mikeidentity

I have a 2004 coupe and was wondering if a specialized vette mechanic is worth the extra cash for regular maintenance and service? (timing belt, coolant flush, clutch install etc)

not for performance tuning or race prep.

are c5s pretty normal for most mechanics?

jrose7004

It's a Chevrolet so for normal stuff, no.

TorchRedRocket

Does a Vette "need" a specialized mechanic? No. Just like Jrose, said, it's still a Chevy. For routine stuff like fluid changes, tune-up items, brakes, etc., any repair shop will do. But when you start getting into more in-depth work like a clutch job or tearing into an engine, I would be more reassured having someone knowledgeable and familiar with Vettes doing the work.

Piper250

No - it is a car, with an engine and 4 wheels.

Nothing magical about it and any mech can work on it (even you), its not the space shuttle.

TorchRedRocket

Oh and btw, there is no timing belt on a C5, it's a timing chain, and it's not a routine maintenance item that needs changed on intervals.

fendermender

I assume you mean the serpentine drive belt.

Most what you listed should be no problem with a good mechanic. However a clutch job is bit different than other cars. Nothing any good mechanic can't do but labor intensive. This is one of those cases where getting someone that does it a lot may actually be cheaper. They should be able to do it quicker than a first timer and hopefully pass some of that savings along. Not saying the job wouldn't get done correctly either way but something to consider.

jbondfl

The mechanic doesn't have to specialize in Vette's, only in GM. But they do need to understand that our cars are very low and can't be "handled" the same way a malibu or civic can.

Just make sure the mechanic understands you consider the car your baby and not just any car. That way they'll treat it proper.

Vetteman Jack

Just find yourself a good, competent mechanic - that should be all you need.

PostShawn

It helps if they've worked on Corvettes before. They need to know the jacking points on these cars. But once they've got it up there it's just turning the wrench and should be good to go. Sometimes you find vettes in the craziest places. My wife was in a pinch and a tire went flat on her. The nearest shop was some sort of euro car shop, mostly old Benzs out front. But she pulled up and the guy had 3 vettes inside.

The bad part is sometimes shops will see it's a Corvette and think they need to charge you more for simplest things.

Good luck.

Endeka

I was lucky; my Vette mechanic started his own shop when the local GM dealership went bust after the financial poop-storm of 2008. He was the dealership's Corvette mechanic, and his prices are very reasonable. He always has 4-5 Vettes in there, and he is the only employee (which makes things slow), but all the customers picking up their cars give him rave reviews. I've only had an inspection done so far, but I'm confident about using him. See if you can't find someone in your area through the grapevine here that could provide you with everything you need at a good price. Having a specialist mechanic has its benefits too; I talked to another customer who was getting his windshield replaced, and ended up getting a ride in his ZR1 after he was done while mine was having the differential drained and filled.

chassed

i laughed at the thread tittle...

GoldenFlame

lol

They aren't that bad.. Hell, I'm 22 and I do everything on my C5, myself. Going to be doing a clutch install in the spring!

76 VETTE

So far with my01Z everything hasn't been too bad.That service manual on dvd is a great help.

Omaha02Z06

I see the OP mentioned a clutch and in my experience shopping around for quotes to get my clutch replaced I’ve found that one of our local performance/tunner shops was the cheapest. They primarily deal with Vette and Mustang builds so they are very familiar with the car. They were also the cheapest when I had a new diff installed by a few hundred dollars and had it done in a day. It's best just to shop around.

mikeidentity

glad to hear there's nothing out of the ordinary.

thanks for the help guys. I guess I will have to shop around now.

fendermender

See...That's what I thought. They know what they are doing...all the tricks so to speak... and can afford to be more competitive because of that.

Jewjenk

I started to laugh to, but if you think this is bad, then you should see some of the posts on the Bentley and Lamborghini forums..........

MSG C5

Exactly! I trust the GM mechanic, however I don't trust the newbie porter who pulls the car onto the lift and incorrectly jacks it up and tears up the car.

Big Duk

with a lift the clutch r&r is a breeze.

stingraymyway

Shade tree mechanics who don't understand the importance of certain torque specs can get you killed.