![2002_chevrolet_corvette_actburn_lt_1_717[1].jpg](http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2002_chevrolet_corvette_actburn_lt_1_717%5B1%5D.jpg)
You've probably been wondering where our 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 went for the past week. It's been on the road. As Jay mentioned, we decided to run 100 octane through the system to confirm the ping issue. Once that was official, we tried to burn off the good stuff.
We chose to put two tanks of 91 octane through the Z06 before handing it back to the dealer for further diagnosis. Our math figured two refills would dilute any remaining 100 octane mix and make doubly sure it was back to 91. The last thing we wanted was the dealer to test it with a higher octane fuel and give us the old, "problem cannot be recreated at this time" response.
Where do we stand now? We've transformed the last of our diluted mixture into ozone and we're back to full 91 octane. So we made an appointment with the dealer for Monday. We'll let you know how that goes.
Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager @ 42,888 miles
vt8919 says:
04:00 PM, 01/29/10
My father had a couple of 'Vettes when I was really young. They both had RWD, manual transmissions and they were pretty bare-bones.
They were CHEvettes, unfortunately.
cx7lover says:
04:10 PM, 01/29/10
Ping? So you guys got a lime?
hybris says:
07:17 PM, 01/29/10
I'm beginning to think you guys have a lemon on your hands.
fastsix says:
07:33 PM, 01/29/10
Try changing your fuel filter and checking the fuel pressure.
charlesb says:
10:26 PM, 01/29/10
And why exactly is this $h!tbox in your long term fleet again? Refresh me, please.
ptcdawg says:
07:05 AM, 01/30/10
Since you guys wouldn't take the good advice many bloggers gave you, you will get what you deserve at the stealership.
That said, I doubt it's anything serious...probably won't have to remove the entire transaxle to fix it. :)
cr_driver says:
02:03 PM, 01/30/10
Chevrolet Quality!!!!!!
LOL
LOL
Sorry 1487, could not resist!
Just kidding man!!
yellowmiata says:
08:50 AM, 01/31/10
IL, I'm still happy you purchased the 'Vette. This is the trouble a normal owner would go through. I'm glad to hear about the progress in the blogs. Keep it up!
Kevin
stovt001 says:
11:16 PM, 01/31/10
The brand new GT-R spent what, 1/3 of its life out of service, but an 8 year old used Corvette has one issue and it is an example of poor quality?
This is simply getting out of hand.
stingray454 says:
07:27 AM, 02/ 1/10
I'm telling you, don't waste your time with a dealership. Take it to one of the reputable Corvette tuners in your area, and they'll fix it right the first time. Your out of warranty anyway, so there's no reason to bring it to a dealer when a Corvette tuner shop can do a better job, and possibly for less cost. It's similar to when you brought your Ferrari 308 to an indy shop rather than a Ferrari dealer.
v8vroom says:
10:24 AM, 02/ 1/10
I'm with stingray454. Unless this dealership has an exceptional track record, take it to a vette shop.
Hopefully it's a quick fix. I'd hate to see this opportunity wasted on a bunch of "took it to the shop again" posts.
hondacura4 says:
11:25 AM, 02/ 1/10
"The brand new GT-R spent what, 1/3 of its life out of service, but an 8 year old used Corvette has one issue and it is an example of poor quality? This is simply getting out of hand."
Fully agree!
mikeschmidt says:
12:56 PM, 02/ 2/10
@ stingray, v8vroom
Cormier is the top selling Corvette dealer in our area. Vette owners we know recommend them. GM even sends cars there for maintenance between loans to media publications. All signs point to them knowing their Vettes. We're hoping this is the case and it's why we gave them a shot.
We also think it's worthwhile to know whether a dealership is a valid resource for maintaining a post-warranty Z06. If it backfires, we aren't against finding a local specialty shop. But without the dealer experience to use as a baseline, we have no way to measure the benefit of a specialty shop either.
We dropped it off yesterday. We'll keep the updates coming.
-Mike