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Going to transition to an LS3 on my 07 Z06. I know I’ll be loosing power and value but will keep this car for years to come. My engine was being rebuilt and shop caught fire so don’t want to rebuild any more.
The stock longblock LS3 I’m looking at is a wet sump.
Any advice on what I’ll need to make this a smooth conversion? Will there be many parts needed for the transition? The replacement engine for LS3 MT on the grand sport dry sump would be way more expensive since I don’t have a core.
Personally, I'd sell it as is to someone who wants to rebuild it rather than put an LS3 wet-sump in a Z06. That doesn't help with your question though. Good luck.
I knew a track guy who did this. Had to computer issues for a while. Don't really know how it turned out. Are you replacing the main engine computer (ECM?), also?
ECM doesn't need replaced, its the same between the LS7 and LS3, same controller, the only thing that needs replaced is the tune within the ECM... Aside from that your only real issue will be some of your sensor locations may change slightly (it may not either, pretty sure LS7s are the same as most gen IV stuff, I may be mistaken though... You can ditch the oil tank and probably sell it for decent money since you wont need it. Youll need to find an LS3 style intake manifold as the LS7 one wont fit. Ports are different. Your LS7 exhaust will bolt right up. Everything else is pretty much bolt it together and go though.
If it were me I'd probably take the time while its out to do a cam and lifters, an LS3 with a good cam will atleast get you closer to the stock LS7 horsepower and make the car alot more fun. Above all else dont skimp on lifters though if you go this route. No GM junk, either Johnsons or Morels. Don't skimp on the tuner either, the right tune will either make or break the entire car. Not sure where your located but if you post it we could probably direct you to someone good in your area. Best of luck getting her going again. The LS3 wont have the low end torque the LS7 produces but its still a great motor and you should get many reliable miles out of it and have a blast with it!
Thank you for the info! I’m located in Indianapolis, IN and would take any recommendations on who can help with the install. I don’t mind driving some for the right person to do the job.
Originally Posted by StayinStock
ECM doesn't need replaced, its the same between the LS7 and LS3, same controller, the only thing that needs replaced is the tune within the ECM... Aside from that your only real issue will be some of your sensor locations may change slightly (it may not either, pretty sure LS7s are the same as most gen IV stuff, I may be mistaken though... You can ditch the oil tank and probably sell it for decent money since you wont need it. Youll need to find an LS3 style intake manifold as the LS7 one wont fit. Ports are different. Your LS7 exhaust will bolt right up. Everything else is pretty much bolt it together and go though.
If it were me I'd probably take the time while its out to do a cam and lifters, an LS3 with a good cam will atleast get you closer to the stock LS7 horsepower and make the car alot more fun. Above all else dont skimp on lifters though if you go this route. No GM junk, either Johnsons or Morels. Don't skimp on the tuner either, the right tune will either make or break the entire car. Not sure where your located but if you post it we could probably direct you to someone good in your area. Best of luck getting her going again. The LS3 wont have the low end torque the LS7 produces but its still a great motor and you should get many reliable miles out of it and have a blast with it!
I dont know Indy too well but you should reach out to Jeremy over at RPM Transmissions, their in that area and I'm sure he knows some reputable tuners near by. @Jeremy@RPMTransmissions
The guy in Indy is Mike Norris - Norris Motorsports. He's actually in Plainfield. Mike swapped my LS2 for an LS3 crate motor 3 years ago. I know lots of guys that have used Mike. Very happy with the results.
Like any good shop Mike is pretty busy but worth the wait IMO. (407) 616-2518.
Do as you please, your car.
Just do one thing, remove both Z06 badges.
Why? The chassis is still a Z06 so its not like its up badging it... With LS7s costing upward of 20 grand and the amount of available blocks being a finite number your going to see a lot more of this if folks want to keep their car running. I could see if a base model guy was trying to pass off a base as a z06, but thats not really whats going on here. Also it leaves a hole in the fender so theirs that....
Why? The chassis is still a Z06 so its not like its up badging it... With LS7s costing upward of 20 grand and the amount of available blocks being a finite number your going to see a lot more of this if folks want to keep their car running. I could see if a base model guy was trying to pass off a base as a z06, but thats not really whats going on here. Also it leaves a hole in the fender so theirs that....
Picking nits.
Certainly a reality more C6 Z06s shall show-up w/ LS3s or other LS variants.
Z06 chassis notwithstanding, car under discussion would be LS7 delete. No?
Perhaps holes be covered w/ LS3 badges.
As stated OP's car, may do as they choose -- purists be damned.
Except perhaps a future owner who goes forth claiming they'd acquired a genuine Z06.
Witnessed this happen over the years.
FWIW I've a similar gripe w/ GS, tho' not to this degree.
Since GS' conception in '63 genuine GS' wore fender stripes denoting it's not an ordinary Corvette.
However personally seen, many times, non-GS cars w/ GS fender stripes.
Heck, other day saw a Challenger w/ GS fender stripes.
Whatever floats the boat, however silly. Right?
Same vien as a popular act placing Z51 badges on C6, often seen by some C6 owners at CF.
Z51 is an option, not model as are Z06/ZR1.
Here again, their car.
Granted replacement LS7s are not an inexpensive endevour, never were, never will be.
The price a genuine Z06 owner pays for authenticity is not for the feint of heart.
There're good reasons Z06/ZR1 cost eclipses GS & standard body Corvettes.
YMMV
The Z06 is fixed roof. No rebadging is going to disguise what it was from the factory. Essentially what you’ll end up with is a wet sump GS with a non removable roof. Good braking, handling, and enough power to get a ticket at the other side of an intersection.
Sorry for the situation that you are in. I am just curious about the back story. The car seems to be undamaged from the fire. I am guessing that the engine was in the area involved in the fire and not rebuildable? I would think that the shop would have insurance to cover the losses so that you would be able to replace this engine with the correct one for the car.
Sorry for the situation that you are in. I am just curious about the back story. The car seems to be undamaged from the fire. I am guessing that the engine was in the area involved in the fire and not rebuildable? I would think that the shop would have insurance to cover the losses so that you would be able to replace this engine with the correct one for the car.
No way I would put a wet sump LS3 in a Z06. I would make the shop replace the engine properly. A Z06 with a LS3 is probably going to lose more than $20k in value. Baring the shop making you whole I would probably part out the car.
Thanks all - The engine was getting rebuilt at Steve Schmidt Racing, was dropped off in October 2023 and engine was not being finished. Then in February 2024 shop “caught on fire”. Only my engine was there, car was disassembled elsewhere.
SSR, who now changed name, has been a pain in the *** and worst scam ever. They never respond nor getting anything done. Unlikely I’ll ever see anything back from them, I did get my block though but it’s pretty rough.
Doing the math, it’s about a $5k difference to rebuild LS7 vs swap with LS3. I know value will take a hit but plan on keeping car long term. I guess I’d be open to selling car as is but most offers I’ve gotten are $13k and not worth it.
Appreciate any and all input!
Originally Posted by StayinStock
I do agree, I feel like the shop should be on the hook for it, but I guess that depends on the situation
Man that sucks for sure. Sorry to hear that OP. I def see your between a rock and a hard place. I would say if you plan on keeping the car long term don't worry about it and go ls3 and have some fun. Shoot you could even throw a blower on it and make more power. Best of luck whatever you decide!
Thanks all - The engine was getting rebuilt at Steve Schmidt Racing, was dropped off in October 2023 and engine was not being finished. Then in February 2024 shop “caught on fire”. Only my engine was there, car was disassembled elsewhere.
SSR, who now changed name, has been a pain in the *** and worst scam ever. They never respond nor getting anything done. Unlikely I’ll ever see anything back from them, I did get my block though but it’s pretty rough.
Doing the math, it’s about a $5k difference to rebuild LS7 vs swap with LS3. I know value will take a hit but plan on keeping car long term. I guess I’d be open to selling car as is but most offers I’ve gotten are $13k and not worth it.
Appreciate any and all input!
From what I see in those pictures, that block can absolutely be recovered. You would take far more than $5K in value hit. If it were me, I'd just bite the bullet, take those parts to a reputable shop, and restore it. Then sell the car, take the proceeds, and buy a Grand Sport.
First thing someone selling a C6 Z06 asks, is if the heads have been fixed. If not, that's a $5k price hit.
The LS7 had it's issues with the dropped valves and the thin cylinder walls. Better engine options are available. Especially if going the FI route. The LS7 doesn't do well with FI, unlike other LS options.
I'm not a purist but I can see how purists would go bonkers over the swap. Purists are a unique breed of **** retentiveness.
Man that sucks for sure. Sorry to hear that OP. I def see your between a rock and a hard place. I would say if you plan on keeping the car long term don't worry about it and go ls3 and have some fun. Shoot you could even throw a blower on it and make more power. Best of luck whatever you decide!
I totally agree!! I have a base 08 LS3 Z51 and I have a ton of fun with it at 435hp!! Build a LS3 and have some FUN with it. I do love a Silver Z!! Save your parts for a while and maybe you can recoup some of the cost of juicing up the LS3,Good Luck!
LS7 to LS3
