Used Car Questions

"Kailand09" (kailand09) 04/21/2014 at 11:25 • Filed to: None

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So say one is in the market for a used vehicle such as the C5 corvette. I have wondered a few things in my weekly "for fun" searches.

*edit* I will preface, I'm not actually in the market to buy I just like to search. It's mostly the curiosity I have regarding this first paragraph.

First and foremost, if there is a car like the C5Z that has like 150k on the chassis, but had a new engine dropped in (even if it is just the regular LS6), which only has say 30k miles. Given there aren't any bits of damage to the chassis or anything like that, how bad is this? Obviously over many loading cycles materials begin to reach fatigue failures, but is that even a worry on a high mileage chassis? Would it still be trackable?

Also what do you guys think of tastefully modified cars like this? I have linked a few cars I liked for fun to friends who mention they'd never buy something modified, but I feel like if it was done right and they are mods I would do anyway, would it make sense to not take the hit on the money for those mods?

crowmolly > Kailand09 04/21/2014 at 11:29

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No worse than any other car that age. You will get deterioration of rubber suspension parts, worn springs and shocks, it will need differential service in most cases, and so on.

IMO regarding the T56 run it till you need to replace a clutch/trans blows.

I would also get any paperwork you can on the "30k" engine. It's one thing if it's pro built dyno broken in engine. It's another if some guy did it in his garage with harbor freight stuff.

KatzManDu > Kailand09 04/21/2014 at 11:31

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In that picture you have a standard C5 Coupe with some Z06 mods and painted calipers. It actually looks pretty nice. If this is what you want, go for it.

Replacement engine doesn't mean much. But then again, the LSX is pretty indestructible. Simple pushrod technology, decent ECM, fuel injectors, etc. The replacement engine is probably a bonus.

Given the miles on the chassis, the stuff to look at and worry about are brakes, suspension, bushings, etc. When they replaced the engine did they do a new clutch/flywheel? Has the fluid be changed in the transmission/transaxle at all? Wheel bearings replaced? Any other mods? There is a simple mod for the C5 that lowers the car by about 1-1/2" simply by chopping out some excess rubber from bushings. Has that been done? Over time things like the splitter/front lower grille can get hosed from curbs and parking blocks.

If you're going to track a car like this, you're going to upgrade the suspension and brakes anyway. Just don't tell the seller that, and use the wear-n-tear on the existing parts to get a better deal.

Kailand09 > crowmolly 04/21/2014 at 11:35

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thanks for the answer.

One such example was a C5 I saw with a notable performance shop that replaced the old LS6 with a new one plus headers/cam/exhaust, and a new suspension. It had C6Z suspension components an sway bars. I thought it was quite a great buy despite the high mileage on the chassis.

I had just imagined the high mileage on the chassis itself might be somewhat of a negative, though if it wasn't tracked hard for a lot of time, I don't know that it would matter at all.

briannutter1 > Kailand09 04/21/2014 at 11:41

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The ignition key lock, the rear axle seals. If you spot any electrical problems, these can be the most frustrating to find and often end up being the grounds. Many of the cars can be lowered too much on the stock bolts, so look for severe rash under the rockers. Also, look at the lower control arm camber adjustments...if you see them going in the same direction, it can be a sign of a bent frame from an off-road excursion. Have your local chevy dealer pull up the service records.

Kailand09 > KatzManDu 04/21/2014 at 11:41

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Oh i noticed, but liked the way the picture cameo out.

You say similar things to the other guy who commented. There would be nothing to worry about then with just the chassis then other than the obvious if it was in an accident?

I'm not in the market right now, but just enjoy looking and planning for when I will be ready to buy. One example was a professional installed new LS6 with headers/cam/exhaust, and new suspension and brakes. I had thought it makes sense if I'd want those things anyway, and not take the hit for the price to do it. Some of my friends think that's a bad idea, seems like a plus to me.

KatzManDu > Kailand09 04/21/2014 at 11:48

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You can only trust what the seller tells you. Was it "professional" or done in a backyard? How can you verify?

I was looking at ah highly modified [ redacted ] at one point. I searched forums and looked up info on the car. I found a shop that made some of the modifications. I contacted them and they said "run" without much more detail, but from what I can tell it seems to be have been banged up on a track at one point, but no-one was forthcoming on the info.

Google is your friend. You can always google the VIN, reverse image-search photos of the car (if there are some very unique body modifications) and maybe get somewhere.

Kailand09 > KatzManDu 04/21/2014 at 12:00

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interesting. Thanks for the feedback.

Makes me think I should stick to buying stock. I just can't see spending the extra cash for the mods if I can get it already done I guess. Hm.

crowmolly > Kailand09 04/21/2014 at 12:20

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Mileage on the chassis should be not really a big issue. Wearable parts or stuff with age is what to look for. briannutter1 also lists some good stuff. If the car is modified you need to see how the modifications were done.

Kailand09 > crowmolly 04/21/2014 at 13:02

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interesting, thanks! Yeah, I definitely would get it thoroughly checked out by a trusted mechanic etc, but it is interesting to know a high mileage chassis itself isn't a big issue.