Corvettes are unique. They need a mechanic who knows the breed and is committed to superior service. Our mechanics have followed the C5 generation of Corvettes since they were new. We know how important you ‘Vette is to you; it’s important to us too.
Chevrolet stopped making many C5 components, but aftermarket producers have taken up where GM left off. We only install aftermarket parts from reliable manufacturers. Many come with a warranty.
Although these cars are the most reliable sports cars you could buy, no part is immune to wear and tear. Corvette owners are known for using every bit of their car’s power and handling; this results in parts wearing faster too. Since less weight makes a car accelerate and handle well, sports car manufacturers compromise on longevity to achieve low weight. Speak to a Porsche or Ferrari owner about their upkeep costs. Since C5s are now 20+ years old, we routinely see certain parts failures. Here are the repair problems unique to C5s we encounter most often:
Differential And Gearbox Failures and Oil Leaks
The seals preventing fluid leaks on these cars are past their prime. Many owners wait for these components to fail to have the entire unit rebuilt with new seals and gaskets. A speed-shifted Corvette will have a gearbox and differential rebuilds in the future.
Pop-Up Headlight Gear Malfunction
Maybe you wonder why Chevy discontinued pop-up headlights after the C5 years. They have been problematic; there are many ways for them to fail.
Electric
There could be a bad headlight switch control module. The multi-function turn signal switch may be at fault. The motors or wiring connections to them could be bad. Running down electrical problems is time-consuming.
Gears
The OEM gears are plastic, and we see many stripped. We can replace them with brass gears.
Faulty Bump Stops
An adjustment may fix this, or we may need to install new parts.
Non-Pop-Up Headlights
LED fixed headlights give better night visibility, and your worries about stuck headlights will be over. We recommend these units and will install them for you.
Fuel Gauge Sending Unit Failure; Fuel Pump Failure
Symptoms of a bad fuel gauge sender are erratic readings. From minute to minute, the gauge changes its indication. The sending unit is in the car’s fuel tank. To replace this unit, we must access the top of the fuel tank, below the area behind the seats. The usual symptom of a fuel pump failure is an engine that refuses to start. The fuel pump is co-located with the fuel gauge sending unit; we recommend the replacement of both parts while we are in there.
Oil Pressure Switch and Sensor Concerns
If you have a low oil pressure reading, or your Oil Level Low warning illuminates, and you find the oil is where it should be, chances are you have a malfunctioning oil pressure sending unit. We can check it with a multimeter and determine if the sensor is at fault or if the problem is elsewhere.
Magnetic Selective Ride Shock Absorber Failure
Magnetic Ride Control is installed on many high-end General Motors vehicles. This technology adapts on a millisecond basis to adjust the shocks to the terrain you’re on to give you the best ride and handling possible. It works so well that other makers, including Ferrari, have licensed it. The parts are expensive; we can install standard shock absorbers at a much lower cost if you desire.
Call us or visit our website to book an appointment for repairs for that amazing car in your driveway.