Buying SV8 advice

Hi Everyone. This is my first posting.

I'm looking to pick up a manual VZ SV8 within the next couple of months, so need some buying advice. I've been away from Oz for the last 5 years, but before I left I know there was a common issue regarding piston slap on the VX LS1s. Have these been eliminated in a late model like the VZ? Also, what does a piston slap sound like? Is it loud and obvious or do you know need someone who knows what they are doing to pick it up?

Are there other common faults I should be aware of?

Welcome to the forum.

VZs generally did not suffer piston slap.
It is obvious if you know what the normal LS1 sounds are.
Do a search on the forum, plenty of info on here.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=l...w=1024&bih=672

Ok thats good to know. I was considering a series II VY, but think the VZ will be safer. Its not that much more $$$ either.

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Originally Posted by jj0007

Hi Everyone. This is my first posting.

I'm looking to pick up a manual VZ SV8 within the next couple of months, so need some buying advice. I've been away from Oz for the last 5 years, but before I left I know there was a common issue regarding piston slap on the VX LS1s. Have these been eliminated in a late model like the VZ? Also, what does a piston slap sound like? Is it loud and obvious or do you know need someone who knows what they are doing to pick it up?

Are there other common faults I should be aware of?

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I've had 2 VT2 LS1's and neither had piston slap, though one had major oil use issues. The guy next door used to nearly wake the neighborhood with his VT LS1 in the mornings. I'd suggest you youtube some examples to see what piston slap sounds like. Test drive any LSx car you're considering buying and insist on a cold start, because that's when its most prevalent. I've heard of VE 6.0L's with piston slap so I'm not sure if it has been fully resolved yet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jj0007

Ok thats good to know. I was considering a series II VY, but think the VZ will be safer. Its not that much more $$$ either.

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Safer, maybe? But not completely safe. As I just wrote, insist on a cold-start test drive of any ls1 and you'll know either way. The piston slap problem was never fully resolved in any form of the LS1 engines.

Piston slap not to be confused with cold lifter noise. Hydraulic lifters need to be pressurised with oil before they quieten down. Most guys will attest this noise when cold.
I have a VY2 Adventra pushing 200,000 km and the bottom end is fine, but has the cold lifter noise. Once warmed a bit <5 mins it's gone. I'm due for a cam very soon (want, not need lol) and will be doing top end at the same time. VY2 to VZ difference minimal. Slight power increase and fly by wire throttle.

I had a VYII SV8 aug 04 build no issues had a 03 Vy clubsport that had issues so depends on the car a service history etc.

Sv8 is a nice car no one notices them.

i picked up my 1/7/03 SV8 (Series 1) on 8/8/03 and have not had any engine dramas, the step sons VX2 Clubbie had lifter noise(cam upgrade fixed that) the misses 10/99 is the quietest in the house.
my SV8 has 155000 on the clock and the oil stays the same level from service to service.
this engine has been fautless from day1 and has been a high RWKW engine on the Dyno.

Garry