While I recognize there can be many variables, wondering if there are any common issues to look for on supercharged C5s and or any experience with how the engines hold up on boost as they get up in miles. I have owned a few forced induction AMGs and they were bullet proof even over 150K miles....but were built for it..I know the LS1 is a hearty engine but just looking for some advice.

Thanks in advance....

 

the piston ring lands are the weakest link... if the tune is spot on, you have enough available octane (no detonation), and everything is working properly they can live a reasonable life... this is also assuming that it actually sees boost, if you just get it dynoed and it stays out of boost after the fact then it will last just as long as any other engine... if you are unsure of the health of the engine it would be a good idea to do a leakdown test before moving forward

 

Depending on the boost the engine would not be my first concern. Brother in law ate an automatic transmission and M6 owners had down stream drive train issues after track use. Good luck! What could go wrong? (it might)

 

I've owned two SC C5s, both with over 100K. My current one is a 99 with 528rwhp and I have zero issues with it. I drive it daily (except in winter) and I totally expect to get well over 150,000 miles on her. I'm considering adding a SC to my 2002 but $ is not available currently. I purchased a new house instead.

 

I can only speak from my experience not brother in-laws or M-6 owners. Had A&A Kit installed in 2010 at 50K miles, now have 89K with no issues. Car is a 2000 vert with auto tranny.

 

I have an '03 Z with the LS6. Installed SC about 11 years ago, upgraded it with bigger exhaust manifold and cam about 4 years ago, bumping it to 750hp at crank. It's got 75k on it now and it purrs like a kitty cat. You just can't beat up on it all the time. I think both the LS1 and 6 have 6-bolt mins, but not 100% sure on that.

 

Thanks for the responses, if I join the club I will let you know.... other option is to sell my 05 SL600 V12 TT and maybe get a C6 Callaway

 

Moved to C5 Tech.

 

Hello, I also have an 03 Z. I have been considering going to sc. route also. I have 108k miles on my all stock car. I was told that I would need to get another clutch. My mechanic friend said that my fuel pump was good enough. I was wondering what other expenses should I look for? I know the price of the SC. I will have to get it installed, Would I need fuel injectors? any advice would be appreciated.

 

Nothing lasts forever.

The supercharger style (positive displacement versus not), size, max PSI setup, and driving style are huge factors. If you go for a relatively low boost setup and don't hit it hard constantly, it's likely to have no issues for a good long while. On the other hand, throw more boost at it and beat it hard, and it will pop.

Rastan, you should be buying a supercharger kit that includes everything you need: mechanical parks, electronic parts, injectors, etc. It then gets either a "stock" tune from the kit, or it gets tuned aftermarket.

 

im making north of 700 whp on a 114k motor thats seen both nitrous and boost. I feel reasonably safe about it day to day, but I dont really expect it to see 200k miles.

 

Put my supercharger on at 75k miles with almost 500whp. Now I've got 123k miles and bumped it up to 635 about a month ago.

 

Wow. 700whp. Is that on a stock engine ?

OP: I've heard the stock pistons are the weakest link. To really be safe and reliable with a super charger, they need to be forged.
Lots of anecdotal stories of people using an S/C with no problems on a stock LS1.
But I've also read a few stories of S/C engines with relatively low miles exploding.

 

A couple of things to consider: I have the full A&A kit (exhaust, cam, etc.) making 750hp at the crank and despite Andy's best efforts, I've always had issues with the cat monitor turning on. It doesn't turn on unless I take the car all the way to him, leave it and he jumps through a ton of hoops.

I think it may have something to do with the engine not running hot enough to get into closed loop, but can't be sure. In Cali, that's been a real headache for me.

Plus, during tuning, after it was first installed, the original fuel pump went south and had to be replaced with a C6 Z06 unit. Additionally, a wire once popped out of the boost-a-pump while on the freeway at 6pm in LA, causing me (in a bright yellow vette) to pile up traffic for miles until a flatbed came and loaded the car (with me sitting in the driver seat), it was funny and embarrassing at the same time. I'm sure there were plenty of facebook posts about it at the time with all the pictures people were taking.

But beyond that, driveability is good as long as I don't go nuts. So if i had to do it over, I don't think I would. It's not practical and unless you're immature, you won't use it very often. Your gas mileage does suffer, even when you drive it normally and I always feel that the car isn't as light-footed or responsive as it used to be. On its own, without an SC, it was very quick and sharp.

Now, I can't just "punch" it without worrying about losing the *** or traction control lighting up. On a cold night, when I downshift to pass on the freeway at 70 or 80 mph, my traction control lights up. I still have my stock size wheels and I feel that's why, but it's simply not very useful.

Finally, whenever I do push it, in the back of my mind I'm constantly thinking of two things: 1) God, please don't let me get arrested; and 2) I hope nothing breaks.

So, if you want my advice, don't waste the time and money. Keep it stock and enjoy it as is. That's just my 2 cents.

 

I am looking at A&A, they have a kit for the ls-6 that as far as I can tell is complete. I am looking for 500-550 hp at the crank. I really want reliability, and I only street drive my Z. I looked at procharger but their kits offer a minimum of 50% hp increase which will take me into 600+. I've been told that my clutch won't last long. That is much more power than I need, and I have seen what goes into replacing a clutch in these cars.

 

I am looking at A&A, they have a kit for the ls-6 that as far as I can tell is complete. I am looking for 500-550 hp at the crank. I really want reliability, and I only street drive my Z. I looked at procharger but their kits offer a minimum of 50% hp increase which will take me into 600+. I've been told that my clutch won't last long. That is much more power than I need, and I have seen what goes into replacing a clutch in these cars. I'm running 325's in the rear so I have better than stock grip. So hopefully I have enough traction during the summer to enjoy the extra power.

 

325 rears will do fine at the ~550 bhp rating. They will get a bit squirrelly if you launch hard in first gear. If you get a clutch that holds the power without complaint and the most sticky rubber you can and launch hard, you may well end up breaking something (the trans / diff / half shafts aren't really intended for hard launches at 200 bhp over stock). If you roll onto it in first and hit it hard in second, you will be fine with normal rubber.

Definitely get a clutch though. I mean, feel free to wear yours out first, get the life you want out of it, but the LS1 and LS6 clutches aren't really rated for 550 bhp with FI.