Corvette Parts Blog

1953-1962 C1 Corvette Fuel Filters

If you’ve noticed that your early model Corvette is lacking in performance and efficiency, the Fuel Filter may be the culprit. Over time, Corvette Fuel Filters can be clogged with debris from poorly maintained fuel stations, improper fuel fill procedures or gas tanks that are beginning to disintegrate. Regardless of how, everything in your Corvette’s gas tank will eventually find its way through your Corvette’s fuel filter. And oh what good news that is, because the last thing you want to rebuild is your Corvette’s carburetor because some trash found its way into the power valve or jammed up the needle & seat.

Changing the fuel filter in a C1, C2 or C3 Corvette is quite common. In the past, a trip to the local auto parts store could score you a replacement filter that would ensure your Corvette would run at its peak. However, times have changed and the likely hood that you’ll find a correct replacement filter for your 30-50 year old Corvette at an auto parts store is slim, at best.  But that’s exactly why you have an experienced Corvette Parts supplier like Zip!

Zip has all the correct reproduction fuel filters for 1957-1969 Corvettes. And not only do we have the right fittings for installation, but they also are manufactured with the correct finish and graphics to pass the most discriminating judges. No matter what fuel filter you’re looking for, be it a silver finish GF-90 for your fuelie, a black GF-90 for your base motor 1963-1965, a GF-432 for your 1965 396 or the GF-432 used on a 1968-1969 Corvette – you can count on Zip for the right Corvette Parts.

 View all Corvette Parts Blog Posts specific to C1 Corvettes here.

Another new Corvette Part at Zip. This one for the 1975-1976 C3 owner.

75-76 Corvette Fuel Gauge

This original reproduction 1975-1976 Corvette Fuel Gauge includes the correct face dial, background color and aluminum pointer. The gauge face is attached with rivets as original from the factory in 1975 and 1976. This is a 100% GM licensed Corvette fuel gauge and will install using original or reproduction hardware. Installing this fuel gauge on your Corvette is the best solution if your current fuel gauge is missing, damaged, or not working properly. For more questions about your Corvettes fuel gauge contact us here. If you are restoring your 1968-1982 Corvettes gauge cluster, read our Corvette Gauge Cluster Rebuild technical article and learn how to restore your Corvette’s gauge cluster and shifter plate yourself.

C4 ZR-1/LT5 Corvette Sending Unit

Zip Corvette has new reproduction fuel tank sending units for 1990-1995 ZR-1/LT5 equipped Corvettes with dual fuel pump. The C4 ZR-1/LT5 Corvette Sending Unit mounts in the top of gas tank and provides fuel fill, pick-up, electric pump and meter for the fuel gauge indicator. Like all sending units from Zip, this assembly comes completely assembled and includes the original style GM green strainer, correct electric fuel pumps, pulsator, mounting gasket or seal and accurate floats that will provide proper gauge readings for years to come. Another feature not included with cheaper Corvette sending units is that Zip’s gas tank sending units feature the latest in technology including updated resistors that are compliant with all fuels including the latest alcohol/fuel mixtures.

Corvette Gas Tank

If you have owned your 1953-1982 Corvette for many years, just recently purchased one, or fall somewhere in between, chances are that your Corvette’s gas tank needs replacement. Typically when a Corvette sits for long periods of time, condensation gets into the gas tank and begins to slowly break down the steel from the inside out. You will not be able to see the damage but over time it is very common for these tanks to rust or accumulate fair amounts of sediment. Also, due to sitting for various lengths of time with fuel left in the tank the gas will become stale. If driven with the gas tank in poor condition as described there is a great chance you will damage several other components such as the fuel lines, carburetor, fuel pump, and sending unit.

Zip Corvette offers replacement Corvette Gas Tanks for all production years up to and including 1982. For the C1, 1953-1962, there are two stainless steel replacements and they both include stainless mounting straps. For the purist, the correct steel gas tank (with OL Anderson logo) is available for 1956-1962 and 1961L-1962 Corvettes. These correct logo gas tanks are also available for C2 1963-1967 Corvettes and C3 1968-1974 Corvettes.

In addition to the correct tanks, there are functional replacements which come without the OL Anderson Logo for 1956-1974 Corvettes. These fuel tanks are the same quality, but priced a little lower; for enthusiasts who is not worried as much about a gas tank that includes the original logo. Finally, 1968-1974 gas tanks can be either vented or non-vented. The vent is a small raised area (about the size of a 50 cent piece) next to where the filler neck is attached. Sometimes the vent is confused with the return line connection(s) on one or both side(s) of the tank. During the 1956-1974 period, there can be various combinations of vent/return line(s) or none at all. Zip Corvette recommends using a vented gas cap on all Corvette fuel tanks to eliminate the possibility of implosion due to a tank that does not have a vented source.

From 1975-1982, GM used a slightly different gas tank. In the years 1975-1977 the fuel tank had a rubber bladder inside as opposed to the plastic liner used on all 1978-1982 Corvettes. Zip Corvette offers replacement steel tanks for these years but they do not come with or require the bladder/liner. The new fuel tank for 1975-1977 Corvettes requires that you re-use the top portion of the bladder for installing the sending unit since the attaching screws thread into it. For the 1978-1982 Corvette there is a sending unit gasket that should be replaced but unlike 1975-1977 Corvettes, it is not necessary to re-use anything from the original tank.

Typically, when the gas tank is going to be re-installed you should consider replacing the straps, anti-squeak pads, filler neck/seal, bolts, lines and sending unit/gasket at the same time. Chances are that after 30+ years, replacement is going to be the only option. When you are ready to replace the fuel tank in your classic Corvette, Zip can provide all of these quality Corvette parts that will be required for the job.

Corvette Brake Line & Fuel Line Clip Kit

Many years ago, I replaced one of the brake lines on my C3 Corvette coupe. In the process, I lost one of the clips holding the pipe to the frame and the one next to it was missing before I started. There was still one other clip holding this long stretch of brake pipe, so I didn’t worry. Back then, I didn’t know any better.

Why are there so many fuel and brake line clips–more than 25–on a 1968-1982 Corvette frame? Obviously, some are needed to hold the lines in place but there has to be a lot of clips in order to hold the lines securely. If the pipes’ mountings are not extremely rigid, your Corvette’s Brake Lines can move or vibrate. If they do that while touching the frame, the line may wear and eventually leak. Leaking fuel or brake pipes? Not good. Missing fuel or brake line clamps can, also, allow a loose fuel or brake pipe to rattle against the frame making an annoying and sometimes hard to find noise.

So…where do you get the fuel/brake line clips for your Corvette? Well, enterprising scroungers can find generic hold down clamps which will work ok at a good hardware store, but a better way is to buy the right parts. Zip Products has sold brake and fuel line clip kits for Corvettes for a long time, but until recently, Zip’s clip kits contained functional replacements but not correct reproductions of the parts Chevrolet used at the factory when the Corvettes were assembled.

What about those performing restorations of their 1974-1982 Corvettes to NCRS or Bloomington Gold specifications? Those restorers have searched far and wide for accurate reproductions of those fuel and brake line clips and the special bolts used to attach them to the Corvette frame.

For some C3 restorers, the search is over. Zip recently introduced a line of correct reproduction 1974-1982 Corvette Fuel Line and Brake Line Clip and Bolt Kits. The first of these kits, for 1974-1982 Corvettes, includes 27 fuel and brake pipe mounting clips which are cadmium-plated and stamped with the correct “C” and size designation. The clips come with the proper, black-oxide-coated, indented-hex-head, self-tapping bolts.

C4 Corvette Gas Tank Sending Unit

Now you can replace your 1984-1996 C4 Corvette’s Gas Tank Sending Unit with a new fully assembled sending unit and fuel pump.

Our 1984-1996 C4 Corvette reproduction gas tank sending units mount in the top of your Corvette’s gas tank and provide fuel fill, pick-up for fuel, electric pump, and meter for fuel gauge indicator. All sending units are completely assembled and include original style GM green strainers, correct electric fuel pumps, mounting gasket or seal, pulsator for 1985-1996 units, and accurate floats that will provide proper gauge readings for years to come. Each of our C4 Corvette fuel sending units feature the latest in technology including updated resistors that are compliant with all fuels including E85 alcohol/fuel mixture.

If you would like to learn how to replace the sending unit on a C4 Corvette, read our “Replacing The Fuel Pump & Sending Unit On A 1987 C4 Corvette” posted here at Corvette Parts Blog. The step by step instructions will guide you through removing your Corvette’s bad gas tank sending unit and successfully reinstalling a new one.

One simple way to keep your Corvette running “like new” for years is to use BG Products to help maintain your Corvette’s fuel system, power steering, engine oil, transmission and more. BG Products have been around since the early 1970s and continue to help Corvettes run more efficiently every day. Don’t abuse your Corvette any longer, start using BG Products today.

BG 44K Power Enhancer safely, rapidly and thoroughly removes engine deposits in combustion chambers, intake manifolds, ports and on valves. It restores flow in fuel injectors and cleans the Corvette’s entire fuel system. BG 44K Power Enhancer improves fuel economy and reduces exhaust emissions. It restores that “like new” drivability to an engine’s performance and keeps it running better, longer and more efficiently. Just add one bottle to your Corvette’s fuel tank at fill up and your Corvette will be good to go. After cleaning up with BG 44K Power Enhancer, regular use of BG Supercharger II, in gasoline engines or BG Diesel Fuel Conditioner with DPL, in diesel engines will prevent deposits from forming in the fuel system and upper engine for maximum drivability and fuel economy.

BG ATC Plus enhances properties of both new and used automatic transmission fluid. It improves fluid oxidation stability, thereby prolonging fluid life and the life of your Corvette’s transmission. It prevents leaks by conditioning hardened seals- keeping them soft and pliable. BG ATC Plus helps control transmission shudder, retards formation of sludge and varnish deposits and prevents foaming.

BG MOA Oil Additive prevents oxidation and thickening of engine oil under even the most severe stop-and-go, high temperature driving conditions. It fortifies all qualities of engine oil to provide superior long-lasting engine protection and helps maintain optimum engine performance. BG MOA keeps piston ring belts, hydraulic lifters and other engine components clean to help extend engine life and reduce costs of operation. It is compatible with both synthetic and petroleum-base oils. The Thin Film Oxidation Uptake Test (TFOUT), ASTM Test Method D4742, proves BG MOA’s remarkable resistance to oxidation by more than 200% longer than six major brands of SL quality oil. At the conclusion of the API Sequence IIIF Engine Test, a major brand, high-quality reference oil barely passed the 80-hour test with a viscosity increase of 255 percent. At 80 hours, another brand of oil fortified with BG MOA had a viscosity increase of only 57 percent. At the conclusion of the triple-length, 240-hour test, it was still well within the viscosity limits with an increase of only 198 percent.

BG 109 Compression Performance Restoration is a revolutionary formula with proven “ring-clean” technology. It is a quick and effective blend of cleaners that will soften, emulsify and dissolve those hard to remove fuel gums that clog rings and will usually do it in 15 minutes or less. Compression will increase with removal of these deposits. BG 109 also lowers tailpipe emissions, eliminates oil consumption associated with buildup and improves overall power and economy. BG 109 is safe for use in diesel and rotary engines.

BG Supercharge II, when used regularly in each tankful of gasoline will prevent deposit formation throughout your Corvette’s fuel system. BG Supercharge II improves engine performance and gas mileage, lowers exhaust emissions and substantially reduces drivability problems caused by deposit build-up. It prevents rust and corrosion and provides long-term storage stability. BG Supercharge II is non-injurious to all types of materials used in fuel systems and is also catalytic converter and oxygen sensor safe.

BG Power Steering Conditioner is specially designed to help prevent power steering unit leaks, provide smooth operation and eliminate squealing. It fortifies any power steering fluid, cleans and smooths internal springs and valves to help eliminate sticking, and reduces parts wear. BG Power Steering Conditioner also conditions and helps protect seals against drying and shrinking to prevent fluid leakage.

BG Synchro Shift II is a gear lubricant specially formulated for manual transmissions. It does not sacrifice any performance as does engine oil, ATF or conventional gear oil. It provides required thermal stability, low-temperature fluidity, hot rattle suppression, noise dampening at operating temperature, outstanding extreme pressure characteristics, shear stability, smoother shifting characteristics, wear reduction (synchronizer, gears, bearings, shift fork), seal compatibility, and reduced maintenance costs. BG Synchro Shift can be and is recommended to be used instead of the ATF fluid in C5 or C6 Corvette manual transmissions.

BG Ultra Guard is the first “true” multi-purpose gear oil available in the automotive market. It is a synthetic (polyalphaolefin) gear oil blended to SAE 75W-90 viscosity and can be used in all car and truck axle applications calling for a GL-5 gear oil. It can also be used in all truck standard transmissions and automotive manual transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases calling for GL-4 gear oil, engine oil or ATF, as long as viscometric requirements are satisfied. BG Ultra Guard provides thermal stability, optimum drive line efficiency, quieter operation, protection against wear, pitting and corrosion, seal compatibility and improved seal performance, improved fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance, long drain life, extended component life, and application versatility. BG Ultra Guard is covered by the BG Best Guarantee Program and is not to be used in C5 or C6 Corvette manual or automatic transmissions.

BG Ultra Guard II is the first “true” multi-purpose gear oil available in the automotive market. It is a synthetic (polyalphaolefin) gear oil blended to SAE 75W-140 viscosity. This is the H.D. version of the Ultra Guard 75W/90 but for more severe applications such as race differentials. BG Ultra Guard II provides thermal stability, optimum drive line efficiency, quieter operation, protection against wear, pitting and corrosion, seal compatibility and improved seal performance, improved fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance, long drain life, extended component life, and application versatility. BG Ultra Guard II is covered by the BG Best Guarantee Program and is not for use in C5 or C6 Corvette manual or automatic transmissions.

BG LSII Limited Slip Additive is designed to prevent chatter in plate and clutch type limited slip Corvette differentials. BG LSII may be used with any GL-5 gear lubricant in limited slip applications. The ingredients in BG LSII allow for a smooth and quiet operation of gears in the differential and fortify the additives in the gear lubricant.

BG Frigi-Fresh is formulated to quickly and effectively eliminate foul, musty odors from automobile air conditioning systems. It kills mold, mildew and other odor-producing organisms that grow in the evaporator core and housing. Powerful deodorizers in BG Frigi-Fresh keep the automobile interior smelling fresh and clean.

BG White Lithium Grease is a lithium-based lubricant in a convenient aerosol container that allows for easy application on hard-to-reach areas. It protects against water and oxidation problems and is an outstanding automotive body parts lubricant for door hinges, locks, seat tracks, and manual window regulators.

BG Silicone Spray Lubricant penetrates surface pores and remains fluid without thickening or evaporating through aging. It prevents almost anything from sticking and is extremely long lasting with a wide temperature range.

C6 Corvette Sprint Booster

In January we introduced the C6 Corvette Sprint Booster Power Converter to all of our customers. The Sprint Booster, which offered outstanding throttle response improvements over the stock C6 Corvette setup has since be redesigned and is now available for both automatic and manual equipped C6, Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport Corvettes. The key addition to the redesigned Sprint Booster is the ability to choose from three different acceleration programs; stock, acceleration program one, and acceleration program two. With the stock setting, your Corvette will perform as it did before the Sprint Booster was ever installed on the car. Step it up a notch with acceleration program one and now you will see an improved throttle response ideal for moderately aggressive driving. If program one isn’t enough switch your Corvette’s Sprint Booster to acceleration program two and be prepared for an even greater throttle response that is recommended for aggressive driving.

C6 Corvette Sprint Booster Installed

The C6 Corvette Sprint Booster Power Converter comes from the factory set to acceleration program two. You will know that the Sprint Booster is set on program two by a red LED indicator light that will appear on the switch. By simply pressing the button once you can switch back to the factory settings (LED light turns off) and once more will activate acceleration program one (LED light turns green). Once the desired program is set you can either leave the switch connected to the Sprint Booster, which will allow for quick program changes or remove the switch entirely. The Sprint Booster is designed to be able to adjust on the fly so you can cycle through the different acceleration programs while driving. This is the advantage you lose if the switch is removed. Be aware that you should not change programs with the Corvette’s accelerator pedal depressed because the behavior of the accelerator pedal will be instantly changed.

Installation of the Sprint Booster and switch requires double sided tape and a single tie wrap that is included in the box. Simply insert the Sprint Booster into the accelerator pedal, plug the switch into the white socket of the Sprint Booster, mount the switch on the dash using the double sided tape, and secure the excess wire so it will not interfere with your foot or motion of the pedals. Detailed instructions are also included in the box.

The Sprint Booster is not designed to add horsepower to your Corvette but it will increase the throttle response allowing for much quicker acceleration out of turns or from a stop. With one installed, you can count on faster lap times at the track or better reaction times at the drag strip.

C6 Corvette Sprint Booster features and advantages include:

• Easy installation
• Detailed installation instructions
• Multiple acceleration programs
• Acceleration adjustments on the fly
• Works with or without switch connected
• Two year warranty

C6 Sprint Booster

We are always looking to take advantage of every square inch of the C6 Corvette. One way to see that this happens is to install a Corvette Sprint Booster Power Converter. The sprint booster will eliminate the delay between your gas pedal and the throttle body that is common on all drive by wire systems. The sprint booster changes the opening rate at which your Corvette’s Throttle Body opens in relation to the gas pedal operation and decreases the amount of time to achieve full throttle. This helps reaction times at the drag strip, and also helps to accelerate quicker out of turns on the road course. The C6 Corvette sprint booster gives real time control over the acceleration of your Corvette’s Engine and the best part is that it fits all 2006 and later Corvettes including the Z06 and ZR1.

Sprint Booster Graph

The sprint booster requires a simple plug-n-play installation that takes just a few minutes and delivers instant response throughout the C6 Corvette’s power band making accelerating and rev matching incredibly more fun. In the data graph to the right you can see the test car in red, which had the sprint booster installed, accelerated at a much faster pace then the same test car without the sprint booster through each test run. There is no doubt that by adding this sprint booster to any C6, Z06 or ZR1 Corvette that the car will reach full throttle at a significantly faster pace then the stock setup, allowing you to take off and accelerate out of turns at a much faster pace.

This weeks Corvette Question comes from Kris who owns a C4 Corvette.

How do I replace the fuel pump & sending unit on my 1987 Corvette?

C4 Corvette Fuel Pump

Answer: Once you have troubleshooted your Corvette’s Fuel System and determined it is time to install a new fuel pump & sending unit on your Corvette you will first need to disconnect the negative battery cable and relieve the pressure in the fuel system. To relieve the fuel system pressure on a C4 Corvette you can simply remove the gas cap and let the car sit for 15 minutes. Once the pressure is relieved drain your Corvette’s fuel tank and remove the tank filler door attaching screws and bezel. Next, lift the fuel tank filler pipe housing and disconnect the drain hose from the nipple. Before disconnecting the fuel tank filler pipe housing, clean all fuel connections and surrounding areas to avoid contaminating the fuel system. Next disconnect the fuel hoses and EVAP hose from the fuel sender assembly. Plug or pinch the fuel feed and return hoses and remove the fuel sender electrical connector. To finish removal of your C4 Corvette’s fuel pump and sending unit remove the fuel sender assembly attaching screws, assembly, and gasket. You can re-install the old gasket but first check to see if your new C4 Corvette Sending Unit came with a new gasket. If it did then discard the gasket and thoroughly clean the gasket sealing surfaces. If you just purchased a new C4 Corvette Fuel Pump you will need to purchase a gasket separately or re-install the old gasket. Finally, cuts, nicks, swelling, or distortion is common on the fuel feed, fuel return and EVAP hoses so be sure to inspect these hoses before proceeding.

Once you are ready to install your new C4 Corvette Fuel Pump & Sending Unit begin by positioning the gasket on the fuel tank with the notch facing forward in the right hand corner of the tank. Carefully fold the strainer to allow it to fit through the opening in the tank. Next, install the fuel sender assembly into the fuel tank and re-connect the fuel sender electrical connector. Then connect the EVAP hose and tighten the hose clamps. Re-connect the fuel drain hose to the nipple on the filler pipe housing and place the housing around the filler pipe. Now you can re-install the filler door bezel, add fuel, and re-connect the negative battery cable. Before driving your Corvette away, be sure to turn the ignition switch on, off, then back on and check for any possible fuel leaks. If no leaks are recognized your Corvette fuel pump replacement was a success.