AZDANZ06

Tadge,

I am writing to you on behalf of all C6 Z06 Owners here at the Corvette Forum. There has been way too many C6 Z06 owners that have suffered LS7 engine failures due to dropped valves. GM claims that there was a manufacturing problem that was subsequently corrected, yet engines and off the shelf replacement cylinder heads produced after that date are also failing at an alarming rate. Loyal owners of even extremely low mileage vehicles are continuing to measure valve-to-guide clearances far beyond service limits and have had their heads reworked at a significant cost. This is evidenced by a cross section of Corvette Forum Members who have had their valve-to-guide clearances measured, 88% of the 208 member cars checked have had out of spec valve guides on C6 Z06's built from 2006 through 2013. With the apparent widespread incidence of excessive valve guide wear among LS7's, does GM know anything regarding the root cause of the issue and/or potential mitigation actions in order for LS7 owners to regain confidence in the platform and to retain loyal GM Customers?

We look forward to your answer on this critical issue.

Wass

I would like to see Tadge reply to this thread. My 2009 Z06 had the heads replaced by GM warranty at about 46K miles. Guides were out of spec. I have a 13 Z06 now, but with the same concerns.

jvp

If this ends up being put in the poll next week and winning, it'll need to be tightened up before it gets sent. He's not going to have time to read through various links.

Please re-state the question as succinctly as you can.

Thanks.

AZDANZ06

Done.

jvp

Sorry for any possible confusion. The winning question will be sent to him via email, and his response (emailed) will be added to a new thread. You'll see an example when the current poll ends, and I email him the winning question.

Wass

jvp...Thanks for putting this together. The C6 Z06 valve guide issue is probably the biggest concern on the C6 Z06 Forum.

AZDANZ06...Thanks to you also!

383

So replying to this thread is like my "vote" for this question right?
Count me in as +1 for the valve issue question

Wass

Right!

pewter99

+1.

moose.b3

+1

Dirty Howie

I can't imagine this would not be the number 1 question any LS7 owner would not want answered.

Although I started an oil question thread I am definitely advocating this question.

Hopefully the word will spread on this new forum.


DH

bjmsam

Too many C6Z owners have suffered LS7 engine failures due to dropped valves. GM claims that there was a manufacturing problem that was subsequently corrected, yet engines produced after that date are also failing at an alarming rate. Loyal owners of even extremely low mileage vehicles are continuing to measure valve-to-guide clearances far beyond service limits and have the heads reworked at significant cost. How can GM restore confidence in the LS7 so owners can enjoy these vehicles without worrying about catastrophic engine failure?

brewersprts

In for answers also.

AZDANZ06

If you do not mind I would like to use your well spoken question as the official one that will be emailed to Tadge?

lbzraptor

In for answers also

Gizmo5

DEWWIT

bjmsam

I don't mind at all. It's just a suggestion. Feel free to modify.

Minkster

+1

NDAGRUV

At slightly over 8700 miles, my '08 ZO6, began emanating noises similar to the sounds of having a "solid lifter cam" installed. In the process of asking questions among local Z owners and related Corvette Specialty shops - I found myself being engulfed with more negative info on the LS7's valve guide issues. Thus I had a decision to make - "dump" my Z (like many others have done), or pay out of my own pocket for pre-emptive repairs in order to eliminate the possibility of a catastrophic failure in which I, and those around me on the roadways, would be unfairly endangered for the mindless reason of GM being irresponsible for the sake of mere money.........

This was my first ZO6, so I had never heard of this issue before. If I had I would probably kept my LS3 C6.
I have always enjoyed the illusion that the marque of GM was as proud of their product as I was - it's quite disheartening to find that they really don't care about their products, OR customer Service.

I have always been "a GM Man", until now.............

I am looking forward to GM's response to ZO6 Owners to determine IF I will continue buying GM.
I can't say it harshly enough; "I HATE BEING LIED TO AND TAKEN FOR A FOOL, SO THAT YOUR POCKETS CAN BE FATTER!"

Oh yes, I ended up having my cylinder heads redone by a REPUTABLE cylinder head specialist who VALUES his reputation AND the products that proceed out his doors. This cost me $3500. and change - a "fee" that I BELIEVE GM IS MORALLY BOUND TO REPAY ME FOR THE (KNOWINGLY) DEFECTIVE PRODUCT THEY SOLD ME.

I will watch closely to see if they "Man Up", or go the way of a fat cat politician..............................

Frankie2blue

I am in for this. It is the only issue I am really interested in having truly answered. It is the reason a lot of the fun has been taken out of this car for me, a lot of respect lost for GM ( and I come from a GM family ) and why it has quelled any interest in purchasing a C7 Z06. At the very least I would like to hear from the horses mouth how to really fix this damn thing instead of leaving us on our own for years to try to sort out "their" problems that they sweep aside and cover up with vague statements telling us to relax and enjoy our car. Reputation of these cars are going into the toilet- you can't even go to a car show anymore and not be asked about the valve issue at least a dozen times. Yeah, I would love to see just what Tadge has to say about all that. However I certainly doubt it will be anything of interest if he even ventures into answering this question at all.