Blueline

Hey guys, I just got a very good offer on my 04 Cobra which is making 650rwhp. I never had a vette but always wanted a Z06. Im seriously contemplating picking up a C6 Z. I have been doing my research and feel a bit uneasy about one thing, the LS7 motor. The things that concern me are the rockers bearings and the past few threads about blown motors.

My questions to you experienced members, should I go with a mostly stock Z and leave it alone? Still reliable to run one with full exhaust and cam? My buddy is willing to sell me his 06 Z with a cam and full exhaust with 20k miles. Hes offering it to me at a pretty good deal, the install and tune was done by ECS in NJ. I am just a bit leary, he said the valvetrain is noisey, but has been told several times this is normal for these LS7 motors..I dont know? Im not going to be looking to mod the car much, maybe an exhaust.... it will just be a weekend cuiser, nothing more.

Any advice or suggestions you guys can give me will be greatly appreciated. I do my own wrenching, this is just a different ball game with known issues regarding the LS7 motors.

Thanks in advance guys!

svtgeoff

I had a few terminators, I know how you feel.

If your friend has handled the valve issue, I wouldn't be worried. These cars take abuse well for the most part. I love my Z... 29,000 miles and no issues.

OliverM5

How big is the cam? What kind of power is the car making?

NA-Z06

I jumped in a Z after selling my 700+ HP cobra with a KB 2.8 h. You will be so much happier! As svtgeoff just stated, if it's calmed then ecs should've taken care of the dreaded valve train issue.

Blueline

Thanks for the quick reply!

My cobra has the Whipple 2.9 blah blah blah.... I know everything inside and out. I did every install and love the car. I just always wanted a Z and now with what I was offered for my Cobra its making it very enticing lol.

My buddy has never had the heads off the car from what I understand. He said ever since the cam install he noticed the valvetrain was noisey. He was told it is normal for these motors and nothing to be concerned about. Are these heads/valvetrain noisey?? Man I know the 4.6's and there known issues, its so tough starting over lol.

Thanks guys!

3LZZ06

Two things that have changed with the Z06 would make me feel better about purchasing one, the added 10.5 qt oil capacity that began in '09 and the external oil cooler/heater which was incorporated from the ZR1 for the '10 Z.

I guess for me an '09 would be ok but a '10+ would be my best choice for reliability if I were going all stock with a warranty...

Blueline

The car has the Katech Torquer cam. Car made 540rwhp with the cam and headers. Apparently, ECS told my buddy there was nothing wrong with the valvetrain, the LS motors were just noisey. So its safe to assume nothing was done to the valvetrain. I just dont feel like getting into any headaches, thats why I was considering a stock one.

Just need your opinions guys!

OliverM5

Sounds like a good combo. LS motors always sound like sewing machines, especially when cammed. Go for it !

Blueline

Im researching the Torquer cam now. Are they know for good driveability? I love the lope lol

RedZ4me

Not much bad to read if Katech is in there. good luck.

bullitt4110

I had a Whippled solid axle 03 Cobra before my first C5Z, I thought that was an upgrade and now after owning the C6Z there really isnt much comparision. IMO the corvette is a much better all around car.

Blueline

Well these are the comments I want to hear! Sounds like it will def. be an upgrade... Im really considering my buddies Z now..

Thanks Guys, keep the advice coming!!!

LS9Drew

buy it and don't look back

1268

I had a 630 rwhp cobra vert and a 600 rwhp Shelby....you won't be disappointed in the z, one bit. ECS installed my cam and tuned my a6 tranny....no worries there, believe me.

Blueline

^ Thanks bud! I have heard only good things from ECS. Im glad I made this thread, it is really helping me make my decision.

Thanks Guys!!

Boba Fett

I own a terminator and a boosted 700rwhp C6Z on stock internals. I baby my cars yet drive them both very spiritly. I also owned a C5Z.
The valve trains are kind of noisy (naturally) and LS7's certainly arent made for much boost unlike termi's and C5Z's, but "out cars" them both in so many ways. ECS and Katech are certainly good names to have in the mix and buying from someone that you truly trust does not hurt either. Considering these factors, I'd say go for it.
Good luck...

20psirabbit

I came from an '03 Cobra, I have the same name on svtperformance. The biggest thing for me from my Cobra to my Z is the driving dynamic of the car, not even the power. I had a k-member, all the IRS delrin and aluminum, KW Variant 3s, Brembos, etc. The car had pretty much every handling upgrade there was except for a double a-arm front end (agent 47, Griggs) and compared to the Z, it still drove like an old ship. I didn't want to admit it, but it was still the truth. I was sold on my Z from taking a ride, I hadn't even driven it yet and I was already sold.
As far as the Z goes for you, I would ask your friend if the valve guides were done when the cam went in. If they weren't, you can always pop the valve covers off and measure them for play. Worst case you're looking at a couple grand to have them done, and you can have the heads CNC ported while they're off other than that, these cars seem to be pretty stout. I'm not losing any sleep over my decision

spra4u

Do it an don't look back. I aslo had a whippled Cobra making 593HP and 742HP on the juice plus C16. You will be happy. I bought an 08' Z about 14months ago and been smiling since. Totally different animal.

sublime1996525

I always wanted a Termi. Ended up with a C5Z and have never looked back. When I was looking at my C6Z I also looked at an 09 GT500 with 675rwhp that had some suspension upgrades and the handling on the Z was awesome. I don't regreat the decision one bit.

GMuffley

Another 04 Cobra to C6Z06 here. Even with a stock engine, you will not feel underpowered because you are pushing 500 lbs. less weight.