Oil Consumption Problem in Non-problem years
 

OK, this is my first post and I'm sure it won't be my last.

I know the 1999-2002 LS1 engines are prone to excessive oil consumption, but what about MY 97, 98, 03, and 04? What is the average miles per quart on one of these "non-problem" years LS1 engines?

Reason I'm asking is I am in the market for a very good C5 example and I obviously want the latest one I can afford. When I found out the 99-02 LS1 engines are prone to excessive oil consumption, I immediately stopped considering those years. Problem is, doing so really makes it difficult to find what I'm looking for (Low miles [below 25K], Color [in this order]: Blue, Silver, White, Pewter, Yellow, Black, Red], M6]) I looked at a very nice 2004 that fits my requirements exactly, but I am frustrated that I am going to have to pay considerably more because it is so new. I know I could find a 2001 or 2002 in the same condition for 8-10K less.

Oh, my one MAJOR (over-riding all) requirement is that I never, I mean NEVER get a wiff of oil/gas in the cockpit. That's why I am really avoiding the '99-'02 MY's. I can't stand the smell of burning oil or any car exhaust for that matter while driving in the car, even after running WOT.

Yeah, I know I'm being anal, but I am not spending ~30K on a car and have it smell like a $2K car.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks,

Reactor2

RE: Oil Consumption Problem in Non-problem years
 

I have had no problem with three 01-or 02 LKS engines I've had, oil consumption or otherwise, and have never seen an obniously oil-or gas smelling vette unless it was a leak in the fuel system, or, as my vette was early on, a brand new engine in which the rings had not seated (my 427 blow oil for thge first 1500 miles or so). The only LS engine I have know that had any perceptable problem used about one quart per 900 miles, but considering the mileage (*140K+) and abuse (NOS on weekends, I thought it did pretty well.

RE: Oil Consumption Problem in Non-problem years
 

From what I have read, a relatively small percentage of early 01s had this problem. My 01 was built in May of 01 and it consumes about 1 quart every 3000 miles. The interior smells like new leather (Xaino leather-in-a-bottle) and I NEVER smell burned oil. The late 01s and 02s all have the new rings, so don't necessarily pass on those years. And remember, many of the oil-burners were re-ringed under warranty by the dealerships.

Good luck.

Dave