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I’ve come to that point where my C7 and it’s engine must part ways. The engine was strong and ran great up until it didn’t. Lol. It looks like I had piston failure of some kind. Basically a piston came apart an scattered throughout the engine. So now I’m looking for a replacement. Thoughts and ideas on this are welcome.
Okay the current set up is a LT1 6.2L 376ci. I’m open to replacing it with a same size low mileage engine. My question on that is if I’m not mistaken isn’t the 2014 less desirable than a 2015 - 2019? Was this engine improved for the later years?
Im also considering a fresh build with forged internals 416ci stroker engine. I know this will cost significantly more than a good used engine but I’m wanting to know exactly what I could expect from both options so I can weigh out the differences.
Also if you have any other ideas and or suggestions. Please feel free to share. Thank you.
To my knowledge all 2014-2019 LT1s are pretty much the same other than wet/dry sump and manual/auto trans. There should be a few salvage engines scattered around the country by now.
If you are adding power to you new setup, no matter what you do, do not forget you may need to boost the radiator capacity to get rid of any additional heat your new motor generates. You also need to consider there is not much extra room below the hood so if you going to add a custom setup you may need to consider going with a modified hood. Stock hood might not work. Maybe the hood from a Z06 or ZR1 could fit if you are going to add a blower.
Alright so I’m going to need a new build. What are options for the C7? Can I go LS anything or stick with LT? I do have the z51 with dry sump set up. Looking for 600 + hp to the wheels.
Ouch! I’m not aware of any LS engines running in a C7. LT is going to be your best bet. Not sure what your budget or skills are but you have a lot of options. Outfits like Texas Speed have short or long blocks for your LT replacement. Short block assembly if your heads are still good. For 600 rwhp a blower or nitrous may be the most cost effective while using a salvage engine.
Be sure to either replace or completely flush and clean your dry sump system. You could have lots of debris in there.
Thanks KemahGT.
I have heard and will probably agree that sticking with the LT1 is most likely the wat to go.
I am waiting for a call back from Texas Speed and Thompson.
Edelbrock has some gen V heads that straighten out the exhaust port. Katech makes them also, they’ve done a couple 700 hp 427 LT1 builds. The heads require a specific set of headers that Kooks makes - the exhaust port is shifted over.
Good read here: https://www.enginelabs.com/engine-te...ctor-jr-heads/
Replacement engine thoughts
