How many miles are the C5 engines usually reliable for?

[ElectroCulture]

I just bought a 1997 C5 with 86,000 miles. I'm just wondering at what point does reliability come into question and I'll start to think about a new engine.

~C

 

[RCG]

My guess is that it will be a challenge to wear one out.

That said, anything can be ruined by abuse.

Cheers!

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
I would agree, as I have numerous customers with well over 150k on their 97-00.
Basic maintenance is all that is required for the most part as long as it is correctly maintained.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[vettenuts]

Just to add to the mix, the LS-1 is a well designed motor that can handle high loads for extended periods of time. A friend recently showed me an article where it is finding its way into home build aircraft because of this capability and its durability. Since an airplane motor is always working hard, I suspect that in a light Corvette it will last a very long time

 

['04 Torch Red]

I just bought a 1997 C5 with 86,000 miles. I'm just wondering at what point does reliability come into question and I'll start to think about a new engine.

~C

If you change oil like you are supposed to...the engine will last a very long time...

 

[Paul T]

I just bought a 1997 C5 with 86,000 miles. I'm just wondering at what point does reliability come into question and I'll start to think about a new engine.

~C

The L98s in the early C4s had some engines documented at over 400,000 miles. With the six speed transmissions and resulting lower rpms at speed, the advance in materials, and the use of synthetic oils, the C5 engines with proper maintenance as outlined in the above posts should certainly reach those figures with ease. At 86,000 miles it should just about be broken in good. Have a nice ride.
Paul

 

[eRiCdWoNg]

Just to add to the mix, the LS-1 is a well designed motor that can handle high loads for extended periods of time. A friend recently showed me an article where it is finding its way into home build aircraft because of this capability and its durability. Since an airplane motor is always working hard, I suspect that in a light Corvette it will last a very long time

What article is this? I'd like to see

 

[atmmac]

i saw an 89 volvo for sale on ebay qith 330 K our corvettes cost a lot more than an 89 volvo so i think they should be lasting much longer!

 

[doylede]

I just bought a 1997 C5 with 86,000 miles. I'm just wondering at what point does reliability come into question and I'll start to think about a new engine.

~C

Echoing the other responses, if you do the maintanence, the engine should last a very long time.

My experience is that the little stuff goes bad. I have one year and 4 days left on my extended warranty. I have already received more than $4,000 worth of repairs from a $1,500 warranty, and my HVAC fan died yesterday. Since we have a hurricane coming, it will be next week before I can get this fixed.

If this seems like whining, turn your fan off and drive around in the rain for a while.

Don't get me wrong, my Vette is a daily driver and I love it. But I will probably trade up to a C6 coupe or the C6 Z06 in another year. I've had a lot of little problems, and I am way past the "Shade Tree Mechanic" stage.