Just need to vent my sorrow here, but about a month back my 2003 C5 Z06 died on me. I was cruising along quite calmly, and without warning the engine just died. I pulled over to the side of the road, thinking WTF, the LS6 has NEVER caused any problems before.
So obviously I tried restarting the engine, but it just went *clunk*. I repeated this about 5 times, and then decided it was time to call for the tower, since I was forced to stop at a pretty dangerous stretch of road (traffic-wise that is) and didn't want to get rear-ended.
I eventually managed to get the car towed to the mechanic, where I left it overnight, since they had long since closed for the night. Again, obviously I tried restarting it, and this time it sounded even worse, finally letting off an enormous *bang*, after which I decided I wasn't going to crank it any more.
Since then, the mechanics have pulled the entire engine out and this is what they discovered: apparently, a valve spring cracked, resulting in the whole valve dropping into the cylinder. The valve is now beautifully embedded into the top of the piston (that's how the mechanic put it), "It's a piece of art".
Along the way, the valve managed to destroy the engine block, and according to the mechanic, there's no point in trying to salvage it. So, basically, I need an entire new engine.
Thankfully my insurance covers this sort of stuff, but it's still up to them if they want to have it fixed, or just give me cash to cover my loss (i.e the whole car). I haven't heard from them yet.
To add insult to injury, I live in Sweden, where the C5 Z06 was never marketed, and finding a used/new LS6 is damn near impossible.
Just needed to vent my frustration...and maybe see if this has ever happened to anyone else? It all seems very strange to me since I drive the Z06 respectfully (or as respectfully as you can drive this beast :pp.
That's a bummer. Sorry to hear of your troubles. Look at it this way - it could be an opportunity to upgrade.
Maybe you should follow Steve's lead. It's here...
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You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of football team or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer. --- Frank Zappa
'04 MS/Blk - Z06Fest IV, V, VI, VII & VIII - WinterFest I "Bus Driver"
Sorry to hear that. It really sucks for something that small causing so much damage. I hope that your insurance company can get you squared away and that you can find a place that can get you a replacement LS6 motor. On the positive side, here's your chance to get a larger motor and make it a bada** beast!
If my memory is correct, I have seen a few postings on this forum of broken/cracked valve springs on stock LS6 motors and were prevalent on the '02 and '03 model year. Do a search and good luck!
Sorry to hear of your loss. Sweden is not too far off though. Listen to me....make contact with the Swiss Corvette Club International. I ran into that group at HockenheimRing. I am sure they have some ideas where to go locally. In Germany, you have Geiger Corvette. Ok, not the cheapest, but from what I heard, one of the best. Order up a new crate motor and have it shipped to Sweden. Yes, you will pay crating fees of about $100 and customs fees of even more. However, your car won't be a total loss and you can be back on the road within 90 days.
If you are serious, I can get some leads to the Baden-Wurttemburg Corvette Club. Cecil (RACER-X) had an engine shipped to Germany and then installed. So, it is doable. Just depends on how much you want to do.
Good luck. I feel your pain.
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The rebirth of an SLP 402, MAHLE Pistons, Yella Terra 1.7, COMP 921s, G6X3, AFR 225s, FAST 92mm Intake, FAST 90mm TB, VaraRam VR2B, LG Pro Longtubes, B & B Bullets, RPS Stage 3, TICK Adjustable, Shift Detent, 505 RWTQ, 491 RWHP
Or if you ask the Swiss Corvette Club, also try Mr. Huber Corvette Sportcar Center AG . THE adress for Corvettes in Switzerland! I bought mine from there.
All the best
Steve
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2002 torch red Z06
2002 black F-150 SVT Lightning
1991 silver Cadillac Seville
Sorry to hear about your problem. Broken timing chain can cause the same thing as the LS6 is an interference engine. I had that happen to me during my 04 race season. Good luck finding a spare engine.
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2004 SCCA MidWest Division T1 Champion
AMSOIL Direct Dealer
After over 4 months' of waiting, things are looking up. A brand new LS6 is on the way, as we speak, all paid for by my insurance.
Pricetag, you ask? The equivalent of almost USD20k(!), for the engine, shipping, and installation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PerforminNorman
Probably talking about a warranty. Some places use the terms warranty and insurance as one in the same.
Actually, this WAS covered by my insurance. Most car insurances here in Sweden can be supplemented (for a price) to "full insurance", which will amongst other things also cover engine, tranny, suspension-failures etc, as long as the mileage and age of the car is below a certain level (50,000 miles and/or 8 years).
I've attached a couple of pictures of the old LS6. Note the crack in the block
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