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New to this generation of Corvettes. Been trying to educate myself on the C5’s. Will be hunting for an ‘03 with the 3 pedal 6 speed simply because of a couple of Corvette gurus who basically said to try and minimize costly maintenance.
in various reads I’ve come to the conclusion these LS motors are bullet proof as a street driven car. I am curious of the basic differences between the base LS1 and the Z06 LS6 motors.
I tried to do a search here but this specific question and the answers didn’t jump out at me.
Thank you! That was a good overview of these 2 motors. I am curious what the stock flow #s are on the base LS1 factory heads vs the Z06 LS6 (243) heads. I’ve read where there is a bolt on power boost to an LS1 using the LS6 heads.. Are the specs for the camshafts on these motors different as well?
Thank you. That’s good to know. So does that mean the rear end ratios are the same, 3.42:1?. I did read somewhere the Z06 would top out lower vs the base car due to gearing…out of the hole quicker at the expense of top end…not that I’d ever see top end 😃.
Thank you. That’s good to know. So does that mean the rear end ratios are the same, 3.42:1?. I did read somewhere the Z06 would top out lower vs the base car due to gearing…out of the hole quicker at the expense of top end…not that I’d ever see top end 😃.
Its actually the same transmission with different ratios (close ratio), and 6th gear 0.56, vs the coupes 0.50 6th gear. The coupe is also more aerodynamic.
Both the Z06 and 6 speed coupe came standard with the 3.42 rear gear.
In addition to the engine upgrades, the Z is lighter, and has many upgrades in suspension components.
Thank you! That was a good overview of these 2 motors. I am curious what the stock flow #s are on the base LS1 factory heads vs the Z06 LS6 (243) heads. I’ve read where there is a bolt on power boost to an LS1 using the LS6 heads.. Are the specs for the camshafts on these motors different as well?
Thanks again for responding.
Bolt on power from 241 to 243 heads is about 15whp. Some see 15whp some have seen 20 with just a heads swap. The cam specs are different and on average the increase with just a LS6 cam swap is also about 20whp. LS6 intake swap is good for about 5whp on stock cars with the LS1 intake '97-00. The '01-'04 LS1 models came with the LS6 intake.
The C5 Z06 '02-'04 in stock form typically dynos at about 350whp. The '01 Z06 typically 335-340whp. The MN6 C5 coupe & FRC typically dyno between 300-310whp stock.
So it's about a 40 to 50 whp difference stock vs. stock across the models depending on year.
A stock LS6 head swap or cam swap is a nothing but a waste of time and money. Unless mediocrity is the goal. Otherwise port the heads or buy ported heads. And go bigger on the cam if you're going through the trouble.
The LS6 just serves as a better starting point. But both LS1 or LS6 can be made to go comparatively fast with like for like upgrades.
Bolt on power from 241 to 243 heads is about 15whp. Some see 15whp some have seen 20 with just a heads swap. The cam specs are different and on average the increase with just a LS6 cam swap is also about 20whp. LS6 intake swap is good for about 5whp on stock cars with the LS1 intake '97-00. The '01-'04 LS1 models came with the LS6 intake.
The C5 Z06 '02-'04 in stock form typically dynos at about 350whp. The '01 Z06 typically 335-340whp. The MN6 C5 coupe & FRC typically dyno between 300-310whp stock.
So it's about a 40 to 50 whp difference stock vs. stock across the models depending on year.
A stock LS6 head swap or cam swap is a nothing but a waste of time and money. Unless mediocrity is the goal. Otherwise port the heads or buy ported heads. And go bigger on the cam if you're going through the trouble.
The LS6 just serves as a better starting point. But both LS1 or LS6 can be made to go comparatively fast with like for like upgrades.
I agree. If going to all the trouble of changing heads and cam, I'd never bolt on stock stuff. ESPECIALLY the cam. Not enough difference between the LS1 and LS6 cam to really matter. They're both too mild and emissions friendly. If OPs budget doesnt allow for more than $2,000, he could get a nice cam, valvesprings, and tune, which should pick up at least 45-50whp. Then next year he could gain another 50whp by spending another $1,000+ and have his 241 heads ported, or get a set of 243s My .02.
I agree. If going to all the trouble of changing heads and cam, I'd never bolt on stock stuff. ESPECIALLY the cam. Not enough difference between the LS1 and LS6 cam to really matter. They're both too mild and emissions friendly. If OPs budget doesnt allow for more than $2,000, he could get a nice cam, valvesprings, and tune, which should pick up at least 45-50whp. Then next year he could gain another 50whp by spending another $1,000+ and have his 241 heads ported, or get a set of 243s My .02.
$2,000?!
I think I'm about $600 deep (cam, springs, seals/alignment tools) and there's very little stopping me from opening up the motor at this point. But I'm hoping to reuse pushrods initially (unless the PR checker says otherwise) and my tuner works pretty cheap. All new parts, no smoking deals should be about $1,000 in parts unless the heads come off (plus a tune). And unless you have very specific emissions or mpg oriented goals, I agree the stock Z06 cam isn't worth it.
I think I'm about $600 deep (cam, springs, seals/alignment tools) and there's very little stopping me from opening up the motor at this point. But I'm hoping to reuse pushrods initially (unless the PR checker says otherwise) and my tuner works pretty cheap. All new parts, no smoking deals should be about $1,000 in parts unless the heads come off (plus a tune). And unless you have very specific emissions or mpg oriented goals, I agree the stock Z06 cam isn't worth it.
I am assuming he needs to pay for install. Not everyone can do their own work. Unless he can tune his own car, a good tune will be around $600 by itself, at least here in Michigan..
Super111, I recently bought some PAC valvesprings. The springs and Ti retainers were over $500. 2 years ago, the Ti retainers AND springs were under $350. I can't believe how things have gone up. My springs aren't top of the line, either!!
I got a lightly used cam cheap out of the gate, so that saved me. Point being though $2000 sounds nuts for a cam only! It's getting to the point I think some folks have to think twice about even doing it.
Here’s what I bought and cost, including tools, was about $1400…. Probably ~$950 without tools and some items not required, like plugs and wires, trunnion upgrade, etc…
Prices are mostly 2022…
Last edited by vette4fl; Apr 14, 2023 at 06:47 PM.
Differences between 2003 factory stock LS1 & LS6
