I'm one of the Z06 owners that needed new rings at 9,900 miles, but still used 3 quarts of oil during the next 2,700 miles. I even kept the rpm's below 3,000. GM has offered to supply a "partial" new engine & then my mechanic will use some of my existing parts & re-assemble the engine when it reaches the dealership. Could someone explain any disadvantages of getting a "partial" new engine, instead of a completely assembled one?
Thanks
Bob e-mail: francesnbob@aol.com

 

Depends. Have them define 'partial'.

If they are giving you a new bottom end and re-using everything else, that's cool...

If they are just replacing the rings & pistons, I'd look into whether anything needs to be balanced. I dunno if rods are balanced to the crank or not. If they go in there by hand, make sure they upgrade the Rod Bolts to ARP rod bolts from Katech.

 

They are probably refering to a short-block assembly. This is fine...new block already assembled with new crank, pistons, rings, cam, etc. Just need to swap your heads (they are not the oil problem anyway), intake, oil pan, etc.

Sounds like a fair deal, go for it. :yesnod:

 

qwikz06,

Sounds like they are offering you the standard, "short block", assembly. If you're not concerned with numbers matching, then I'd say it depends on the tech doing the switching of heads and accessories, as to wheather or not you get good results. I presume the short block they are offering has the up dated rings, right? New block assembly; not rebuild, right?

Good luck.
Mark

 

They are probably going to use the original block...They did on mine.

Mine got bored over .5mm and 1 over pistons, new rings, mains & rods (bolts & bearings) new head bolts, gaskets, and a new oil pump. Intake, heads, cam, rods, crank original parts.

 

MellowYellow--
I will ask them if it is a new botton end.

MDT--
I will also ask them if it's a rebuilt or new block.

TLewis4095--
Thanks To All--Any Other Suggestions?

 

Reusing the block can be advantageous since it has been through a number of heat cycles so it doesn't have the stresses a new block would have. It provides a more stable platform to do an engine build up.
Bill

 

In the classic market, the numbers matching mania is still in full force. Often, a non-matching car will be 40-50% less in value.

If a new short block is installed, how much perceived value hit will impact this car in the future? Will documented GM paperwork suffice to maintain the car's value?

Obviously, this will only be important if the owner plans on keeping it.

 

Hi Bob,
Dave G here. I really think you are at the arbitration/Lemon law stage here. IMO you have bent over backwards in you r dealings with GM. Time for a buyback. If I can be of any help, let me know. As you know, they bought back my '01 ZO6 for the same reason.
Dave

 

I think 6speedy brings up a good point. Major surgery and it's still sucking down the oil. I'd be all over buyback like stink on shy!t. Turn it into an '02 Z06.

 

Hi 6-Speedy (Dave), Closer 2001 & Need-for speed--
GM is refusing to buyback my car & I have a Nov. 15th hearing date with the Calif. BBB. GM is also refusing to give any timeframe that the new block will be available. Is there anyway I can document or prove that different VIN #'s will reduce the value of my car? Does anyone have any info on Calif BBB hearings? I am also going to look for a Calif. Lemon Law Attorney & would appreciate any names & numbers, if you have them!

Dave--
Please call me tomorrow at work 800-666-6634 ext 7919 (7am - 3pm Pacific Time)

Thanks Everyone,
Bob e-mail: francesnbob@aol.com

 

Very probably, Vettefinders or Pro-Team Corvette could give advice on value value reduction for non-matching numbers vehicles.

 

I'll call you tomorrow, Bob.
Dave

 

Thanks everyone. If anyone wants to give me a call at work, it's 800-666-6634 ext 7919, 7am - 3pm Pacific Time.
Bob

 

What this ring problem does related to arbitration, etc, is "seriously impairs the use/value of the car to the owner," or something like that. That was the basis for at least one BBB arbitration decision regarding the oil issue in Maryland. I documented this before I started the process outlined in the Owner's Manual.

The oil use is not a safety issue, it is an engineering defect that degrades the quality of the ownership experience and significantly increases wear on the engine because of the long term effects of oil blowby on the engine,emissions, and lubrication systems. This significantly reduces the resale and value of the car to the owner. Who would buy a C5 with an oil consumption problem. I learned a lot by going to Barnes and Noble and reading a textbook on Auto Mechanics.

I think Bob's case is that much stronger given the fact that he allowed GM to replace the rings and it still didn't work. That shows that GM really can't solve this problem, as least in this case. Non matching numbers would further diminish the collectability of the car in the future.

Too many people are willing to roll over just because GM says they won't buy the car back. They feel powerless in the face of a huge company. I felt the same way, but then I figured I had nothing to lose but some time to try it. C5 owners have forced GM to buy back their cars, including myself. GM didn't give me any problems, and agreed to buy my car back after the first meeting with the Zone rep. I never had to go to arbitration or use the Lemon Law.

Dave