C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
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Old May 13, 2007 | 08:07 AM
  #1  
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Default need help!

I am in need of some serious help. My husband is deployed overseas, his 2003 corvette is in the shop. I have just learned that there is a crack in the block. The dealership suggests I get a new long block put in for $5400, the warranty company says they can get one for $3250-but it is a short block. I know nothing about corvettes or engines. If I go with the short block provided from the warranty company, the warranty on the engine will be 12 mos./12,000 miles. If I go with the Chev. dealership the long block warranty will be 3yrs./100,000 miles but I have to pay the difference. What do I do??
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Old May 13, 2007 | 08:32 AM
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First of all, the difference between a short block and a long block is that the long block includes the heads and the short block does not. Practically speaking, if the crack is in the block only, then you do not need the heads replaced and the short block will be the thing to do. If you just want the longer warranty the choice is up to you.
Another consideration is the mileage. If the car has low miles, say under 50,000 , then the short block is the way to go. If you have high mileage , then the extra money for the new heads would be justified.
Good luck which ever you choose and you have my thanks for what your husband is doing for all of us in this country!
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Old May 13, 2007 | 09:28 AM
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Go with the short block unless you have MORE than 150,000 miles on the original. We tear these down daily and have YET to see any noticeable wear on the LS based motors period. These are not your grandfathers motors that wear out at 100k miles. We see plenty of cross-hatch still visable on 100k LS motors & bearings looking like new yet! You will be fine with the short block. Don't spend $ you don't need to.
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Old May 13, 2007 | 09:38 AM
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Where are you located? Also, are these prices out the door prices or are they for the materials only. If they are only for the parts, then the heads and such from the original motor will need to be transferred over to the short block and there will be additional cost for that. Make sure you fully understand what the charges will be.
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Old May 13, 2007 | 09:48 AM
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How in the world did the block crack??

What symptoms are you seeing that caused you to take it to the dealer?

Is it an internal or external crack? Coolant pouring on the floor or being consumed Thur the exhaust or oil in the coolant?

I'm not saying that it isn't cracked but, it wont be the very first time a dealer didn't try to pull one over on a female! Have you gotten a second opinion????


I applaud your husbands service and your support! I'm retired Navy and I know what your going through. My wife is a real trooper and put up with family separation for all of my 26 year career.

Please fill us in on the details and maybe we can provide you some more recommendations.
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Old May 13, 2007 | 06:02 PM
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Sorry about your troubles. Have someone you trust, a man, go with you to talk to them about what is going on. Hopefully they aren't trying to pull anything just because you are a lady, but sadly yet today it does happen. Sometimes just having a man with you changes their story somewhat. Good luck....
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Old May 13, 2007 | 06:22 PM
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Default Get help and a scond opinion

Originally Posted by christine018
I am in need of some serious help. My husband is deployed overseas, his 2003 corvette is in the shop. I have just learned that there is a crack in the block. The dealership suggests I get a new long block put in for $5400, the warranty company says they can get one for $3250-but it is a short block. I know nothing about corvettes or engines. If I go with the short block provided from the warranty company, the warranty on the engine will be 12 mos./12,000 miles. If I go with the Chev. dealership the long block warranty will be 3yrs./100,000 miles but I have to pay the difference. What do I do??
As everyone points out. Seek help and a second opinion. As a recently retired vet , over the course of thirty years of service,
I saw this happen time and again to my shipmates.
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Old May 13, 2007 | 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 04cad
Sorry about your troubles. Have someone you trust, a man, go with you to talk to them about what is going on. Hopefully they aren't trying to pull anything just because you are a lady, but sadly yet today it does happen. Sometimes just having a man with you changes their story somewhat. Good luck....
100%, a block just does not crack for no reason. i would want to actually SEE where the "crack" was but how many miles are on the car??
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Old May 13, 2007 | 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by christine018
I am in need of some serious help. My husband is deployed overseas, his 2003 corvette is in the shop. I have just learned that there is a crack in the block. The dealership suggests I get a new long block put in for $5400, the warranty company says they can get one for $3250-but it is a short block. I know nothing about corvettes or engines. If I go with the short block provided from the warranty company, the warranty on the engine will be 12 mos./12,000 miles. If I go with the Chev. dealership the long block warranty will be 3yrs./100,000 miles but I have to pay the difference. What do I do??

Christine

Where are you located>\?

Im sure we can fine a forum member locally who can help you make the right decision by checking out your engine and seeing if your getting the right story and diagnosis.



Bill C
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