C5 Z06 engine swap to LS3 or LS7
 

I've been trying to do my homework, and it appears a lot of people like the LS3 motors for C5 engine swaps. I'm not sure I understand why it's so much better? The LS7 makes the kind of power I want to boot with an extra 0.8L of displacement to work with.

My '02 C5Z is becoming an almost dedicated track rat now (still like driving to car shows). Besides more power output, I'm mainly concerned with getting the dry sump system to go along with it, so C6 Z06 or Grand Sport donors are my goal. I'm aiming to get a running engine from an insurance auctioned C6, and part out and sell what I don't need to recoup some costs.

I know there are a couple concerns about the reluctor wheel and other sensors, but I've seen some companies selling all the proper equipment to integrate the C5 PCM with a Gen IV LS block. I also know I'll have to get a battery relocation kit since the dry sump reservoir will need to be fitted where the battery currently is.

The C6 GS has a cooled transmission setup that would be awesome to entirely swap into my car too. Can the GS transmission easily be swapped into the C5? Does the C6 Z06 have that (T56 and T6060)?

Is there anything else I'm missing? Thanks, everyone! :thumbs:

I have an upgraded Ron Davis aluminum radiator as well. Is that compatible with the LS2/3/7/9 Gen IV motors? Will it be enough to handle the thermal load with a 450RWHP or so load for track days?

There's a guy on here, his handle is MAXX, in the c5 section. He put an LS7 in his C5 FRC. Look him up, I'm sure he has all the answers.

Conrad, I did an engine swap in my 02 Z06 in Jan 2015. Honestly, I would have loved to put an LS7 in, but the big reason I went with the LS3 based LS376/480 was because of price. I paid dealer cost ($6700) for the 480, which they now rate at 495hp. An LS7 would have at least cost me $15k. That is way too much for another 10hp and the dry sump oil system. If you can get it at a discounted price, gently used, I would say go for it. But there's a reason why they supercharged the 6.2 for the ZR1 and not the 7.0.

Hi conradb, I've recently started a LS7 transplant into my 2003 Z06. I will try to document the process as I go with photos.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...0045ab4a6f.jpg

I bought a blown LS7 from a forum member minus the block because is was cracked. I bought a new bare LS7 block and Mahle pistons.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...3f3719c1f3.jpg

Here is the piston box and the ring filer I used to file gap the rings.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...ad0fa71696.jpg

I bought a modified LS7 oil pan from a forum member. It has a baffle and modified tray.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...057222d458.jpg

I had the rotating assembly balanced by Mike from Fountain Race Engines and the heads ported and gone through by Lee from Latozke Racing Heads.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...e69eb9d2b9.jpg

Look at that intake Port !! I went with a custom grind road race cam from Comp Cams.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...3f1c9b957f.jpg

I also had Fountain install a 24 tooth reluctor on the crank. I'm glad I did some research and realized I had the LS7 4x timing gear on there now before I installed it in the car. I just swapped it for the 1x gear.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...1409674851.jpg

I bought LS7 type injectors and then realized my harness is different. I'm now waiting on Ev1 to Ev6 adapters so I can still use these new injectors. I went with Deatschwerks 65 lb. I topped it with a FAST 102 and a Nick Williams Throttle Body. Also a ATI Super Damper and a Steam Vent Kit.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...ef7cab84b3.jpg

I ordered a Lingenfelter C5 Battery Relocation Kit back on April 5, 2017. I'm still waiting on that. I just got off the phone with Tim and he said to call back in a couple of weeks that they still don't have the boxes in stock. I do have a good clutch I bought from a forum member.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...f7e3fed856.jpg

I bought the HP Tuners MPVI Pro and a AEM wideband. Geez I have a lot to learn.
I plan on data logging as soon as I get to Sebring next time.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...a1fa386dff.jpg

When you start your dry sump project you will have to pull this plastic inner fender panel out to gain access.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...f549bfada8.jpg

After you pull the battery out and the battery tray out, the tray bracket needs to be removed. I used 3 different grinders to get the job done. I still need to smooth the edges and squirt some black paint on the frame.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...3c26576886.jpg

I've been a marine mechanic for almost 35 years, This car is turning me into a Vette Tech. I put a lift in my shop a few years ago when all this madness started.

NASA Event at Sebring, June, 2015

I know this is almost 2 years old, but any shots of the finished oil tank fitment/brackets/etc. and oil line routing?

I do have some pictures, but I'm out of town until next week, I'll post up some pix when I get home