oil burner II - tell me YOUR experiences

[Bill Shepherd]

I recently described my oil-burning Corvette 350. To clarify, my mechanic identified two cylinders on each side (I don't remember which ones). Plus any foul looking smoke tends to disappear by the time I'm out of my driveway. Most likely, then, I gather that the problem occurs via the valve stems. In fact, after a 20-mile jaunt on the interstate last night, the car ran like a top. But back to some of my previous, unanswered questions: We tend to view our Vettes as immortal because of their no-rust bodies and their limited exposure to hazardous (read winter) driving conditions. But has anyone out there had a Vette that exceeded 100,000 miles without major engine work ? Tell me how far yours went (don't be shy - tell the world). In spite of their numbers, how good really is the Chevy 350 ? In the last message, I mentioned my Buick Century V6 station wagon which made it to 117,000 miles and was still going strong in spite of more weight, 2 fewer cylinders, and more Northern winters. I certainly drove and maintained them the same - so was I lucky with one/unlucky with the other ? Was that unknown 1st 20,000 miles on the Vette more important than I realize ? What's your thoughts ?

[Jerry]

Re: oil burner II - tell me YOUR experiences

Hi Bill: My 69, although a 427/ tri power, went 154,629 without opening the motor, when torn down for rebuild and restoration. I have exceeded 100,000 with three small blocks that were business daily drivers, one 75 went Chicago to Denver and back twice a month on four day weekends, long distance, young love.


jerry

[Jerry M.]

Re: oil burner II - tell me YOUR experiences

Bill, Several years ago I sold my 1967 RS/SS Camaro 350 at 168,000 miles. Only major work was timing chain and gears at 115,000 (due to the nylon tooth cam gear). The valve covers had never been off the engine - It used about 1 quart every 1200 miles.

[Nick Liarakos]

Re: oil burner II - tell me YOUR experiences

While it's not a small block, my '71 LS5 is still going strong at 113K miles. Only engine work that's ever been done was this past spring, when I replaced the orignial timing chain with a double-roller setup for insurance. And those have not been easy miles--they're the type that would make Zora proud.

[Michael W.]

Re: oil burner II - tell me YOUR experiences

re oil burner ii tell me your experiences mike ward the previous owner of my ' l tortured the engine for miles before it finally said uncle he thought the oil pressure gauge was an oil quantity indicator mike