C5 Corvette Z06 Makes Big Power on Dyno, Despite Issues
Even on a baseline tune, this mostly stock LS6-powered C5 Corvette Z06 lays down impressive numbers.
It wasn’t too long ago that we were watching YouTuber Garage Topics wrap up a new engine build and install it in his C5 Corvette Z06. So we were eagerly awaiting the logical next step. Which means a trip to the dyno for some tuning, and most importantly, numbers. And that’s exactly what happened next, as this Corvette mostly impressed on the rollers. Notice we said mostly.
The car hit the dyno with a base tune to start, along with the stock intake manifold and throttle body. Despite this, it impressed right off the bat. “It made 430 horsepower,” our host notes. “Without doing anything major. I though he was joking. That’s way more than I thought for a pretty close to stock LS6.” With a little bit of tweaking, those numbers jumped to 440 hp and 408 lb-ft of torque.
Not too shabby for a car built to be a mild, reliable daily driver. The torque curve was almost completely flat, as well, which should make this a fun car from stoplight to stoplight. All of which is great, but there was just one tiny problem. Turns out, the Corvette was leaking some oil from the rear main seal. Which is a huge letdown after our host just got done installing the new engine.
So if you’re planning a similar project, let this serve as an important lesson. It’s way easier to replace gaskets and seals before you reinstall everything, rather than do it later. It may be a little bittersweet in this case, but we’re sure this swapped Corvette will be up and running strong, with no leaks, in no time.
Photos: Instagram
Join the Corvette forums now!
