Maintenance Possibilities on 97

[Rufus1050]

I'm hoping that C4C5 can give me a little more advice on some maintenancr items I'm presently considering. I bought my 97 several weeks ago and am currently in the process of checking things out. I typically like to change all the fluids in a newly aquired used car and evaluate the brakes, rotors, plugs,etc. Placed the car on jack stands this evening and checked the color of the transmission fluid...fortunately I don't think i need to change it since the color was red with minimum discoloration. I'm no expert but it looked pretty good for a vehicle with 74 K on the odometer. Chances are that it may have been changed before...
Most of what i've read states that the fluid is good for 100K as long as it hasn't been driven hard. I think that I'll change the differential oil since I have it up and it's not a real big job. The plugs I haven't checked yet but I would think with the age of the vehicle and mileage that a new set wouldn't be out of line. Should I change the wires while I'm at it or leave them alone?

[Speedratchet]

Since the cost is relatively low I would complete all the normal maintenance items (Fluids, plug, wires etc.). This will give you baseline for a maintenance schedule and peace of mind knowing everything was done. IMHO

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
The key, other then the maintenance inside your owners manual, is the fine details.
How is it running??
Do you have a rough idle when its cold?
How is your shifting?? Fluid not only does most of the work in any part of the car, but it also SUSPENDS contaminants so that they do not harm parts.
So, that as it is, it would be suggested to change all fluids anyway, even if you are unsure.
Brake fluid, transmission fluid(dont know if your auto), differential and coolant all do specific jobs and as long as you use top quality fluids, you will be served well.
As far as the drivability of the vehicle, a bottle of Techron will ALWAYS help.
Allthebest,

[Rufus1050]

To Speedrachet & C4C5,
Thanks guys for the feedback. While things may look okay, I would feel a whole lot better changing the fluids and establishing that baseline. With the quality of lubrication today fresh fluids should last for years to come. I'm calling the dealership tomorrow and order for pickup the coolant, gear lub, additive and transmission fltr/fluid for the transfer. I'll do the brakes too! Thanks again for the advice...

[Rufus1050]

C4C5,
The car runs fine...shifts fine. I'm not experiencing any problems its just that when I acquire a new used vehicle I like to go thru them so that I know what I have. There's a considerable difference between the C5 and my old C4. Not as much working room and alot more gadgets, sensors and electronics. It's sort of intimidating but I'm approaching these things very cautiously and getting advice from you guys whenever possible. I bought a set of shop manuals off ebay last week and am expecting them any day now. Hope that they will help. Thanks again for your responses to my inquiries...they've helped me a good deal.

Rufus

[ToolGuy]

Here is what I would do too...

Check your belts.
Clean your throttle body and MAF.
Change the PCV.
Change the fuel filter.
Check the small rubber hose going from your hard plastic fuel regulator hose to the air filter asssembly or the air bridge going to the throttle body. Seems most are rotted out. Mine was and I know others. I also changed the fuel regulator on my car when I got it at 53,000.

Change the plugs/wires.

[Rufus1050]

Right On...
Started this afternoon with draining the rear axle and replacing the lube and additive. Moved on to flushing the cooling system and putting in 2 gallons of Dexcool. Guess I'll rest tomorrow before tackling the plugs and flushing the brake system. I'll check those other items mentioned and particulary the fuel filter. Man that dude is in a cramped space...gonna pull the wheels and check my rotors and pads. When these things are all done I'll feel good about these issues and have the comfort of knowing that everything is fresh and dependable for years to come. That's a nice feeling...thanks for the advice. It is appreciated. Oh, you have a really fine vette. Gotta a name for it? I call my 85 Goldfinger and the 97 is QuickSilver. I like to name my vehicles...it adds to the pleasure of owning them. Have a good one...

Rufus

[ToolGuy]

Sounds like you are on the right path! I did all of what you are doing and what I suggested to mine when I got it. It runs great and strong!

Oh thanks and my cars name is The Intimidator. After Dale Earnhardt.

[vettex2]

I have one of 486 brown 86's. what would you call it ?
the turd ?