Anyone have some input on how difficult it is to perform basic vehicle maintenance on the C-5 (and hopefully the C-6)?

I'm interested in how difficult it is to get access to the oil filter, spark plugs, wires, rotor, etc. I currently drive a 94 Ford Probe GT and access to these items is difficult, enough to where I just take it to the dealer for Mx. However, since I am planning to get a C-6, I would like to perform basic Mx myself.

If I do this work in my garage, what is the best way to get access to the oil and filter? Should I get some vehicle ramps?

Thanks,
Chris

 

Wish I could help but I'm not even allowed to own tools.

 

I assume by rotor you mean for the distributor. There is no distributor on C5 or C6. For changing the oil you will need a set of Rhino ramps (about $30 at your local auto parts. I just drive up on the ramps and lift the back w/ a low slung floor jack to where it's slightly higher than the front so all the oil will drain out of the drain hole. I usually set a couple of jackstands under the rear crossmember as a safety precaution but don't actually lower it onto them. WRT the oil filter, I assume it will be similar to C5 in which case the filter is easy to access but you need to use a filter wrench that snaps onto the bottom of the filter. If it slips, you can use a strap type filter wrench to get it off. Once you install the new one only hand tight, and lube the seal, you will be able to remove it next time w/ just the "snap onto the bottom" type wrench. Engine compartment space on C6 looks a little tighter than C5 but at least it's not FWD. W/ C5 the plugs aren't too bad except #7 but it can still be done. Wires are a piece of cake since the coils are on top of the valve covers. You should definitely do all of your own maint. if you have the know how...less chance of some idiot messing up your Corvette.

 

Find a GM Master Mechanic.

 

I really hope I am wrong on this, but when I saw the chassis mockup at the Detroit show, one of the first things I checked was the location of the oil filter. If my memory serves me correctly, it was located directly above a cross member, very similar to my Caddy EXT. If that was an accurate representation, it makes changing oil a bit of a pain, but strategically placed aluminum foil over the cross member usually does the trick. At least it's not upside-down on TOP of the engine like a former rice burner I owned.

 

Anyone know if the C 5 filters will work on the C 6. I sold my C 5 and still have the ultra Delto filters hoping I can use them on the C 6. (once I get it hopefully this year)

 

Did anyone else get lifetime oil changes from their dealership for bringing back a completed new car purchase survey?

 

Newbie Corvette owner question, but do C6's get any sort of free maintenance period like most of the luxury makes?

 

ROFLMAO Not in this lifetime. This is still a Chevy, and as far as GM is concerned you may as well just bought a Geo Metro.


[Modified by TedG, 1:39 PM 6/14/2004]

 

Oh well. The only reason my M3 ever saw the dealer was because it was free. I like doing my own wrenching anyway.

 

C5 maintenance is pretty darn easy. engine oil and filter have easy access, differential has a drain plug (no more pulling covers! ), MN6 drain and fill plugs are likewise accessable, if hard to remove the first time.

Spark plugs and wires are a piece of cake, esp. if you're used to working on a Probe. No distributor, no snaking of wires.

Plus, OBD-II is a mechanic's friend. Get a decent decoder and it'll tell you gobs of info.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

 

What kind of decoders are available for the C5? On my M3, I have a plug-in unit with LEDs that reads the diagnostic code out of a port located in the engine bay. It also resets CELs and Oil/Inspection service lights. Is there a tool like this for the C5, or do you need something like Autotap, a laptop, and a special connector cable?

 

Autotap is one, and the one I use. There are others out there: Auto Xray is one that comes to mind. Do a Yahoo search on OBD II scanner and you'll get a bunch of hits.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

 

On the C5 you can read the trouble codes directly on the dash readout (DIC), reset / clear the trouble codes and reset the oil change monitor. No scan tool needed.

 

True, but most decoders will give you plain text messages of what the codes mean. Also, several decoders will give you real-time data logging capabilities. Some are better than others, YMMV.

Your point is a good one, though. The C5 does, IMO, a great job of helping out the maintainer.

Have a good one,
Mike

 

Yes, obviously, spending $ an a logger will get you more. Heck, I used to read trouble codes in my Gen 3 Camaros with a paper clip......by grounding the diagnostic terminal and counting the number of times the "service engine soon" light blinks.