Hello everyone, I have a 2001 C5 stock. I was driving home from class, maybe going 75 in 5th gear, around 2k-2.5k rpm, and my car suddenly started lurching forward multiple times, as if I was stalling. Didn’t realize until about 15 minutes later as I’m getting off the freeway, I’m hearing a insanely loud knocking coming from the engine (couldn’t hear at first due to exhaust and speakers, I have 2 12s in my trunk.)

whatever the sound was, it was speaking a language that sounded expensive 😭😭, below is the video of the sound, it’s even louder when pressing the gas.

I need help possible identifying what this sound is? Could it be rod knock?

if I do need an engine rebuild, could it possible be a partial or full rebuild?

and lastly, if it happens to be a full rebuild, I plan on taking on the challenge of buying a service manual, and all necessary parts and taking the time to rebuild it myself (I have zero experience) and would like some guidance on all the tools and necessary parts. (I’ve started doing minimal research and have found an engine hoist and stand, factory service manual, cylinder hone, and rebuild kit, but need more research on tools and help with the entire process though.)

The reason I’m leaning more towards rebuilding it myself if it happens to need a full rebuild is because I’m not going to spend 7k-10k+ on a rebuild upfront when I can save money doing it myself at my pace. I understand with zero experience there could be some hiccups, trial and error, and it will take me months upon months to finish this project but I’m ok with that if it means saving money.

The second reason being I have a family and bills and financial obligations. Spending 10k upfront is a no go, when I can spend a few thousand over 5-10 months and take my time rebuilding it at my pace.

The last reason being, this isn’t my only vehicle, I have 2 more vehicles and a bike (tons of options for travel) so this is technically a weekend car for me, which is why I’m fine with taking the time to rebuild it.

any and all help on this situation, and with pointing me in the right direction is immensely appreciated, thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to help me 😁.

Side Note - I also plan on buying an A&A supercharger system next year, and I figured getting hands on with my own engine will help, since I plan to install it myself. if I happen to need any performance upgrades in the engine before I can install a supercharger, I’d appreciate any help since I’ll already be working on the rebuild and can add parts as I complete the build.

 

Some hiccups? Nah, what could go wrong?

 

definitely nothing… 😵‍💫

 

How much oil is reading on the dipstick? How many miles?

 

You can do that, but it’s a lot of work and risk with less than tremendous returns. No argument about minimizing costs, but a good used engine is very cost effective. You can stay with an aluminum block or go with cast iron for low dollars, high strength, and about 90 lbs. of additional weight.

 

Try the new summit 427 LS iron block. Just a thought.