im SO happy you are sticking with the LS7/427ci minimum. i know you already have a build going but the big thing about the GT3 is its redline. you can rev a mildly (properly) set up LS7 to 8500 all day.
Found your channel earlier this year and can’t get enough of it! Great content. I think that sounds like an awesome set up for the Z06, can’t wait to see your future business. Keep up the awesome work!
It's great to see the project is still alive! I brought my LS7 heads to Katech for the "fix" and since then I've put nearly 10,000 miles on the car. Most of it being on track. Looking forward to seeing more updates even if there is a delay between videos.
Enjoyed the update Josh and I’m excited to see what the new venture will bring you and your audience! The fact that the channel opened the door to the new business is even cooler. See you next time man👍
I absolutely love watching your videos and check regularly if you have posted. please keep making videos, even if you don't edit them, just post the journey raw.
I thought you were going to say I’m selling it or it’s sold. So glad that didn’t happen. Good to hear from you as I’ve thought about you from time to time wondering how you were making out. Best of luck and I hope you bring us along on next steps.
Thanks for the update, and good luck with your Z06 engine and your future business opportunity. I hope you share a wrap up and some track time with your car in the future as your project evolves.
Missed ya buddy! Glad to hear the project hasn't died. Great video even if there wasn't any Goldie progress. It sounds like you've got a solid plan and I'm excited to follow along!
These are great videos! Being a C6 Corvette owner and someone who has gone through the same cycle, build, race, break, rebuild, I applaud your positive attitude. Properly setup these cars are incredible on the track. Keep up the good work and good luck on the business venture.
You made a great choice, be sure to get good lifters (Jhonston) with lubed pins and I would also get their oil pump. Glad to have you back on the task of finishing the car.
Glad to hear there's a path forward with the new motor! Seeing your videos helped convince me I needed a Z06 so a little over a month ago I picked up an 07 z06 with heads and cam already done. Such fun cars
@JoshVanVeld black with 55k miles. Nowhere near as nice as yours, needs some cosmetic work as it looks like they drove it behind a sand blaster and whoever did the heads and cam did a garbage job putting it back together. Project cars... lol
Great to see a new video! I now realize you are definitely “my people”. Life gets in the way and my organization takes a back seat until something kicks me in gear. Coincidentally, I thought about you this week. I was at my last track event of 2023, at VIR. Made me wonder what you and Goldie where up to. I now know you were not pouring on the miles at your local track. Can’t wait for my updates!!!
I actually have managed to get some laps in at Road Atlanta recently, just not in Goldie. Gonna do a quick video about it when I have some time because it was AMAZING.
Still keeping tabs on this ❤ great job persisting and moving forward on the build, instead of giving up and selling the car. It’s well worth it in the end, trust me [:
hi josh . i am a licensed mechanic here in Canada . i enjoy watching your videos and the steps you are taking and the fun you are having as well . please realize what you think is a negative is actually appositive it is getting you to the next step in your goals , yes it is expensive ." engines" well even the most expensive engines fail . but you will achieve your goal and you will be better for it .don't worry about the time it take you , enjoy the ride look at the contacts you are gaining from this experience . you are moving more forward then you think . Now,,,,, you are doing it the right way in your build of the engine . they are a very excellent precise in what they do .... just to let you know you have inspired me to build and track my 2016 ss camaro . here in ontario at mossport or know as canadian tire motorsport park today just to let you know i will be going through the same growing pains as you have been through and will be going through . nothing is over night. success will come ps please don't wait so long for the next video we all want the best for you and want to hear how you are doing dude... fallow your heart you know what you want to do
Ive been watching these videos and seeing just how much money you have with all these bikes and cars and whatnot and when i search you up you seem to be a developer or ceo of the culling which is the craziest coincidence ever i remember that game when i was in high school which is wild im glad all that money went to a badass hobby and not something boring
Its awesome to see that you're still at it with Goldie! I agree with all your engine goals and keeping with the 427, and i think its very wise to consider cooling capacity in relation to power increase. Congrats on the new business venture! Can't wait to learn more about that. I originally opened YT this morning to watch some CFB highlights, and then i saw your video in the feed, then checked the upload date and thought nope, I'm watching Josh's video right now. Football can wait lol.
Haha thanks man I take that as a big compliment! Not pictured in the video I have managed to change oil on both street bikes, put new tires on the FTR (limited choices becuase of the 19" front) and got the Ninja out on the track once or twice. Haven't ridden nearly as much as I'd like this year. I just got word on Friday about the motor's status and let's just say I'm going to need to get my ass in gear in terms of making a list of all the stuff I'll need before I can start the install.
@@JoshVanVeld That's great news about the motor! I also haven't ridden as much as I should lately. I did ride some track prepped R3's at Streets of Willow and Spring Mountain, and that was fun. But I need to get the Aprilia sorted and back on track. I got some quality track time in the 1LE in October, and I'm beginning to understand why seat and restraint upgrades are such a benefit.
Goldie is simply getting some much-needed sleep before the fun truly begins. I'm soooooo glad that you elected to stay with the LS7 opposed to getting a stroked LS3 and calling it a day, Katech is known for their racing engines and the parts they use are really top notch. The 7k rpm 7.0 Liter fire breathing beast of a motor is the lifeblood of the C6 Z06. As for taking a while with the uploads, hey, we all get it, especially if we have our own channels to upload content to. You can't upload every little thing you do but posting something is always nice to see, it keeps your channel alive and allows all of us to know that you're still out there doing what's needed. Maybe a post of you being at the track with friends or just a cruise on the Indian down a country road, anything helps. I'm here for the Z06 content as yours is, honestly, some of the best I've seen in a very long time. Looking forward to the update and the new LS7 for Goldie.
Somehow I missed when then came out! Glad to hear your using Katech, they’ve been great engine builders for a long time. So you are having parts availability issues, I think I mentioned that before. I finally was able to dyno my engine from Thompson Motosports and ended up with 542 wheel horsepower and 541 ft lbs of torque with what turned out to be a brand new no good throttle body. I took the car for a short test drive ( due to TB issue), what a beast. If you come up with something like this you’re going to be passing 911’s easily. We are only 11:1 with a 247/259 Comp Cam @ .629 lift. I would not recommend anything more because it becomes a bitch to drive on the street. I definitely would invest in a lightweight valve train to under stress it to keep it reliable. I’m sure you are making good well thought out decisions and can’t wait to see how things turn out.
I came down to watch the Petite Lemans and almost looked you up. Wasn’t sure how or if you were planning on attending. Race was excellent and being in Georgia again was great. Let me know if you ever travel north for Lime Rock or??? Will share “southern” New England hospitality! Look forward to seeing more content from you!
Oh nice! I didn't make it out to the race but I was out at RA the weekend before and weekend after. I'd love to drive Lime Rock someday. Definitely look me up next time you're in town.
I was just wondering why we haven't heard from you in awhile. 😊 Brilliant choice on Katech and the short block decision, Josh! That's exactly the route I would have taken if i were in your position. Do share the build specs! Also, don't forget to upgrade the sump tank to the Lingenfelter 11qt capacity as well. Looking forward to seeing this thing rip on the track. Garage looks much more presentable now, btw.
I happened to find your channel while doing research for big brake kits. I have to say that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watt the progress on your C6. I drive a GTi, but the way you speak while doing your voiceover reminds me of one of my other favorite channels that is all about rebuilding bicycles. Check out Old Shovel’s channel and you might hear a familiar tone and cadence along with a calming feel. Thanks for the hard work on your channel. I look forward to the progress on your C6 and M shoebox. PS…..I also love the updates about the rescue dog!
I've been going through the same thing, my pistons took about 5 months. I decided to a little overboard with a RHS block at 443ci and 12.46:1 compression. I'll be installing it next week. Keep the updates coming even if they are sporadic.
You made the right decision to go with the Katech engine! now I´m jealous. Interesting to know if they do any other modifications for track use other than the valve drop solution, as spun rods have also been reported although much less frequent. Maybe some oiling changes? they sure will know.
So happy to see that your garage is just as messy as normal people. BTW, you missed the stuff under the cabinets near the TV. Ok, so I guess I'll start cleaning mine out as well.
Definitely don't give up Josh. I saw your comment about time and money. Just one day at a time. You will get there. I've been following along since you picked up the Z06 and can't wait to see you get it back on the road.
Thanks man! Honestly the videos themselves are kind of a limiting factor right now. You might be shocked at how much time I spend on them - probably 3-5X as much time as I spend working on any particular part of the project. When I don’t feel like I have time to make the videos that leads to stalling out on the project. Just this morning I was thinking about that problem and I think the answer is to just break it into more bite sized chunks and give myself some deadlines. Hopefully I’ll come up with something workable soon. I appreciate the kind words! 🤝
@@JoshVanVeld You’re welcome. Oh I know all to well the time sink with making the videos. Especially the editing aspect. I noticed exactly what you are talking about with spending more time making the video and editing vs working on the project. For me, it started to feel more like a job and took away from the enjoyment to a degree, plus time was a major issue. I noticed from the comments, folks were looking for some updates. Just a suggestion, especially due to time limitations, maybe pop up a 10-15 min vid with some updates for where you are currently at, what you are waiting on and maybe what your next steps and goals are. Oh, how is the BMW been doing? I know it’s not a Z06 but have you been tracking it at all?
@@TheSwampDonkey I’m waiting to take the BMW out until I get the subframe issue addressed, I guess they tend to pop the spot welds in the floor if you don’t do a reinforcement. Waiting on tackling that until the Z06 is sorted out, so it may be a while.
@@JoshVanVeld oh dang Josh. Didn’t know about the spot weld/sub-frame issue. Well crap. Once you get that resolved, I am def curious how it does on the track. Good luck getting everything sorted and hopefully by summer you can get one of these cars back on the track.
I would definitely consider connecting the rear steam port vents in the heads to the coolant system if that is not already part of the engine build. The back two cylinders can trap an air pocket that can cook the wall between them otherwise. I used a stock truck vent tube to connect it to the front C6 tube (it doesn't have to be an expensive kit).
@@JoshVanVeld It matters especially on the 427s because they are bored out so much, very thin wall between cylinders + extended high rpm can do that. Glad to be a part of your community. I am all about the "making a racecar" type of content! I am working on making my C6 base model a track car, just fabricated some brake ducts.
Thanks for the update! I've been dreading a post from you saying you've had to give up on the C6 - Z06 due to one reason or another... I am also dreading the day that this happens to me, as I feel it's bound to happen sooner or later on any build (regardless of LS7 or not) if you do enough track time. For the LS7 it seems it really comes down to track layout, and if you do enough laps with the wrong layout, you are going to do damage. Was able to clock about 2,000 track miles this summer on my 2008 Z06 at my local track (knocking on wood as I type). I'm told it would not have lasted more that a handful of days at another track around 7 hours away from me (and would need oil pan baffle if I want to do that track). Glad I didn't make the trip! Anyhow, thanks again for the great videos and good luck with your new business venture!
Thanks!! Sadly oiling issues are something to consider and my local track has a couple of long left-handers that can cause problems. I’ll be doing some preventative mods with the new motor install.
Great choice on Katech. I'm curious about the build and cam choices. Stock TB, IM? Cant wait to find out. Also loved watching you clean up your garage. It satisfied the OCD in me.
Thanks Chandler! I had mine done by a company called Granite Garage Floors. I believe it's an epoxy base with vinyl chips that provide color and texture followed by a clear polyaspartic top coat that is resistant to chemical damage (i.e. brake fluid) and doesn't yellow with UV exposure. They say the key is to prep the surface by grinding, not just acid etching. You need a rough surface for the epoxy to adhere to. I've also heard there is a certain weight of epoxy required to avoid delamination of the base layer due to vapor coming up through the concrete. Mine has been fantastic although I did some damage to it when I accidentally performed a Goldie burnout in the garage when the front brakes were locked up 😬 It's pricey but I've never regretted the decision. Being able to mop it completely clean, unlike bare concrete that will always be dusty no matter how much you sweep it, makes you feel so much better about working in the garage, especially when you are lying on the floor. The only thing I would do differently is go with a color that was either very light or very dark without a lot of contrast in the flakes. With the look I chose (which does look good), any fastener you drop on the floor instantly disappears. I can't count how many times I've been sweeping around with a flashlight and a magnet trying to find a washer that disappeared into the void.
I was checking here a short while back and didn't see any updates. I figured you were still pondering the options. I watched your video and see where you got to. Makes good sense. Take the stock design, which is good, and correct the implementation faults from GM. The decision to use Kateck is using the best case engine builder available. Few will argue on this so if/when resale time comes, the package will fetch good resale value as Kateck on the receipts will bring confidence and value. On the next video if you could list the bill of materials as to what specific components Kateck selected for the crank, rods, pistons, bearings etc. That would be good to examine. Something I read where some states that have under hood motor vehicle inspection for emissions, the inspector will see a KATECK logo and reject the car because it has a modified engine. Discuss with Kateck and if desired have Kateck leave the logos of the engine and cylinder heads or at a minimum have those receipts from Kateck declare its a stock repaired/replacement engine. This to maintain resale value. While the engine is out, look at changing the clutch servo and going to the updated clutch master cylinder. Install the Kateck remote clutch bleeder kit as it so much much much easier to install with the engine out that with the powertrain fully assembled. What happened to the original block ? Was there any chance it could be fixed ? Is the Kateck build using modified oil pan (aftermarket) windage tray pieces ? Still using stock cam or a Kateck grind ? I assume they went away from Titanium rods and went with forged steel rods and balanced crank. Forged or Hypereutectic pistons ? Did you discuss your Porsche killer goals and if so what engine would they build ? Inquiring minds want to know. Regards, Paul.
Hey Paul, great to hear from you! Resale value is definitely part of the thought process. People are really picky when it comes to buying a used modified car, but I think this approach is hard to argue with and leaves room for additional upgrades if someone wanted to chase more power. Given how much I'm investing vs. how much the car would likely fetch if I sold it, I'll probably be keeping it for a while, but it's always good to think about the future. A remote clutch bleeder was already on my list, I need to start figuring out all of that additional stuff I'll need, including a fresh clutch, alternator, intake manifold, etc. etc. etc. I have put off having a shop investigate the old motor to determine whether it can be fixed. I suspect it can be repaired but I want to deal with that on my own time and have it in my back pocket as something I could drop into a future project. I imagine an LS7-powered E36 or E46 M3 could be fun... Once I've got the motor I'll be sharing all the parts and specs that Katech went with. I did discuss my overall project goals with them and I think we're going to end up with something that's still streetable but makes great power reliably on track.
There is a guy running SCCA in Texas with basically a bone stock '09 C6 Z06....even seats are stock. He's always the quickest guy on the track or in the top 3 of all classes combined. These cars are incredible as-is. It's too bad GM drifted away from what a Z06 is supposed to be...a bare bones light weight track car that's not overly expensive to operate.
We are in the age of 2-ton sports cars and it makes me a little sad! Luckily plenty of the c5 and c6 generation vettes were built so I think they’ll be fairly easy to come by for a while.
It's good to see you post again! Thanks for the update. It's my understanding that going with a heavier rotating assembly lowers power output and redline. 600 at the flywheel would seem doable with a moderately speced cam but are you keeping a 7200 redline?
Thanks! I'll share all the specs once I've got the motor from Katech, hopefully soon. Going with a pretty gentle cam and redline will be unchanged from stock.
I've been worried about what's been going on. Glad things are going well and we're waiting on a LS7 thunder god. I decided to do a similar approach to you but a C5Z06 with a Cayman 4L as my target. Coming from a S2000 things are a bit odd. I just had the original heads & intake manifold ported and am working on some custom 180⁰ equal length headers
Thank you Josh, I've only been following for a few months but really like your content and delivery! I hope your LS7 is done soon, excited to see you beat some GT3s. I'm a fellow C6 Z06 owner myself, and am looking to do the valve fix at one point.. please let us know how the Katech experience is, that is one of the options I'm considering at ~$7000 for 550hp.
Thank you! I’d recommend calling them and talking about your needs vs just seeing what’s available on the website if you haven’t already. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
Don't blow up your LS7. Get the heads done 🙏 Had a hard time finding a shop in Canada I was comfortable with so didn't drive mine for three years. Davenport in Calgary got me OEM Lingenfelter upgraded swapped this spring, and we enjoyed my Atomic Orange Z once again this summer. I feel so much relief now, fingers crossed, for many years to come. Note: my engine doesn't have as much sewing machine notes while driving now. Ticking is remarkably less. Or so it seems to me.
@@JoshVanVeld I think I’ll have to call and talk to someone, I’ve owned this car for 2 years now but want to start tracking it and am definitely a little worried about the engine.. I didn’t think it was worth the money before but I’m pretty set on keeping the car for a while now so I guess it’s time. it’s a shame Katech is a bit of a drive away, not sure when I’ll be able to make the road trip and get everything done 😅 another option I’m considering is East Coast Supercharging, they work with LME and have quite a bit of experience with C6 Z06s.. and a lot closer to me.
Hey Josh Just started following and im currently looking for a low mileage C6 Z , My last Corvette was a C2 , Looking forward to see how your new engine runs .
We have missed you! I am glad you are going with a built short block! Since these car's also had an issue with the Harmonic Balancer are you going to upgrade to a ATI Balncer? Also Good Luck on all the business endeavors! Cant wait for the next videos!
Probably the subject of its own video. Short version: I love it. It's not the thrilling kind of fast that makes you tiptoe around its performance, but it's peppy and willing. There's a particular stop sign where I make a right-hand turn on my way home and if there's nobody around I will hang the ass out leaving the stop sign every time. I can't help myself. So it's got enough torque and power for those kinds of hijinks but you do have to lean on it to make it bare its teeth. It feels very small but also very solid and sturdy, like it's built from some kind of denser metal than they use in Miatas. Visibility is amazing with nice thin A-pillars. I have to recalibrate my brain every time I drive it to get the shifting right, but once you get in the groove it's a lot of fun to row through the gears and it's easy to heel-toe with the stock pedal placement. The shifter is really balky when the transmission is cold and the steering wheel feels like it belongs on a sailboat. It dribbles what appears to be two different types of brown oily fluid on the garage floor and I'm concerned about the whole rear subframe thing so I'm hesitant to really beat on it and certainly not taking it to the track until I've got it fully sorted out. I still can't stand the chrome aftermarket gills but I need to find a shop to paint the replacements I got. It's fun to drive something where you know there's unlikely to be another one on the road at the same time anywhere in the same county, possibly the same state. So far I'm really pleased with the purchase but wishing I had bandwidth to work on it. It looks like I'll have Goldie's motor very shortly so I'm hoping that it won't be long before I can shift gears and focus on the clown shoe.
Not sure yet. I've been telling myself that at some point I'd like to get the block repaired and put the motor in something else but that just gives me an excuse to let it sit in the garage.
man I've really binged through all your videos over the past 2 days! love the content and your demeaner. Velocity Yellow C6 FTW, I've got one on my channel :) You know I'm thinking you're not too far from me, I'm over in Buford. I think you'd have a lot of fun running at Lanier Speedway autocross days once you are back up and running. Question, you holding on to your old factory z brakes? If you decide to sell, please PM me some details. I was looking at the Wilwood brake kits but kinda leaning towards factory z06 setup instead so parts are more available. Any thoughts? Cheers!
Hey neighbor! Glad you like the videos. Right now I'm hanging on to the stock parts. I have it in my head that down the road if it comes time to sell I will get better value out of some of the parts if I sell them separately. Realistically I'm probably not going to want to go through all that hassle...
@@JoshVanVeld Of course that makes sense. Ive got a military humvee that I'm fixing up and I'm planning on the same thing holding onto the stock parts incase needed for the day I decide to sell. Cheers brother!
@@beurownboss1554 I just watched a Rich Rebuilds video where he picks up an H1. Definitely have a soft spot for those things. Hit me up on FB or Instagram if you ever want to chat about cars or RU-vid!
I thought for sure you were selling Goldie…. Glad you’re not! 🎉 Don’t go too conservative, this is no longer a staged approach, it’s a one and done purpose built package. 427 cu-in have massive torque no matter what you do. Don’t be shy on cam overlap, keep focus on mid to high RPM torque…. This is a track motor, not a truck….. You would never pull a camper with a 911-GT3. 🎉
Is the LS7 REALLY that fragile? Many sources makes the LS7 look like one of the most reliable powertrains in the supercar category, when serviced regularly, especially when used as a track car. What model year is your Z06?
@@Garren.BHate to be the bearer of bad news, but I watched at least six episodes of Fargo Season 5 this week and the video is only about half-way done :(
I went the super charger route with my 2013 corvette G/S with the LS 3, It blew up , so instead of going back with a rebuilt Ls3 or a new one, I went the LSX 376 B-15 route from Chevy performance and could not be happier !! Its made for the super charger , its a stronger block with better parts etc. I would recommend the better version of the LS7 for you as well, its already built, crate Motor from Chevry Performance , its the LSX 427 crate motor, plus it can handle any up grades in the future !! Good Luck !!
Thanks Rod! Sorry to hear about your blown LS3. I want to keep the weight down and the balance of the car intact, which matters a lot more on the road course than it does on the street or drag strip. I believe the LSX block can hold so much power because it’s an iron block, so it’s stronger but also quite a bit heavier. I bet yours is a riot to drive.
