So, short story long, I bought a 1999 with 175,000 miles last year. Thought I got a screaming deal. I knew it was beat up and would need some body and interior work, NBD, knew what I was getting into.

Now:
Discovered about six months ago that the block is cracked and repaired with JBWeld so now I'm staring down the barrel of a full engine replacement, since it's probably cheaper than tearing down and rebuilding from the block-up. Torn between an LS1 and LS6. It'd likely have to be used as there are no LS1 crates any more (as far as I can find) and, frankly, not sure the wife would let me buy one if I could find one.

I get the SCM-No Comm error (the only error I get regularly in the DIC, though others do come up). Tried replacing the fuse, didn't work, and I've pulled the seat and the harness underneath looks clean, so I'm looking for ideas.

My dad has a '13 GS and I'd like to upgrade my suspension to either the Z51 or Z06 and get some more juice out of the (new) motor. I've had one guy suggest bigger injectors, but I feel like that's too good to be true.

Any input helps. As far as mechanical prowess, I'm probably a 7/10, but lack a lot of the tools and resources I had when I lived within half an hour of my dad's place. I'm currently in Lincoln, NE.

Thanks
Ty

 

I don't think crate LS1 or LS6 are available anymore, just LS3 as far as I know.

Wife complains about new engine, just tell her the other option is a brand new Corvette. Lol

 

HA! That's the other option I'm looking at. If I can justify that it'll be long-term cheaper to get a new car, she's on board. Problem is, I have a conscience about off-loading this car with the problems it has.

The good news is she's onboard with the new motor because we're both sick of the oil leaks on the floor.

 

Upgrading the suspension has been done thousands of times on here I think GMparts can hook you up with the sway bar upgrade, depending on your tire size there are several options for sway bars, as far as springs go, I think if memory serves me right, The only difference between the Z-51 and Z is the front leaf spring being a tad stiffer, My memory is shot so I am sure someone might correct me but its not a difficult upgrade.
You might can find a used LS1 for less than you might think and they are hard to beat, But if money allows the LS3 would be the ticket.
These cars are not that difficult to work on if you have the tools, Good luck and keep us posted

 

You could try Marc at vettenuts.net and see what he has for another engine

 

lots of good deals on used LS1/6 motors out there, mine is for sale and is probably sold I will know more tonight. if for some reason that deal falls through I would be happy to discuss it with you

 

Swapping for a ls1 will be a weekend job. Swapping to a ls6 took me a while but mine is a 97 and I had to rewire a bunch to make it compatible with the body. Im not sure how compatible the wiring harness are between yours and a ls6. Pm me and I'll give you my personal number. Feel free to call or text and I'll share any info and help if I can. Personally after going through it Id go with a ls3. Or build a motor to swap in.

 

Make a new block out of JB weld.

 

Ls1 and ls6 are basically the same motor or am I missing something? I could be wrong but I don't think it requires any modifications to make it fit just tuning.

Op I got a ls6 stroker long block from SDPC for a pretty good price, all new and forged bottom a couple of years ago. Good luck

 

The pre-2001 LS wire harnesses were a little different.

 

Correct mechanical and physically it fits with no issues. It's the wiring from the engine to the body where the compatibility issue arises. Also the 97 and early 98 have different fuel line plumbing. I believe you can use the ls1 computer and reprogram it to a ls6. I did not go that route but have read where people did. Your ls6 stroker would be a nice power gain over the stock ls1 aswell

 

 

Gotcha

Ya it's cammed and supercharged also (not so cheap)

 

Just a thought - I see a few guys selling their C5 in the For Sale section here that are trying to part them out - no reason why you cant look for an engine there... No doubt it will have less miles on their engine than you did - so that could be a win win for you...

There's also a website of a guy that buys and sells damaged Vettes - and tells you whats still good in them for parts - that too is another way to get an engine you want...sorry I cant seem to find the site.

Good Luck!