2001 piston ring defect
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 4
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2001 piston ring defect
Hey guys I have the piston ring defect on my 2001 corvette it’s a base model and I was thinking about camming I know I should fix the oil consumption issue as-well but piston rings are a big job and I don’t have the time to get into that plus this is a daily.. I was wondering if the oil consumption issue would get worse if I cammed it 
thanks
thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,954
Likes: 711
Hey guys I have the piston ring defect on my 2001 corvette it’s a base model and I was thinking about camming I know I should fix the oil consumption issue as-well but piston rings are a big job and I don’t have the time to get into that plus this is a daily.. I was wondering if the oil consumption issue would get worse if I cammed it thanks
thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,245
Likes: 1,092
From: Dyer, IN
Hey guys I have the piston ring defect on my 2001 corvette it’s a base model and I was thinking about camming I know I should fix the oil consumption issue as-well but piston rings are a big job and I don’t have the time to get into that plus this is a daily.. I was wondering if the oil consumption issue would get worse if I cammed it thanks
thanks
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Im lucky enough to already be in the automotive field so I have the tools and a bay that I can perform the cam installation but I don’t want to get into the piston rings right now but a cam swap is easy and wouldn’t take more than a day would you like to do it for me?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 4
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,245
Likes: 1,092
From: Dyer, IN
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,212
From: Temple Texas
Just changing a cam has no noticeable effect on oil consumption.
Changing your driving habits can have a big effect on oil consumption, and habits generally change when you use the engine modifications for their intended purpose.
Look at it this way. You have an issue now that is causing you concern. It's possible that issue will get worse with your proposed change, it's not possible that it will get better.
How much risk is acceptable to you?
Changing your driving habits can have a big effect on oil consumption, and habits generally change when you use the engine modifications for their intended purpose.
Look at it this way. You have an issue now that is causing you concern. It's possible that issue will get worse with your proposed change, it's not possible that it will get better.
How much risk is acceptable to you?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 670
Likes: 357
From: Windsor, CT
I never noticed a change in my oil consumption until I swapped a cam. Then my driving habits changed, I was able to spin the motor to a higher RPM, and I was able to decel in gear from high RPM as I did my first HPDE day. That's when It was confirmed my motor was drinking oil, as it left clouds of blue smoke after some spirited laps. Works great on the street and you'd never know it was consuming oil, but on the track where my driving habits are different, it became very apparent. I'll be pulling my motor this Spring to give it the good fix, new rings. 1999 LS1 175k miles
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
I do not have any knowledge of a "piston ring defect" for 2001 C5's. There are lots of reasons for high oil consumption including defective PCV valve, valve stem seals and leaks -- or bad rings.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,245
Likes: 1,092
From: Dyer, IN
1999-2002: Service Bulletin: Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption
Subject: Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption (Replace Rings and Engine Valley Cover)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 01-06-01-023A
Models: 1999-2001 Chevrolet Camaro, 1999-2002 Chevrolet Corvette, 1999-2001 Pontiac Firebird, with 5.7L Engine (VINs G, S -- RPOs LS1, LS6)
This bulletin is being revised to add model years for the Corvette, information on the LS6 engine and parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-023 (Section 6 - Engine).
Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. When checked, the oil consumption could be in the range of 400-600 miles per quart (700-1000 km/L).
On the LS6 engine only, the technician may find oil behind the engine throttle plate and in the intake manifold.
Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the piston rings and the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs -- typically manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is frequently or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.
On the LS6 engine only, the engine has a unique aluminum valley cover that has composite oil separating baffles and PCV plumbing incorporated. In some cases, the PCV baffle may not be properly sealed to the valley cover, causing oil to enter the PCV system.
Correction
On the LS6 engine only, replace the engine valley cover if oil is found behind the throttle body or in the intake manifold before replacing the piston ring. Refer to Engine Valley Cover Replacement in the Engine Mechanical - 5.7L subsection of the Corvette Service Manual.
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The new rings are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2 compression ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings in the piston ring kit should be discarded. The original number 1 compression ring and the oil ring rails should be re-used in their original positions on the piston. All pistons should be used in the same cylinder bore.
Important
Do not dress or hone the cylinder bore. Nothing should be done to change the bore finish for this condition. Changing the bore finish may aggravate the condition.
Refer to the Unit Repair Manual for appropriate ring removal and replacement procedure.
The number 1 compression ring and the upper and lower oil expander rails are re-used because they are already broken in for the bore that they are in. The new number 2 compression ring is made with a very sharp edge that will break in quickly.
Changing only the piston rings noted, with no change in driving style, should change oil consumption to an acceptable level. Changes in driving style that reduce the amount of time spent at higher RPMs will also positively affect oil consumption.
In addition to the standard size piston ring kit listed below, a 0.25 mm oversized piston ring kit is available. The oversized piston ring kit should only be used in those rare instances where the cylinder bore size has been machined larger to accommodate the 0.25 mm oversized piston rings.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty
12568002
Valley Cover
1
88984247
Ring Kit, Piston
8
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
J0250
Manifold or Gasket Intake - Replace Manifold
Use Published Labor Operation Time
J1307
Piston, Rod and/or Rings -- Replace, Both Banks
Use Published Labor Time