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Replacement C5 engine...LS3 E-Rod?

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Old Dec 25, 2012 | 05:56 PM
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Default Replacement C5 engine...LS3 E-Rod?

After driving through an unseen flash flood in my C5 Z06 (couldn't see it due to headlights from another stalled car shining toward me at night during a storm) my intake sucked enough water to hydrolock the engine instantly and it is now toast. What would everyone recommend given the below needs?

-Must pass CA emissions
-Will be daily driven (needs to be reliable)
-Will see 10+ road racing track days per year
-Keep parts cost under $9k
-At least 400hp, more is nice for minimal cost
-I will also be replacing the clutch at the same time...any recommendations there?

I'm thinking about the LS3 E-rod crate engine. I need to replace my cats either way as they were bad before the incident and the E-Rod comes with new cats. Thank you in advance for any help!
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Old Dec 25, 2012 | 06:33 PM
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Looks like the important thing is that the engine is 50-state legal and should have a CARB EO number for it. But it also says the engine is designed for auto trans cars. You may want to call Summit and ask if the engine will work with a manual trans car and if that affects the CARB approval.

It also looks like this more of a "generic" engine as it includes wiring harnesses, ECM and fuel delivery stuff. It could turn out that installing the engine in your car may be a problem with the CARB.

Had you looked at a GM short block assembly that is made specifically for a Z06?
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Old Dec 26, 2012 | 01:07 PM
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I think you should tear down the engine you have to see how much damage is there. If you get a short block of the engine you have, then you should be able to use parts that you already have rather than replace parts that are still usable. Hydro-locking doesn't necessarily mean that you have to replace everything.

If you are looking to up grade your power, then by all means, get the new motor. Make sure it's going to work for you before you plunk down your dollars.
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Old Dec 26, 2012 | 01:31 PM
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Looked in my Chevrolet Performance parts book for E-Rod motors:
19257230 Automatic Transmission calibration-40 tooth reluctor
19257234 Manual Transmission calibration-17 tooth reluctor
Since most non-CARB crate motors use 58 tooth reluctor and can be converted to work in the C5 with a Lingenfelter box, I don't see how you could make this motor work without a stand alone DME-LOTS of work to integrate.

Here's the factory LS1/LS6 short block at about $3500 before discounting-assemble it from you old pieces and update as necessary. Just an idea:
http://parts.nalleygmc.com/products/.../89017548.html

Last edited by PhilsFRC; Dec 26, 2012 at 06:50 PM.
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Old Dec 26, 2012 | 06:07 PM
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How about this set up from SCDP?

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...longblock.html

It's about the same price for the LS 3 set up initally considered but 615 HP.
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Old Dec 26, 2012 | 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by ezrider4u2
How about this set up from SCDP?

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...longblock.html

It's about the same price for the LS 3 set up initally considered but 615 HP.
No way that cam is going to pass Cali emissions and if I'm not wrong, the 615HP claimed is with LT's...no?

TO the OP: Where in California are you? Fill out your profile.

Last edited by WKMCD; Dec 26, 2012 at 06:40 PM.
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Old Dec 26, 2012 | 10:10 PM
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Thanks to all for the responses! PhilzFRC, thanks for the catch, I would need PN 19257234 for a manual.

I'm hoping insurance will cover a new engine (adjuster comes next week) in which case I would prefer a crate engine and sell the old one which should help even out the cost difference. I like the LS3 E-Rod given the 2yr/50k warranty and potential for easy power upgrades if I decide to go there.

WKMCD, I'm in Palo Alto, CA. Just filled out my profile some too.

Any ideas on the best (value considered) clutch given an LS3 or LS6 and the same requirements in the original post?
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Old Dec 27, 2012 | 07:52 AM
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I'd consider calling RPM or A&A to see what they suggest since they are in California. I'd imagine that they deal with this scenario quite often.
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Old Dec 27, 2012 | 10:37 AM
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Insurance will cover a hydro locked engine?!?
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