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Anyone Build Your Own Z06 Engine?

Old 06-22-2018, 11:35 PM
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Kevin A Jones
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Default Anyone Build Your Own Z06 Engine?

I notice today as a result of receiving an e-mail from GM promoting the Z06 that they now offer the option to build your own Z06 engine in Bowling Green. I wasn't aware of this.
Anyone done this? Be interesting to take them up on this just to get a feel as to just how involved the owner would be. Think I would rather leave it to the professionals.
Any thoughts? What's next, paint your own?

CORVETTE ENGINE BUILD EXPERIENCE

$5,000
  • Hand build your engine at the GM Performance Build Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky, under the supervision and support of skilled technicians
  • A personalized nameplate will be added to your engine once completed
  • Requires a sold order
  • Customer will be contacted by a concierge from the National Corvette Museum to facilitate scheduling and logistics1
  • Limited availability
Customer will be responsible for arranging travel, hotel accommodations, local transportation, meals and all related costs The National Corvette Museum is available to assist customers in planning for their trip.

Last edited by Kevin A Jones; 06-23-2018 at 12:12 AM.
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06-24-2018, 11:55 AM
mjdart
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I built my engine last April 25th. It took me 9 1/2 hours. The Corvette Museum provided a guide who was also a photographer. The took over 700 photos of the build. Then over the next 3 days I walked along with the car and my guide as the Z06 was assembled. I posted many photos and wrote quite abit on the experience. Search my name mjdart and engine build to find it.
Meeting Kai Spande the Corvette Plant Manager in my private room


Sarah a regular PBC engine builder


Installing camshaft


Almost ready to touch down


Finally got my name in lights
Old 06-22-2018, 11:40 PM
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Steve_R
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$5,000?



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Old 06-23-2018, 09:15 AM
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Kevin A Jones
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Yep, a bit pricey
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Old 06-23-2018, 09:34 AM
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jim spitzer
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My son and I took the plant tour just over a year ago. Our guide told us that a tour bus came and parked in the parking lot. It turned out to be Brad Paisley to come build his Z06 motor.
On our tour we did see a guy building his motor behind the glass wall. The tech stands next to you and tell you what to do. I dont believe you can make a mistake. All parts were on a tray for that build. 5k is a lot but when will you get to do that again.

Last edited by Steve Garrett; 06-24-2018 at 10:29 AM.
Old 06-23-2018, 09:56 AM
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JoesC5
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It is critical that you wear a fresh laundered dress shirt and dress slacks while building your engine. Clean, clean, clean is important.

Old 06-23-2018, 03:42 PM
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Kevin A Jones
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I assume this program just started for the 2019 model year. Got to hand it to the folks at Bowling green, they don't miss many opportunities to make a buck.
I understand building your own engine voids the engine's warranty.
Just kidding
Old 06-23-2018, 08:30 PM
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vdavenp802
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Originally Posted by Kevin A Jones
I assume this program just started for the 2019 model year. Got to hand it to the folks at Bowling green, they don't miss many opportunities to make a buck.
I understand building your own engine voids the engine's warranty.
Just kidding
No, this has been going on at least for the C7 builds(Z06) if think. I could have done this for my 2015 I ordered, but declined and did the VIP tour.
Not sure about C6's

Last edited by vdavenp802; 06-23-2018 at 08:31 PM.
Old 06-23-2018, 08:42 PM
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zergi06
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If I’m gonna help build my own engine it should be $5000 off. Not an extra $5000.
Old 06-23-2018, 08:47 PM
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AORoads
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It was around in C6, too. Believe it was stopped when the plant expansion began and also during generation changeovers. Just recalling the original build wasn't done at the plant since the program began in MI.

Here's the description: https://www.torquenews.com/106/gm-cl...e-program-ends

As said above by another, when will or where else will you get to do that for a new, in-car engine? It is costly though, no question.

Last edited by AORoads; 06-23-2018 at 08:50 PM.
Old 06-23-2018, 09:28 PM
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These guys are geniuses at making $$.
Old 06-23-2018, 10:31 PM
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RMS73
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how long does it take to assembly a LT1 and a LT4? I would think the L4Twould take a little longer.
Old 06-24-2018, 08:35 AM
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Kevin A Jones
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Originally Posted by zergi06
If I’m gonna help build my own engine it should be $5000 off. Not an extra $5000.
Originally Posted by RMS73
how long does it take to assembly a LT1 and a LT4? I would think the L4Twould take a little longer.
Good question, I assume the building of either the LT1 or LT4 shouldn't take an experienced technician very long if all parts are at his/her station which is
specifically set up for the task. Maybe one build per shift? I expect owner participation will add quite a bit of time to the process considering the tech has to
take the time to explain everything. This will add costs to the engine build, however obviously no where cost to $5000.
Old 06-24-2018, 09:48 AM
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dvilin
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5k I mean really for what, to say you assisted in the assembly to call it a lifetime experience, no thanks.
Old 06-24-2018, 10:14 AM
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I hope it's ok to post link to another forum, check this thread out, lot of details someone provided about the engine build option...not sure if he is a member here as well.
https://www.stingrayforums.com/forum...yers-tour.html
Old 06-24-2018, 10:30 AM
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Steve Garrett
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Are you guys really that surprised? This engine build opportunity has been going on for a while now.....
Old 06-24-2018, 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by dvilin
5k I mean really for what, to say you assisted in the assembly to call it a lifetime experience, no thanks.
Check out the thread I linked above, it's lot more than just hand assembling the engine.
Old 06-24-2018, 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by JoesC5
It is critical that you wear a fresh laundered dress shirt and dress slacks while building your engine. Clean, clean, clean is important.

I'm guessing they would have let Rick Hendrick wear whatever Rick Hendrick wanted to wear for his experience.

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To Anyone Build Your Own Z06 Engine?

Old 06-24-2018, 11:55 AM
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mjdart
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I built my engine last April 25th. It took me 9 1/2 hours. The Corvette Museum provided a guide who was also a photographer. The took over 700 photos of the build. Then over the next 3 days I walked along with the car and my guide as the Z06 was assembled. I posted many photos and wrote quite abit on the experience. Search my name mjdart and engine build to find it.
Meeting Kai Spande the Corvette Plant Manager in my private room


Sarah a regular PBC engine builder


Installing camshaft


Almost ready to touch down


Finally got my name in lights
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Old 06-24-2018, 12:01 PM
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1bdvet
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Mike, that's the way to go, thanks for sharing!
Old 06-24-2018, 12:09 PM
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Mr Triple Black
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Originally Posted by zergi06
If I’m gonna help build my own engine it should be $5000 off. Not an extra $5000.
My exact thoughts. You want me to pay you for me to do your work?

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