Notices
C6 Corvette ZR1 & Z06 General info about GM’s Corvette Supercar, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Performance Upgrades, Suspension Setup for Street or Track
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Kraken

C6 Z06 Valvetrain Fix Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-01-2017, 02:51 PM
  #1  
avisenna
Cruising
Thread Starter
 
avisenna's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2017
Posts: 12
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default C6 Z06 Valvetrain Fix Question

Hi guys,

I just bought a C6Z in Velocity Yellow with 11.5k miles. Absolutely love the car I literally can’t stop driving it.

But I have a few questions regarding the whole valvetrain issue (it has me concerned).I’ve done a lot of digging on this site and other forums as well but didn’t see any definitive answer.

So given that the Z has been out for 10 years now, what is the current best course of action to prevent valvetrain problems(or a blown motor)?
-Should I just get aftermarket heads?

-Or should I get OEM heads reconditioned with new guides, etc.

-Or is there a 3rd option that I’m missing?

I don't mind spending money to have it done right. I just need guidance on which path to take to make sure the car is reliable and enjoyable for the next 2-3 years or so.

Last edited by avisenna; 08-01-2017 at 02:51 PM.
Old 08-01-2017, 03:29 PM
  #2  
Katech_Zach
Premium Supporting Vendor
 
Katech_Zach's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2005
Location: Clinton Township MI
Posts: 13,988
Received 966 Likes on 528 Posts
C7 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019

Default

Originally Posted by avisenna
Hi guys,

I just bought a C6Z in Velocity Yellow with 11.5k miles. Absolutely love the car I literally can’t stop driving it.

But I have a few questions regarding the whole valvetrain issue (it has me concerned).I’ve done a lot of digging on this site and other forums as well but didn’t see any definitive answer.

So given that the Z has been out for 10 years now, what is the current best course of action to prevent valvetrain problems(or a blown motor)?
-Should I just get aftermarket heads?

-Or should I get OEM heads reconditioned with new guides, etc.

-Or is there a 3rd option that I’m missing?

I don't mind spending money to have it done right. I just need guidance on which path to take to make sure the car is reliable and enjoyable for the next 2-3 years or so.
Check out my article in The Shop magazine. It answers all your questions.

http://read.uberflip.com/i/834132-july-17
__________________

Contact:
(e) zach@katechengines.com
The following users liked this post:
avisenna (08-02-2017)
Old 08-01-2017, 03:32 PM
  #3  
Lorenzo Serra
Instructor
 
Lorenzo Serra's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2017
Posts: 111
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

Your best best is to keep your OEM heads and send them to the best reputable shops to get them ported with solid valve guides like the Moldstar90.

You can't go wrong with either AHP or WCCH. Contact bother vendors and see who works better for your needs.

-L
The following users liked this post:
avisenna (08-02-2017)
Old 08-01-2017, 04:01 PM
  #4  
cv67
Team Owner
 
cv67's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: altered state
Posts: 81,242
Received 3,043 Likes on 2,602 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05

Default

Youll find lots of options, this is posted almost every day here.

Welcome to the forum
The following users liked this post:
avisenna (08-02-2017)
Old 08-01-2017, 04:47 PM
  #5  
Unreal
Team Owner
 
Unreal's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2007
Location: Gilbert AZ
Posts: 24,035
Received 2,313 Likes on 1,793 Posts

Default

3rd option is extended warranty and keep it stock.
The following users liked this post:
avisenna (08-02-2017)
Old 08-01-2017, 05:43 PM
  #6  
Gearpuller
Instructor
 
Gearpuller's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2011
Location: Waco Texas
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
Received 20 Likes on 18 Posts

Default

Are you going to leave it stock or put a cam in it and mod it ?

Stock: I would get one of many good machine shops out there and replace the guides and install some better exhaust valves and springs.

Mod: if going with a high lift cam. AHP. Use their Molester 90 guides.

When I first bought my Z06 I just got out of a 07 Z51 (bone stock) and had a big smile. Knew about the valve guide issue and within 500 miles I fixed it, modded to 575 rwhp and that smile turn into a **** eating grin that there every time I fire it up.
Old 08-02-2017, 09:34 PM
  #7  
avisenna
Cruising
Thread Starter
 
avisenna's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2017
Posts: 12
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks guys! Appreciate it

I'm going to look further into these options. Honestly I'll probably just keep it stock for now. The $3500 valve job deal by Katech doesn't sound bad either.

I actually have the aftermarket warranty by Fidelity. It's the platinum coverage plan so theoretically it should cover everything except wear items...but not sure if I want to just blindly count on that (would rather be safe than sorry).

Would love to hear some feedback if anyone has any regarding that
Old 08-02-2017, 09:45 PM
  #8  
avisenna
Cruising
Thread Starter
 
avisenna's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2017
Posts: 12
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Oh and here are some pictures of the car ofcourse

Last edited by avisenna; 08-03-2017 at 07:44 PM. Reason: dead pic links
Old 08-03-2017, 02:17 AM
  #9  
NVA2010
Racer
 
NVA2010's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2014
Location: Patterson California
Posts: 377
Received 29 Likes on 24 Posts
Default

Photobucket recently banned all 3rd party hosting unless you pay for their subscription now. So you'll have to find another photo hosting site to use or just upload them directly from your device, unless you feel like paying something around 400-500 a year for photobucket.
Old 08-03-2017, 07:45 PM
  #10  
avisenna
Cruising
Thread Starter
 
avisenna's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2017
Posts: 12
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for that! Just updated the links
Old 08-03-2017, 10:01 PM
  #11  
MTPZ06
Team Owner
Support Corvetteforum!
 
MTPZ06's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2008
Location: Honolulu HI
Posts: 35,883
Received 1,592 Likes on 1,335 Posts

Default

Nice! It appears to have some exhaust work...
Old 08-04-2017, 02:54 PM
  #12  
avisenna
Cruising
Thread Starter
 
avisenna's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2017
Posts: 12
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yup it came with a Borla and K&N intake-sounds freaking bad ***
Old 08-04-2017, 02:58 PM
  #13  
MTPZ06
Team Owner
Support Corvetteforum!
 
MTPZ06's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2008
Location: Honolulu HI
Posts: 35,883
Received 1,592 Likes on 1,335 Posts

Default

Nice! Now you just need some AHP heads.
Old 08-04-2017, 08:41 PM
  #14  
avisenna
Cruising
Thread Starter
 
avisenna's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2017
Posts: 12
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Touché- just a matter of time
Old 08-07-2017, 01:56 AM
  #15  
American Heritage
Supporting Vendor
 
American Heritage's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: Harbor City California
Posts: 2,815
Received 1,012 Likes on 533 Posts

Default

Very nice looking Z06 OP. Nice color!

Feel free to give us a call if you ever have any Z06 questions. We are always glad to help out.
310-326-2399

http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/

Last edited by American Heritage; 08-07-2017 at 01:56 AM.
Old 08-07-2017, 10:12 PM
  #16  
EricV
7th Gear
 
EricV's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2017
Posts: 7
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Katech_Jason
Check out my article in The Shop magazine. It answers all your questions.

http://read.uberflip.com/i/834132-july-17
Thank you very much for the great article and advice. You guys at Katech know what you're doing and I trust your experience and scientific validation of the issue.

With that being said, can anyone recommend a great shop in or near the Austin, Texas area to get some bronze valve guides installed and have a valve job performed? Also, what should this cost?

Thanks,

Eric

Last edited by EricV; 08-07-2017 at 10:15 PM.
Old 08-08-2017, 10:35 AM
  #17  
cv67
Team Owner
 
cv67's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: altered state
Posts: 81,242
Received 3,043 Likes on 2,602 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05

Default

Better read the fine print with that aftermarket warranty...(just pull them off and get them fixed).

Get notified of new replies

To C6 Z06 Valvetrain Fix Question

Old 08-08-2017, 11:44 AM
  #18  
Katech_Zach
Premium Supporting Vendor
 
Katech_Zach's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2005
Location: Clinton Township MI
Posts: 13,988
Received 966 Likes on 528 Posts
C7 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019

Default

Originally Posted by EricV
Thank you very much for the great article and advice. You guys at Katech know what you're doing and I trust your experience and scientific validation of the issue.

With that being said, can anyone recommend a great shop in or near the Austin, Texas area to get some bronze valve guides installed and have a valve job performed? Also, what should this cost?

Thanks,

Eric
LMR, LG, Dallas Performance. We are offering an install special at Katech right now for $3500.
Old 08-08-2017, 08:11 PM
  #19  
EricV
7th Gear
 
EricV's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2017
Posts: 7
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Katech_Jason
LMR, LG, Dallas Performance. We are offering an install special at Katech right now for $3500.
Awesome - I'll check them all out. I would take it to you guys in a heartbeat if I was closer to Michigan. Might be an excuse for a road trip?

Last edited by EricV; 08-08-2017 at 08:12 PM.
Old 08-08-2017, 08:26 PM
  #20  
BigVette427
Drifting
 
BigVette427's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2013
Location: Hill Country Texas
Posts: 1,353
Received 405 Likes on 253 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by EricV
Thank you very much for the great article and advice. You guys at Katech know what you're doing and I trust your experience and scientific validation of the issue.

With that being said, can anyone recommend a great shop in or near the Austin, Texas area to get some bronze valve guides installed and have a valve job performed? Also, what should this cost?

Thanks,

Eric
There is of course Texas Speed and Performance right up the road in Georgetown; they can rebuild your heads or sell you their PRC heads. I'm having my heads done at AHP and then shipped to me where I'll then have Aikman Performance in Cedar Park do the install and tune. Just got my custom cam from TSP this afternoon, though.

Last edited by BigVette427; 08-08-2017 at 08:28 PM.


Quick Reply: C6 Z06 Valvetrain Fix Question



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:34 AM.