2006 Chevrolet Corvette Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2006 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is LS7 Valve Guide and Valve Spring Failure - C6 Z06 ($2,500-$5,000 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $200 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 2 Known Issues
On the 2006-2013 Chevrolet Corvette, the C6 Z06 (2006-2013) uses the LS7 7.0L V8 with titanium intake valves and aggressive valve springs. The exhaust valve guides wear prematurely, allowing valves to cock sideways, break valve springs, and drop valves into cylinders. This is catastrophic engine failure. The issue is most common on 2006-2008 models but can affect all LS7s. GM extended the powertrain warranty but many cars are now beyond coverage. The titanium intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves are unique to the LS7.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking or clicking noise from engine (valve guide wear)
- Misfire on one cylinder (broken spring)
- Sudden catastrophic engine failure (dropped valve)
- Metal debris in oil
- Oil consumption increasing gradually
How to Fix
Preventive valve spring and guide replacement is recommended for any LS7 that has not had this service. This requires head removal. Upgraded valve springs from Comp Cams or Manley and bronze valve guides from GM or aftermarket replace the failure-prone components. The LS7 is otherwise an outstanding engine when this issue is addressed.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeComp Cams 26918-16 LS7 valve spring kit - upgraded springs that eliminate the failure-prone factory springs (Comp Cams #26918-16)
- TipEvery LS7 should have valve springs and guides inspected/replaced as preventive maintenance. Budget for this when buying a C6 Z06.
- NoteA dropped valve destroys the engine - do NOT wait for symptoms. Preventive spring/guide replacement costs $3k; an engine replacement costs $15k+.
On the 2006-2013 Chevrolet Corvette, the C6 Z06 (LS7) and ZR1 (LS9) use a dry sump oil system with an external oil tank and scavenge pump. The oil tank can develop internal baffle failure, and the scavenge pump lines can leak at fittings. The dry sump system is more complex than the wet sump in base C6 models. Oil level must be checked differently (engine must be running to get accurate level). Overfilling or underfilling can cause issues. Some owners report oil starvation during sustained high-G cornering despite the dry sump design.
Common Symptoms
- Low oil pressure warning during hard cornering
- Oil leak from dry sump lines or fittings
- Oil level difficult to read accurately
- Oil foaming (overfilled or air ingestion)
- Scavenge pump noise
How to Fix
Inspect dry sump lines and fittings for leaks. Check oil level with engine running at operating temperature. Use the correct GM Mobil 1 5W-30 oil and do not overfill. For track use, an oil cooler upgrade and LG Motorsports or similar dry sump upgrade improve oil control under sustained G-loads.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipAlways check dry sump oil level with the engine running and at operating temperature - the dipstick reads incorrectly with the engine off
- TipUse only Mobil 1 5W-30 (GM spec) in the dry sump system. The tight tolerances require the correct viscosity.
- UpgradeBluetooth OBD-II scanner for reading engine codes and monitoring live data (BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool)
- UpgradeQuality synthetic oil and filter combo for engine maintenance (Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oil and Filter Bundle)