Engine build experience?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 172
Likes: 163
From: Pawleys Island SC
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
Modified C8 of the Year 2021 Finalist
Engine build experience?
Has GM announced or hinted at having the Z06 engine build experience available for 2024s? Also, those that have done this in the past… can you bring someone with you for the experience? Worth it?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 893
Likes: 667
St. Jude Donor '17
Somewhere on this forum is an amazing description of the experience written by a guy with Diabetes who had a low blood sugar during his build. It’s a really great read if someone can dig it up.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,445
Likes: 4,399
From: Northern VA
"Ask Tadge" Producer
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 893
Likes: 667
St. Jude Donor '17
You mean this one?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 130
Likes: 70
From: Culver City CA
I had this on my build on the GM website as well, but it appears to be removed at this time. I went back to rebuild and don't see it. Hopefully they didn't remove it just to increase the cost.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,910
Likes: 2,693
I was at the factory on Friday and the guide mentioned the Z06 build experience. He said it was supposed to be made available later in the 2024MY and he said something about the price being higher than $5K when it comes back. Not sure if he was assuming or if he knew something definitively.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 172
Likes: 163
From: Pawleys Island SC
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
Modified C8 of the Year 2021 Finalist
Thanks for info. I’m 225 at Ciocca so maybe the details will be available by the time I get the call.
I was at the factory on Friday and the guide mentioned the Z06 build experience. He said it was supposed to be made available later in the 2024MY and he said something about the price being higher than $5K when it comes back. Not sure if he was assuming or if he knew something definitively.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 769
Likes: 170
From: Milwaukee WI
Allocation order was placed and accepted two ago. As we stepped through the GM order desk, Engine Build Experience was not listed. Dealer General Manager called GM Regional Distribution Manager and indicated Engine Build is not offered at this time. I was blessed and one of the fortunate to take advantage of the Engine Build on our 2019 ZR1 and was really looking forward to building the awesome Z06 power plant. In this way, if an engine issue results, I can always blame myself 
Praying Engine Build reappears soon for those whom have never had the opportunity to experience the program, it is a bucket lister. Blessings to all.
Praying Engine Build reappears soon for those whom have never had the opportunity to experience the program, it is a bucket lister. Blessings to all.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2023
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,402
From: Bethesda MD
The engine build program is a great idea to generate revenue when engine building capacity exceeds demand. The Z06 engine is taking longer to build than GM expected. GM can't afford to let engine production pace Z06 output as no reasonable price for the engine build experience can offset the lost margin if GM sells 1 less Z06 than it planned. It sounds cool to do and I hope buyers get the chance to do it, but unless GM prioritizes E-Ray production over the Z06, I don't see the engine build program happening soon.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10,230
Likes: 885
From: Alexandria, Virginia, USA VA
not sure I understand, z06 demand is uber strong based on all those paying the piper
the engine build is a fantastic (abeit expensive) way to birth your engine and see the great tools and process
I think it would be cool to have my name on the engine builder tag.
but it for sure slows down the engine build process to cater to the customer.
Great way for GM to make a buck doing what they do already and engaging the well heeled customers.
the engine build is a fantastic (abeit expensive) way to birth your engine and see the great tools and process
I think it would be cool to have my name on the engine builder tag.
but it for sure slows down the engine build process to cater to the customer.
Great way for GM to make a buck doing what they do already and engaging the well heeled customers.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 246
Likes: 136
From: Friendswood Texas
I gotta believe that one factor, at present, is the UAW Contract situation.
If it was just technical/capacity/cost/other, GM could address that with having a very limited number of Engine Builds available. Heck, they should (and probably will) ramp up starting with a limited number regardless, when it begins.
Putting the Buying Public in direct f2f contact, on the job, for a full day+ with a UAW member at this time, fails any prudent Risk/Benefit evaluation.
If it was just technical/capacity/cost/other, GM could address that with having a very limited number of Engine Builds available. Heck, they should (and probably will) ramp up starting with a limited number regardless, when it begins.
Putting the Buying Public in direct f2f contact, on the job, for a full day+ with a UAW member at this time, fails any prudent Risk/Benefit evaluation.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 13,180
Likes: 10,512
It takes 2 shifts, or longer, to build an LT6 without an owner slowing the process down. And it requires much more precision than the LT4 did. I suspect GM will decide it's not practical to offer that option any more. Time will tell.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 11,118
Likes: 1,890
From: Missouri City, TX
Too much for me as well but it is a Value Judgement everyone has to make for themselves. For some, this is just lunch money. I think it is priced so high deliberately to limit the demand for it. The same principle pricing for selecting your own VIN.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 172
Likes: 163
From: Pawleys Island SC
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
Modified C8 of the Year 2021 Finalist
value judgement is right… just like every other option on the car. The engine build experience is an experience worth nothing to some and more than 5,000 to others. It is one of the most unique experiences you can have ordering a new car. Still not sure if it will work but I’d like to do it with my Dad. We did museum delivery together two years ago and that was easily worth the double museum delivery fee (link below).
Corvette Forum - C8 Father Son Museum Delivery
Corvette Forum - C8 Father Son Museum Delivery