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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 12:45 PM
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Are the LS7 engines in the Z06 all the same through all of the production years?
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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 03:18 PM
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Yes they are although the dry sump oiling system had more capacity in the later years. The 2013 model year had lead free bearings also
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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 05:26 PM
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And they are all fast.
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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 05:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard Jinderlee

Are the LS7 engines in the Z06 all the same through all of the production years?
And [all] years of the LS7 production had problems with the valvetrain and dropping valves + problems with the titanium connecting rods ... Yes, all years of the LS7
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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 06:21 PM
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What year introduced the dry sump oil? Also, I am aware of the valve issue but what problems are associated with the connecting rods?
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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard Jinderlee
What year introduced the dry sump oil? Also, I am aware of the valve issue but what problems are associated with the connecting rods?
All LS7s are dry-sump. They just increased the size of the tank in 2009 from 8 qt to 10.5 qt from the ZR1. The titanium coating wears off the connecting rods and they rub together which results in some not so good stuff happening.

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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 09:45 PM
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So they are not solid titanium. What advantage does a titanimum plated connecting rod have? Reducing friction with the crankshaft journal? Is this a common problem? The reason I ask is that I am considering buying a Z06 with an engine that needs rebuilding.
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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 10:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard Jinderlee
So they are not solid titanium. What advantage does a titanimum plated connecting rod have? Reducing friction with the crankshaft journal? Is this a common problem? The reason I ask is that I am considering buying a Z06 with an engine that needs rebuilding.
The rods are solid titanium. They are coated with something that improves abrasion resistance. The advantage of titanium connecting rods is light weight. While being light, they are also stronger than aluminum. This helps the LS7 achieve 7,000 RPM.
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Old Jul 2, 2021 | 02:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Richard Jinderlee
So they are not solid titanium. What advantage does a titanimum plated connecting rod have? Reducing friction with the crankshaft journal? Is this a common problem? The reason I ask is that I am considering buying a Z06 with an engine that needs rebuilding.
Personally, I think this is a good place to be in as long as you can purchase the car for a reasonable price considering it needs thousands of dollars worth of engine work. Just don’t rebuild it with OEM components. Personally, I would use aftermarket heads, rods, etc. The engine can be rebuilt to be fast, strong, and dependable. It won’t be cheap if it’s done right, but let me tell you.......the Horsepower, but especially the low-end torque is absolutely intoxicating.
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Old Jul 2, 2021 | 09:05 PM
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The rods are not “solid titanium”. They are a forged titanium alloy (mixture of titanium and aluminum + others) and are quite strong for their dimensions. Their purpose is to reduce rotating mass to allow higher rpm for the long stroke. They do need to be coated to prevent gauling between rods. This coating will not degrade in a properly assembled and
lubricated engine. Rods can be recoated if needed and recoating saves money compared to replacement.
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Old Jul 3, 2021 | 08:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Richard Jinderlee

I am aware of the valve issue but what problems are associated with the connecting rods?
Lots of threads relating to LS7 connecting rod failures. Here is a good one (with photos) to start you out:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...d-failure.html
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Old Jun 14, 2023 | 06:41 PM
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Huh, that's strange. I'm the original owner of a 2011 Z06/Z07 and I'm still doing track days with the original valve train. In fact, with the exception of the seats and the addition of safety harness, the whole car is original.
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Old Jun 14, 2023 | 08:56 PM
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Originally Posted by claytonpanhandl
Huh, that's strange. I'm the original owner of a 2011 Z06/Z07 and I'm still doing track days with the original valve train. In fact, with the exception of the seats and the addition of safety harness, the whole car is original.



Oh heck you've done it now....That's like saying how good your kids have been acting or playing Russian roulette with five bullets...



Glad you are enjoying your car...



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