2009 C6 Corvette

The 7.0L LS7 in the 2006–2013 C6 Z06 is known among owners for valve guide wear, mainly on the exhaust side, which in some cases has led to a dropped valve and serious engine damage. The 2013 427 Convertible also uses the LS7. How common it is and what causes it are still debated, so many owners have the heads checked and decide from there.

The 2013 427 Convertible also uses the LS7.

On C5 and C6 Corvettes, the oil pressure sender commonly fails, causing the gauge to read zero, max or jump around. The engine is often fine, but you can't assume that. Always confirm with a mechanical gauge before driving.

Some C6 manual owners report the clutch pedal staying on or near the floor after high-RPM shifts, usually during spirited driving or on track. It's commonly linked to the clutch hydraulic system, with heat and aged fluid often blamed.

C4, C5 and C6 Corvettes rely on electric cooling fans. When a relay, fan motor, sensor, fuse or wiring fails, the car may overheat in traffic or with the A/C on but run fine on the highway.

The harmonic balancer (crank pulley) on C5 and C6 LS engines can develop a visible wobble. It happens when the rubber ring between the hub and outer ring breaks down, or when the balancer has moved on the crank snout, often after a previous repair or pulley swap. A wobbling balancer can throw the belt and, if it has moved, can point to a deeper crank problem.

C5, C6 and C7 Corvettes use sealed hub bearing assemblies. They wear over time, especially with wide tires, track use or impacts. A failing hub causes a hum or growl that changes with speed and cornering.

C6 doors open with electronic push-button releases instead of mechanical handles. When the battery is low or dead, the doors may not open from outside or inside with the normal buttons. Manual releases exist inside the car, and the owner's manual explains how to get in and how to reach the battery. Many owners only learn this when they're locked out.

From the C4 onward, Corvettes have many electronic modules that draw small amounts of power with the car off. Add aging batteries, aftermarket accessories, or a module that doesn't go to sleep, and the battery can go flat in days or weeks. Storage without a maintainer is the most common cause.

A glycol-based, high-boiling-point fluid for spirited and track driving. Confirm it meets the fluid type listed in your owner's manual before use.

High-temperature front and rear pads for HPDE use. More fade resistance than street pads, with more noise and dust when cold.

A consumer-grade ceramic coating kit for paint, wheels and trim. Paint must be fully cleaned and decontaminated first for best results.

An automatic charger and maintainer with an AGM mode and a quick-connect pigtail. Safe to leave connected for long-term storage.

Stainless long-tube headers for LS3 cars. Requires a tune. Check emissions legality in your state before installing on a street car.

A handheld programmer for loading tunes and reading codes. Gains depend on the tune and supporting mods. Check emissions legality before tuning a street car.