Here is the for sale thread where this all started:https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/cars-sale/for-sale-2001-corvette-c5-manual/144887/page1/
Dorris_ had won this car, but had other projects rolling and decided to let it go. We talked over the car and he was willing to drive the car to me from TN, when they can up for the PRI show in Indy. I figured that was good enough endorsement for me!
The car had around 190k on it, and was obviously well used, especially given its history. However, the car was as described and I was pleased! There was tons of small issues, and projects that could be picked at, at my leisure (along with some unexpected ones that couldn't.) But that comes with any used car.
Now on to the things I have fixed up to this point in rough chronological order!
-Replaced clutch switch for interment no start. (Didn't fix it)
-Found corroded starter relay and replaced that. (Did fix it)
-Remember K.I.S.S
-Removed massive SUB that took up the half the hatch.
-Noticed there was no front sway bar, because these were installed:
-removed those and installed GM inner and outer front tie rods. Along with a new C6 ZO6 front bar. (Handling is much more confidence inspiring and I can turn in parking lots at more than half lock!)
-Changed the Oil and Adjusted the BC coilovers to three clicks from full soft. Also raised the front about 1" and the rear about 1.5". Much more comfortable and I can get a jack under the car!
- Removed the "ZR1" side skirts. They were basically falling off and in rough shape. Now I have a bunch of holes the fill...
-Lost clutch pedal. Slave cylinder was leaking and I ran it dry... I tried to just bleed it and limp it along, but in typical fashion the bleeder broke off. So I Replaced the Clutch, flywheel, slave cylinder, Rear axle seals, Diff mount, rear fender liners, and left cv axle. I used all GM OE parts except the mount and axle as they were discontinued.
This was actually a much easier job than I anticipated. I did it on jack stands and used a motorcycle jack to support the rear cradle and then diff/trans once that was removed. The only snag I ran into was my bellhousing had a small crack were it necked down at the center. I couldn't find a new or used replacement, so I had it welded and all is well!
-I also removed the hydraulic E-brake that had been installed from its previous life drifting. This greatly improved the brake feel, as it was squishy to say the least.
-Next I threw two new Toyo tires on, to replace toasted ones on the front, which gave me a square setup of 275/40/18.
-Changed the rear calipers and brake pads as I had some spares that came with the car.
-Then sent the car down to our body shop at work to have the the front fascia, hood, and headlight covers painted. The paint was cracking and peeling from a previous repaint.
That pretty much brings the car up to the present day. I have been driving the car a couple of times, without major issue. However, I have many more small projects I will outline next!
