Two months ago, about a year after after my 2010 Z06 was declared dead, I sought after and bought a 2013 60th Anniversary 427 model. I love the car but I have three questions bugging me and I hope this is the place to get answers. I can’t find any answers on the web with regards to specific differences between this car and the previous years heads. I don’t think anyone has done any work to them and I may just replace them. What’s holding me up is that when I look up, let’s say; push rods /2013 / Chevy/ Corvette / 427 (model) /LS7/ it will show 427 as the model. However, when I look up cylinder heads the same way, when I get to the model 427 is not there. Did they make a different set of heads for the 427? If so what is the day? Was the valve problem fixed? I know it has a different suspension than the Z06. The Typical answer is their the same except for the suspension but that’s not true. For one thing I have read the differential is the same but I drove at 80mph back and forth from Wichita and Kansas City in sixth gear with the cruise control on and the tachometer stayed a sliver below 1500rpms the entire time. It didn’t even lug or rattle going up the Flint Hills. To drag race this car one would definitely need a new set of gears. It’s perfect for me but I swear even first gear seems like it’s a numerically lower ratio. It’s not supposed to be, I found that out. What other differences are there? If no one knows please tell me where to find out before I put the appropriate aftermarket parts on. That’s my final question what parts are y’all recommending for the 427. Before I put a lot of money in it is there a canned tune that works well or is the $400 worth it?

Same exact LS7 heads. You may want to read up on rod bearing issues that affected 2013 models with an LS7.

get the guides fixed on the heads no doubt. 90% LS7 motors are no bueno. Have oil analysis done on ti for the coating on the rods to see if yours is infected.

Edwin, can offer some response to the last part of your post. Owning both a 2006 Z06 and a 427 there is a different feel to the initial acceleration of the cars. These are fly by wire accellerator pedal cars and I'm pretty sure GM deadened the pedal by way of the computer in the 2013 car if not before year 2013. Guessing this effort was for fuel economy and possibly safety for the masses. You actually have to push the pedal further to get similar acceleration. Upon first driving the 427 the pedal felt dead to me. Then getting back into the Z, it felt like the front end lifted off the ground when first accelerating as the pedal was so light in comparison. My guess is a good tune will bring you much closer to where you want to be.
Also remember the 427 is roughly 200 pounds heavier. And I'm not sure of the overall dimensions of the rear wheels with tires now being on 20" rims versus the earlier 19" wheels but, it could be a slight factor in the final drive ratio.
Other than the weight handicap, I'd say the acceleration at wide open throttle is still comparable 2013 vs 2006Z.
Bill
FL

Thanks for the information. Even though I have been going to this site since 2011 I had a little trouble getting back on. I was mourning the death of my first LS7 for a year. I bought a lemon but to by a good one requires patience. There weren't too many to be had in Wichita. I had to go on the internet to find what I really want. I am 60 years old and can drive a fast car as well as most people here. My first 400hp+ car was a 1974 Ventura GTO. Very light weight and not meant for that kind of hp. I had a lot of fun with it. It's probably a good thing it was rear ended by a city bus. If not for the bus I'm sure it would have been going down the road sideways because of the fact it didn't have a real frame. My point is people buy fast cars to drive fast. I'm no exception but I try to have my fun and use my head. If you drag race one of these things you are going to spend more money fixing it than you paid for it. When I bought a 2010 Z with 41,000 miles on it I didn't worry. It had great paint and real leather in the interior. After I found out the play in the crank was pounding on the tranny the salesperson said it had been raced. Suprise! If I had my way I'd run it into the ground and replace it with a stroker, maybe 420-454 ci. I'd make sure it was built strong but not because I'm going to race it. I will ride it hard on e in a while but I'm 60,a retired GTO driver. I want to have fun while I can and that's my way. I don't walk well anymore but I drive exceptionally well. I have a heart cathterization coming up. I'll never spend the money I saved for retirement but my wife has made it known she wants to. I was an athlete and tore this body up just like y'all are tearing up 600hp cars and complaining about it. Take it easy if you're doing something you're cars not meant to handle. Don't blame the car. No I'm not worried about valve guides or rod bearings. If I rode it hard all night long it will still be here when I'm gone. I do honestly thank you for your input it sounds like we all ptetty much want the same care, as fasr in the corner as in the straight away!
Ed Rufle
MS Educational Psychology and the toughest Advanced Chemistry teacher you ever knew.