The Ultimate LS Swap?????
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
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From: Savannah GA
The Ultimate LS Swap?????
I was cruising Speed channel last night and ran into an episode of Gearz where it was revealed to me that if you wish to either order a new Corvette, or a crate LS7 or LS9; for "a few dollars more" YOU can go to the GM engine facility and assemble your own engine! As you may know, all LS7 or 9 engines are assembled by a single technician who signs his/her work before the engine leaves the plant. What could be more exciting than building your own personal powerplant, and being able to show whoever might be interested that you are indeed the "GM tech" who hand assembled your engine???
I'll likely never be able to afford to do this but I bet no other manufacturer has the ***** to try this.
I'll likely never be able to afford to do this but I bet no other manufacturer has the ***** to try this.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I was at the GM plpant and got to take a tour of them assembling the LS7 and 9s. Pretty impressive. I will bet you are really shadowed by the technicians there and maybe yo uare allowed to push in a piston or two. There are pretty strict checks and everything is kept track off on a computer. Even the torque wrenches are hooked to the computer so to verify the motor is done right. Not like bolting together an old Gen1 SB for sure. Pretty cool experience though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
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From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
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From: Livonia MI
I actually own a C6 ZO6 LS7 car and toured the engine build facility, meeting my builder. It's no big deal, as build most of my own engines, and go through far more blueprinting proceedures than they do. They really just assemble parts, and hand check/mark torque of every bolt. Myself and most builders do things like check bearing clearances, file fit piston rings, and degree in cams. Think I'd save your money on the extra DIY expenses here.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
The Gearz episode was on again this morning, and seems like the engine was already partially assembled, before Stacey David got his hands on it. If you're serious about an LS swap, then good idea keeping an eye on the forums C6 parts for sale section. There's an LS7 short block and modified LS7 long block on there now. LS2's and 3's are almost as good though, and much more reasonable. Worth at least taking an LS7 car for a ride though, as these baby's pull to 7000 rpm like nothing. My ZO6 hits 60 in 1st gear. Punch it at 30-40, and the rear 325's are up in smoke. Kind of a bit different driving experience.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
I was cruising Speed channel last night and ran into an episode of Gearz where it was revealed to me that if you wish to either order a new Corvette, or a crate LS7 or LS9; for "a few dollars more" YOU can go to the GM engine facility and assemble your own engine! As you may know, all LS7 or 9 engines are assembled by a single technician who signs his/her work before the engine leaves the plant. What could be more exciting than building your own personal powerplant, and being able to show whoever might be interested that you are indeed the "GM tech" who hand assembled your engine???
I'll likely never be able to afford to do this but I bet no other manufacturer has the ***** to try this.
I'll likely never be able to afford to do this but I bet no other manufacturer has the ***** to try this.
