Previously I had polled regarding which vehicle my co-worker should get: 2019 Corvette Grand Sport or all-new Lexus LC500.
Well, my co-worker went with the Vette (private sell). Anyways, he recently was driving the Vette on the highway at no more than 70 mph and blew the engine. Vehicle was stock and has under 25,000 miles. He took it to the dealer and they said the connecting rod blew a hole in the engine, and now want $16,000 for a full engine replacement. Thankfully, my co-worker has the GM extended warranty. He was telling me he should have probably gone with the Lexus LC500, since now he doesn’t trust the corvette on cross-country road trips.
What is the lesson learned here?
1.) Even when it comes to their flagship vehicle, the Corvette (and this was the final model year in that generation before they moved to the C8 rear mid-engine design), GM has quality issues. And sadly that extends to the final model year (you’d think the final years of a generation would be trouble-free).
2.) Stay away from GM products.
3.) If you still must have it, make sure it’s under warranty at least.
Detroit has put out nothing but trash for close to 20 years now, I really wish none of the companies got "bailed out" & just went the way of the dodo as any failure should.
American companies in general just have become dirt merchants. I've been rebuilding the Dana 60 front diff on my truck & though "I should probably go with Dana/Spicer stuff since it's supposed to be the best."
Boy was that a mistake. Not ONE part was made in America, all were made in india or mexico....not exactly known for quality manufacturing. If you watch those indian parts factory videos on Youtube, you'll see exactly what I mean.
Saying that the products were amateur attempts would be an insult to an amateur of any grade. The overpriced product ($160 just for the outer axle stub, $200 for the driver inner shaft, another $300+/- for the various thrust washers & hub assemblies) has gouges taken out of the metal along with a surface that wouldn't pass drunken Q.C. in the 80s.
Had I known things would get this bad I would have skipped all the hot rodding & just bought an old solid truck along with three of everything while it was still made here and affordable.
$80 for a greaseable u-joint. The last time I replaced a set they were barely 1/4 that price.
Woooow. What a flub.
Does anybody know the cause of the failure?
I'd love to see the photos if you can get your hands on them.
Unfortunately, the C7 Corvette quality control has been all over the place for this generation. Engine failures are few and far between (based on unscientific glance on the Corvette Forum) but they appear to happen at any mileage which is unsettling.
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Other known issue is wheels bending on the Grand Sport. Most owners opt for fully forged aftermarket which is the only real solution. $4,000 or so for set of 4. Warranty won’t cover this GM design flaw. This hasn’t happened to my co-coworker yet but just another expense to plan for. Not sure if he plans to keep the Vette after this recent episode.
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Seems the LC500 was the better choice despite being significantly more expensive. Something about piece of mind.