Common problems with 02 LS1
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,753
Likes: 29
From: McKinney TX
Common problems with 02 LS1
I was looking at the consumer reports ratings on the 2002 c5 corvette. Now, I don't put a lot of weight on what consumer reports says about cars, but there was something in the 2002 rating that I wanted to ask about.
Is there any reason behind their BLACK Circle/1 rating on the 02 LS1 engine? Most of the other LS1 ratings are RED Circle/5 star -- the 02 was the only year to get a black circle.
Was there a common problem with the 02 they are talking about ?
Thanks!
BTW, I have an 02
Is there any reason behind their BLACK Circle/1 rating on the 02 LS1 engine? Most of the other LS1 ratings are RED Circle/5 star -- the 02 was the only year to get a black circle.
Was there a common problem with the 02 they are talking about ?
Thanks!
BTW, I have an 02
Last edited by SpeedUp; Dec 18, 2005 at 11:52 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
The Consumer Reports reliability ratings are based upon owner's responses, so at least some 02 owners have had problems. I have an 02 as well (6 spd manual), and don't have any oil burning problems, but I don't abuse my motor either. I had read in one of the Corvette magazines about a problem with oil burning during several years, including the 02. They fixed it in later years, and apparently it did not show up on all cars.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
Likes: 1,038
From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Originally Posted by mode101
I was looking at the consumer reports ratings on the 2002 c5 corvette. Now, I don't put a lot of weight on what consumer reports says about cars, but there was something in the 2002 rating that I wanted to ask about.
Is there any reason behind their BLACK Circle/1 rating on the 02 LS1 engine? Most of the other LS1 ratings are RED Circle/5 star -- the 02 was the only year to get a black circle.
Was there a common problem with the 02 they are talking about ?
Thanks!
BTW, I have a 02
Is there any reason behind their BLACK Circle/1 rating on the 02 LS1 engine? Most of the other LS1 ratings are RED Circle/5 star -- the 02 was the only year to get a black circle.
Was there a common problem with the 02 they are talking about ?
Thanks!
BTW, I have a 02
I have heard that the '01 model had oil-burning issues. Maybe CR got their years mixed up. And maybe they should stick to testing toasters.
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Plano Texas
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
CI-VI Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
It is my understanding that early '02 Vettes (made in late 2001) had the same issues (oil consumption - bad ring OEM) as many of the '01's.
An easy way to determine if the particular '02 was affected - have the dealership (or if private party - SPONGEVETTE) do a car history review.
I was surprised to note that Cunsumers Report ignored the '01
An easy way to determine if the particular '02 was affected - have the dealership (or if private party - SPONGEVETTE) do a car history review.
I was surprised to note that Cunsumers Report ignored the '01
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,874
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From: Fishing Somewhere Cold
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15
I'll just add to the consumer confidence here...My 02, built in March of 02 has just over 20k on the clock and burns no oil and has had zero problems. (looking for wood to knock on 
).
).
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My 02 Vert has 23k.
Daily driver and treated gently.
No problems so far.
My warranty expires today so lets hope I'm not tempting fate. Over to you GMPP
Daily driver and treated gently.
No problems so far.
My warranty expires today so lets hope I'm not tempting fate. Over to you GMPP
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,454
Likes: 3
From: Hells Sister City Phoenix AZ
St. Jude Donor '03
My 02 was built in July 01 and has 49k on it. I have no oil burning issues. It does seem to have the piston slap issue when cold but runs great so I'm not going to mess with it.
