Many make that noise, lifter noises are common too. 
piston slap question
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
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piston slap question
I found a 2000 c5 for sale its extremely clean excellant condition 35 k miles looks and drives like brand new the problem is when cold it has noticeable piston slap that goes completely away when the engine gets to normal operating temp but until then it almost sounds like a deasil . My question is would most walk away and try to find another? From what I have read this is almost normal percentage wise is it more common than not ? like I said once warm it is 100 % gone It has new tires the paint is flawless interior the same other than a very light scuff on the drivers side lumber support not sure if it has the z51 suspension . Im very picky on a scale of 1-10 its a solid 9 for 18k how does that sound ? just noticed I put this under c4 can a moderator move it for me?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,181
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From: Puyallup Washington
I have a 2002 Z06, which has piston slap when first started cold. It is quite quiet and goes away within 30 seconds. I understand that this is normal. Sounding like a diesel and taking until it is completely to normal operating temperatures does not sound like normal. I would find another one. There are a lot of C5 Corvettes for sale at good prices. They are great cars, totally different to the C4s. Note I said "DIFFERENT", not "SUPERIOR". That is why I just bought a 1992 coupe to go with my Z06.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
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I found a 2000 c5 for sale its extremely clean excellant condition 35 k miles looks and drives like brand new the problem is when cold it has noticeable piston slap that goes completely away when the engine gets to normal operating temp but until then it almost sounds like a deasil . My question is would most walk away and try to find another? From what I have read this is almost normal percentage wise is it more common than not ? like I said once warm it is 100 % gone It has new tires the paint is flawless interior the same other than a very light scuff on the drivers side lumber support not sure if it has the z51 suspension . Im very picky on a scale of 1-10 its a solid 9 for 18k how does that sound ? just noticed I put this under c4 can a moderator move it for me?
you'll be fine..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 917
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From: Charlotte NC
I had a 99 Z28 and I never noticed any piston slap.. Or any unknown sounds. I had it from 70K to 120K miles and not once did I get this so called piston slap.
What is the cause of it, if it is normal?
What is the cause of it, if it is normal?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
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Race Director
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From: Database Error Indiana
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: KB7TIF Ville NV
I found a 2000 c5 for sale its extremely clean excellant condition 35 k miles looks and drives like brand new the problem is when cold it has noticeable piston slap that goes completely away when the engine gets to normal operating temp but until then it almost sounds like a deasil . My question is would most walk away and try to find another? From what I have read this is almost normal percentage wise is it more common than not ? like I said once warm it is 100 % gone It has new tires the paint is flawless interior the same other than a very light scuff on the drivers side lumber support not sure if it has the z51 suspension . Im very picky on a scale of 1-10 its a solid 9 for 18k how does that sound ? just noticed I put this under c4 can a moderator move it for me?
I had a lt5 that did something comparable to that and after a while, it started to do it when it was warm, I sold it before the noise was obvious.
Last edited by illenema; Apr 30, 2011 at 05:57 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 917
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From: Charlotte NC
It just don't sound like good thing to me..
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Cruise-In 1-2-3-4-5 Veteran
Mine's different from most of what you are describing. I've got a loud ticking noise which isn't there when the motor is cold... it only starts being audible when the motor has been turning long enough to warm up.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 917
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte NC
Yours sounds more top end. Maybe a bad lifter, or loose rockers.
Or it could be as simple as old/too thin oil.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
There was a bulletin issued on the earlier LSxs for lifter noise. No given fix from GM though only a bulletin
