Purchasing a Z06 - chances of issues with LS7??
 

Hello all, first time poster happy to finally be here! I have been a Camaro guy since 2011 over at the camaro5 forums, I am currently selling my '11 Camaro SS in order to buy a C6 Z06. :)
My question is, I have heard of people having valve/engine issues with the LS7's, so basically what is the likelihood I will have a problem? I am planning to get a ~2007 Z06 and if I drop a valve I dont want to have just lost ~30 grand ya know, and from searching these forums I see people saying to budget about $2K for possible fixes though. Still get the Z06? Any input is appreciated, thanks guys!
-D3troit Muscle

Google and search this site; there is info to keep you occupied for days about the LS7 head issue.

My personal belief is it's very prevalent that guides will be out of spec, somewhat less prevalent that you'll drop a valve and grenade the motor. Prevalent enough that there's no way I was going to take that gamble. Just budget for a head replacement from one of the excellent shops we have access to (AI, WCCH, AHP to name just a few) and do it for peace of mind. Basic tools and a weekend, and you're good to go. The swap is very simple and there are great DIY guides here on the forum. The Z06 is an amazing machine to pilot on the road and never gets old!

spend the 2k-ish and then never worry about it.

You will get plenty of mixed people here that say it's a problem and other who say it's only a small percentage. I for one am someone that was worried about it everytime I pushed the button so I dropped the cash and took care of it. My car is a 2008 and had 15k miles on it when I pulled the heads this past April. I did have some guides that were out of spec but not the worst I have seen. I think its worthwhile to just address it up front so you can enjoy the car. Also you may want to let us know your intentions with the car. I don't recommened a Z06 as a daily driver although some do it. You may want to take a look at the Grand Sport. They are a little more driver friendly for a daily and still gets the wide body and the LS3 that really doesn't have a valve guide issue. Either way welcome and hope you find a car soon!

None if you buy mine. Heads have been fixed and a bumper to bumper warranty from GM till 1/14/2020.

All very great advice thank you guys! I spent about an hour reading through other posts as well. Either way Im getting a C6, just might be a base model now that i read through those threads lol.

No one wants a "base model" ha ha! At least look at Grand Sport. They are great cars as well.

Also,dont let us scare away. We are just trying to inform you properly so you can make the right decision that suits you and your needs. There is nothing like the feel and sound of the LS7 spinning up to 7K RPM.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b7da4885e3.gif

My z was a daily for almost 4 years, then I got tired of it. It's not bad, but not ideal either imho

Driven a C6 Z06?
Drive one first then come back.
It'll be abundantly clear why LS7 owners are proactive re this matter.

Easy to love the LS7. Nothing quite like it before or after.
Will uniquely blow the frickin' doors off most domestic & imports boasting *&* costing a whole lot more.
Oh and did I say when not goosing the beast normal cruising delivers 28 MPG? :lol:

Drive one.

What MTPZO6 said...🤣 don’t start at ZO6 and settle for a base......unless.......you have a complete turbo or supercharger kit and some nice bottom goodies already in your garage......that would be acceptable.

oooorrrrr.......option 2, since this is America and I’m a big fan of multiple options and choices.......what if......you did both!! OMG!!

buy a C6z and boost that bitch!!!🇺🇸🦅🦅 I know a guy who did lol.....and I may be able to provide some good video of what that madness looks and sounds like.....



Good luck with the hunt bro!

Great car, but i would think to fix it, will be more like 3 or 4 k, unless you do it yourself.

I had a base model (07 Z51 3LT 6 spd) before I bought my 2010 Z06 3LZ (4 yrs ago).
The very first time I drove the Z the first thing I notice was the brakes, so much better, then the power, then the steering.
Then after only driving 500 miles I addressed the head issue and ended up modding to 575 rwhp with no regrets.

I could never go back to a base.

I agree, went from C5 coupe to C5-ZO6, to C6-ZO6, to C6- ZR1 and now my last car another C6-ZR1 which i think is the best car they have made yet. I like it much better then the new ZR1, jmop

C6 ZR1....the pinnacle of Corvettes. Just my opinion but I’m sticking to it!

Lol base model...go home OP you are drunk haha

You will get lots of different opinions to this question. A majority seem to agree that that the chances are unknown and it is a roll of the dice, and I am in the same camp myself. I made this video to further illustrate that. Hope it helps.
Nothing wrong with a base model, but if you want raw and simple affordable supercar performance, get the LS7, get the heads fixed, and smile like crazy.

Don't forget all the other common issues. These are not cheap cars to maintain. Items like Clutch, tires, brakes, etc are costly.

Base vs. Z06, really depends on what you intend to do with the car, ie: is it a cruiser, or a track car? (...ie: will you EVER go to the track? or do you just want a car that you can hammer up on-ramps and have some fun with?).

I had a base 2010, and I'm now on my 2nd Z06.

For everyday cruising, I honestly still miss my base coupe ............it rode smooth like a Cadillac, but could still be tracked (in light moderation) and had more than enough power for the streets. However, I'm a bit of a track junkie, so I need the cooling enhancements of the Z.

As for the LS7, my previous one drank oil in a big hurry and wiped the mains (...valve guides, ya think? :rolleyes: ), so when I bought my current one, I pulled the heads and had the guides done ...... YES, they were all out of spec. However, I have peace-of-mind now.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy ANOTHER one. But I would also budget the heads (at some point, if not right away). Or BUY A BASE, if you don't have intentions of tracking the car ...... honestly, they ride much nicer than the Z, and still put a smile on your face :cool:.

In either case, you can't go wrong.