'96 Maintenance Suggestions
Folks, i'm the original owner of a top flight (chapter) '96 LT1 that currently has just over 37,000 miles. Its now a garage queen that gets driven about 30-50 miles a month to exercise the fluids etc. My question is, is it time to replace the original cooling system hoses/water pump, and while i'm there the Optispark? There are currently no cooling system leaks etc. and the hoses "feel" ok/ Project plan is to flush the cooling system, replace the water pump, and Opti, and replace the hoses with NOS pieces. Cooling system was flushed 6 years ago at 30,000. Appreciate your thoughts.
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Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
This is just me talking. maybe not what you want to hear, but here goes. I'd say if it aint broke. Don't fix it. If it is a garage queen that is no longer in regular service, you won't be gaining much by doing these repairs. Just my opinion. It's your car, but where do you stop when you are replacing items that are not failed ? A new water pump and new opti can fail too. I'd gather all of the NOS and new parts and save them for when thay are needed. if ever. Flushing the cooling system is all I would do at this time, based on the info you provided.Tom Hendricks
Proud Member NCRS #23758
NCM Founding Member # 1143
Corvette Department Manager and
Specialist for 27 years at BUDS Chevrolet. -
Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
Paul------
My original owner 1992 with 44,000 miles still has all of its original hoses and serpentine belt. The car has seen very little use for the past 20 years. The hoses all seem fine. However, the belt is showing some real signs of wear and deterioration. I'll probably replace it soon.
Your vacuum-ventilated Optispark should be fine as long as it does not get wet.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
Paul. I agree with Tom, fluids are more important. coolant, brake fluid, transmission oil. might be a few thing I would be more concerned with.New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight.Comment
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Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
I would only change fluids . The parts will last for years . I would drive it once a month long enough to get the fluids warm .Comment
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Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
Definitely change coolant regularly. Coolant looses its ability to prevent corrosion as it ages. It still may be very capable of protecting against extreme cold and freezing (which should not be a concern for a car that is garaged) but old coolant will not be as effective in preventing corrosion as new coolant will. Be sure that the radiator (in car heater) is on so that coolant in the heater core can also be flushed out / replaced with new coolant when you perform the service. BTW - if you have any pets around DO NOT let them lick up any coolant spills off the garage floor - it taste sweet to them but it highly toxic to their system and will kill a dog or cat in a heart beat.EdComment
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Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
Thanks guys, i think i'll take Tom's route, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", and change all the fluids!
PaulComment
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Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
Paul, congratulations on your original car! They are few and far between. I have a '78 SA with 12,000 miles my Dad and I ordered in '77. The fluids have been changed but the belts and hoses are original. My belts are beginning to fray and I will continue to do what others have supported here---leave it alone. Do change all fluids on a regular basis---cooling system every couple of years, oil annually, etc. and keep rubber bushings treated along with the weather stripping. SteveComment
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Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
Paul, I too have a C4 95 that is a garage queen at this point. It is a Hill Award/Top Flight car. The car has 15,500 miles and gets about 300 miles per year. I change the oil once a year and the coolant once every two years. And yes, if it's not broken, I don't fix it. All hoses and the belt are the factory originals. I do keep my weather strippings well preserved with GM weather stripping conditioner. I do ensure the car get driven once a month so fluids are moved and everything gets nice and hot. Also, make sure that your A/C system is cycled in order to keep things running smoothly (especially on a 96). You will need it for your PV test.Last edited by Ed N.; November 7, 2014, 02:21 PM.Ed Nieves
NCRS #51799
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Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
I pre flight mine every time a take it out. I then drive it like I stole it and never regret buying it new in 1993 with the selected options I have. I have since day one bought belts,hoses opti spark and even oil filters . The only item I changed was a small hose from the over flow tank to the engine. The tires are still original because I want new Good years and they seem to be out of stock! Also I have replaced the battery many times. The over flow cooling tank I have removed and cleaned many times. Also the service manuals were purchased when the car was bought from Helm.Comment
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Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
Because DOT 5 should not be used with ABS, I have adopted the strategy of replacing the DOT 3 brake fluid every time I change coolant on my '92.
I use a turkey baster to remove the old fluid in the master, fill with fresh DOT 3, and gravity bleed each wheel until fresh fluid shows up.Comment
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Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
Paul my 1996 owners manual references coolant change every 5 years with DEX-COOL coolant and a supplement. I have changed my 96's coolant every 5 years as per the owners manual. I also remove both "knock sensors on each side of the block when changing coolant for a good drain of old coolant. Since it is not driven yearly enough miles I change the oil every year using Mobil 1. My engine is the LT4 with 6-speed that still has the original lubricant, not changed regularly as per the 96's owners manual. Hope you enjoy your 96, just replaced my 96's original Goodyear tires today.Comment
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Re: '96 Maintenance Suggestions
Frank, not entirely. Check these out. NOS GSC 255s and 285s
Tire 3.jpgGSC Tires.jpegEd Nieves
NCRS #51799
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