Maxx_Z06

I started a new thread because my old one lost some interest so i thought i would start again.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-z...ap-c5-z06.html

A lot of the pieces have been coming together since the last thread i started. I'm actually going to go look at a brand new LS7 Crate motor next weekend. I actually have a good feeling about this one. It will take me a while to do the swap since i'm really in no rush and would like to build on the motor with it out of the car. I'm keeping my wet sump so the LS7 will require some additional modification.

Here's a few more questions i have:

I'm currently running 1 7/8 LG Super Pro Headers, i hear they will transfer to the LS7 no problem. Is this true? Any fitment issues or additional work required?

For those who kept the wet sump, did you experience higher or abnormal oil temperature readings? I've read some people who swapped the LS7 into their C5 had cooling issues so they converted over to a radiator with an Oil cooler.

Are the motor mounts a direct fit for an LS7 to fit into my C5 Z06?

Did you guys upgrade any of the accessory drive out of your LS1/LS6 onto the LS7? My car has 87k miles on the original drive, i'm considering swapping out for new parts.


Anything else that comes to mind i'll ask away. Thanks

Breze84

Dude for the price its going to run you to fit a LS7 you can build a 1200whp car with a stroker motor and still have money lol... Really rethink doing a LS7 swap, Seriously...

Maxx_Z06

Yeah but that's not what i want. I don't want my car to be a 1200hp monster. Just a reliable cruiser with some show and go. A nicely built LS7 is good enough for me. Not only that but i'd like something i could personally turn a wrench on and not have to take to someone everytime something goes wrong.

Not only that but there's definitely plenty to grown on the LS7 if i decide to go bigger later.

Breze84

Not really, You can hardly boost a LS7 because it cant handle it... When all said and done just to put a stock LS7 in your car that makes around 430whp you are going to be knocking on the $17-20K range... For 5K you can build a awesome Stroker Iron block that would crush a LS7 in every way shape and form, And drive just like a stock car... Ive been doing LSX motors for a long time bud and im telling you, Unless you found a complete LS7 for 5 grand I would touch it... Do it smart and build a short block...

MotoJB

+100000000000000

Hitman227

I don't know about that, an LS7 is a mighty stout piece of machinery.

Maxx_Z06

I'm currently running 1 7/8 LG Super Pro Headers, i hear they will transfer to the LS7 no problem. Is this true? Any fitment issues or additional work required?

For those who kept the wet sump, did you experience higher or abnormal oil temperature readings? I've read some people who swapped the LS7 into their C5 had cooling issues so they converted over to a radiator with an Oil cooler.

Are the motor mounts a direct fit for an LS7 to fit into my C5 Z06?

Did you guys upgrade any of the accessory drive out of your LS1/LS6 onto the LS7? My car has 87k miles on the original drive, i'm considering swapping out for new parts.

BillY2KFRC

I'll answer what I can below...

Maxx_Z06

Thanks.

Is the LS7 Water Pump that comes with the crate motor compatible with our cars?

Hitman227

If I were you, I'd talk to an expert like Superior Automotive. They will help assemble your engine to specifications beyond the Factory setup. Subsequently, you'll have more efficiency out of your motor than otherwise.

BillY2KFRC

I believe so, yes.

superramvette2

I used all my stock accessories in my swap. My headers were compatible but not optimal due to the flange design between O and D. I am wet sump and also use stock radiator. No cooling issues or high oil temps but I do not track my car. I used my stock motor mounts and previous exhaust no problems

Hitman227

You might want to think about an LSX block. You can probably assemble an engine for less money than an LS7 Long Block Assembly, simultaneously be better off with the product.

john8642

Is it very common to switch to an iron block when rebuilding? I thought that the extra front weight would hurt the handling of the vette.

MPM IV

I'd like to see some examples of reliable, 1200whp vette's built for $17-20k.
I do think there are better ways to go about getting a large cube motor than buying a factory LS7

It hurts the handling, acceleration, and braking. There are guys making huge power on al. blocks. I wouldn't consider an iron block personally.

danziger

Nothing wrong with an LS7 swap (especially with a nice aftermarket cam) if that's what you want. There are a few members on here that have gone that route with much success.

I personally would go forged 402 with some spray, but I'm a bang/buck guy...

Maxx_Z06

Well said thank you.

PeteZ06

If I had to do it over again I wouldnt change a single thing!!

Supercharged111

Kinda what I was thinking. LS2 based stroker, bigassed heads, cam, GTG.

Hitman227

You got a couple of problems.

First, an LS7 Long Block is going to be expensive, there's no way around this, you have to pay the cash.

Second, all accessories are different, irregardless of iron block or not, not the same with different assemblies, this is the fact of the matter.

Third, you have choices, how much efficiency do you want to obtain with your motor.