[Z06] Techniques for storing LS6
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 285
Techniques for storing LS6
I am new to owing an '02 LS6. I owned an L98 ('87) for 6 years.
There has always been two camps supporting two techniques for winter storage: 1. Change the oil, fill the tank, trickle charge, cover it and leave it until the spring. 2. Chane oil etc, Start it once or twice a month. Run it up to engine temp, drive it back and forth in driveway, pump brakes, turn wheel back and forth, run AC .... I have always followed technique number 2. Despite the arguments about rusting out exhaust manifolds etc, my L98 started right up in the spring and the car never had one leak in my 6 years of ownership.
How do LS6's behave? Do I start it once or twice a month or leave it along until spring?
Thanks,
trebor
There has always been two camps supporting two techniques for winter storage: 1. Change the oil, fill the tank, trickle charge, cover it and leave it until the spring. 2. Chane oil etc, Start it once or twice a month. Run it up to engine temp, drive it back and forth in driveway, pump brakes, turn wheel back and forth, run AC .... I have always followed technique number 2. Despite the arguments about rusting out exhaust manifolds etc, my L98 started right up in the spring and the car never had one leak in my 6 years of ownership.
How do LS6's behave? Do I start it once or twice a month or leave it along until spring?
Thanks,
trebor
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
From: Nesconset (LI) NY
I have never personally had a vehicle that I purposely winterized and didnt drive for winter. However, basic technology-wise, the big differences between your old engine and new LS6 are the materials (LS6 is has aluminum block/heads) and the synthetic oil. Gaskets are still gaskets, fuel is fuel, etc. Synthetic oils do usually contain additives that tend to dissolve any old oil crud, etc. and probably do negatively affect gaskets with non use, so I would have to guess that you will probably be best off following the same regimen as you did before.The electronics of the vehicle also likely drain the battery moreso than the older generation cars, so if you leave the battery cables connected you definitely will need to keep charging it.
All this is just gut feeling based on some knowledge and things I have read/heard overtime. Some may just be myths ... I am sure you will get many more responses and good info from the forum guys.
All this is just gut feeling based on some knowledge and things I have read/heard overtime. Some may just be myths ... I am sure you will get many more responses and good info from the forum guys.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
From: Nesconset (LI) NY
I think if you make that offer, some of us NY'ers may just come down with our Z's to escape the winters ourselves ... 
Just got my Z this past june and dont have a usable garage ... yours looks pretty nice ...
I have to settle for a carport right now ... hopefully its a better winter than last.
Just got my Z this past june and dont have a usable garage ... yours looks pretty nice ...
I have to settle for a carport right now ... hopefully its a better winter than last.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
From: Nesconset (LI) NY
Here's a link to a tech tip in the forums tech tip section that might be helpful:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=257&TopicID=1
Its for a C5 in general, but there shoul dbe no difference between an LS1 or LS6.
Good luck !
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=257&TopicID=1
Its for a C5 in general, but there shoul dbe no difference between an LS1 or LS6.
Good luck !
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Lancaster MA
Originally Posted by CPT Z06
I had to do plan one many times, I added fuel stabbo and did not trickle charge, and the car was fine.
1) Stabilizer in the gaz with a full tank.
2) Foammy lub in the air intake
3) take the battery out and store it in a dry place.
4) don't ever, ever, ever start the engine before spring. Theoile needs to boil at 220 degrees to vaporize the water. Running the engine will build up a lot of water residue in your oil pan... been there, done that...
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 17
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From: Macomb MI
I have always followed your second option, start once a month. From what I have been told by GM engineers, they would recommend your 1st option when you can't get to the car to start it. I start mine once a month, during daytime hours, and on the warmest day with low humidity if possible. I also recommend a "battery manger" for the Z06 since the battery is small and will lose charge quicker. A "Golden Rod" under the car also helps with reducing condensation.
Wally
Wally
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: King George VA
As an FYI, AMSOIL makes a fuel stabilizer you can buy via the link to the left
<-------------
"AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel from deteriorating during storage. Reduces the oxidation process and prevents varnish and gum build-up in gasoline. These contaminates can clog injectors, stick floats and cause poor engine startup. Allows easier start-ups.
Treat rate is one ounce with every 2.5 gallons of fuel. One bottle treats 40 gallons.
Product Code: AST"
<-------------
"AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel from deteriorating during storage. Reduces the oxidation process and prevents varnish and gum build-up in gasoline. These contaminates can clog injectors, stick floats and cause poor engine startup. Allows easier start-ups.
Treat rate is one ounce with every 2.5 gallons of fuel. One bottle treats 40 gallons.
Product Code: AST"
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 241
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From: Honolulu HI
Only other thing to worry about is initial startup in the spring. My first vette ('85) I blew up on initial startup following being in storage for 6 months (deployed in the Navy). I just connected the battery and cranked it over. It started right up and ran for, ohhhhh, 2 seconds and then clanked really looad and siezed. The dealer said there was some condensation in a cylinder that was basically un-compressible, and bent a connecting rod. So I always (when I store a car) disconnect the ECM and crank it over until I build oil pressure PRIOR to initial startup. Just my 2 cents worth here, as this caused the demise of my first vette.
Derrick
Derrick
Racer
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I did this when I stored my 2002 T/A....
I first washed it real good and cleaned the interior then
I jacked it up on jack stands,under the suspension as opposed to letting the suspension hang.I put a trickle charger on it (but my battey died when I did that).So I will be going out once a month and charge it.Then I put on the car cover. In the spring I pour Techron gas additive in the tank and change the oil.I am against starting the car once a month because unless you dont get the engine up to opreating temp along with the trans,power steering ect.You wont get any benefits from that.I end up driving till November and bring it out in April so its only sitting for five months.
I first washed it real good and cleaned the interior then
I jacked it up on jack stands,under the suspension as opposed to letting the suspension hang.I put a trickle charger on it (but my battey died when I did that).So I will be going out once a month and charge it.Then I put on the car cover. In the spring I pour Techron gas additive in the tank and change the oil.I am against starting the car once a month because unless you dont get the engine up to opreating temp along with the trans,power steering ect.You wont get any benefits from that.I end up driving till November and bring it out in April so its only sitting for five months.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: King George VA
Originally Posted by tazinhawaii
Only other thing to worry about is initial startup in the spring. My first vette ('85) I blew up on initial startup following being in storage for 6 months (deployed in the Navy). I just connected the battery and cranked it over. It started right up and ran for, ohhhhh, 2 seconds and then clanked really looad and siezed. The dealer said there was some condensation in a cylinder that was basically un-compressible, and bent a connecting rod. So I always (when I store a car) disconnect the ECM and crank it over until I build oil pressure PRIOR to initial startup. Just my 2 cents worth here, as this caused the demise of my first vette.
Derrick
Derrick
What a sad way to come home from deployment. Fortunately for me, I'm still happily married despite spending the entire 15 years of it in the Navy. So, I can have my wife drive my car periodically and not worry about issues like that one.
