might have killed my Camaro

[69MyWay]

My 69 Camaro has a stock (rebuilt) 2000 LS1 with heads/cam/injector and upgrades like the oil pump.

Every since I did the 102 LSXr intake and coil relocation it has developed a nasty blue cloud on start up. I assume the valve stem seals dried up coincidently.

Anyway, it is on the back burner - but I've noticed I'm leaving a nice cloud now not only at start up - but while cruising.

So, fast forward today. I needed to drive the car to work as my other vehicle is down. Rolling in (25 mile open straight line cruise) at 65, I can hear a LOT of noise out of the engine. I'm thinking...I have a serious header leak. Then I look at the oil gauge...ZERO

I eased it up the road to a Mobile gas station - and found at least two quarts low! Paid $8 a quart and it has oil pressure again. I am clearly burning more than I thought!

So...hoping I didn't screw it up. The ticking/knocking got quite after that. Usually only run Royal Purple - but had to put valvoline in it this morning.

[Shmoov69]

That blows man! Time to go big time!! LoL!

[Vince@Meanstreets]

what are you running for a PCV system?

[ADiCarlo]

Compression and leak down test time.

[69MyWay]

Running a stock pcv system on a slightly modified hose since the valve covers are not stock. Drove home okay. No odd noises and the needle back where it belongs.

I am slap in the middle of taking the frame out of our 2014 silverado 4x4. That is a long story. Anyway hope to get the cab off today and by the end of next week have it running again. The. I will have some time to check out the camaro. I would bet my pcv is contributing but it is all hooked up.

[WSSix]

Hopefully, the engine is ok and it's a minor repair. Sorry for your troubles.

[Vegas69]

You just shortened its life....

[GregWeld]

My first guess is the intake manifold "upgrade" has you running pig fat - and you've glazed the cylinder walls - so now the rings aren't working and you're blowing oil past them. It was noticeable at start up because it's even fatter (richer) on cold start up.

Start planning for a rebuild - motors aren't self-healing.

[LS1-IROC]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

You just shortened its life....

I would concur with this assessment.

[novahollic]

Are you running a LS6 valley tray with the breather vent? If not, I would invest in one after the rebuild. It works much, much better than the early LS1 valve cover PCV system.