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An LS1 can be built to handle far more than you're probably looking for and cost significantly less.
Just thinking ahead I guess. I have seen on this forum so many motors built by aftermarket companies fail at a significant rate I was thinking a GM crate motor with a warranty. (no nitrous of course)
they don't make the LS 1 anymore, the LS 3's are more plentiful, I guess ??
The LS1 market is alive and HUGE. You may not be able to buy a fresh new LS1 crate motor direct from GM, but why would you? Usually you only need to replace or freshen up the bottom end. You can buy an all new LS1 short block set up for 800hp for less than $3,500 or less from a handful of extremely reputable vendors.
I just ticked over 114k on my '01 Z and oddly enough my wife is the one who insists on replacing the motor if it ever came to that. So I guess a new motor is in my future, just wondering when my stocker would fail haha
Now if my motor were to fail, I'm curious which route to go; a built mid HP LS6 motor, a built LS7 to keep with the Z06 designation, or something all new entirely?
My skill levels require stock, so only enter this conversation to add a consideration that might not apply to all.
My location has severe smog problems ,so any deviation from stock raises questions. I expect the questions will get tougher in the future. I feel an Ls3 will take me farther down the road, given my lack of desire to work on cars for fun, and further into the future as laws my change.
I have taken antique, (25+years) cars touring , and when things go wrong, simple is best for me.
Last edited by strand rider; Jan 12, 2017 at 04:31 PM.
As a matter of fact, I just addressed this issue.
At 126,000 miles, I missed a shift and bent a valve. Rather than rebuild just the head (assuming nothing else was damaged) I opted to replace the motor. I went from the LS1 to an LS3 with ported stock heads, a lumpy cam, and an A&A V3 SI kit. 708RWHP.
Hell yes I'd do it again!
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I would probably make a jump to an LS7 or an LS3, but with only 21K miles on the car, it hopefully would be a long time before I would have to worry about that.
Mine went bad at 152k, I have a lot of $$$ tied up in aftermarket body and wheels and the paint still looked brand new. So the choice was easy for me, replacing the engine is whole lot cheaper with NO new monthly car notes. Yes I'm looking for a new one,but I don't need a new one. Mine still gets a ton of compliments, L8R ZFLASH
The stock LS1 has plenty of guts for this old man. So I'd just do a rebuild or buy a used LS1. I love the car as it is, only mods are wheels, air filter, custom seat skins, and axle back exhaust.
I'm drooling over your car! I would replace the motor. I have the badass C6Z and took it today for a bunch of upgrades for the new autoX season, and the whole time I'm wishing I had bought a black C5Z instead, but the parts were bought and I was committed. I just didn't want to have 2 black C5's. I think it's in the future somewhere though. You are right, looks wise, the C5Z is much badder looking than the C6Z, at least imo.
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
I would probably make a jump to an LS7 or an LS3, but with only 21K miles on the car, it hopefully would be a long time before I would have to worry about that.
Mine has 30k on the clock and I am throwing on the L5s, new exhaust, hood, New wheels and maybe skirts...so yes new motor for sure.
I'm drooling over your car! I would replace the motor. I have the badass C6Z and took it today for a bunch of upgrades for the new autoX season, and the whole time I'm wishing I had bought a black C5Z instead, but the parts were bought and I was committed. I just didn't want to have 2 black C5's. I think it's in the future somewhere though. You are right, looks wise, the C5Z is much badder looking than the C6Z, at least imo.
That IS one bad *** looking Z. Love the black on black look.
Your C5 now
That IS one bad *** looking Z. Love the black on black look.
