LS7 in a C5
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 133
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From: Eastchester NY
LS7 in a C5
I am looking for advice from anyone that has done it? What are the problems? What should I look out for or consider? My car is a 2002 Z06.
I know that i have to have a wiring harness adapter but that doesn't seem to be a problem.
I know that I need a different intake and throttle body.
I understand, but maybe someone can confirm this, that I can retain my LS6 headers. I also understand that I can use the C5 transmission.
What else can you retain from the C5? Alternator? Power steering pump? Are there any clearance issues?
I intend to run an ARE dry sump. I understand that you have to decide whether to use a long snout crank thereby allowing you to retain air conditioning. Are there any clearance issues with the radiator (Dewitt) with this type of set up? Also, what from the C5 AC can you retain with this type of set up? Can you use the factory C5 AC?
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice?
I know that i have to have a wiring harness adapter but that doesn't seem to be a problem.
I know that I need a different intake and throttle body.
I understand, but maybe someone can confirm this, that I can retain my LS6 headers. I also understand that I can use the C5 transmission.
What else can you retain from the C5? Alternator? Power steering pump? Are there any clearance issues?
I intend to run an ARE dry sump. I understand that you have to decide whether to use a long snout crank thereby allowing you to retain air conditioning. Are there any clearance issues with the radiator (Dewitt) with this type of set up? Also, what from the C5 AC can you retain with this type of set up? Can you use the factory C5 AC?
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: Jasper, GA
St. Jude Donor '10
No problems at all w/ 24 tooth reluctor, 90mm TB harness adapter, and bat wing oil pan cover. I did not choose to go w/ dry sump. I used a Ron Davis radiator w/ IOC. I even kept the '99 PCM. Also, ran 1 7/8" ARHs. Your 2002 won't have any issues at all. Take it to Vengeance, they been there, done that, many times, NA, SC, an NO2. Hope this helps.
Mike C sends
Mike C sends
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Hillsborough NC
NC Events Coordinator
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: dothan alabama
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,051
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From: Houston TX
You will want to replace the LS6 throttle body so you can exploit the new displacement.
Your LS6 headers will choke the ANY 427ci setup, so youare better off going with some 1 7/8" or bigger headers.
I intend to run an ARE dry sump. I understand that you have to decide whether to use a long snout crank thereby allowing you to retain air conditioning. Are there any clearance issues with the radiator (Dewitt) with this type of set up? Also, what from the C5 AC can you retain with this type of set up? Can you use the factory C5 AC?
If you go wet sump, you can pretty much just bolt up to your C5 setup.
Replace the batwing sump with an LS2 sump if you do go the wet sump route.
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Houston TX
This was the first startup of my car back in 2007.Last edited by RC45; Jun 2, 2012 at 02:41 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Jacksonville FL
My setup is a Vengeance Racing built LS7 based 440, also done in 07. Mine is a wet sump. If you go NA it might look something like this.
If you decide to add a little spray it might look more like this.
If you decide to add a little spray it might look more like this.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Hillsborough NC
NC Events Coordinator
I had never driven anything remotely as powerful as this and it pulls like crazy. When I read about guys who have boosted set-ups with 800, 1000 or even 1200 hp, I can't even imagine it.
Last edited by jcsperson; Jun 3, 2012 at 08:32 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 754
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From: dothan alabama
To the OP be sure to post what you decide on and why.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Houston TX
It is not really a case of converting an LS7 long block to wet sump, it is a case of building a 427 using the LS7 block and heads/intake.
You will use an appropriate forged bottom end and appropriate valve train for the intended power/application.
As far as price goes - if you are able to raid your spares bin and do much of the work yourself, then a decent 427ci setup can be had for about $10K - factor in as much as $18,000 if you do none of the work yourself and want the best accessories.
Either way, N/A big cube motors are not the cheapest route to get crazy HP.
And I should imagine did a lot of the heavy lifting yourself.
There is about $4000 labour to be saved in not having the major build/surgery/install done by an engine builder/tuner. Not going ported heads can save you another $1,800 or so.
You will use an appropriate forged bottom end and appropriate valve train for the intended power/application.
As far as price goes - if you are able to raid your spares bin and do much of the work yourself, then a decent 427ci setup can be had for about $10K - factor in as much as $18,000 if you do none of the work yourself and want the best accessories.
Either way, N/A big cube motors are not the cheapest route to get crazy HP.
There is about $4000 labour to be saved in not having the major build/surgery/install done by an engine builder/tuner. Not going ported heads can save you another $1,800 or so.
Last edited by RC45; Jun 3, 2012 at 07:08 PM.