Engine failures
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 461
Likes: 24
From: Indpls. In.
Engine failures
I read alot about the Z06 engines taking a dump for various reasons even though some argue that it is a very few % over the amount that are out there.
Just wondering how the base model C6 engine has been holding up in comparison
Just wondering how the base model C6 engine has been holding up in comparison
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 13
From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
Based on forum threads, I'd say the C6 LS2/LS3 engines are holding up great. 
Seems like threads about C6 base-engine failure have something to do with modifications-gone-wrong or a bad oil change (over- or under-filled, esp. dry-sump LS3) or other in-the-field screw-up.
If there was a factory problem causing LS2/LS3 engine failures, we'd be flooded with threads.
In fact, there are lots of threads about problem-free higher-mileage C6's.
CONSUMER REPORTS surveys confirm it: Less than 1% problem rate (their highest rating) for the C6 engine. I'm guessing that's skewed a bit by LS7 problems... so I'd conclude the LS2/LS3 is as close to perfect as it gets for a production engine.
Seems like threads about C6 base-engine failure have something to do with modifications-gone-wrong or a bad oil change (over- or under-filled, esp. dry-sump LS3) or other in-the-field screw-up.
If there was a factory problem causing LS2/LS3 engine failures, we'd be flooded with threads.
In fact, there are lots of threads about problem-free higher-mileage C6's.
CONSUMER REPORTS surveys confirm it: Less than 1% problem rate (their highest rating) for the C6 engine. I'm guessing that's skewed a bit by LS7 problems... so I'd conclude the LS2/LS3 is as close to perfect as it gets for a production engine.
Race Director
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 16,015
Likes: 11
From: Bayou Country LA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I have a 2006 LS2 with 38,000 and no issues. Bought it used so who knows how the previous owner drove it. I have a nice 55mph junction on the way home where I can legally get on it so it's gotten near the red line a few times. Man, I hate it when someone is making the turn in front of me!
I just can't seem to get it under 22 mpg! The base model is perfect for the economy minded who have owned only fuel efficient cars most of their lives.
I just can't seem to get it under 22 mpg! The base model is perfect for the economy minded who have owned only fuel efficient cars most of their lives.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,817
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
How are you planning on driving the car? If you are like 90+% of Corvette drivers you won't drive it hard enough or long enough to have an engine failure. As far as I know all of the engine failures have occurred in cars that actually are driven and in addition see some very hard miles (such as track duty). A few quarter mile passes and putt putting around town won't put any body at risk of losing an engine unless they run it without any oil.
Bill
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 33
From: Out west in the mountains
How are you planning on driving the car? If you are like 90+% of Corvette drivers you won't drive it hard enough or long enough to have an engine failure. As far as I know all of the engine failures have occurred in cars that actually are driven and in addition see some very hard miles (such as track duty). A few quarter mile passes and putt putting around town won't put any body at risk of losing an engine unless they run it without any oil.
Bill
Bill
Very good point Bill. Also don't mod the LS7 motor. I believe some of the "reported" motors that blew up were modded. 
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,365
Likes: 5,244
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
No problems with my LS7. The vast majority of the Z06 motors have been fine. If you want to put anhialator cams, tunes and run 1/4 mile at a time I suppose you can count on some issues.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
Likes: 3,629
LS7 has some heads that the valve seats where not symmetrical/on center with the guide channels, and would snap valves due to this. The other one is the motor rev's to 7K, so as the valve guide stems to guides wear too much (too much slop), could have the same problem with the valves snapping from not seating square as well.
So due to this, most will just have the factory valves swapped out SS vavles with new guides installed, as well as the valve seats recut as well.
This solves if the heads where not produced correctly to begin with, as well as the SS valve being stronger so they do not snap as you do get wear between them and the stems, with them not seating square every time.
So due to this, most will just have the factory valves swapped out SS vavles with new guides installed, as well as the valve seats recut as well.
This solves if the heads where not produced correctly to begin with, as well as the SS valve being stronger so they do not snap as you do get wear between them and the stems, with them not seating square every time.
