[Z06] LS7 engine problems ?????
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,468
Likes: 1,149
From: Wayne Township WI
Remedy's head rebuild w/ new guides and while there's a variety of approaches (springs/valves/guide material) all lie w/ aftermarket heads. Not GM.
If I don't fix it and it acts up, I guess the whole engine need to be replaced? price tag?
Yup, 300#s of scrap aluminum.
Have heard pricing across the board, cheapest being if one does their own labor.
Once asked a big Corvette dealer (in SC WI) what they'd charge for new LS7 & labor. $25,000. Have heard $18 large tossed around, also.
Once thing's a certain, LS7 is a magnificent engine, but mighty pricey to replace & why LS7 'maint' is so critical, valve train notwithstanding.
Absent a 'service agreement' (GMEPP/GMPP) there's a sizable risk involved. Not paying heed w/ head's the biggest. IMO
there is a 08 z06 with 12k miles, looks to be in pretty good condition, decisions decisons. anyways I will probably go to drag strip once awhile, some canyon runs and highway funs, that's about it. car should be good don't need to worry too much?
FWIW I've an '08, bought it new & today @54K.
Experience has been spectacular, love it, may never part w/ it.
But, am covered by a GMEPP too.
Otherwise heads would've been rebuilt moment warranty expired.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 24,035
Likes: 2,342
From: Gilbert AZ
Replacement cost can be ~10k if you find a used short block, do labor yourself, and luck out on colateral damage. If paying a dealer I would expect $15k+
Fixing the heads is ~$900-1600, not $3k. It is only $3k if you decide to do other performance work while in there to gain power.
Fixing the heads is ~$900-1600, not $3k. It is only $3k if you decide to do other performance work while in there to gain power.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 173
From: Nevada
nice thanks for the help, you gotta fix it then, read 3,4 posts saying that you don't need to worry, it's a small % and will be fine if engine ain't modded etc. God I read like 4,5 threads too, it can be confusing sometimes.
Landru congrats on the car! sounds like you are loving it, hopefully I get to enjoy mine soon! wasn't aware for 9 years old car you can still get extended warranty. Can any z06 from any dealer buy that plan? price and can they check/replace the valve right away or does it needs to cause problems first?
Landru congrats on the car! sounds like you are loving it, hopefully I get to enjoy mine soon! wasn't aware for 9 years old car you can still get extended warranty. Can any z06 from any dealer buy that plan? price and can they check/replace the valve right away or does it needs to cause problems first?
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 24,035
Likes: 2,342
From: Gilbert AZ
Depends on year and coverage on the car. If the warranty has lapsed then typically you cannot add GM coverage.
If the heads test out of spec, they can typically do a repair prior to a major failure. Depends on the warranty.
What you read is the 2-3 people that live in a fantasy land that think it is just a small percent. If you do more reading you can easily see it is a real issue. The inspection thread alone has the percentage of out of spec heads around 86% last time I checked, which is far more than a small percent. I've personally either tested or seen local results on about 30 sets of heads, and only 1 was barely in spec at low mileage.
If the heads test out of spec, they can typically do a repair prior to a major failure. Depends on the warranty.
What you read is the 2-3 people that live in a fantasy land that think it is just a small percent. If you do more reading you can easily see it is a real issue. The inspection thread alone has the percentage of out of spec heads around 86% last time I checked, which is far more than a small percent. I've personally either tested or seen local results on about 30 sets of heads, and only 1 was barely in spec at low mileage.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,468
Likes: 1,149
From: Wayne Township WI
Only weak spot w/ LS7 is heads, and remember a lot of Zs are still on the road w/ a few here well into 6 digits.
It's happened though, 'enlightened' Z06 owners & perspective owners need to understand the situation w/ an otherwise spectacular ride.
A $3K +/- set of rebuilt heads seems to solve trashed LS7s.
Cheap price to pay for & part of ownership, IMO, and smart.
wasn't aware for 9 years old car you can still get extended warranty. Can any z06 from any dealer buy that plan? price and can they check/replace the valve right away or does it needs to cause problems first?
GMEPP's relatively new, GMPP used to be the go-to guys 'til GM spun 'em off in '08 bankruptcy.
GMPP's still a good outfit, but GMEPP *is* GM.
GMEPP underwrites service contracts on any GM vehicle 10 years old or newer, and <125K. <---from memory.
BUT: vehicle must be stock. NO tune. Nothing.
IF you're looking at an '08 you've one year left to qualify.
CF's supporting vendor for GMEPP is Ken Fictner.
Look him up, his threads are around, a lot of members purchased service contracts from him, many several over the years.
Ken usually has the very cheapest price, sliding scale depending on length & deductible desired.
IIRC he has a sale going right now.
Drop him an email for a quote request...assuming car's stock and you buy the '08.
Just remember any GM vehicle meeting above criteria qualifies.
Last edited by Landru; Apr 18, 2017 at 05:03 PM.
