Early LS1 Issues???

[CSP]

Hey guys,

Looking at buying a 2000 VTII Berlina Wagon (build date April 2000) with a 5.7 Gen3 LS1 in it. 4sp auto.

212,000km

Anything I should look for? There seems to be no leaks anywhere, services log bok has been filled out up to 200,000km by Holden Dealers. No leaks from the power steering rack. No transmission clunks. No steering vibrations (brake shudder). Drove VERY smooth. In good condition.

I know some early Ls1s had issues but I figure since this one runs well and has been well maintained, all I need to do is change the oil every 5,000km and I'll be happy.

This is as a Daily Driver with some highway use to replace the Ford..

Can get it for less than $10,000.

Opinions?

[TVR-190]

WB CSP

serviced by holden dealers, sounds very dodgy to me mate.

[dijm8]

the early ls1 tend to use alot of oil so just keep an eye on that if u do....other then that i dnt knw anything else, ther a fairly strong engine

[adamc11]

Any piston slap?

[minux]

the early ls1 tend to use alot of oil so just keep an eye on that if u do....other then that i dnt knw anything else, ther a fairly strong engine

This issue existed right up until VY and even in some VY's, it wasn't every one of them.


Kris, most of the issues would of been resolved under warranty if there was an issue at all. Just do a cold start and see what noise comes out of it. If there is no rattle, it wont be using oil, unless they have put solid grease through the engine

Check the coolant reservoir, if there is any pink sludge, don't buy it.

[Shortstuff]

Piston slap, using oil as already stated. Water pumps can be an issue.

[CSP]

Started cold today when I was there and I couldn't hear anything wrong. And I was even listening for anything out of the ordinary.

Coolant looked fine. What do you mean by sludge?

[CSP]

What is piston slap? What does it sound like?

I won't know if it's using oil until I buy it.

[Pub247]

As with most gm motors the reason why they use oil is because of clearance issues hence the piston slap problems we also have a lot come into work with big end issues valve guides also seem to be an issue we have to k-line almost every head we do. If its done 200,000 and doesnt make any noticable noise then if safe to say the motors in good nick. I suppose oil consumption and maybe a water pump will be thingsto worry about

[CSP]

Thanks for the feedback...

From looking in it, under it, driving it and comments hear, I reckon it's a decent engine.

[Pub247]

wow by the time i typed my post theres been 6 more piston slap sound like forgies on cold starts you'd notice it if there was any

[burnz]

What is piston slap? What does it sound like?

I won't know if it's using oil until I buy it.

check head gasget on drivers side easy to see.
if gold the problems are solved, if silver see the dealer.

[CSP]

Pretty sure I'll buy it

[BANKS]

WB

may i ask why?

[Low_VX_Taxi]

Pretty sure I'll buy it

WB CSP.

You gotta remember the car is now 8 years old, its gonna have the normal problems of that aged car.... Sounds like its been looked after so good luck with it and post pics if u get it

[SIG-054]

buy it

no problems with mine, only a bit of piston slap, but its gone after a minute

[CSP]

WB

may i ask why?

Replace my POS Ford daily driver.

[Lumps of cheese]

I had one that age, no problems with anything mentioned. Also know people with more kays on theirs than the one you're looking at and they're happy with the run they've had. It seemed to be a bit hit and miss with ls1's in their early days.

[cxcxcxvcvcvc]

Could always get a 2 foot long piece of round dowel (timber lol) and hold it up against the side of the engine block while its running and put the other end hard up against your ear & listen for any tap/slap sounds coming from the bores! I would get a mate to gently give her a few revs while your doing it to see if there is any noise/rattle while she is reving! you can also do this with injectors to see if there is a noisy injector ect

[BANKS]

gotta have a wagon?

[CSP]

gotta have a wagon?

Prefer to.

[CSP]

Bought it

[BANKS]

hahahah knew you would, post pics

[EvoVIIIJDM]

pics???????

[CSP]

Here's the pics from the dealer's ad...

I'll post some of my own later in the week.