounting surface, it has a LMC5. If it does not, would be a really good idea to go ahead and spend the few buck to get one - even if another bypass has been done. I have been the victim of the 2 mph fuel cutoff and that ain't fun!
Also, the trunk lid shocks can be found on ebay. I recently purchased a set - delivered to my door for about $10. Now when the truck latch is released, it is very easy to get your hand under the lid to raise it.
Have fun with the new Z. Looks like a very nice example.
The easiest way to check your springs is to remove the oil filler cap and shine a flash light in there. That's how I was able to check mine and was able to see that they needed to be replaced.
To check for the column lock bypass I suppose you could just try turning the steering wheel with the key out of the ignition and see if it locks. That's what I did with my car and when I found that it still locked I promptly ordered the LMC5 module. Hope that helps!
I removed the oil filler cap and looked inside with a flashlight, but didn't see anything that was either yellow (original valvesprings) or blue (newer type), or anything that looked like a valvespring for that matter. I have a cheap Android endoscope...should I send that down there?
My steering wheel does lock when I turn it and the key is out of the ignition...I guess that means I need to do the bypass mod?
I removed the oil filler cap and looked inside with a flashlight, but didn't see anything that was either yellow (original valvesprings) or blue (newer type), or anything that looked like a valvespring for that matter. I have a cheap Android endoscope...should I send that down there?
My steering wheel does lock when I turn it and the key is out of the ignition...I guess that means I need to do the bypass mod?
I have one of those Ebay endesopes, it should work.
If your wheel locks buy an LMC5 from Compliance Parts, follow the provided written instructions (don't assume the YouTube video tells all, it doesn't).
I removed the oil filler cap and looked inside with a flashlight, but didn't see anything that was either yellow (original valvesprings) or blue (newer type), or anything that looked like a valvespring for that matter. I have a cheap Android endoscope...should I send that down there?
My steering wheel does lock when I turn it and the key is out of the ignition...I guess that means I need to do the bypass mod?
Now I may be crazy but in my mind. If my car is 15 years old and never needed the LCM5 whatever to bot let it lock does it really need it?
Now I may be crazy but in my mind. If my car is 15 years old and never needed the LCM5 whatever to bot let it lock does it really need it?
I thought the same thing. After 14 years theres noway this thing can fail now.....and then it failed. I was very far from my house on a sunday night when it locked up on me. I suggest you address it now.
I removed the oil filler cap and looked inside with a flashlight, but didn't see anything that was either yellow (original valvesprings) or blue (newer type), or anything that looked like a valvespring for that matter. I have a cheap Android endoscope...should I send that down there?
My steering wheel does lock when I turn it and the key is out of the ignition...I guess that means I need to do the bypass mod?
Look again...you need to be at an angle to see them.. try harder.
I removed the oil filler cap and looked inside with a flashlight, but didn't see anything that was either yellow (original valvesprings) or blue (newer type), or anything that looked like a valvespring for that matter. I have a cheap Android endoscope...should I send that down there?
My steering wheel does lock when I turn it and the key is out of the ignition...I guess that means I need to do the bypass mod?
If your not taking the valve cover off you would need to take the filler assembly off to see the springs, not just the oil cap. Its a little tricky to get the filler assembly off without breaking it so be careful. Almost easier to just pull a valve cover, it's really a pretty simple job on these cars anyway once you remove the coil pack assembly.
I picked up an 02 Z06 in Electric Blue on Friday. The first thing I did was read here about the common issues and fixes along with common mods.
I have on order a set of LS6 blue springs and new valve seals. I will use the TDC method to hold the valves up. I have used this method before and it works great. I have never really trusted using an air compressor to hold the valves up.
I also have ordered a skip shift delete, an LCM5 module, a new center console latch, a passenger door window switch, and some jacking pucks.
I also ordered a Hinson shifter.
I did a seats out cleaning of the interior this past weekend and the difference is night and day.
Great looking car in red. I am really enjoying mine.
Last edited by Spaceme1117; 05-23-2017 at 02:05 PM.
You don't have to put in Blue Springs, what if you ever want to upgrade the cam? I added Lil John Motorsports '660 Springs with Ti Retainers and new bronze bushing Trunions to mine, next year I'll add a Cam and Long Tube Headers...
05-03-2017, 07:55 PM
Just bought a Z. How to check on valvesprings, steering column bypass, + other items?
