corvette 2004 commemorative edition

[richardgu]

just purchased this vehicle today.............in the future will this auto achieve a collectable status or any specialness because of the comm. ed. designation? just curious.................

[corvetteguy]

First off, CONGRATS on your purchase. That's a great year for the Corvette and I am sure you'll get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

Second, the short answer to your question is YES, the Commemorative Edition Corvette will maintain some additional value, and will be somewhat more collectible, because it was a limited production run Corvette. There were only 2,215 Commemorative Edition Coupes, 2659 Commemorative Edition Convertibles, and 2025 Commemorative Edition Z06 Coupes manufactured. In total, this accounted for approximately 20% of all the Corvettes built in 2004.

However, it is difficult to say how much the 2004 24 Hours of LeMans Commemorative Edition Corvette will increase in value because it is still relatively new. I will tell you that, from a uniqueness standpoint, GM did not go out of their way to make this Corvette a "one-off" from the factory coupe. The special paint and decal package does give the car a distinctive look, but virtually nothing was done to increase its performance or drivability.

On the other hand, if you have a Z06 Commemorative Edition Corvette from that year, the car would be more valuable/collectible because GM did put a little more attention into the details of this car. First, they used carbon-fiber components (the hood, for example). Second, they made modifications to the suspension package. Not only did they bolster it's performance, but they also took this car to the track and put it through the paces to confirm that the improvements made a real difference.

If you are interested in knowing more about the 2004 Commemorative Edition coupe, visit our website at: www.corvsport.com/Corvette/C5/2004/C5_2004_Overview.html I hope this information is useful to you.

Lastly, if you're interested in sharing, we'd love to see pics of your car. In the not-too-distant future, we're hoping to have a "fans photo page" where members of our forums/website can post pics of their car. In the meantime, we'd love to see what you purchased and to hear what you think of it!

Good luck and enjoy your car!!!

[Mike]

I'm considering purchasing a 2004 CE Z06 Corvette. I inspected and test drove the car. The tires were noisy (I believe it was from the G force tires). The 0dometer read 48500 mi. The trunk gas struts would not lift the trunk enough to open. Bad gas struts.
I was concerned with the rattling when the ignition was turned off when the clutch was not depressed. It did not rattle when the clutch was depressed. So thought there was a problem with the throw out bearing. I just read that this was a common issue and need not to be concerned. Any other input would be appreciated.

[corvetteguy]

Sorry I'm so late in my reply.

First off, did you get the 2004 CE Corvette? If so, we'd love to see a pic if you care to post one.

Second, yes, all the research I did also indicates that the types of noises you are describing from the transmission is a common issue, and none that anyone seemed concerned about. Given the nature of the transmission in a Z06 - and the demands that are placed on it - I would expect that you will probably trade quiet, soft shifting for a much more rigid transmission - and probably a transmission (and clutch) that, while capable of taking a beating, also lacks the quiet refinement of a luxury sedan.

At the same time, this response is based only on the input of others and does not include any documentation from GM to back this statement, so if your research has found something else, I hope you would share it with the board so that we can learn from your findings.

Thanks and good luck!

[knapper]

Hi. I need help. 2004 5.7L 6speed. At 70mph I feel a "flutter" then another. Then shaking increases in intensity so I slow down to 60, 50 then 40. Shaking continues as I'm losing power. Pull over and shut it off. Starts so I can drive it on tow truck. Dealership says no bad codes showing on their computer. They replace CAT and send me on my way. Same problem again. Towed back to dealership. They replace 2 oxygen sensors and send me on my way. Same problem again. Third tow back to dealership. They're stumped. What's going on? Anybody got a thought. Thanks.

[Corvsport.com Administrator]

Hello knapper...I just replied to your earlier post under the New Members section...but let me respond here as well.

First, you mentioned in your other post that the fuel line was getting so hot that you couldn't touch it. At what point along the length of the car does it get this hot? Is it the entire fuel line? Is it just in a specific area?

Here's where I'd be looking. When fuel gets hot, it can expand and form a "vapor lock" where the liquid fuel literally heats to a gas state. Although this is somewhat less common in newer vehicles, it does happen...and the symptoms you are describing sound like a classic case of a vapor lock scenario.

Vapor lock occurs when the gas in a fuel line turns from liquid to vapor, before it reaches the engine. The first signs of vapor lock are normally when your engine begins to run roughly. The engine may sputter and hesitate. It will then stall completely and refuse to restart. It may seem like the car is out of gas or the fuel pump has failed. While these are possibilities, vapor lock may be the problem.

Fuel will turn to vapor in conditions of high heat and low pressure. If the fuel line to the engine becomes hot, the fuel inside the line becomes hot. Liquid fuel turns into vapor or gas. The fuel pump is not able to move the vaporized fuel and the engine will stall. As long as the vapor remains, it locks out the fuel flow. This is why your engine will not restart until it has cooled down. The problem occurs more often in carbureted engines, especially those with mechanical fuel pumps. These systems create a vacuum that pulls fuel. If the fuel vaporizes, the vacuum will not work.

Vapor lock is not a common problem with fuel-injected engines. Fuel injection systems are normally pressurized, and this pressure helps move the fuel in the system. In addition, mechanical fuels pumps in carbureted engines were often located near the engine, exposing the pump to extra heat. Electric fuel pumps are normally located in or near the gas tank. This location helps the pump and lines avoid overheating.

When a "vapor lock" situation occurs in fuel injected engines, its more than likely a failing fuel pump. If the pump is having issues, it could also be generating heat, which in theory could be heating your gasoline, causing the rise in temperature throughout the fuel lines.

I would definitely check for fuel pressure along the fuel rail. Any mechanic qualified to work on a Corvette should be more than capable of testing this for you, and I would strongly encourage you to contact your dealership and ask them to inspect the fuel pressure.

Also, I would have the entire fuel system cleaned - as well as your intake system. Get any carbon build up in your air-intake system cleaned out, and make sure that the injectors are clean.

Please follow up with us as we'd love to know how this turns out for you. I know how frustrating a car problem like this can be, but trust me, there is an explanation.

[mike52]

I just purchased a 2004 C5 Comm. Edition Convert. with only 20000 miles on it and so far have been really pleased with the car. This one has the magnetic selective ride control. I know they only made 2659 of these cars but how many came with the selective ride control?

[Corvsport.com Administrator]

That's a tough one to answer as it was not an option included in the Commemorative edition Corvette. I know that 5,843 Corvttes built that year came equipped with the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control option, but it would take some digging to try and determine how many of the Comm. Edition Convertibles were so equipped.