Topic: C5 Corvette Repair Raping..

[rrocket]

Earlier this week, a friend with a pristine 2004 Corvette with 55,000kms called me because his ABS, traction control and a variety of other lights came on his dash.  I went over with my code reader and checked it out.  It was either the ABS Modulator Valve or the ABS Module itself.  I wasn't 100% sure, since my code reader is only a mid grade one.  I told him to take it to a stealership to have it looked it, and if the repair was do-able, I'd do it. 

Flash forward to today when I run into him.  He says the problem (according to the dealership) was BOTH items need replacing.  Ok..how much to fix?  They quoted him $6,200!  WHAAAAAT???  Yep...$6,200.  So decides to go to one of the largest Vette dealers in the US for a second opinion.  The said the issue was the same.  But they'd fix it for the bargain basement price of $2500 USD.  OUCH!!!  Turns out the parts themselves were $2200, and the labour was basically plugging them in and bleeding the brakes.  Only later do I find out a company can repair the ABS module for $150...and not the ~$750 for a new AC Delco unit.  But the other part...$1600USD.  I mean...OUCH!!

But I still can't believe he saved $3700 just going to a US dealer.  This is why they are called STEALERSHIPS my friends...

[Careener]

It sure pays to look at all your options before going ahead with a repair costing that much. Sheesh

[Winklovic]

Remind me to buy back my 1980 Volare.

[TopGun]

And just when I priced out a Corvette GS on-line today...

I guess I can see the rationale of why they might be expensive as they likely deal with rapid pressure proportioning with ABS no?

I'd be inclined to go with a piece of black electrical tape to cover up the dash light!

[overtakeyouintheleftlane]

My front right ABS sensor doesn't work sometimes. When that happens, the ABS and Trac Off light turn on. No ABS when that happens. The sensor and wheel bearing are one piece, therefore both parts would be replaced. My mechanic said it costs about $300-$350 and not to fix it until that wheel bearing needs replacing.

We know what will happen if I fix it now, another sensor will break.

ABS is sometimes more trouble than it's worth.

[99 Silver]

Good friends of mine live in Windsor and have a one year old MB 550S.  They always take their car to the US for service and save 50% +/-.

[rrocket]

I guess I can see the rationale of why they might be expensive as they likely deal with rapid pressure proportioning with ABS no?

No.  Not anymore so than any other sporty car.

[aquadorhj]

Good friends of mine live in Windsor and have a one year old MB 550S.  They always take their car to the US for service and save 50% +/-.

if its 1 year old, shouldn't warranty cover repairs?

or you mean regular maintenance cost differ by 50% in US?

[TopGun]

Unrelated to repairs...but related to Corvettes.

I stopped by to see a GS today.  The chap did a search for GSs with a stick...not too much out there to choose from...maybe 8 in Ontario and Quebec.  And they all have those silly chrome wheels...

That hatch area is HUGE!!!!  You could put a lot stuff in there.

I didn't take it out...I'm not ready to buy...and I just can't put up with all the BS that goes with a seemingly innocent drive.

[rrocket]

Unrelated to repairs...but related to Corvettes.

I stopped by to see a GS today.  The chap did a search for GSs with a stick...not too much out there to choose from...maybe 8 in Ontario and Quebec.  And they all have those silly chrome wheels...

That hatch area is HUGE!!!!  You could put a lot stuff in there.

I didn't take it out...I'm not ready to buy...and I just can't put up with all the BS that goes with a seemingly innocent drive.

You talking about a C6 GS?  The Z06 look alike?

[TopGun]

You talking about a C6 GS?  The Z06 look alike?

Yup...the C6.  That shapely rear end is sexy man!!!   

[Vmango]

TOP GUN - thinking of buying a Vette!? Good man. 


Yeah - the GS has the ZO6 body kit minus the carbon, the steel chassis (not aluminum), but the brakes, dry sump, and some other goodies from the Z06. Not a bad little buy if you can't or don't want to afford the Z.

Other than the current ZR1 wheels and the original ZO6 wheels - I hate the choices of wheels on the current crop of Vettes.

I'd definitely be getting a mean set of deep-dish rims immediately (not to mention long-tube headers and some proper racing seats).


They always write in the mag reviews just how impressive the cargo space is in the Vette. You could definitely DD it no problem.

[TopGun]

Other than the current ZR1 wheels and the original ZO6 wheels - I hate the choices of wheels on the current crop of Vettes.

I've never driven a Vette before...there is one Z06 beside me, and one Z51 two doors down.

I like the dark grey painted wheels on the GS.  Hot hot hot!!!

[rrocket]

TOP GUN - thinking of buying a Vette!? Good man. 


Yeah - the GS has the ZO6 body kit minus the carbon, the steel chassis (not aluminum), but the brakes, dry sump, and some other goodies from the Z06. Not a bad little buy if you can't or don't want to afford the Z.

$6,700 price difference.  Is it worth it if you'll never see a track day?

[Vmango]

Drove the current Gen ZO6 about three years ago. I my pants and I didn't even get on it fully.


Love the gills on the GS and the classic stripe package. For some reason though, I'm not CRAZY about those wheels. But hey - they are nice.

[Vmango]

To me it would - but maybe not in a general sense. I do know what you're saying R.

I think the ZO6 is the way the Corvette should look (looks way better than the base models IMO).

With the GS you get a lot of that. Plus, there's no Z51 package anymore so if you want some upgrades you have to opt for the GS.

[TopGun]

To me it would - but maybe not in a general sense. I do know what you're saying R.

I think the ZO6 is the way the Corvette should look (looks way better than the base models IMO).

With the GS you get a lot of that. Plus, there's no Z51 package anymore so if you want some upgrades you have to opt for the GS.

With the GS, you can have a transparent roof...and take that roof off.  Not as good on the track...but screw the track man!  In the Z06, that sucker is like my Cessna 150 landing gear...down and welded....no?

[rrocket]

To me it would - but maybe not in a general sense. I do know what you're saying R.

I think the ZO6 is the way the Corvette should look (looks way better than the base models IMO).

With the GS you get a lot of that. Plus, there's no Z51 package anymore so if you want some upgrades you have to opt for the GS.

With the GS, you can have a transparent roof...and take that roof off.  Not as good on the track...but screw the track man!  In the Z06, that sucker is like my Cessna 150 landing gear...down and welded....no?

That's what I was saying.  If you are going to screw the track, the $6700 extra for bigger brakes, tacked on bodywork and whatnot doesn't make sense IMO.

I'd get the base Vette for $51,000 and add my own goodies.  The GS seems like a Z06 poseur too.

[TopGun]

I'd get the base Vette for $51,000 and add my own goodies.  The GS seems like a Z06 poseur too.

Poseur...c'est moi!  I love the GS body panels.

Call me crazy...I like the fact that the engine is hand-made by "a guy"...oh...only in the MT by the way!

[Vmango]

The GS seems like a Z06 poseur too


True - in a certain context. The t-top is pretty boss, though.


Spending less money on the base, and putting that cheddar into the wonderful world of modding Vettes would be pretty fantastic. But Rrocket, not everything thinks along those lines as you and I might.


OF course, when you were with me you were talking about buying a Viper, so I have a lot of work to do on you yet.