Hello and a couple of questions
Discussion
Hi everyone,
I've got a 98 Black 6sp Coupe that i've had for about 4 months now. I've got a SLP Loudmouth exhaust on it and that's about it for mods at the moment. Next up is some Z06 wheels and a Vararam....
Anyway, great to see a UK corvette forum! I hardly ever see another Vette on the roads so it's nice to know there's a few knocking about!
If it's not rude to ask on my first posting, can any of you guys answer some of my questions?
Manual Gearbox and Engine oil - I'm looking to change the oils - what would you recommend (that I can buy over here) and how much do I need to buy.
Where to get the oil changed - Am i right in assuming Vauxhall dealers will do this? Do I trust them? Is it worth taking it to Bauer Millett just for an oil change?
Lots of other little questions but i'll either save them for later or trawl through some of the US sites (problem is I just get depressed at all the performance goodies they can get soooo cheap!)
Cheers,
Chris
I've got a 98 Black 6sp Coupe that i've had for about 4 months now. I've got a SLP Loudmouth exhaust on it and that's about it for mods at the moment. Next up is some Z06 wheels and a Vararam....
Anyway, great to see a UK corvette forum! I hardly ever see another Vette on the roads so it's nice to know there's a few knocking about!
If it's not rude to ask on my first posting, can any of you guys answer some of my questions?
Manual Gearbox and Engine oil - I'm looking to change the oils - what would you recommend (that I can buy over here) and how much do I need to buy.
Where to get the oil changed - Am i right in assuming Vauxhall dealers will do this? Do I trust them? Is it worth taking it to Bauer Millett just for an oil change?
Lots of other little questions but i'll either save them for later or trawl through some of the US sites (problem is I just get depressed at all the performance goodies they can get soooo cheap!)
Cheers,
Chris
Welcom along ! I use US spec Mobil 1 5W30 oil in my C5, Keith Besci of Eurovettes is my source but you can occasionally find it elsewhere if you prefer. You'll need 7 quarts - 6.5 to fill the sump and a bit left over to top up between services.
For manual gearbox oil I'd recommend 4 US quarts of Redline D4ATF (yes really ATF in these boxes, don't use manual gearbox oil unless you spend all your time on the racetrack) which you can buy from Demon Tweeks and a couple of other places nowadays. I think they also import Amsoil's equivalents which are probably just as good. You'll proably only get just over 3 quarts of oil in the box.
Have you discovered the erratic fuel gauge problem yet ?
For manual gearbox oil I'd recommend 4 US quarts of Redline D4ATF (yes really ATF in these boxes, don't use manual gearbox oil unless you spend all your time on the racetrack) which you can buy from Demon Tweeks and a couple of other places nowadays. I think they also import Amsoil's equivalents which are probably just as good. You'll proably only get just over 3 quarts of oil in the box.
Have you discovered the erratic fuel gauge problem yet ?
Hi Chris and welcome to this forum.
Good question re engine oil. I have always used Mobil 1 as this is what GM recommend. As regards viscosity, Tristram is correct but I use 0W-40 as it is readily available at Halfords etc. I did a lot of research regarding viscosity before using it. I'm not sure as to the availabilty of oil filters on the "High Street". I use AC Delco PF44 having acquired a small stock from trips to the US.
Good question re engine oil. I have always used Mobil 1 as this is what GM recommend. As regards viscosity, Tristram is correct but I use 0W-40 as it is readily available at Halfords etc. I did a lot of research regarding viscosity before using it. I'm not sure as to the availabilty of oil filters on the "High Street". I use AC Delco PF44 having acquired a small stock from trips to the US.
Hi Chris,
Welcome along!
I use the 0W 50 Mobil 1 from Halfords. 8 litres (2 x 4 litre) is about £75, plus a PF44 is less than $6 per filter, (I got a box of 6 when in the US last summer).
I change the oil every 9-10,000 miles on the Z06 depending on when the DIC tells me to.
I changing the oil myself as it takes about 40 minutes from start to finish and so simple.
Welcome along!
I use the 0W 50 Mobil 1 from Halfords. 8 litres (2 x 4 litre) is about £75, plus a PF44 is less than $6 per filter, (I got a box of 6 when in the US last summer).
I change the oil every 9-10,000 miles on the Z06 depending on when the DIC tells me to.
I changing the oil myself as it takes about 40 minutes from start to finish and so simple.
There are plenty of suppliers over here. I use USAutomotive and a filter costs less then £10.Next day delivery too.
I suppose you're aware that there is a massive following for US cars over here with specialised Corvette Owners Clubs and more more general American car clubs like the AACI who have shows at Billing throughout the year.
I suppose you're aware that there is a massive following for US cars over here with specialised Corvette Owners Clubs and more more general American car clubs like the AACI who have shows at Billing throughout the year.
Thanks for all the replies everyone. 
I'll get some of the stuff you've all recommended and give it a go. Hopefully a change of oil might smooth the gearbox up a bit too!
Not actually that sure of the American car following in the UK. Would love to get involved and go along to shows and all that - is there a website I can visit to see what's organised for this year? I'm based in Newcastle at the moment and there doesn't seem to be much American muscle up there!
Also, I have to admit i'm only a recent convert into the American car scene although i've been an admirer for a long time - i've just come from a bit of a dally into the jap scene (Modded 300zx Twin Turbo) and before that I was experiencing the pleasures(?) of some good British engineering (TVR Cerbera and Westfield).
It's got to be said though - I love my Vette!
I'll get some of the stuff you've all recommended and give it a go. Hopefully a change of oil might smooth the gearbox up a bit too!
Not actually that sure of the American car following in the UK. Would love to get involved and go along to shows and all that - is there a website I can visit to see what's organised for this year? I'm based in Newcastle at the moment and there doesn't seem to be much American muscle up there!
Also, I have to admit i'm only a recent convert into the American car scene although i've been an admirer for a long time - i've just come from a bit of a dally into the jap scene (Modded 300zx Twin Turbo) and before that I was experiencing the pleasures(?) of some good British engineering (TVR Cerbera and Westfield).
It's got to be said though - I love my Vette!
Chris ime not sure of the corvette scene in the NE so probably the best thing to do is join up to the 'Classic Corvette Club UK' and check out regional areas.
Ive had a look in the last vette news and there are Cumbria,NW ,Yorks & S scotland up your end of the Country,, a couple of ideas ;if you get in touch with CCCUK they will let you know of other members in your area or if you have the time arrange a NE meet,,thats how a lot of us in other areas have met up.
We normaly post any events on this forum so feel free to jump in.
Ive had a look in the last vette news and there are Cumbria,NW ,Yorks & S scotland up your end of the Country,, a couple of ideas ;if you get in touch with CCCUK they will let you know of other members in your area or if you have the time arrange a NE meet,,thats how a lot of us in other areas have met up.
We normaly post any events on this forum so feel free to jump in.
Vette78 said:
It's got to be said though - I love my Vette!
Well you certainly know which button to press.
A huge welcome to you Chris.
Okay, some info, CCCUK web site:
www.corvetteclub.org.uk/
Another site by one of the great guys here:
www.corvettecentral.co.uk/
And a site which just went up over the weekend, by yet another of the great guys you'll come across on this forum:
www.corvetteclips.co.uk/
There are others too.
Try this too www.aacint.com who run all the Billing shows which are the biggest and best shows. the Corveet Owners Club have their own stand there. Expect around 5000 American cars in the summer and not so much less in April.
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