2000 Coupe LS6 swap?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 128
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From: Meridian ID
2000 Coupe LS6 swap?
Has anyone done this? I've been searching for LS1 - LS6 swap information and haven't found much info and no technical stuff at all.
The reason I am asking is because I will be needing to do a clutch and master/slave change very soon and I stumbled across a BRAND NEW in crate GMPP LS6 that a friend was going to put in a muscle car project. He sold the car the LS6 was going into and I could pick it up for a VERY reasonable price.
Is this a plug n play swap? It will be getting LT's with the engine change. The LS1 in my Vette now does not have any problems so the only reason to do the swap would be more power and a clutch change. I really like the way the LS6 performs and I don't need a ton of power in this thing as it's my dd.
Opinions?
The reason I am asking is because I will be needing to do a clutch and master/slave change very soon and I stumbled across a BRAND NEW in crate GMPP LS6 that a friend was going to put in a muscle car project. He sold the car the LS6 was going into and I could pick it up for a VERY reasonable price.
Is this a plug n play swap? It will be getting LT's with the engine change. The LS1 in my Vette now does not have any problems so the only reason to do the swap would be more power and a clutch change. I really like the way the LS6 performs and I don't need a ton of power in this thing as it's my dd.
Opinions?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The engines are the SAME physically and bolt right in. You will need to do a few simple EMISSIONS type Mods as your PCV is somewhat different than the LS6 2001+ PVC.
Look into the 2004 PVC upgrade and install what is needed. It’s a great improvement!
The PCM will also need to be retuned for the cam and injectors. Get it all installed and running and have it tuned!
Look into the 2004 PVC upgrade and install what is needed. It’s a great improvement!
The PCM will also need to be retuned for the cam and injectors. Get it all installed and running and have it tuned!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
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From: Oceanside California
From what Ive heard the LS1 casting is actually stronger then the LS6 block. What is his price to you? And what are the miles on the engine? If its too high, you can locate 243 heads, and LS6 or better intake, and select your own cam upgrade all for a cheaper price and have better then an LS6 engine.
Basically, Id just get the top end and a better cam and call it good. Both ways need tuning, but one will give you way more power for less cost. Of course this depends on what hes charging for his engine.
Basically, Id just get the top end and a better cam and call it good. Both ways need tuning, but one will give you way more power for less cost. Of course this depends on what hes charging for his engine.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,449
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From: Portland OR
Since the LS6 is BRAND NEW in the CRATE, I would assume it has 0 miles on it.
And then there is that WEAK block.....I dunno....tough choice!
Removing the engine isn't trivial, but the LS-6 will run dandy! I don't think you can just drop the stock LS-6 tune in because the computers are different. Someone else can chime in there. But I'd go for it in a heart beat. Of course I wouldn't be able to resist a cam change.
ron
And then there is that WEAK block.....I dunno....tough choice!
Removing the engine isn't trivial, but the LS-6 will run dandy! I don't think you can just drop the stock LS-6 tune in because the computers are different. Someone else can chime in there. But I'd go for it in a heart beat. Of course I wouldn't be able to resist a cam change.
ron
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
Since the LS6 is BRAND NEW in the CRATE, I would assume it has 0 miles on it.
And then there is that WEAK block.....I dunno....tough choice!
Removing the engine isn't trivial, but the LS-6 will run dandy! I don't think you can just drop the stock LS-6 tune in because the computers are different. Someone else can chime in there. But I'd go for it in a heart beat. Of course I wouldn't be able to resist a cam change.
ron
And then there is that WEAK block.....I dunno....tough choice!
Removing the engine isn't trivial, but the LS-6 will run dandy! I don't think you can just drop the stock LS-6 tune in because the computers are different. Someone else can chime in there. But I'd go for it in a heart beat. Of course I wouldn't be able to resist a cam change.
ron
Exactly what I was getting at. The LS6 is not all that good for all that time and money. Doing the top end and a cam is way cheaper and better performance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
the Caddy CTS-V LS6 motors were in surplus in 2010; they were selling for 3500
So, if you sell your LS1 for 1500; why not drop in the fresh LS6 for 2000?
After you do a dozen C5 motor swaps they start to become not so challenging
So, if you sell your LS1 for 1500; why not drop in the fresh LS6 for 2000?
After you do a dozen C5 motor swaps they start to become not so challenging
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Oceanside California
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Le Mans Master
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From: Farmington CT
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From: PA
The only thing I can think of why someone would claim that would be the cast in windows in the LS6 block, other than that, I dont know of any differences. With the various performance enhancements they made to the LS6 I cant imagine they would design a block that was weaker than the LS1. I also thought I had heard years ago that the LS6 had a stronger grade of aluminum than the previous LS1, not positive though
(from C5 ZO6 facts sticky)
Aluminum Block
The aluminum block casting on the LS6 deletes machined holes in the LS1 bulkhead and adds cast-in "windows" that allow better bay-to-bay breathing. On the downstroke, the pistons push air back toward the crankcase, creating backpressure or resistance, and that translates into parasitic horsepower loss because it resists piston motion. With the overtravel windows, air is allowed to move more freely between crankcase bays, thus relieving the unwanted pressure.
New Pistons
LS6 pistons are cast from high-strength M142 aluminum alloy and reshaped with a slightly different profile than those in the LS1. In side view, the LS6 pistons have a slight barrel shape, almost imperceptible to the naked eye. The new alloy increases engine durability at racetrack operating levels, while the shape reduces internal mechanical noise.
Increased Compression
The LS6's aluminum cylinder heads are cast with pent-roof combustion chambers that are smaller than the LS1's. Compression ratio increases from 10.1:1 to 10.5:1, improving thermal efficiency and increasing horsepower. Intake and exhaust ports in the LS6 head are refined and more precisely cast, contributing to the engine's overall increase in volumetric efficiency.
The aluminum block casting on the LS6 deletes machined holes in the LS1 bulkhead and adds cast-in "windows" that allow better bay-to-bay breathing. On the downstroke, the pistons push air back toward the crankcase, creating backpressure or resistance, and that translates into parasitic horsepower loss because it resists piston motion. With the overtravel windows, air is allowed to move more freely between crankcase bays, thus relieving the unwanted pressure.
New Pistons
LS6 pistons are cast from high-strength M142 aluminum alloy and reshaped with a slightly different profile than those in the LS1. In side view, the LS6 pistons have a slight barrel shape, almost imperceptible to the naked eye. The new alloy increases engine durability at racetrack operating levels, while the shape reduces internal mechanical noise.
Increased Compression
The LS6's aluminum cylinder heads are cast with pent-roof combustion chambers that are smaller than the LS1's. Compression ratio increases from 10.1:1 to 10.5:1, improving thermal efficiency and increasing horsepower. Intake and exhaust ports in the LS6 head are refined and more precisely cast, contributing to the engine's overall increase in volumetric efficiency.
Anyway, if I were you I would make the swap and sell your LS1 to make up the difference.
Last edited by MY03C5Z; Jun 27, 2012 at 08:02 PM.
Burning Brakes
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From: Destin Florida
Thread Starter
Instructor
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From: Meridian ID
THANK YOU for all the replies! I can't match the $3500 price from the surplus CTS-V stockpile but it's way better than retail. I'm thinking I will do the LS6 swap with new clutch, master, slave, LT's, etc then get a tune.
Not sure if I will sell the LS1 or sit on it for a future build.
Then ZO6 wheels, tires, brakes, shocks, sways, brake cooling ducts. Then get the transmission done. Maybe scrounge up a ZO6 trans and have a full blown ZO6 Coupe . . .
Would it be wrong to put ZO6 badges on it then?
Not sure if I will sell the LS1 or sit on it for a future build.
Then ZO6 wheels, tires, brakes, shocks, sways, brake cooling ducts. Then get the transmission done. Maybe scrounge up a ZO6 trans and have a full blown ZO6 Coupe . . .
Would it be wrong to put ZO6 badges on it then?
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
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From: PA
If you really want to go that far to make your car as close to a c5z as you describe you are talking about a good chunk of change. If I were in your shoes and really wanted a c5z I would try to sell your 2000 and get an 01-02 C5z. 01 z's usually sell a good bit cheaper than 02-04's. You can often find them with 50k miles or less in the high teens, some people get them even cheaper.
Your talking at least $5-6k involved in swapping:
LS6 motor... $3500
Zo6 trans....$1000-1500?
Zo6 wheels... $500-$750
Tires.............$800-1000
shocks & ducts...$400-500
Brakes are the same...
Just my $.02. I wouldnt try to convert a base C5 to a Z. There are a good number of them for sale these days, I would sell yours and try to find the one you want.
Your talking at least $5-6k involved in swapping:
LS6 motor... $3500
Zo6 trans....$1000-1500?
Zo6 wheels... $500-$750
Tires.............$800-1000
shocks & ducts...$400-500
Brakes are the same...
Just my $.02. I wouldnt try to convert a base C5 to a Z. There are a good number of them for sale these days, I would sell yours and try to find the one you want.
Last edited by MY03C5Z; Jun 29, 2012 at 07:35 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,642
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From: Ca.
If you really want to go that far to make your car as close to a c5z as you describe you are talking about a good chunk of change. If I were in your shoes and really wanted a c5z I would try to sell your 2000 and get an 01-02 C5z. 01 z's usually sell a good bit cheaper than 02-04's. You can often find them with 50k miles or less in the high teens, some people get them even cheaper.
Your talking at least $5-6k involved in swapping:
LS6 motor... $3500
Zo6 trans....$1000-1500?
Zo6 wheels... $500-$750
Tires.............$800-1000
shocks & ducts...$400-500
Brakes are the same...
Just my $.02. I wouldnt try to convert a base C5 to a Z. There are a good number of them for sale these days, I would sell yours and try to find the one you want.
Your talking at least $5-6k involved in swapping:
LS6 motor... $3500
Zo6 trans....$1000-1500?
Zo6 wheels... $500-$750
Tires.............$800-1000
shocks & ducts...$400-500
Brakes are the same...
Just my $.02. I wouldnt try to convert a base C5 to a Z. There are a good number of them for sale these days, I would sell yours and try to find the one you want.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Murrysville PA
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
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From: PA
It does? Their LS6 crate is rated at 405:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...98399/10002/-1
Maybe you're thinking of their LS3 (525/489):
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...59233/10002/-1
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
the current so called LS1 blocks by the F-body guys are acutely current LS6 blocks.
The 2001 LS6 block is different then the 2002 and new LS6 blocks.
02 and new have a bit more aluminum and far better oiling galleys and stronger head bolt areas.
but Nothing wrong with the LS1 block.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: Murrysville PA
It does? Their LS6 crate is rated at 405:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...98399/10002/-1
Maybe you're thinking of their LS3 (525/489):
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...59233/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...98399/10002/-1
Maybe you're thinking of their LS3 (525/489):
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...59233/10002/-1