bolt on ...no
C6 LS7 in Convertible
Thread Starter
Mike
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
C6 LS7 in Convertible
I have an 05 C6 convertible that I had the Z06 body put on and I have ordered the LS7 engine to put in it - has anybody done this and what troubles can I expect - everyone tells me it will just bolt in w/o any problems
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35,769
Likes: 148
From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
Considering the dry sump oil system and relocating of battery, its more than a simple bolt in. What kind of exhaust system are you going to use is another question.
Not meaning to flame you, but you sad you have already ordered the engin, I would have thought you would have had the anwsers to that question and a few others figured out long before this time.
GOOD LUCK.
Not meaning to flame you, but you sad you have already ordered the engin, I would have thought you would have had the anwsers to that question and a few others figured out long before this time.
GOOD LUCK.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 672
Likes: 1
From: Sapulpa Oklahoma
Yep, just a bolt in.... bolt in oil system, bolt in new computers, bolt in new exhaust...... probably "bolt in" new wire harness then hope all this talks to each other. Is it do-able, sure anything is, is it easy...... I doubt it. Not real sure on EPA in FL, but I don't think you can "bolt in" passing the emissions testing. The VIN tag would not match the engine in the car.
Last edited by dbradley; Jul 18, 2006 at 01:12 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
I'd save your money and have a motor built.
More power for less money.
You might want to reasearch what Cartek's naturally aspirated engines have done.
I'm VERY interested in what Warhawk will be bringing to market along with the LS3/L92 block and heads from GM.
I think ported LS7 or AFR heads on a 440ci+ built Warhawk block would give you a much better return on your investment.
Good Luck.
More power for less money.
You might want to reasearch what Cartek's naturally aspirated engines have done.
I'm VERY interested in what Warhawk will be bringing to market along with the LS3/L92 block and heads from GM.
I think ported LS7 or AFR heads on a 440ci+ built Warhawk block would give you a much better return on your investment.
Good Luck.
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands TX
Vette magazine did it to an 05, and they said it was pretty easy.
Apparently, you'll need either an 06 ECU or the 06 reluctor wheel and tune of 05 computer. Definately will need the oil sump (~1k) and the lines. I'm not positive, but I think you may need new PS pump and alternator.
Fron Fred Beans website:
LS7 crate engine (P/N 17802397) includes:
intake manifold with injectors
fuel rails
throttle body
dry sump oil pan
exhaust manifolds
flywheel & clutch
harmonic dampener
water pump and pulley
coil packs
spark plugs and wires
engine sensors
LS7 crate engine does not include:
injector wiring harness
dry sump oil lines
dry sump tank
engine beauty cover
engine processor
air filter/air box
accessories or accessory drive"
Apparently, you'll need either an 06 ECU or the 06 reluctor wheel and tune of 05 computer. Definately will need the oil sump (~1k) and the lines. I'm not positive, but I think you may need new PS pump and alternator.
Fron Fred Beans website:
LS7 crate engine (P/N 17802397) includes:
intake manifold with injectors
fuel rails
throttle body
dry sump oil pan
exhaust manifolds
flywheel & clutch
harmonic dampener
water pump and pulley
coil packs
spark plugs and wires
engine sensors
LS7 crate engine does not include:
injector wiring harness
dry sump oil lines
dry sump tank
engine beauty cover
engine processor
air filter/air box
accessories or accessory drive"
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands TX
BTW, guys - the parts for this swap are only about $15k, but you have a spare LS2 to sell. So I'm guessing this could be done for $11-$12k total. Not that I've shopped around too much, but wouldn't heads, cam, LT, intake, and tune run up to $10k? I assume that's what it would take to get to the LS7 power levels. For an extra grand or two plus the fun of doing the swap myself, I'd take the LS7 over the modded LS2 anyday. 
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 100
From: Los Angeles CA
Originally Posted by rsbb
I have an 05 C6 convertible that I had the Z06 body put on and I have ordered the LS7 engine to put in it - has anybody done this and what troubles can I expect - everyone tells me it will just bolt in w/o any problems
Thread Starter
Mike
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Originally Posted by UberR32
Vette magazine did it to an 05, and they said it was pretty easy.
Apparently, you'll need either an 06 ECU or the 06 reluctor wheel and tune of 05 computer. Definately will need the oil sump (~1k) and the lines. I'm not positive, but I think you may need new PS pump and alternator.
Fron Fred Beans website:
LS7 crate engine (P/N 17802397) includes:
intake manifold with injectors
fuel rails
throttle body
dry sump oil pan
exhaust manifolds
flywheel & clutch
harmonic dampener
water pump and pulley
coil packs
spark plugs and wires
engine sensors
LS7 crate engine does not include:
injector wiring harness
dry sump oil lines
dry sump tank
engine beauty cover
engine processor
air filter/air box
accessories or accessory drive"
Apparently, you'll need either an 06 ECU or the 06 reluctor wheel and tune of 05 computer. Definately will need the oil sump (~1k) and the lines. I'm not positive, but I think you may need new PS pump and alternator.
Fron Fred Beans website:
LS7 crate engine (P/N 17802397) includes:
intake manifold with injectors
fuel rails
throttle body
dry sump oil pan
exhaust manifolds
flywheel & clutch
harmonic dampener
water pump and pulley
coil packs
spark plugs and wires
engine sensors
LS7 crate engine does not include:
injector wiring harness
dry sump oil lines
dry sump tank
engine beauty cover
engine processor
air filter/air box
accessories or accessory drive"
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,242
Likes: 8
Hold on a sec, everyone; stop freaking out. A guy did it with 2 verts about 6-12 months ago - a father and son, I believe. Everyone gave them crap for putting Z06 emblems on, but they totally reproduced a Z, from body to suspension to wheels to engine and drivetrain. I doubt they redid the frame, but they did do an awesome job.
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands TX
Originally Posted by UberR32
Apparently, you'll need either an 06 ECU or the 06 reluctor wheel and tune of 05 computer.
Apparently, you'll need either an 06 ECU or the 05 reluctor wheel and tune of 05 computer.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
PM user J.P. on the board (he's not a huge poster). He is, as I type, driving his LS7 equipped C5 back from Orlando and is loving life.
There is a lot to do, in my opinion the worst part is you have to change the reluctor wheel, requiring the crank to come out (if you have a 2005) to get the computer to talk to the engine. I'm not an expert so I don't know if that requires new rod bolts or not (some bolts on these engines are torque to yield).
There are certainly cheaper alternatives, but I know JP is really happy with his, it's a well built factory motor. No replacement for displacement!
There is a lot to do, in my opinion the worst part is you have to change the reluctor wheel, requiring the crank to come out (if you have a 2005) to get the computer to talk to the engine. I'm not an expert so I don't know if that requires new rod bolts or not (some bolts on these engines are torque to yield).
There are certainly cheaper alternatives, but I know JP is really happy with his, it's a well built factory motor. No replacement for displacement!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Bartlesville Oklahoma
Originally Posted by cmb13
Hold on a sec, everyone; stop freaking out. A guy did it with 2 verts about 6-12 months ago - a father and son, I believe. Everyone gave them crap for putting Z06 emblems on, but they totally reproduced a Z, from body to suspension to wheels to engine and drivetrain. I doubt they redid the frame, but they did do an awesome job.
I also don't agree with putting the Z06 emblems on them, but I guess they had to fill the holes with something. Anyway, it's their choice and there money!!
Thread Starter
Mike
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
The engine is in - I am just waiting for a couple of more parts. Jeremy Formato says he can reprogram the exsisting ecm ok. I am just trying to find the aux oil cooler as all the dealers say they are on national back order
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,242
Likes: 8
Originally Posted by dgcarver
I think you are talking about the father/son combo from OKC. I have seen their cars at the Enid Corvette and Branson Corvette shows. In fact they have the Devil Ray motors whick are modded LS2 units, bored and sleeved to 427ci. Both are very professionally done and are beautiful cars.
I also don't agree with putting the Z06 emblems on them, but I guess they had to fill the holes with something. Anyway, it's their choice and there money!!
I also don't agree with putting the Z06 emblems on them, but I guess they had to fill the holes with something. Anyway, it's their choice and there money!!