TFEnt

I have a 2004 C5 Z06 that is in need of a new motor and I am considering an LS3 or LS7 swap. I would like the car to be in the low 500hp range with good street manners and be able to use it occasionally on a road course or autocross.

I have visited a few shops in the SoCal area with checkbook in hand and really haven't received all that much love. I am in San Diego and am willing to take the car a reasonable distance to get all the upgrades done for the motor swap.

Any recommendations on if I should go with an LS7 or LS3 and what shops do you recommend for this swap and tune??

TYIA

Tom

garrettg

The ls7 may need a bit more work to install as its dry sump so your battery may need to be relocated to make room for the oil container. I don't think you would want to run a wet sump ls7 but it is possible. Both would be need to be tuned the same way. The ls7 costs twice what a ls3 goes for so that would be the deciding factor for most people. The ls7 would certainly be preferred for street or track imo unless you have forced induction plans in mind. I don't think you can make a bad choice here, as for resale, the ls3 imo is a better choice based on investment. If you plan to keep it then get what you want and drive it.

STANG KILLA SS

no contest LS3. costs and ease of install would be worlds easier.
if you want more cubes, just get a larger dispacement LS3.

TFEnt

Shop recommendations that can do the whole installation from engine to tune? All in one shop?

ZZ06

I live in Florida and cant recommend any shops, but I was curious about something. Don't you guys have to undergo vehicle inspections out there? If so, a stroker will NEVER pass emissions.

TFEnt

We do have a smog test some of the vehicles have to go through. I have done several stroked motors that have passed the both the visual and sniffer part if the test. You just have to use a conservative cam.

ZZ06

Wow I must say I'm surprised. Guys that ive seen post in the forum from California freak out about headers by themselves, yet alone a stroker and cam. Learn somthin everyday.

2003Evo

LS7 sounds good but LS3 is the more feasible option. You can bring the cubes up of the LS3 and still be cheaper. If you really want the 427ci just stroke the LS3, but the best stroker kit would be 418ci.

TFEnt

Any shop recommendations?

bikeriderga

GM has a performance LS3 crate engine with 525 HP that would be a very good option. Might have to check about California laws when using this setup however.

The LS7 is an awesome engine but expensive to purchase and going to be more expensive to get installed correctly.