Hello everyone, I am wanting to purchase a 2000 ls1.

I would like to know what should be my main concerns. The car has 160k miles. The interior and exterior look very well. I will be taking it somewhere to do a compression test and maybe a smoke test. Any insight into this vehicle will be greatly appreciated.

I posted in Saturnfan forum and haven't received any help.

 

My only concern with a 2000 Ls1 would be the timing chain. I would have a local GM dealer search to see if the timing chain was replaced under warrantee. If you can get history on the car and or the engine is completely quiet at the belt end then you are probably ok. I love my 02 and I have given another 02 to one of my grandsons. The Ecotec 2.2L has had timing chain failures on the first three years at fairly low miles. If you hear a rattle at the belt end of the engine negotiate accordingly. Replacement before failure is desired, probably $500 to $1000 at a shop to replace the primary chain and kit. The upgraded kit will outlive the car.

 

So, what years are safe to get on the Ecotec 2.2, Andy? 02 forward?

 

It appears that timing chain failure is a direct result of LACK of maintenance. Many early cars live their full life with proper oil change intervals. The deal is the General designed the engine with a restricted nozzle for chain lubrication. The nozzle could plug up if the oil change interval was extended. The "solution" was a larger nozzle that did not plug up so easily. I found a plugged nozzle and broken chain on the 2002 gold L200 I bought last year. The engine I put in my silver 2002 L200 is out of a 2003. It has 200,000 miles and is running fine with no signs of previous repairs. I read that they went to the later design nozzle somewhere in the 2002 model year. That was the first year they started using this engine in other platforms. I am going to Washington state today to deliver the gold car and while I am there I am going to check out my Grand daughter's 2002 Olds Alero. It also has an L61 Ecotec with a random check engine light.

 

Thank you for pointing out the timing chain! I looked online and saw multiple people having problems with them. It seems as non of the 2000's had the NHS recall just some of the 2001's and on.

Does anyone have access to carfax? I put the vin into the free national search and it showed the vehicle had no incidents. This seems strange to me.

Vin: 1G8JU52F0YY692209