Bought a 2000 v8 automatic. Nice well kept car but 4000 miles after buying timing chain tensioner broke almost broke upper timing chain completely. I was also told the coolant parts will start going out. It's got 104k miles and my girlfriend is using it to commute 300 miles a week. I bought it to not have a car payment but if I have to keep wrenching on it and putting hundreds into it I'm thinking of selling it. Any opinions? I am going to replace both upper timing chains and tensioners so hopefully it will be good for a while. I know it's an older car and needs maintained but you guys know the common problems. What am I in for? My fear is something big like the tranny going out.
Reliability of ls v8
- Thread starter Cams-76
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Well the transmissions aren't bullet proof. The solenoid pack and a spring that breaks are common issues in the 5r55n. You'll need suspension work eventually. On top of the cooling system, the hydraulic cooling fan is a costly repair. The 2000s have more bugs than other years and it's understandable.
Pretty much just jinxed yourself. My trans required rebuild at 112k.
Coolant parts, coils and valve cover gaskets, trans solenoids, random suspension parts like ball joints and tie rod ends are going to be your major concern. And the timing chain tensioners you've already encountered.
Coolant parts, coils and valve cover gaskets, trans solenoids, random suspension parts like ball joints and tie rod ends are going to be your major concern. And the timing chain tensioners you've already encountered.
Just wondering, but what was the problem with your trans? I have the same year.
I'm pretty handy on ball joints and replacing suspension parts. The lower driver side ball joint was already making a loud noise like a 100 year old house door creak. Put a needle fitting on a grease gun and it went away. Well it's got al, new spark plugs, cops, valve cover gaskets and will have new upper chains and tensioners next week.
i would think less that 300 bucks, and that's with the jag alum. thermostat housing.
other than trans, it sounds like your on your way to a decent car, the trans is a fairly easy fix...if you can change the filter, you can change the solenoid pack (the part is $225 - $400 depending on where u buy it). the 3 and 4 spring is a bit harder...on the car atleast.
IMHO,even if you spent another 2k on this car, it would still be cheaper than financing a car...
joegr
Dedicated LVC Member
The hydraulic fan system is in the thousands just for the parts. That's new parts, of course.
joegr
Dedicated LVC Member
Yes, you can convert to an electric fan. There are a few threads on here about it.
However, if the system is well maintained, you may never have a problem with it. I think that the important things are:
1. Never let anyone add water or anything other than Mercon V to the hydraulic reservoir.
2. It's probably a good idea to replace as much of the fluid as you can every four or five years.
It stopped working
Really?
Telco
Dedicated LVC Member
On the timing chain kit, make sure it's the upgraded one with the new style tensioners. The earlier ones had poorly specced tensioners, the new ones (metal, or metal reinforced) are supposed to be solid.
Apparently, that's all I know about the 2000 LS. At least, that hasn't already been covered.
Apparently, that's all I know about the 2000 LS. At least, that hasn't already been covered.