The Infamous Piston Slap

I was poking around this board the other day and saw a few threads about the piston slap problem that the LS1 engines are having among other GM engines. I work at a GM dealer and out of curosity, I checked on our dealer website for some TSB's and all I can find about the topic is a TSB telling you to replace the knock sensor. It seems that GM is really in denial about this whole thing.

i hear a lot of people bitching and moaning about it. hell, i even have it.

BUT, i have yet to hear of one documented case of piston slap causing mechanical problems...

GM is not in denial ... it's just not a problem.

Piston Slap is NOT going to kill your engine. The LS1 does it, the Mustang engines do it ... it's not a big deal.

Yes, it *can* be fixed (look at the improved design on the LS2 engine), but it's not going to hurt anything the way it is.

When your engine blows to shreds, and you can document that it was caused by piston slap, come see me.

Not again... :(

i agree with the rest of ya. in my opinion piston slap is as serious as not being able to find a good cd to ride to.........get over it and keep driving!!!:D

Originally posted by rncotton
When your engine blows to shreds, and you can document that it was caused by piston slap, come see me.

See you about what, do you work for GM or something?

I have never heard a Mustangs with piston slap?? After I started having this PS problem I now listen close to other vehicles to hear any noise but never hear anything??

I'm just glad the other ps thread got locked.

Piston slap has been around forever. I had a 79 Trans Am with a 403 engine that had it from day one. I ran that car to 210,000 miles with never a problem with the engine other than a water pump, starter, alternater, etc, until I sold it 99. The slap never got worse or better, it was just a characteristic of my engine. I don't worry about it in my LS1, but it was really loud when I ran the old tri-synthetic Mobil 1. Since I switched oil I can barely hear it.

Originally posted by blackpontiac2000
Piston slap has been around forever. I had a 79 Trans Am with a 403 engine that had it from day one. I ran that car to 210,000 miles with never a problem with the engine other than a water pump, starter, alternater, etc, until I sold it 99. The slap never got worse or better, it was just a characteristic of my engine. I don't worry about it in my LS1, but it was really loud when I ran the old tri-synthetic Mobil 1. Since I switched oil I can barely hear it.


i also noticed that when i baught my car it didn't piston slap very loud but as soon as i put mobil 1 tri-synthetic 10w30 it gets very loud until i start driving and the engine gets up to operating temperature.

didn't realize engine oil would have much to do with it. what oil are you running?

do a search