[Z06] LS7 or a LS3 GS, which will handle 650 reliable
05-14-2012, 08:38 AM
#22
Lets not forget the cost difference associated between the GS and Z. For the cost between the two (I'm speaking new vs new here) you could easily have the HP/TQ ratings that the OP wants with the GS.
05-14-2012, 08:54 AM
#23
05-14-2012, 02:22 PM
#25
Safety Car
All LSx motors are strong and react very well to mods, but they all have their weak spots and usually have something that needs to be addressed to take full advantage of it.
05-14-2012, 02:25 PM
#26
Le Mans Master
Well, if really going crazy with F.I. I'd go with an LS3 block. The block being about it though, as probably re-do all the internals. Gotta keep in mind what a ZO6 really is. A 3135 lb road track car. A GS is 200 lbs heavier from the start, and by the time you properly build the engine, with SC and all the intercooler hardware, could add another 150 lbs on top of that. Weights a real biggie, as you can't imagine the development dollars, it would take to engineer 350 lbs out of a platform.
05-14-2012, 03:03 PM
#28
Drifting
in all seriousness, my motor is maxed out. 700 to the tires is the absolute most i'd ever push an LS7 to. and even with that i dont spray it very often. the LS7 just cant' handle anything more than that without a complete rebuild, and at that point you might as well start from scratch anyway.
05-14-2012, 03:39 PM
#29
Instructor
Thread Starter
It`s going to be a pure street car. Only playing a little on some friday nights. From what I have read I can SC, mild cam, exhaust, and a good tune and be safe on the stock block, heads ect from the factory! I`m not a big racer, just want the extra power to play!! Has anyone ever read the article in GM high-tech mag about a wastegate valve helping keep the boost under control on a SC and added a little power to the set-up? They did it on two camaro SS..
05-14-2012, 05:59 PM
#30
Melting Slicks
haha, I was thinking the same...parts to do heads/cam/full bolt ons/nitrous for 3500? Where can I sign up?
05-14-2012, 09:51 PM
#31
Race Director
A decent point however GM had other motives. Instead of a 700hp with a blown ls7 in a zr1 they went with a 640hp blown ls3. They have warranties to consider and 640hp sounded mighty good enough. The siamesed ls7 cylinder walls don't add as much power protection as the ls3. So from a longevity/warranty standpoint, it makes more sense for GM to mass produce it with the ls3 style block.
05-14-2012, 09:56 PM
#32
Melting Slicks
+1. The LS3 with a supercharger on it is no LS9. Also, as mentioned, the Z goes faster with less power due to less weight.
05-14-2012, 10:17 PM
#33
Safety Car
With the right mods the motor seems to take what ever you throw at it within reason, But honestly you dont need that much power to beat majority of people on the street a Cam Only Z06 is pretty potent let alone H/C
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...6/viewall.html
You can get Heads $1396, Cam Package ~$1000, Trunion Upgrade $140, Headers W/Cats ~$1800-2k (whether coated or not), CAI $470, Clutch $1400, Fast 102 ~$1000, Plugs $16, T-Stat $25, Tune $400-500.
I wish you could do all that stuff for $3500 lol
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...6/viewall.html
You can get Heads $1396, Cam Package ~$1000, Trunion Upgrade $140, Headers W/Cats ~$1800-2k (whether coated or not), CAI $470, Clutch $1400, Fast 102 ~$1000, Plugs $16, T-Stat $25, Tune $400-500.
I wish you could do all that stuff for $3500 lol
05-14-2012, 10:31 PM
#34
Team Owner
If you want 650 forced induction hp and if you are happy with the power band on a forced induction LS3, IMO why spend the extra money on a Z06? The LS3 does have advantages under boost, the smaller bore gives more meat between the cylinders to help the gaskets from leaking/lifting, and GM engineered a great head gasket that can be swapped in from the LS9.
Is the wider torque curve of the LS7 and 200lbs weigh advantage worth the $$ to you? As with all modified cars you are making trade offs.
Does the GS get the same diff as the Z06?
05-14-2012, 10:45 PM
#35
Race Director
True the LS9 has improvements over a LS3. The head bolts are bigger, the head casting was changed with improvements to handle the boost, and the head gaskets were changed. Yes you also have titanium rods in the LS9.
If you want 650 forced induction hp and if you are happy with the power band on a forced induction LS3, IMO why spend the extra money on a Z06? The LS3 does have advantages under boost, the smaller bore gives more meat between the cylinders to help the gaskets from leaking/lifting, and GM engineered a great head gasket that can be swapped in from the LS9.
Is the wider torque curve of the LS7 and 200lbs weigh advantage worth the $$ to you? As with all modified cars you are making trade offs.
Does the GS get the same diff as the Z06?
If you want 650 forced induction hp and if you are happy with the power band on a forced induction LS3, IMO why spend the extra money on a Z06? The LS3 does have advantages under boost, the smaller bore gives more meat between the cylinders to help the gaskets from leaking/lifting, and GM engineered a great head gasket that can be swapped in from the LS9.
Is the wider torque curve of the LS7 and 200lbs weigh advantage worth the $$ to you? As with all modified cars you are making trade offs.
Does the GS get the same diff as the Z06?
I think the GS and Z06 do have the same diff. The LS3 no doubt is a great motor for modding as well
05-14-2012, 11:15 PM
#36
Team Owner
I agree with some of your points . I think when it comes to price between the 2 cars that comes more in to play if buying brand new... Once you start buying new/slightly used the price gap closes fast.
I think the GS and Z06 do have the same diff. The LS3 no doubt is a great motor for modding as well
I think the GS and Z06 do have the same diff. The LS3 no doubt is a great motor for modding as well
A used Z06 with a cam and headers is heckuva bang for the buck and likely the route I'd take, but that wasn't the OP's goal.
05-14-2012, 11:31 PM
#37
Burning Brakes
05-15-2012, 01:51 AM
#38
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '06
I would suggest you check with some to the Forum venders who do this type of work, like ECS.
In general the LS-7 is close to its limits as is and most FI applications only use 4 or 5 lbs of boost. With a carful tune it would probably work for the street but it you track, either road of strip I would go with the LS-3.
Just my 2 cents.
In general the LS-7 is close to its limits as is and most FI applications only use 4 or 5 lbs of boost. With a carful tune it would probably work for the street but it you track, either road of strip I would go with the LS-3.
Just my 2 cents.
Now that is no knock on our C6 Zs, as I would own one over a GS in a New York Heartbeat any day of the week.
However, I do believe for what the OP is posting about, going forced induction and making 650 rwhp, that the LS3 engine is better suited for that, as there have been last failures on LS3 engines on this forum in modified applications, and I believe the LS7 is certainly not a boost friendly engine, and is more prone to failure than a boosted LS3 (just my two cents opinion).
Natuarlly aspirated stock bolt on engine, give me an LS7 over an LS3 any day of the week, sitting between the engine bay of any year or style vette.
Last edited by Mopar Jimmy; 05-15-2012 at 01:59 AM.
05-15-2012, 01:55 AM
#39
Melting Slicks
05-15-2012, 01:57 AM
#40
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I wasn't inferring that the ls9 is just a ls3 with a supercharger. That is why in the last sentence I said ls3 style block. No biggie but yeah. From the sound of the OPs needs, he is not going hardcore crazy boost and motor work. That is why I believe the ls7-z06 platform would be his best bet! Best of luck!