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Installed SC and blew the engine

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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 02:55 PM
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Default Installed SC and blew the engine

Well I took the week off work and installed a Procharger kit on my Z06. I started it up for the first time on Friday and it seemed to run fine. I drove down the road a little further and never got above 3500 rpms. All the sudden my car shut down completely. All the power went out so I assumed it was an electrical problem. So I had it trailered home and replaced the battery. It had power again, but it wouldn't turn over when I tried to start it.

I jacked it up and oil started pouring out of the oil pan on the drivers side. I'm guessing a rod made the hole, but I don't see how that's possible since I didn't get over 3500 rpms. I'm sure it's not related to FI. What are my options here? Does anyone have a used LS6 short block for sale?
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 03:02 PM
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Sorry to hear about your troubles - that definitely sounds like an installation issue.

As for options - that really depends how much damage was done. Worst comes to worst you put in a new forged bottom end, for under $4K.

Mark
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 03:33 PM
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I had seen one advertised in yesterdays parts section,I believe its a low miler and it was cheap too.Good luck,let us know what happened.BTW the motor I am talking about came with the heads as well so if you wanna sell them P.M. me I know someone lookin for a deal.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 03:45 PM
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Thanks, I saw that one but it's a little more than I want to spend.

Here are pictures of what happened:

Cracked Block
Cracked block up close
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 03:59 PM
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That looks like hydrolock. If it was a rod you would have a nice round window in the side of the block. You can't compress water.

Has the car been losing coolant recently?

It doesn't take much water to do that to a motor.

You can pick up a new LS6 block with forged rods and pistons for a decent price.

Good luck.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 04:23 PM
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my short block is forsale
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...04&forum_id=53
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 04:23 PM
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Here's the other side of the block:

Drivers side hole

The car hasn't used any coolant that I know of. I never saw white smoke either. When it happened I kept looking in my mirror expecting to see a rock or something emerge because of the noise/feel.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 04:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Torched Z
Here's the other side of the block:

Drivers side hole

OUCH! Now that looks like it threw a rod.
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Old Jul 10, 2005 | 01:24 PM
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Wow, sorry to hear of your misfortune. What Procharger kit? New or used? What size pulley on it? Intercooler or Non-intercooled? I'd like to help find an answer. That is just odd.
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Old Jul 10, 2005 | 01:49 PM
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That is odd... Somehow i dont think it was the boost that cracked you up. There must havebeen something else, How much boost were you running.
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Old Jul 10, 2005 | 02:08 PM
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Know matter how much boost you have it set for if you did not exceed 3500 the damn thing had not spooled up much boost anyway and at 3500 I am not sure how much on the boost side of the gauge you were at, this reminds me of my motor when I hydro'd one in a rain storm in a deep area in the dark--I had a rod come through and knock of the starter it was so bad, I don't really see how this happened but will be very interested in knowing when you find out, I agree with you that this is a bit of a mystery--
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Old Jul 10, 2005 | 02:25 PM
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It was a P1 Procharger, but my boost gauge never read over 2-3 lbs. I don't see how it can be boost related. I installed a cam at the same time, but used JPR lifter holders so I'm sure a lifter didn't fall. As far as I know it wasn't using any coolant either, so hydrolock probably didn't happen.
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Old Jul 10, 2005 | 02:34 PM
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no way at 3500 you were making enough boost to do that. How hot was it out side? What octane gas were you running. I think a piston would let go due to detonation before the block would. Id say to look for the cause elsewhere.

Dave
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Old Jul 10, 2005 | 02:55 PM
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I had EFI Live running and didn't have any knock. 93 octane and it was about 90F outside. I don't think it's boost related. Maybe a rod bolt was just ready to go from my last setup (cam only).
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Old Jul 10, 2005 | 03:09 PM
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Give Andy a call at A&A in the AM and tell him all about it and see what he thinks happenend, he also has some really great blocks for sale.
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Old Jul 10, 2005 | 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Torched Z
Well I took the week off work and installed a Procharger kit on my Z06. I started it up for the first time on Friday and it seemed to run fine. I drove down the road a little further and never got above 3500 rpms. All the sudden my car shut down completely. All the power went out so I assumed it was an electrical problem. So I had it trailered home and replaced the battery. It had power again, but it wouldn't turn over when I tried to start it.

I jacked it up and oil started pouring out of the oil pan on the drivers side. I'm guessing a rod made the hole, but I don't see how that's possible since I didn't get over 3500 rpms. I'm sure it's not related to FI. What are my options here? Does anyone have a used LS6 short block for sale?
Well I know someone who had the same thing happen to his Z06, he was driving down the road and all the sudden the car lost all power and the battery shorted out. Once he got it home and put in a new battery he discovered the motor wouldnt turn over because the cylinders were full of water and the starter couldnt make enough torque to turn the engine over. He took out a rod as well........He was driving thru a deep puddle and hydrolocked his motor with the exact same issues you posted. Have you checked the oil and coolant in your car for milkyness?

Last edited by Internets_Ninja; Jul 10, 2005 at 04:02 PM.
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 04:59 AM
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I don't know what to say except that is fked up...

sounds like something that would happen to me....spend all week working on it only to have that happen.....good luck with repairs
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 09:15 AM
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I really don't think it was your install. Sorry to hear about your motor. I scattered a rod in my wife '02 WS6.....but than goodness for my extended contract.

Shahram
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 09:54 AM
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I found the #3 valve head in pieces in my intake manifold. I guess it's possible I dropped a valve and all this happened because of that.
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Torched Z
I found the #3 valve head in pieces in my intake manifold. I guess it's possible I dropped a valve and all this happened because of that.
Yup, that'll do it, too. Instead of hydro-lock, you debris-locked motor, snapped the rod, punch out the block. yuk. Well, always look for the silver lining....now you will appropriate a bulletproof, low compression block built for boost. All that is left is to upgrade the fuel system. Then you can boost the shiznit out of it properly, make a ton of power. Call Shirl Dickey of SDRE to price his short blocks. He goes by MrEracer here on the forum.

robert / Gen 3 motorsports
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