Does it Ever End? The OEM Replacements
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
From: Lynchburg Virginia
Does it Ever End? The OEM Replacements
This forum has been great!!! But also has gotten me more paranoid than ever about my engine. in my 03 z Late 02 build. 45kmiles…to the point where I actually have a slight pit in my stomach driving it.. just waiting……
I seen all the horror stories about valve springs failing.. and that my 03 Z late 02 build is a prime suspect for it to happen to.. So GMPARTSHOUSE set me up a package of all valves and seals so I can get them replaced..
Now I read on... seems like some members here with past experience highly recommends, lifters, lifter trays to also be replaced..even to upgrade rockers to prevent failure....
I am not qualified enough to do allot of this work on my own.. so local stealership is setting up an apt for me. about $550.00 for the labor for the springs and seals alone..
Where does it end for peace of mind? I know we cannot prevent everything, but what are the major factors to really consider and replace.. I don’t have unlimited funds.. but she is my daily driver…
I seen all the horror stories about valve springs failing.. and that my 03 Z late 02 build is a prime suspect for it to happen to.. So GMPARTSHOUSE set me up a package of all valves and seals so I can get them replaced..
Now I read on... seems like some members here with past experience highly recommends, lifters, lifter trays to also be replaced..even to upgrade rockers to prevent failure....
I am not qualified enough to do allot of this work on my own.. so local stealership is setting up an apt for me. about $550.00 for the labor for the springs and seals alone..
Where does it end for peace of mind? I know we cannot prevent everything, but what are the major factors to really consider and replace.. I don’t have unlimited funds.. but she is my daily driver…
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh PA
I'm no expert on these engines by any means. But I do a good bit of reading on internet car forums. One thing I have observed is failure issues tend to get blown out of proportion. 90% of the posts are someone with a problem which makes sense. Very few post to say their car is running fine. So the perception from reading posts is you need to rebuild the whole car from the ground up.
There is also the factor that, for the most part, it is unknown how the car is being driven. Every weekend at the track is going to have a different result than commuter duty. I'm all for preventitive maintenance but the upgrade cycle can get out of control. With those few miles I would be inclined to do the basic maintenance and drive it.
Not really a tech answer but my take on the subject.
There is also the factor that, for the most part, it is unknown how the car is being driven. Every weekend at the track is going to have a different result than commuter duty. I'm all for preventitive maintenance but the upgrade cycle can get out of control. With those few miles I would be inclined to do the basic maintenance and drive it.
Not really a tech answer but my take on the subject.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,763
Likes: 3,281
From: Phoenix area, AZ
This forum has been great!!! But also has gotten me more paranoid than ever about my engine. in my 03 z Late 02 build. 45kmiles…to the point where I actually have a slight pit in my stomach driving it.. just waiting……
I seen all the horror stories about valve springs failing.. and that my 03 Z late 02 build is a prime suspect for it to happen to.. So GMPARTSHOUSE set me up a package of all valves and seals so I can get them replaced..
Now I read on... seems like some members here with past experience highly recommends, lifters, lifter trays to also be replaced..even to upgrade rockers to prevent failure....
I am not qualified enough to do allot of this work on my own.. so local stealership is setting up an apt for me. about $550.00 for the labor for the springs and seals alone..
Where does it end for peace of mind? I know we cannot prevent everything, but what are the major factors to really consider and replace.. I don’t have unlimited funds.. but she is my daily driver…
I seen all the horror stories about valve springs failing.. and that my 03 Z late 02 build is a prime suspect for it to happen to.. So GMPARTSHOUSE set me up a package of all valves and seals so I can get them replaced..
Now I read on... seems like some members here with past experience highly recommends, lifters, lifter trays to also be replaced..even to upgrade rockers to prevent failure....
I am not qualified enough to do allot of this work on my own.. so local stealership is setting up an apt for me. about $550.00 for the labor for the springs and seals alone..
Where does it end for peace of mind? I know we cannot prevent everything, but what are the major factors to really consider and replace.. I don’t have unlimited funds.. but she is my daily driver…
With that said, my past experiences have shown me that if you're going to have top-end engine problems you'll be able to feel it before it actually happens as long as you pay attention when your car speaks to you. If it's running fine right now, don't worry about it and enjoy the summer. When problems are pending you should be able to tell from the vibrations you feel while holding the steering wheel. They will noticeably change, and you will feel it when it happens. For example, the 2003 Monte Carlo my oldest is now driving developed a "feel" at 40k miles that told me something was about to go. I took it to the shop multiple times to have it checked out, but the mechanics could never find anything wrong. 22k miles later, sure enough, I started the car one morning and it felt like the whole top end of the engine had been sucked down into the oil pan. If not for my many complaints about top-end rattles I'd have had to foot the bill for the new engine, but GM ended up paying for it because I paid attention when my car spoke to me. With a Chevy V8 it's even easier to feel problems before they happen, so don't worry until they do and enjoy your ride.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
From: Lynchburg Virginia
I really appreciate that answer.... The strange thing about my car, is when I bought it.. I had a ton of sales slips, where it got passed from dealer to dealer to dealer, and never fully reg. I was told it was a show car or a car dealers used at events before they finally sold it. I got it with 24k miles on it. I don’t know how it was driven...
I use as a DD, never track, but do get into it for fun when no ones looking..ya know..
I feel allot are blown out of proportion.. and like you said, I damn feel close to need to rebuild the car after reading some posts. I def take care of her, always clean, maint. on time and respect the machine. So just making sure I stay ahead of the game.
I already ordered the springs .. i may just do those and call it a day.. I suppose
I use as a DD, never track, but do get into it for fun when no ones looking..ya know..
I feel allot are blown out of proportion.. and like you said, I damn feel close to need to rebuild the car after reading some posts. I def take care of her, always clean, maint. on time and respect the machine. So just making sure I stay ahead of the game.
I already ordered the springs .. i may just do those and call it a day.. I suppose
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
From: Lynchburg Virginia
Staying paranoid about my engine is what keeps it running so good.
With that said, my past experiences have shown me that if you're going to have top-end engine problems you'll be able to feel it before it actually happens as long as you pay attention when your car speaks to you. If it's running fine right now, don't worry about it and enjoy the summer. When problems are pending you should be able to tell from the vibrations you feel while holding the steering wheel. They will noticeably change, and you will feel it when it happens. For example, the 2003 Monte Carlo my oldest is now driving developed a "feel" at 40k miles that told me something was about to go. I took it to the shop multiple times to have it checked out, but the mechanics could never find anything wrong. 22k miles later, sure enough, I started the car one morning and it felt like the whole top end of the engine had been sucked down into the oil pan. If not for my many complaints about top-end rattles I'd have had to foot the bill for the new engine, but GM ended up paying for it because I paid attention when my car spoke to me. With a Chevy V8 it's even easier to feel problems before they happen, so don't worry until they do and enjoy your ride.
With that said, my past experiences have shown me that if you're going to have top-end engine problems you'll be able to feel it before it actually happens as long as you pay attention when your car speaks to you. If it's running fine right now, don't worry about it and enjoy the summer. When problems are pending you should be able to tell from the vibrations you feel while holding the steering wheel. They will noticeably change, and you will feel it when it happens. For example, the 2003 Monte Carlo my oldest is now driving developed a "feel" at 40k miles that told me something was about to go. I took it to the shop multiple times to have it checked out, but the mechanics could never find anything wrong. 22k miles later, sure enough, I started the car one morning and it felt like the whole top end of the engine had been sucked down into the oil pan. If not for my many complaints about top-end rattles I'd have had to foot the bill for the new engine, but GM ended up paying for it because I paid attention when my car spoke to me. With a Chevy V8 it's even easier to feel problems before they happen, so don't worry until they do and enjoy your ride.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Your car's build date is exactly in the time frame when the bad batches of valve springs were accidently introduced into the Z's LS/6's engines.
Don't hesitate for a minute in replacing your valve springs.
Replacing the exhaust & intake seals at the same time is also a smart thing to do.
In regards to the rockers, the bearing problems were already resolved on your motor.
The other thing to keep an eye on, would be the harmonic balancer moving/wobbling, forward or rearward, which often coincides with squeaky pulley or thrown belt.
Other than installing an oil catch can to keep the oil from pooling under the intake manifold, your LS/6 motor should be good for quite a few years of trouble free performance.
Good luck.
Last edited by bumble-z; May 22, 2012 at 11:12 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
Sounds like you're too busy worrying about it to enjoy owning it... that doesn't make any sense at all.
There are members on these boards with 300K+ miles on their original motors and drivetrains; stop worrying. If something breaks... fix it. Usually there are symptoms prior to major failures and you'll be able to address them before they become an issue.
Due to the build date of your car I understand your wanting to replace the springs for peace of mind but other than that quit worrying about it and drive it. Just pay attention to it and do the required maintenance.
There are members on these boards with 300K+ miles on their original motors and drivetrains; stop worrying. If something breaks... fix it. Usually there are symptoms prior to major failures and you'll be able to address them before they become an issue.
Due to the build date of your car I understand your wanting to replace the springs for peace of mind but other than that quit worrying about it and drive it. Just pay attention to it and do the required maintenance.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
I would be concerned more about unavailability of parts on these cars now. The list is growing, and it will continue no doubt. Recent additions, are key fobs for 97-98. Also, PCMs for those years are no longer supplied by GM or Delco...just learned that one the hard way. In time, all years could suffer the same fate...start gathering critical spares now while you can do so easily....
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
Your car's build date is exactly in the time frame when the bad batches of valve springs were accidently introduced into the Z's LS/6's engines.
Don't hesitate for a minute in replacing your valve springs.
Replacing the exhaust & intake seals at the same time is also a smart thing to do.
In regards to the rockers, the bearing problems were already resolved on your motor.
The other thing to keep an eye on, would be the harmonic balancer moving/wobbling, forward or rearward, which often coincides with squeaky pulley or thrown belt.
Other than installing an oil catch can to keep the oil from pooling under the intake manifold, your LS/6 motor should be good for quite a few years of trouble free performance.
Good luck.
Don't hesitate for a minute in replacing your valve springs.
Replacing the exhaust & intake seals at the same time is also a smart thing to do.
In regards to the rockers, the bearing problems were already resolved on your motor.
The other thing to keep an eye on, would be the harmonic balancer moving/wobbling, forward or rearward, which often coincides with squeaky pulley or thrown belt.
Other than installing an oil catch can to keep the oil from pooling under the intake manifold, your LS/6 motor should be good for quite a few years of trouble free performance.
Good luck.
Sound advice.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Tampa fl
St. Jude Donor '14
I didnt have money to pay someone on top of the parts on my DD so I HAD to do it. Good luck 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 156
From: Huntington tx
Never let not being "qualified" stop you. I take things by the horns and do stuff I'm not qualified to do all the time. I figure that it's only information that I lack and given having the information on how to do stuff....I'm just as good as the "qualified" person. Of course short of surgery and doctoring(I'll let someone else do that), You can learn stuff everyday. I built my own house, Fix my own vehicles, paint my own, even raised my own kids without the Village butting in.
Do your own work when you can.
Everything works out, well except for that Clothes dryer that burst into flames when I tried to "fix" it. But I put it out before it burned the house down, so it's all good.
Do your own work when you can.
Everything works out, well except for that Clothes dryer that burst into flames when I tried to "fix" it. But I put it out before it burned the house down, so it's all good.
Last edited by sfc rick; May 23, 2012 at 08:03 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Tampa fl
St. Jude Donor '14
Never let not being "qualified" stop you. I take things by the horns and do stuff I'm not qualified to do all the time. I figure that it's only information that I lack and given having the information on how to do stuff....I'm just as good as the "qualified" person. Of course short of surgery and doctoring(I'll let someone else do that), You can learn stuff everyday. I built my own house, Fix my own vehicles, paint my own, even raised my own kids without the Village butting in.
Do your own work when you can.
Everything works out, well except for that Clothes dryer that burst into flames when I tried to "fix" it. But I put it out before it burned the house down, so it's all good.
Do your own work when you can.
Everything works out, well except for that Clothes dryer that burst into flames when I tried to "fix" it. But I put it out before it burned the house down, so it's all good.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 46
From: Taylorsville North Carolina
I would not be afraid if I were you. I am an accountant and with the help of the diy's on this forum, I have repl my motor, repl a pilot bearing (a bigger chore than I thought), replaced my hud (not as big a chore as I thought), switched out sways, removed front and rear bumpers, installed oil cooler (way harder that it looked), repl radiator, repl rotors and pads 2x a month for track days. The only thing I don't mess with is electrical gremlins. Haven't had to do springs and seals, but you should at least take a look at what is involved before giving up the $550. Good luck with it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 48
From: Nathalie VA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18
Swap the spring and seals (Get a compression tester and remove the check valve to ensure the valves don't drop in the cylinder). Don't worry about the lifters unless they are making a lot of racket.
I swapped out the lifters on my 02 2 weeks for a set of ls7's lifters, ls2 trays, and ls9 head gaskets. Took about 4 days working in the afternoon, outside, and taking my time. Not a bad job just clean and inspect the work area (don't leave any tools or parts in the cylinders that would be a bad day!!!).
I swapped out the lifters on my 02 2 weeks for a set of ls7's lifters, ls2 trays, and ls9 head gaskets. Took about 4 days working in the afternoon, outside, and taking my time. Not a bad job just clean and inspect the work area (don't leave any tools or parts in the cylinders that would be a bad day!!!).
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 518
Likes: 36
From: Indiana
Never let not being "qualified" stop you. I take things by the horns and do stuff I'm not qualified to do all the time. I figure that it's only information that I lack and given having the information on how to do stuff....I'm just as good as the "qualified" person. Of course short of surgery and doctoring(I'll let someone else do that), You can learn stuff everyday. I built my own house, Fix my own vehicles, paint my own, even raised my own kids without the Village butting in.
Do your own work when you can.
Do your own work when you can.
Hell, I just changed the clutch on my vette on jackstands, cakewalk.. Research Research Research, then do!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22,185
Likes: 65
From: NJ
This forum has been great!!! But also has gotten me more paranoid than ever about my engine. in my 03 z Late 02 build. 45kmiles…to the point where I actually have a slight pit in my stomach driving it.. just waiting……
I seen all the horror stories about valve springs failing.. and that my 03 Z late 02 build is a prime suspect for it to happen to.. So GMPARTSHOUSE set me up a package of all valves and seals so I can get them replaced..
Now I read on... seems like some members here with past experience highly recommends, lifters, lifter trays to also be replaced..even to upgrade rockers to prevent failure....
I am not qualified enough to do allot of this work on my own.. so local stealership is setting up an apt for me. about $550.00 for the labor for the springs and seals alone..
Where does it end for peace of mind? I know we cannot prevent everything, but what are the major factors to really consider and replace.. I don’t have unlimited funds.. but she is my daily driver…
I seen all the horror stories about valve springs failing.. and that my 03 Z late 02 build is a prime suspect for it to happen to.. So GMPARTSHOUSE set me up a package of all valves and seals so I can get them replaced..
Now I read on... seems like some members here with past experience highly recommends, lifters, lifter trays to also be replaced..even to upgrade rockers to prevent failure....
I am not qualified enough to do allot of this work on my own.. so local stealership is setting up an apt for me. about $550.00 for the labor for the springs and seals alone..
Where does it end for peace of mind? I know we cannot prevent everything, but what are the major factors to really consider and replace.. I don’t have unlimited funds.. but she is my daily driver…
Do yourself a favor and enjoy your car. Replace the springs and be done. These LS engines are really tough as hell.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
Beyond that, I'd recommend a Comp Cams rocker arm upgrade kit (only ~ $120 for the kit), as the stock rocker arms have been known to puke the needle bearings.
No real need to upgrade lifters or pushrods if you use the stock cam.