2002 Z06 with 135k miles. Car died on the road and had it towed to closest dealer, Autonation Chevrolet (formerly Fox Chevrolet) in Timonium, MD. They have left a bad taste in my mouth before, but they were the most convenient to get to.

I was told they are having their corvette expert look at it, he has a Corvette himself that he has done a lot of work on. The next day, I hear: "It's something internal to the engine, so we would like to charge ~4 hours for diagnosis". I expected that, if it was easy I would have fixed it in the parking lot. I assume this means they will be checking compression, open up valve covers, etc.

The diagnosis I hear is "lost compression on one cylinder, iffy compression on another." They will only recommend replacement of the entire engine, and quoted $1,600 for that labor. Of course, there were no engines to be found anywhere, so effectively the quote was "you're outta luck." The best thing I can commend them on is that they were able to confirm to the AAA tow truck that they were unable to repair the vehicle, thus getting my car towed outta there for free. Still stuck with the diagnosis labor charge.

I didn't buy this at all, surely the issue shouldn't require scraping the entire engine.

I already had a clutch replacement scheduled with Josh at Horsepower Addicts, so I had it towed there to have someone with a good reputation look it over. THANK GOD I did that, saved me from buying a new Corvette. Within a day he had found the broken valve spring, on a DIFFERENT cylinder than Autonation (Fox) had reported. I happen to have had one broken valve spring replaced a few years ago, so I know it's about a $350 job at a (different) dealer. Not a totalled engine. Not $1,600 labor, plus a manhunt to find a rare engine.

I was so grateful to have a minor repair that I went ahead and had Josh do a BUNCH of preventative maintenance, all new upgraded valve springs, plus a new exhaust manifold, mild cam, intake, and dyno tune.

Now I've still got a car with an engine that I know the repair history of, many upgraded preventative maintenance items, a boost in power to 400rwhp, and a mechanic I can TRUST (priceless)!

Thanks, Josh. I'll never make the mistake of that dealer again!

I can't believe the dealer wouldn't find a more detailed diagnosis than that.

I wonder if they were:
1. Incompetent
2. Too lazy
3. Didn't care because it wouldn't be worth much money to repair
4. Just trying to get me to buy a new car

 

That's why they are called stealerships.

 

It paid to have that second opinion,, Good luck

 

I'd drive the car back to Autonation and ask to talk to the "corvette specialist" again. Rub it in his nose a bit. And, congrats on the proper diagnosis and repair.

 

5. All of the above.

 

I would write a letter (or email) to the manager of that particular dealership to let them know what happened. It MIGHT prevent someone else from paying too much for an incorrect repair. No emotion in the letter or email, just the facts.

 

Boom!

 

Sad that there are dealers out there that are so pathetic. Good thing you decided to get a second opinion on the problem.

 

Glad you made out okay. Question, you had a dyno tune with 135,000 miles ? You weren't concerned about damage to the engine with those high miles ? Thanks

 

congrats on the second opinion.

I would write a letter to the owner of dealership

wont do anything but will make you feel better

 

And in that letter, I'd let them know that a copy of the same letter is going to GM as well. I'm sure they wouldn't give a rats azz if they get your letter, but if they know a copy is going to their supplier, you might just get a refund and then never darken those doors again!

 

Sure says a lot for their supposed Corvette expert.....

 

If you had opted for replacement they would have a good "rare" engine core. ha.

 

I'm sorry you had such an experience, however I must say that not all dealerships are the same.
We are fortunate here in Knoxville to have an excellent dealership that not only excels with their service, but they seek great relationships with all Vette owners in the area. They have at least two Vette "specialists" on their staff, one of whom owned his own Vette shop for for many years. I am not afilliated (SP?) with them in any way, but I will attest to their excellent service. With this said every mechanic will face a daunting problem that seems to have no fix. A broken valve spring ain't one of 'em.

 

Unlike the Dealers above, some unscrupulous stores may actually offer incentives to their techs. Jus' sayin'