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2001 Corvette

ldf44

Active member
Joined
May 14, 2002
Messages
40
Location
Decatur, IL
Corvette
2007 Victory Red Coupe
Has anyone had a problem with a 2001 Corvette using excessive amounts of oil? I have heard that they came with bad rings. Any truth to this?
 
H ithere,
There is a technical service bulletin on an oil usage condition for the 98-01 Corvette.
New for 01, the ZO6, with its revised gearing, spends more time above 3000 rpm, and thus use more oil, and this was very much a controversial issue for 01 buyers.
The rings are the issue, for less then 10% of all 01 buyers.
It really all depends on how you drive your car.
Besttoyou, c4c5:hb
 
c4c5specialist...are you saying that this is a Z06 problem or is it to 10% of all 2001 models? What is considered "normal" consumption? What interval do you recommend for oil changes with synthetic oil? I just bought my 01 last week with 2035 miles. It has not been changed yet. The car has not been driven for a year as well. I was planning on changing at 3000. What do you think?
Thanks,
Scott
 
I was told by the dealer that they got a service bulletin, as c4c5 said, that the LS1 and LS6 consumes about a quart of oil every 2,000 miles. It is more or less depending on how you drive your Vette. So reguardless of when you change your oil, you need to keep checking the oil level every 1,500 miles or so to make sure your oil is full.
 
Thanks Dan. I'll go check it right away. I guess with as much as this car does for you, I figured it would let you know if it was a quart low too. It's a damn shame that we can get so spoiled by all of this technology. I feel like I am a NASCAR driver checking my tire pressure in half pound increments. I have always been a firm believer in proper tire inflation to get the most in performance, wear, and economy. Now I find myself checking the guages all of the time!
Scott
 
Hi there,
GM states that 1 quart in 2000 miles is acceptable.
Oil changes can be directly followed with your oil life monitor.
Usually, I would recommend that when you see 25% on the monitor, change the oil.
I hope that this helps, and enjoy your car, c4c5:hb
 
Does this bulletin cover 1998-2001 or 1999 to 2001? I have a copy in the Knowledgebase above which covers 1999 to 2001. Was it changed?
 
I believe that most standard 01 models will use excessive oil if driven at higher rpm. I have owned two 01 models and both have used a qt every 500-600 miles. I do not drive at all times at WOT, but do use the power band when conditions allow, and do not mind nunning at 3-4 k. The first one I had repaired by GM and it did resolve the issue. My current Z06 (which I THOUGHT this problem did not effect the Z06 model) I will probable just trade for a 03 model

If you are going to keep the car for the long term you should consider fixing the problem. Remember colleteral damage possible on this repair.

Good Luck.

SCS
 
The Vette does let you know when the oil is low. The DIC will display "Low Oil Level". Trust me I know since it has resently happened to me. I needed to put in about a 1/2 quart and it went away. You just need to keep checking. And I had just changed the oil less than 2000 miles before the warning.
 
My 2001 coupe has consumed 9 quarts, between changes, in 12,700 miles. Number nine went in last night. I must admit I drive the car like I stole it but this is goofy. My 2001 Silverado has consumed zero quarts in 9,000 miles... 1999 Dyna Glide with 106 dyno horsepower (57 stock) and 20K miles uses zero too.
 
I got to believe the 10% number or that it really depends on how the car is driven. I have not lost any oil in 5000 miles. I changed it at 3000 with no loss and none for the last 2000. I have an A4 so I don't use as much of the power band as I would with an M6, so that may contribute to it.
 
Just for everyones information , I just ran my oil to the 0% left, on the DIC . I was on vacation and not too far from home and I didn't want strangers to work on my car . The oil went about 7500 miles . I wont let it go that long again but that is how long it went from 100 % to 0% . I drive pretty moderately though and my car doesn't seem to use any oil . Does anyone know what all criteria the computer uses to determine this . I know it's not just milage .
 
Hi there,
The oil life monitor is based on many things. Consider the formula to be a constant running math problem.
It takes into consideration temps when starting, how long the vehicle is run, vehicle speed, engine rpms, lateral acceleration, to give a basic idea of how long your oil will last.
The result is a very real time look, dependant on many factors.
However, just know that this is a ball park figure, and still will be optimistic. This means that even at 0%, you still have a little bit to go.
I hope this helps, besttoyou, c4c5:hb
 
Excessive Oil

For what it's worth I purchassed a 85 vette from Mich., then drove to Calf. I noticed at 10,000 miles I was still burning oil around 1qt every 2,000 miles. The local dealer wanted me to wait till 21,000-25,000 untill the engine was broken in. At 21,000 still under warranty I was given the companny line " This was norrmal oil consumpsion for a L98." After 50,000 miles the car ran strong and yes still burned 1qt every 2,000 miles. My next vette was 90 and following the "oil change" indicator light it too would burn 1 qt between oil changes using the light with Mobile 1 Oil. At 57,000 the car still runs great. I now have a 00 and using the oil change indicator (6.5 qt on a oil change) I use a quart of oil between changes. Do I agree GM with the 2000 mile calim of high performance engines burning oil NO! (I owned a 68 Z/28 70 LT 1 very high performance motors with no oil consumption problems) however the vettes 85/90 ran strong. The plugs, mufflers showed no sign of oil consumpsion or oil bypass. Bottom line look at the plugs, mufflers and signs of oil consumption. My opinion, I think it's how you break the motor in and the aluminum block for the LS1 oil consumption. By all means if you are not satisified CONTACT YOUR DEALER/DISTRICT MANAGER DON'T GIVE UP UNTIL YOUR COMPLETELY SATISFIED!
"THE YAV"
 
Oil usage

I have found in my 01 Coupe that I use at least 1-2 quarts in between oil changes. I run strictly the Mobil One synthetic that is recommended for the Vette. One thing I have noticed is that when it tells you "Low Oil Level" and I check the dipstick, there is oil covering vertically half of the dipstick all the way up to the full mark. This to me seems a bit misleading based on other car's dipsticks, since oil is usually covering the complete dipstick. Can anyone explain this to me (especially C4C5 Specialist)? Thanks.
 
Hi there,
Well, honestly, how clean did you wipe the stick????
I had a customer show me once, that if you wipe the stick, very well, with a dry rag, the readings get a lot more accurate.
I was very surprized, but it works.
Also, you may see this, if you just shut down your engine, as a drainback area, is directly above your dipstick tube.
Just flip it over, and see how it looks on the other side.
What do you do if you are loosing oil???
Start an oil consumption test with your local Corvette dealership.
You will have to do this for 3000 miles, to confirm usage of oil.
They will then plot a course of action, based on the results.
YoursinCorvette, c4c5:hb
 

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