Back in our September issue, we introduced you to the newest member of the Corvette Fever family: Project C5X. We have joined forces with Mid America Motorworks (MAM) as the key sponsor for the project and are excited we are finally getting to work together with MAM on a big project like this.
We plan on building this C5 with some of the more basic upgrades you would consider on your own C5, but still plowing new ground so that the readership can be exposed to some new ideas for their own C5. Here are a few ideas we have in store for Project C5X:
Air Intake Upgrade/Dyno Run
Exhaust Upgrade/Dyno Run
Header Upgrade/Dyno Run
Intake Upgrade/Dyno Run
New Cam & Heads Upgrade/Dyno Run
Brake & Suspension Upgrade
Upgrade Interior with custom embroidered seats, shifter boot, carpet and mats
Upgrade stereo
Upgrade shifter
Upgrade Headlights (HID) and taillights
And this is just the tip of the iceberg of what we plan do over the next couple of years.
When we picked up Project C5X in Atlanta, American Sportscar Center put the car up on the lift in their fully-equipped service department for a serious final inspection. This inspection was so thorough, we decided to document the procedures they use on every car they sell. We will share those procedures with you as a mini C5/C6 buyer's guide.
As you will see here, as the inspection progresses, you will work all the way around the vehicle. Make sure you take notes as you go over the car. For an even more comprehensive inspection, you can also check the internal engine and transmission condition (with various test procedures) if the owner will allow it. You can hire an ASE certified mechanic to check the car as well.
Follow along so you can be an expert the next time you buy your next late-model Corvette.
| DIFFICULTY INDEX ::: N |
| ANYONE'S PROJECT | no tools required | N |
| BEGINNER | basic tools | NN |
| EXPERIENCED | special tools | NNN |
| ACCOMPLISHED | special tools and outside help | NNNN |
| PROFESSIONALS ONLY | send this work out | NNNNN |
| COMMON PARTS THAT FAIL ON THE C5 |
| Part | Repair cost (approx.) |
| Oil pressure sending unit | $300 |
| Power door lock module | $270 |
| Power window module | $270 |
| Climate control display | $350 |
| Tire pressure sensors | $125 each |
| Harmonic balancers | $700 |
| Belt tensioners & idler pulleys | $300 |
| Seat track | $850 each |
| Steering column lock | $400 (if not under warranty) |
| Rear tie-rods | $250 |
| Headlight gears/motors | $200 bushings/$400 motor |
Rubber pucks used to lift...
Rubber pucks used to lift C5s.
First off, we install the...
First off, we install the rubber pucks on the car lift and set the lift.
We jacked the rear of the...
We jacked the rear of the car up to provide enough room for the lift arms and pucks.
Lift is now set, and the car...
Lift is now set, and the car is raised.
Begin inspection at front...
Begin inspection at front of car; check front bumper for damage.
heck for any debris in the...
heck for any debris in the condenser/radiator. Check lower radiator hose, if possible.
Inspect front tie-rod for...
Inspect front tie-rod for wear.
Inspect oil pan for signs...
Inspect oil pan for signs of damage or leaks.
Inspect floorboards.
Inspect front cradle for ...
Inspect front cradle for damage.
Inspect front transverse ...
Inspect front transverse spring.
Check exhaust for signs of...
Check exhaust for signs of damage and/or leaks.
Check rocker panels for scratches...
Check rocker panels for scratches and damage.
Inspect fuel tanks.
Inspect rear subframe ass...
Inspect rear subframe assembly.
Inspect rear spring.
Inspect rear lower control...
Inspect rear lower control arms.
Inspect rear tie-rods for...
Inspect rear tie-rods for wear.
Inspect axles.
Inspect rear brake hoses....
Inspect rear brake hoses.
Inspect shocks for leaks....
Inspect shocks for leaks.
Inspect rear sway bar.
Inspect for loose exhaust...
Inspect for loose exhaust tips.
Inspect inner fender line...
Inspect inner fender liners.
Inspect front tie-rods for...
Inspect front tie-rods for play.
Inspect front bearings.
Inspect front wheel bearing...
Inspect front wheel bearing for play.
Inspect inner fender line...
Inspect inner fender liner.
Inspect front tie-rod.
Inspect tag lights for da...
Inspect tag lights for damage.
Inspect weatherstripping....
Inspect weatherstripping. Inspect passenger-side mirror.
Inspect door gaps.
Inspect glass top for damage...
Inspect glass top for damage and weatherstripping.
Inspect door panels.
Check seat tracks for play,...
Check seat tracks for play, forward and back.
Check steering wheel for ...
Check steering wheel for play.
Inspect turn-signal lever...
Inspect turn-signal lever.
Check climate-control display...
Check climate-control display for dim LCD.
Check gauge lens for stains...
Check gauge lens for stains or scratches.
Visually inspect passenger...
Visually inspect passenger airbag
Look for owner's manual.
Check for OE option list....
Check for OE option list.
Inspect windshield for chips...
Inspect windshield for chips and/or cracks.
Check wiper arms and blad...
Check wiper arms and blades.
Check hood alignment and ...
Check hood alignment and gaps.
Inspect front emblem.
Inspect front tag cover.
Inspect driver-side mirro...
Inspect driver-side mirror.
Check gas-door gaps.
Check rear gaps on hatch....
Check rear gaps on hatch.
Inspect rear window shade...
Inspect rear window shade for wear and tear.
Inspect painted removable...
Inspect painted removable top for paint defects and weatherstripping.
Check rear storage compartment...
Check rear storage compartment and CD changer, if applicable.
Inspect rear hatch weathe...
Inspect rear hatch weatherstripping.
Inspect hood weatherstrip...
Inspect hood weatherstripping.
Check clutch reservoir for...
Check clutch reservoir for leaks.
Inspect headlight motors....
Inspect headlight motors.
Inspect drivebelt for wear....
Inspect drivebelt for wear. Check oil level.
Inspect upper radiator ho...
Inspect upper radiator hose.
Inspect air cleaner.
Check brake master cylinder...
Check brake master cylinder for leaks.
Inspect coolant expansion...
Inspect coolant expansion tank for leaks and check fluid level.
Check battery terminals.