Using way too much oil!
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Dana Point California
Using way too much oil!
According to my mechanic, I have a 1998 C5 that has an LS1 with bad 2nd rings. He said it was a common problem in the '97-'01 LS1's. He gave me 2 quotes, 1 to r&r with a reman LS1 long block and leave stock and 1 to r&r with a reman LS1 long block with an LS6 intake, throttle body and cam. Option 1 is $6,300 and option 2 is $8,300. It's a 6-speed convertible that my wife drives daily with 80,000 miles on it. With the Borla cat back and X pipe, HP mass air sensor and custom tune, it has 325 RWHP and 330 RWTQ while still getting 20+ mpg. I don't think it's worth going with option #2 for the extra $2,000 because it still won't be a real LS6.
I would really like some of your opinions.
Thanks,
Mark
I would really like some of your opinions.
Thanks,
Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
That is a lot, I had a 69' 350/350 that used a lot of oil. Turned out ONE piston had cracked lands between the top and center rings. Changed the one piston and all was well. As long as the piston stayed in the bore, it did no damage to the cylinder. That's why you want to do a compression/leakdown test, you may have a single piston causing the issue.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Dana Point California
He keeps telling me that GM had a problem with the 2nd ring down being undersized. It's starting to ping when you get on it even a little. He seems so sure about the problem and I have heard of others that have had the same thing happen.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 137
From: SoCal CA
Why do you need a reman block? He should be able to re-hone the cylinder and put new rings on the pistons for a lot less. When I had a piston with bad rings i even put forged pistons and rods for less than $6300.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 137
From: SoCal CA
Usually with new rings you always want to re-hone the bore. Most of the time the cross hatching gets a lil messed up from the rings that are bad and wear itself. Dont wanna half *** it either or the new rings will never seat properly.
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Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Dana Point California
I asked the same question and he said that when he put all the numbers together it made more sense to him that at 80k miles ti go for the reman. It's $3,800 for the long block about $2,000 for labor and the rest is plugs and misc. parts. I live in Orange County, CA if anyone knows where I can get a second opinion.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 137
From: SoCal CA
Mileage isnt gonna hurt the block itself, if anything thats still low. Im at 84k mi on the original block with forged internals pumping out 500rwhp. Sounds like he wants to make an extra buck. Go to the Southern Ca section, there are many shops there that can help you out.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Dana Point California
I also have a 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 and this guy did all the work on it. Vortech V3 Intercooled Supercharger and custom Diablo Dyno Tune, along with the standard upgrades. He did a great job for a fair price. 525RWHP and 525RWTQ. I liked his work. Because I live on a boat, I have no place to work on it myself. I still think I might go for it. Thank you for input!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,404
Likes: 1,595
From: Western NY
I also have a 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 and this guy did all the work on it. Vortech V3 Intercooled Supercharger and custom Diablo Dyno Tune, along with the standard upgrades. He did a great job for a fair price. 525RWHP and 525RWTQ. I liked his work. Because I live on a boat, I have no place to work on it myself. I still think I might go for it. Thank you for input!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
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From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Mechanic is ignorant. Ring issue was common with 01s only. As others have stated you dont need a new block for this. Run away from that "mechanic"
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Dana Point California
I called 3 Corvette experts plus GM and they all say the ring problem was only in the 2001 LS motors. I'm going to get a leak test and go from there. Thanks again for all the input.
