LS3 Durability
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: McKinney Texas
LS3 Durability
I heard the LS3 is a well designed engine. How many miles would you expect from it? Would 300k be unreasonable if I did mostly cruising and some occasional fun? No mods also. I think the LS3 should make it.
On another note, how many people open their hood after driving long distances to let the engine cool? I heard that it was supposed to increase the engine life. By how much, I don't know....
Thanks,
CC
On another note, how many people open their hood after driving long distances to let the engine cool? I heard that it was supposed to increase the engine life. By how much, I don't know....
Thanks,
CC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,634
Likes: 1,185
From: Lake Worth Beach, Florida
I would expect the LS3 or any other modern engine to go 300,000 miles easy. Just change the oil and filters. I am certain there would be the necessity to repair accessories and other wear items. Modern engines are designed and assembled much better than our father's engines.
I have never heard of opening the hood to cool the engine faster to extend engine life.
I have never heard of opening the hood to cool the engine faster to extend engine life.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,644
Likes: 13
From: South of Boston MA
I've been doing the "open the hood after highway runs" for years. I get a lot of "Are you having a problem?" from people in rest stops.
While I can't say for certain it helps with longer engine life I know it can't hurt. If you can get the heat out of the engine compartment, even for a short while, I think it's a good thing. Who knows, maybe things like the starter, alternator or other sensitive electronics might last a bit longer because of less heat. Like I said, been doing it for years and it's a habit now.
I'd like to think the LS3 engine would be as durable as the others, LS1, LS2 and so on. Not sure I'll still own my '08 coupe when it hits six figures. I'll certainly take good care of it.
While I can't say for certain it helps with longer engine life I know it can't hurt. If you can get the heat out of the engine compartment, even for a short while, I think it's a good thing. Who knows, maybe things like the starter, alternator or other sensitive electronics might last a bit longer because of less heat. Like I said, been doing it for years and it's a habit now.I'd like to think the LS3 engine would be as durable as the others, LS1, LS2 and so on. Not sure I'll still own my '08 coupe when it hits six figures. I'll certainly take good care of it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area CA
I've been doing the "open the hood after highway runs" for years. I get a lot of "Are you having a problem?" from people in rest stops. While I can't say for certain it helps with longer engine life I know it can't hurt. If you can get the heat out of the engine compartment, even for a short while, I think it's a good thing. Who knows, maybe things like the starter, alternator or other sensitive electronics might last a bit longer because of less heat. Like I said, been doing it for years and it's a habit now.
I'd like to think the LS3 engine would be as durable as the others, LS1, LS2 and so on. Not sure I'll still own my '08 coupe when it hits six figures. I'll certainly take good care of it.
While I can't say for certain it helps with longer engine life I know it can't hurt. If you can get the heat out of the engine compartment, even for a short while, I think it's a good thing. Who knows, maybe things like the starter, alternator or other sensitive electronics might last a bit longer because of less heat. Like I said, been doing it for years and it's a habit now.I'd like to think the LS3 engine would be as durable as the others, LS1, LS2 and so on. Not sure I'll still own my '08 coupe when it hits six figures. I'll certainly take good care of it.
You say that opening the hood "it can't hurt." I disagree. Unless there is something very wrong with the engine cavity natural cooling channels... and there is not, actually speeding up natural engine cooling is wrong. All things mechanical like to warm up and cool down slowly not fast. Speeding up heating/cooling cycles stresses the engine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,835
Likes: 6
seems to me that more important than cool down to engine longevity would be operating temperature.
That's why my underhood insulation and so called beauty covers came off the car when there was about 10 miles on it.
When it's cold outside I open the hood to warm the garage. When it's hot outside I park the C6 in the driveway to let it cool down. Pulling into the garage when it's in the 90s outside just heats the garage up way too fast etc.
That's why my underhood insulation and so called beauty covers came off the car when there was about 10 miles on it.
When it's cold outside I open the hood to warm the garage. When it's hot outside I park the C6 in the driveway to let it cool down. Pulling into the garage when it's in the 90s outside just heats the garage up way too fast etc.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 17,373
Likes: 6
From: Chatsworth California
I would expect the LS3 or any other modern engine to go 300,000 miles easy. Just change the oil and filters. I am certain there would be the necessity to repair accessories and other wear items. Modern engines are designed and assembled much better than our father's engines.
I have never heard of opening the hood to cool the engine faster to extend engine life.
I have never heard of opening the hood to cool the engine faster to extend engine life.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,827
Likes: 5
From: Chino Hills CA
What is even better than that is putting a 170 degree thermostat in your C6 and then you can buy the kit at WCC to lower the temperature when your electric fans turn on. This will keep you engine at a very nice 190 degrees at the most. The only reason that Chevy puts a higher temperature thermostat is to make the car hotter to help it pass smog. The car will still pass smog as long as you get it warmed up very well before you take it down to get smogged. Have fun and COOL down!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area CA
It does not go away... you guys think that by lowering a thermostat opening temp the engine will run cooler? that is only true if you do short trips and at low speed. If you drive longer and spiritedly the engine temp will go higher no matter the thermostat opening setting.
If you want your engine to run cooler (and that may not be a good thing) the only way is to enlarge the cooling capacity - radiators, fans.
If you want your engine to run cooler (and that may not be a good thing) the only way is to enlarge the cooling capacity - radiators, fans.
Racer
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 311
Likes: 15
From: Southeast Florida
.
it helps with longer engine life I know it can't hurt. If you can get the heat out of the engine compartment, even for a short while, I think it's a good thing. Who knows, maybe things like the starter, alternator or other sensitive electronics might last a bit longer because of less heat.
.
it helps with longer engine life I know it can't hurt. If you can get the heat out of the engine compartment, even for a short while, I think it's a good thing. Who knows, maybe things like the starter, alternator or other sensitive electronics might last a bit longer because of less heat.
.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I would expect the LS3 or any other modern engine to go 300,000 miles easy. Just change the oil and filters. I am certain there would be the necessity to repair accessories and other wear items. Modern engines are designed and assembled much better than our father's engines.
I have never heard of opening the hood to cool the engine faster to extend engine life.
I have never heard of opening the hood to cool the engine faster to extend engine life.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 345
From: Fingerlakes Region NY
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I would love to hear what these two have to say about this "open hood cool down"!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 1
From: Farmingdale NY
St. Jude Donor '06
Longevity is subjective. It depends more on how you drive and maintain the car. It is very possible for the engine itself to last the 300K, but I think you would spend a fortune replacing all of the other things that make the car run.
These cars are designed to operate at a given temp, I don't know how much I would be willing to mess with that.
Most of us probably started out driving cars that normally operated under 200 degrees and are convinced that anything higher means that we are running too hot and somehow causing damage. Today's engines are much more efficient at producing power, fuel economy, and running cleaner than the motors that came in our old Musclecars. I still have an old Musclecar and often drive both it and the Corvette back to back. There is a big difference in the two as far as power, and trust me, if my GTO ever approached the temps that the Corvette does I would be very concerned about it.
These cars are designed to operate at a given temp, I don't know how much I would be willing to mess with that.
Most of us probably started out driving cars that normally operated under 200 degrees and are convinced that anything higher means that we are running too hot and somehow causing damage. Today's engines are much more efficient at producing power, fuel economy, and running cleaner than the motors that came in our old Musclecars. I still have an old Musclecar and often drive both it and the Corvette back to back. There is a big difference in the two as far as power, and trust me, if my GTO ever approached the temps that the Corvette does I would be very concerned about it.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
I believe without modifications, the engine can go beyond the suggested mileage. Question is will other components make it?
Additionally, if heat is a subjective concern rather than opening the hood at every stop, one can purchase a third party hood with ventilations; many good designs are available.
If you have a second car, you can also avoid driving the car in most heat extreme conditions (i.e. extreme traffice jam while in in extreme noon temperature, tracks, etc).
Although, I think all this is unnecessary just drive your car without worrying about the mileage and warranty. Simply just enjoy it!
Additionally, if heat is a subjective concern rather than opening the hood at every stop, one can purchase a third party hood with ventilations; many good designs are available.
If you have a second car, you can also avoid driving the car in most heat extreme conditions (i.e. extreme traffice jam while in in extreme noon temperature, tracks, etc).
Although, I think all this is unnecessary just drive your car without worrying about the mileage and warranty. Simply just enjoy it!
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
This is total nonsense.
You say that opening the hood "it can't hurt." I disagree. Unless there is something very wrong with the engine cavity natural cooling channels... and there is not, actually speeding up natural engine cooling is wrong. All things mechanical like to warm up and cool down slowly not fast. Speeding up heating/cooling cycles stresses the engine.
You say that opening the hood "it can't hurt." I disagree. Unless there is something very wrong with the engine cavity natural cooling channels... and there is not, actually speeding up natural engine cooling is wrong. All things mechanical like to warm up and cool down slowly not fast. Speeding up heating/cooling cycles stresses the engine.
What ??? You're not spraying a hot engine with cold water just opening the hood. I have never heard that opening the hood, to let the heat out, adds to the longevity of an engine. I seriously doubt it. Ask any major tuner/builder who works on these engines daily and they will tell you that in stock form they are pretty much bullet proof. Why do you think GM is still making a smallblock pushrod engine now with a 100,000 mile warranty ?
