Blind Date RPOs?
Im getting ready to order a new Corvette coupe. One dealer Ive been working with swears by the real-time damping (F45) option, but the other claims he hardly sells any Corvettes with that option. This other dealer states that the price tag is too high for most people, and too expensive for what you get. He claims that the sport suspension option (ZO5) is better; it feels like the standard suspension at low speeds around town and firms up at high speed. He further claims that the F45 option is just another major electrical component to fail on the car. Whats your opinion on these options?
Unfortunately, I do not have the option of going to my local dealer and test-driving Corvettes with the various suspension options; they have only a couple in stock with the F45 option. My goal is to get a Corvette thats comfortable to drive, but also has some performance capability. Which would you recommend? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
John Nowak
Billings, MT
Nowakj@ci.billings.mt.us
When it comes to questions like this, I dont like to tell someone what I think is best for them.
From a builder/tuners viewpoint, I like to have fewer electronics so I can tune a suspension the way I want to. I do like the ZO5 option. You say you want a comfortable ride that will also be able to perform, so I think the F45 would be right for you. I understand the theory behind the electronics: that there is a lot that can go wrong which could be expensive out of warranty, but I havent seen many problems. I know you mentioned that to road-test each individual option package is not an option, but that would be the best way to find out which is the best for you. Hope this helps.
Ratio Request
I plan on the purchase of a new C5 by the end of the year. It will have an automatic transmission. I was wondering about the optional performance axle ratio. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of this axle compared to the standard axle ratio? Gas mileage, performance, reliability, etc.? Will I feel a difference?
Frank
The best thing to do is drive both and see how each feels. I would guess that youd prefer the performance axle with the 3.15s instead of the standard 2.73s. The acceleration is better and there is definitely a difference that can be felt. And there will not be enough difference in gas mileage to worry about. There are no reliability issues to worry about. I would say that if youre into more performance, then go with the performance axle. Have fun and enjoy your new C5.
A Cold Carbon Fiber Rammer?
I have a 2000 Corvette with the LS1 engine. My question is, of the Dual Pro Cold Carbon Fiber K&N Filter System and the Vortech Rammer Cold Air System, which one is best? Also, will I notice any improvement in horsepower and torque in either system compared to the stock air system on the LS1 engine? Any data you have on these two systems would be appreciated. This is the only modification I intend to add to the car.
Fred Carlisle
Pittsburgh, PA
I have not been in on any testing of each individual air-intake system, but they do make a difference that you can feel while driving. Most of the upgraded airboxes, ram-air and cold air, will gain between 10 and 20 hp and torque. To say which one is best is just a matter of opinion, but the ram-air systems are supposed to make more horsepower and torque. With the ram-air systems, the air filter is exposed to the elements and must be inspected often for debris and dirt.
One thing for sure is that either system will perform better than the stock C5 airbox. Not to confuse you, but besides these two systems there are several others available in all kinds of price ranges and styles.
Figure out which one fits your style best, then go from there and enjoy.
Rebate Debate
You have always been the best contact for Corvette dealer rebates. Do you know if any rebates are being offered to dealers to move any leftover 2000 C5s? Thank you.
Steve
Rebates and closeout deals will vary from dealer to dealer. Chevrolet usually does not offer much in the way of rebates, since they will sell every C5 made anyway. I would recommend checking out some of the dealers who advertise in Corvette Fever or some of the Internet forum sites such as corvetteforum.com and C5-corvette.com. The message boards at these sites allow you to talk to other Corvette owners and find out who has the best deal anywhere. They also give a bunch of other useful and not-so-useful information. Good luck in finding your Corvette.
Migrating Mobil 1
I own a 98 Corvette that was purchased new on Christmas 1997. I have been very happy with the car up until now. When it was initially purchased, I drove it daily. Now I drive it once or twice a week and it has 27,500 miles on it. I maintain the oil with the recommended Mobil 1 5W30, and change it approximately every 5,000 miles.
The other day, I started the car and heard, what I suppose, is valve tappet noise. The car had been sitting for the whole week, so I assumed that maybe the oil had to make its way up to the valves. As I expected, the noise did subside. At the time this happened, the computer indicated I had 29 percent oil life remaining. The oil gauge and computer reading of pressure indicated no abnormality. After putting the car back into the garage and letting it sit overnight, I checked the oil level. To my complete amazement, the oil did not even register on the dipstick. I added 2 quarts, and still no oil on the dipstick. I added an additional 1-1/2 quarts before the oil level was in operating range according to the dipstick.
I called the Chevrolet dealer where I had the oil changed, and they said the next time the oil was to be changed to let them know of the incident, and they would begin an oil analysis/consumption test. As well, I checked the exhaust tips for excessive carbon deposits. None was found. There is no oil in the radiator fluid or coolant in the oil. There is no oil on my garage floor. There is no oil all over the back of the car, under the hood, or under the car. Its fine that Chevrolet will do their analysis, but I really want to know what happened to the 3-1/2 quarts of oil, when the car had only about 3,000 miles since the last oil change. Another thing, if it is determined that a problem exists, what is your opinion on a repair? Should I settle for a repair, or demand a new engine?
rjacob@oaot.com
Nobody likes a C5 thats on a high-oil diet, and 3-1/2 quarts in 3,000 miles is as bad as it gets. The right way to start investigating the reason for the oil consumption is with an oil-consumption analysis. You dont have to wait till the recommended interval. Go to your Chevrolet dealer for an oil change and start an oil-consumption test. While the C5 is in the shop, they should check for any obvious leaks. GMs rule of thumb for oil consumption per a tech bulletin is one quart per 1,500 miles, maximum. This is still high for meI could live with one quart per oil change if need be, but I wouldnt be happy. Of course, if you drive with a heavy right foot, oil consumption will go up.
If an oil-consumption test shows excessive oil use, there are a couple of places GM will check. First is the PCV system; next are the valve seals, and then the piston rings. It is not uncommon to use this much oil in these areas and not see any smoke while driving. The catalytic converters run very hot and efficiently, which can completely burn the oil. With faulty valve seals, there is usually a puff of blue smoke on startup, which indicates a problem. The valvetrain noise may not be a problem, considering the Corvette sat for a while. Most likely, oil drain-back was causing the valve tap.
Speak to the GM dealer to see what they can recommend. The repairs made by a competent shop may be better than a new engine. If you feel a new engine is your best option, be sure you let them know it and discuss the options. Remember the old rule of checking your oil at every fuel fill-up to keep track of any oil usage before it becomes a problem.
Good luck.