Originally Posted By: tstep
Is the castech issue a 2001 to 2006 issue limited to those years? I have both a "T" vin on a 1999 Silverado and an "M" vin on a 2006 Saab 9-7x. Both are 5.3 and both codes are in the service bulletin.
99 Chevy is slowly falling apart around the drivetrain. Engine runs great. Does the castech issue extend back to 1999? I ask because I'm really considering dumping some ching into the Silverado and get all the little things fixed.
Saab had it's engine replaced sometime around 2009-2010 in the 75000 mile range. Coolant into the oil was the cause, but I cannot say w/ 100% certainty that it was the heads (but that's another story). It's the wife's car so I never drove it much. I've gotta believe given the date on the service bulletin that I didn't get casech heads on the new engine. Fingers crossed. Not all the 5.3s are bullet proof.
I know it effect 2000 + model, but I do see 99 model effect too. Dealer should make this as a recall, but since it hard to detect, no smoke, oil is not turn milky on dipstick, and no visible coolent leak outside, most peoples run it until it over heat and blame on head gasket, then when they take it apart, the head crack, they blame on the head gasket make the head crack.
$1100 for new set of head from texas performing. Dealer charge 3000 for new head. 5.3 is proof, but with the castech head, its not.