C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

The dreaded PING!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 28, 2005 | 02:22 AM
  #1  
allmee's Avatar
allmee
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: North Las Vegas Nevada
Default The dreaded PING!

My 01 C5 pings a little when I accelerate hard, sometimes. I've been using injection cleaner evrey 3000 miles. I had Chevy do an injection service and it seemed to get a little worse. The car has 30,000 miles. I bought it with 10,000 on it. I just ordered a fuel filter and am hoping this may do the trick. I am running a Blackwing and flowmasters. I also have the fog light housings cut open. I am thinking the car is getting too much air or not enough fuel. I have'nt touched the wires or plugs yet. What do ya think?
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2005 | 02:31 AM
  #2  
Shane_S's Avatar
Shane_S
Drifting
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Tx
Default

Where are you getting your gas and what octane?

Have your car dyno'd and get an air/fuel reading.

New plugs/wires might be a good idea as the factory plugs are junk.

Shane
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2005 | 09:08 AM
  #3  
byte_me's Avatar
byte_me
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Photogenic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 240
From: Coconut Creek FL
Default

Originally Posted by allmee
My 01 C5 pings a little when I accelerate hard, sometimes. I've been using injection cleaner evrey 3000 miles. I had Chevy do an injection service and it seemed to get a little worse. The car has 30,000 miles. I bought it with 10,000 on it. I just ordered a fuel filter and am hoping this may do the trick. I am running a Blackwing and flowmasters. I also have the fog light housings cut open. I am thinking the car is getting too much air or not enough fuel. I have'nt touched the wires or plugs yet. What do ya think?

It still has pretty low miles to have this issue...I would suspect your fuel choice rather then too much air into the engine...I had a similar (aka running like crap) issue with my 97 buying Citgo fuel 93 Octaine. I switched to Chevron with Techron and the engine has never run so smooth. it took about 1 and a half tanks to get it really smooth...but the first half a tank stopped all the pinging issues.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2005 | 09:13 AM
  #4  
rws.1's Avatar
rws.1
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Default

Is it throwing any codes?
It might not be predetonation....
C5's are prone to an H pipe rattle that is often mistaken for engine ping (knock)
If you are not throwing any codes... change your H pipe for an aftermarket X pipe.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2005 | 11:13 AM
  #5  
allmee's Avatar
allmee
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: North Las Vegas Nevada
Default

I am using Shell 91 oct. , 91 is the highest here in Vegas. Maybe I'll try Chevron. The noise is definately a knock and I am getting no codes. What type of plugs should I use when I get to changing them?

Thanks!
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2005 | 11:38 AM
  #6  
byte_me's Avatar
byte_me
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Photogenic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 240
From: Coconut Creek FL
Default

Originally Posted by allmee
I am using Shell 91 oct. , 91 is the highest here in Vegas. Maybe I'll try Chevron. The noise is definately a knock and I am getting no codes. What type of plugs should I use when I get to changing them?

Thanks!
A lot of us here run NGK TR55's...I use these with MSD wires. NGK also makes an irridium (spelling) that has received lots of praise...but are 3 or 4 time more expensive!
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2005 | 01:15 PM
  #7  
corvette Mark's Avatar
corvette Mark
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: Tampa fl
Default

Try putting the factory air box w/paper filter back on the car and see if the ping gets better or stays the same. I had this trouble with my wife's 01 after I installed an open lid air box cover with k&n filter. After I re-installed the factory stuff the ping was much less of an issue. This is a simple experiment that will cost you nothing but a few minutes of your time. If this does nothing then your next step may be to seek the advice of a custom tuner. I think some of our cars do this because of the "one size fits all" generic factory tune. And we all know that each car is in fact different and have different tuning requirements.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2005 | 01:26 PM
  #8  
michael wyborny's Avatar
michael wyborny
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Shane_S

New plugs/wires might be a good idea as the factory plugs are junk.

Shane
I've actually heard that the stock wires are top notch.... anyone else want to chime in on this?

Yes, I agree, what octane you running?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 28, 2005 | 01:47 PM
  #9  
99Red&White's Avatar
99Red&White
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 35
From: Brampton Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by michael wyborny
I've actually heard that the stock wires are top notch.... anyone else want to chime in on this?

Yes, I agree, what octane you running?
I agree, stick with the delco wires and plugs. They cant be beat!
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2005 | 04:42 PM
  #10  
vetteguy02's Avatar
vetteguy02
Advanced
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
Default

I would also suggest trying the factor air box again. The mfa sensing elements should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner to remove any oil contamination from the Black Wing filter. Just spray cleaner on the sensing elements and let air-dry. Avoid toching the elements.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2005 | 11:20 PM
  #11  
allmee's Avatar
allmee
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: North Las Vegas Nevada
Default

Thanks for all the info! I just filled up with Chevron super and will see if this makes a difference. If not, I will try the stock air box, although I have a K&N for that also and the hole in cover has been cut larger. If I get to that point I will clean the MAS as described!!

Grazie!!
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 01:04 AM
  #12  
mathia's Avatar
mathia
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 793
Likes: 2
From: Milwaukee & Long Beach WI & CA
Default

Look through the throttle and see if you have oil in the intake. You maybe sucking oil into the intake through the PCV and the oil is getting burned up, leaving carbon deposits in the the heads. The carbon deposits become hot spots and can cause preignition. Follow the decarb procedure in the the C5 tech tips to clean it.
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 04:25 AM
  #13  
SLPRC5's Avatar
SLPRC5
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Default

Chevron gas is the best gas to run in the C5, everyone uses it. I have the Delco Iridium plus and the Delco wires. Iridium plugs are what is recommended for the C5s. They are preset at.040 and are highly recommended not to reset them to the .060 that was standard for the C5 plugs. You can also try a couple of cans of Techron to your fuel. This has helped others. Someone also mentioned cleaning the MAF screen because of oil from the Blackwing filter, that to may help.
Good luck..
Rsty
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 04:31 AM
  #14  
SLPRC5's Avatar
SLPRC5
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Default

Originally Posted by mathia
Look through the throttle and see if you have oil in the intake. You maybe sucking oil into the intake through the PCV and the oil is getting burned up, leaving carbon deposits in the the heads. The carbon deposits become hot spots and can cause preignition. Follow the decarb procedure in the the C5 tech tips to clean it.
Decarb with Sea Foam...pour into a vacuum port with the engine running..it will cause a lot of smoke (carbon burning off)...after emptying can in the engine port shut down engine and let sit for ten minutes to cause fogging in the engine.. then take out and drive it like you stole it until all smoke has cleared. Just follow directions on can.
Good luck..
Rsty
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 04:47 PM
  #15  
Alex D's Avatar
Alex D
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,250
Likes: 1
From: Greensboro NC
Default

I sometimes have the ping too. Mostly when the gas is old and I haven't driven the car much. the more you drive the car the less ping I get. And keep fresh gas in there. STABIL also helps in my car.
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 08:25 PM
  #16  
MagikDraggin's Avatar
MagikDraggin
Drifting
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Default

I have a stock '04 A4 coupe. It never "pinged" until I put the Blackwing on. Put the factory airbox back on and the ping stopped. Re-install the Blackwing, ping is back again.

I finally got tired of all the nonsense I was being told and had the timing set back a few degrees. Now, there are no more ping issues and the vette STILL runs like a raped ape with no SOTP difference.

It's just a simple fact that SOME of these cars just will not run on 91 octane gas if you mess with the A/F ratio even a LITTLE bit, like the Blackwing obviously does.

And my "knock sensor" must have been broke from the factory, as when mine started pinging, it continued pinging....especially when I accelerated faster, going up hill. It was rather apparant to me at least, that the onboard computer was unable to make the necessary adjustments in A/F ratio and ignition timing to compensate for the difference the Blackwing made.

"Rattling H-pipe" indeed! What won't they think of next?

Last edited by MagikDraggin; Dec 29, 2005 at 10:27 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 09:01 PM
  #17  
BELVIN20's Avatar
BELVIN20
Drifting
20 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 717
From: Terrell North Carolina
Default

Have 2000 C-5, Blackwing, Corsas, Xpipe, LS1 Edit, AC Delco Iridium Plugs. Never had any Ping before or after mods, always run BP(Amoco Gold Since New), have 25K miles now. Fuel filter will not fix the problem. I suspect Poor Quality Fuel, or Possible the fuel you are using is a winter blend which could make a Ping Problem Possilble.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To The dreaded PING!

Old Dec 30, 2005 | 01:03 PM
  #18  
corvette Mark's Avatar
corvette Mark
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: Tampa fl
Default

Originally Posted by allmee
Thanks for all the info! I just filled up with Chevron super and will see if this makes a difference. If not, I will try the stock air box, although I have a K&N for that also and the hole in cover has been cut larger. If I get to that point I will clean the MAS as described!!

Grazie!!
You are on the right track with the chevron gas but your problem may not go away completely if you re-install the factory box cover with a larger hole cut in the front and a k&n filter. You see the point is that you may still be getting to much air (for the factory tune) or even turbulence in the air bridge from the LARGER hole cut in the airbox cover. This turbulence could be confusing the maf and not allowing the pcm to tune out the ping. You might try using some heavy tape to make the hole closer to the original factory size and then get a PAPER filter. Believe me when I say that I like go-fast parts as much as the next guy and I know it is a hard pill to swallow when someone suggests that you remove them from your car because they may be causing a problem but it is very inexpensive troubleshooting and if this is not the majority of your problem you can put it back on and get a custom tune to get rid of the ping. Many people on this forum run your set-up with no problems but we all know that all cars do not respond the same to mods.
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2005 | 03:29 PM
  #19  
WALLstAL's Avatar
WALLstAL
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,466
Likes: 0
From: GARDENA Ca, State Of Konfusion
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

Try some Torco fuel accelerator, 1 qt per tank.


Last edited by WALLstAL; Dec 31, 2005 at 04:20 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2005 | 03:40 PM
  #20  
DeeGee's Avatar
DeeGee
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Originally Posted by allmee
I am using Shell 91 oct. , 91 is the highest here in Vegas. Maybe I'll try Chevron. The noise is definately a knock and I am getting no codes. What type of plugs should I use when I get to changing them?

Thanks!
You can get Techron additive at most of the auto shops. Its about $7 a bottle. Checker on Rainbow certainly stock it. It may be worth adding a bottle to see if that helps.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:30 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE