Compared to the problems of the older cars....to me a set of rings is a single weekend and less than $300 in parts plus gaskets to do myself. So, an LT1 has a bad opti...$800 parts. An L98 disentegrates when pushed to make power at RPM...$3,000.00 plus.

So... whats so bad about a C5?

It's not even worth the cost of an extended warrentee plan to fix!

 

Though I don't have a C5 my friend does...what is the # of the tech bulletin?
Thanks, Chris

 

I have 50,000 miles on my 6 speed and it doesn't burn a drop

 

:iagree: :D

 

If you do ever get on it you will go through a quart every 500-1000 miles

TSB #01-06-01-023
Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption (Replace Rings)
1999-2001 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, 1999-2001 Pontiac Firebird with 5.7L Engine (VINs G, S -- RPOs LS1, LS6)
Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. When checked, the oil consumption could be in the range of 400-600 miles per quart (700-1000 km/L).
Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the piston rings and the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs -- typically manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is frequently or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.
Correction
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The new rings are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2 compression ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings in the piston ring kit should be discarded. The original number 1 compression ring and the oil ring rails should be re-used in their original positions on the piston. All pistons should be used in the same cylinder bore.
Important
Do not dress or hone the cylinder bore. Nothing should be done to change the bore finish for this condition. Changing the bore finish may aggravate the condition.
Refer to the Unit Repair Manual for appropriate ring removal and replacement procedure.
The number 1 compression ring and the upper and lower oil expander rails are re-used because they are already broken in for the bore that they are in. The new number 2 compression ring is made with a very sharp edge that will break in quickly.
Changing only the piston rings noted, with no change in driving style, should change oil consumption to an acceptable level. Changes in driving style that reduce the amount of time spent at higher RPMs will also positively effect oil consumption.
In addition to the standard size piston ring kit listed below, a 0.25 mm oversized piston ring kit is available. The oversized piston ring kit should only be used in those rare instances where the cylinder bore size has been machined larger to accommodate the 0.25 mm oversized piston rings.

 

.... How about "If you're considering a C4"... and let's hit those points... and just on the LT1 (L98 has plenty of it's own)..

Fuel pump failure
PKE
HVAC problems
Chronic early Opti problems
Waterpump gasket failure
Intake gasket leaks
LT4 early rocker arm problems

...and the list goes on.

Point being that GM just plain can't build anything properly. Even given a few years. That still wouldn't dissuade me from purchasing a C5. I've bought (and own) Vettes knowing that even good examples have problems. They are hobby cars that are a blast to drive and fun to fix.

But thanks for the heads up on snags that the potential C5 owner may want to think about. Spread the knowledge.


[Modified by Dan Parker '96, 5:23 PM 2/16/2003]

 

There is another thread around here from today somewhere, somebody said they bought a new OEM opti from Jeff Kopp for like $280.00

 

I know plenty of people with C5's in that time frame and they have not had a problem. I also know people that have had the problem and they drive very "spirited" constantly. From what I have seen, run the car hard all the time and yes you will consume, drive it reasonable most of the time and you may never see this problem.
And I quote
Changes in driving style that reduce the amount of time spent at higher RPMs will also positively effect oil consumption.
Translated, drive your car in a reasonable manner, and consumption will be reduced to non existent.
If you plan on racing, stay away from those years or get it fixed.

 

any car will have problems, it's not just GM. any car will break parts, some, like honda definatly run a long time. i personally think this thread is just a bunch of snivling. learn how to work on your cars and maintain them. problems come up, but think of all the fun you'd be missing if you didn't own a sports car !! supras, 300zx's, espessialy gen3 rx-7s all break just as many parts.

 

Thanks for the info, but, it is not just GM. If you race it things break!

Live with it or don't race it.