I have a 07'Z but I wish I had a GS.
LS3 failures
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Pre 2010 LS3s had their issues as well when run on the track. Like all LS engines they tended to lose oil pressure in turns and some forum members who are racers went through several engines before GM came up with a solution which was to introduce the GS with the dry sump system. If you do a search for posts by wtknght1 you will find out more.
When I bought my 08Z in 09 the LS3 engine issue was much more concern since Z06s hadn't gotten a reputation of dropping valves at that time. By the way I am a victim of the dropped valve syndrome. That happened two years ago and I still love the Z.
Bill
When I bought my 08Z in 09 the LS3 engine issue was much more concern since Z06s hadn't gotten a reputation of dropping valves at that time. By the way I am a victim of the dropped valve syndrome. That happened two years ago and I still love the Z.
Bill
Last edited by Bill Dearborn; Sep 1, 2013 at 04:58 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Pre 2010 LS3s had their issues as well when run on the track. Like all LS engines they tended to lose oil pressure in turns and some forum members who are racers went through several engines before GM came up with a solution which was to introduce the GS with the dry sump system. If you do a search for posts by wtknght1 you will find out more.
When I bought my 08Z in 09 the LS3 engine issue was much more concern since Z06s hadn't gotten a reputation of dropping valves at that time. By the way I am a victim of the dropped valve syndrome. That happened two years ago and I still love the Z.
Bill
When I bought my 08Z in 09 the LS3 engine issue was much more concern since Z06s hadn't gotten a reputation of dropping valves at that time. By the way I am a victim of the dropped valve syndrome. That happened two years ago and I still love the Z.
Bill
While the above is true it does not apply to a high percentage of owners.
I have to agree that the LS3 is strong and reliabile for the everyday owner.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 876
Likes: 116
From: HOMESTEAD FL
I have 25,000 WOT miles on my 2011 GS LS3 and have not had any issues... So far so good.
The only problem I have had over the past 2 years is that I have gone through 4 sets of tires, 3 sets of brake pads and one set of rotors...
No issues with my LS3!
SPEED SAFE, AIR RAM
The only problem I have had over the past 2 years is that I have gone through 4 sets of tires, 3 sets of brake pads and one set of rotors...
No issues with my LS3!
SPEED SAFE, AIR RAM
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Eastern PA
Just to add to the comments- I installed a crate LS3 in my C5 last year and the one thing I can say is that it is very upgradeable. With a cam, headers, X-pipe, cat back, AI and a safe tune you will have solid gains in the HP department with room to grow.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Providence RI
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
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From: Hewitt TX
Na Zdravi!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Bay Area Ca.
I would think that the Z is tracked more and I rarely hear of an LS3 going down while stock. Going FI is another story but even then plenty do fine if kept around 550 rwhp.
Strip or track can cause significant stress on running components when running FI power levels and upgrades are warranted for reliability.
Street under a more relaxed approach with proper tune is usually possible with little increased risk.
Strip or track can cause significant stress on running components when running FI power levels and upgrades are warranted for reliability.
Street under a more relaxed approach with proper tune is usually possible with little increased risk.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
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That and among other things, after just two short drives and verified what that tune was (don't know where your traveling tuner from, but mine was from somewhere north of New York!) I removed it and tossed it in the for laugh, lesson learned pile.
And now, there is one popular member that claimed to be a self taught tuner/racer pushing for that traveling tuner's ware - to me it is clearly a case of guilty by association - now, in my eyes, also with an tarnished credibility issues.
Got to be careful on the Web.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
I forget where I heard this comment and it was from a former GM engineer.
It was a response to a aftermarket cam and the tune problems.
He stated that it would take at least 60 hours of tuning to do it properly, considering the whole tune format as comparable to the OEM tune.
Say what you will but I found this to be telling.
It was a response to a aftermarket cam and the tune problems.
He stated that it would take at least 60 hours of tuning to do it properly, considering the whole tune format as comparable to the OEM tune.
Say what you will but I found this to be telling.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Just to clarify, the warranty book states under the section for what is NOT covered is "Misuse of the vehicle, such as driving over curbs, overloading, racing, or other competition."
In my 2008 owner's manual, the first sentence under the heading that relates to racing states "See your warranty book before using your vehicle for racing or other competitive driving."
That's the only place that indicates to keep the oil level at or near 1 quart above full for non-Z06. It also states to remove the excess afterward.
So if you race, your warranty is not valid during that period or if the racing caused damage as a result of the racing. That applies to all covered components, not just the engine.