Hey all, many thanks for the supportive comments and suggestions! I've got a "while I'm in there" list of things I'm considering as part of the engine install. If you've got some LS-expertise please take a look and reply to this comment with feedback on specific parts I should consider or items that should or shouldn't be on the list. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xFWmQ3DgxYAxS2v54PFXj67C3vlx5q3CVUQdzTbTK80/edit?usp=sharing
Hey Josh! I also have a C6Z and a fair bit of experience building LS engines, and a lot more experience beating the absolute tar out of them. Here's what I recommend. While you're in there must do's - Katech C6 remote clutch bleeder kit: this will make bleeding your clutch a one man job and a total breeze. Just be sure to make sure that it's well secured so that it doesn't touch your headers/exhaust manifold - Monster LT1-S clutch: this is a twin disc clutch that is OEM for the C7 Corvette, but adapted to an LS flywheel. Clutch release will be MUCH better at high RPM, it will also be a lot easier on your transmission's synchros since the clutch discs have a much lower MOI vs the stock LS7 clutch. The lower MOI also means your clutch slave will be less likely to get mushy when it gets really hot. It will also drive almost exactly like stock. - New GM Slave cylinder with BILLET RELEASE BEARING SUPPORT: Both Tick performance and Monster Clutches sell a billet aluminum release bearing support for the OEM slave. The OEM slave comes with a plastic one that is prone to failure when it get's really hot. It happened to me last summer, leaving me stranded at a friend's house. -CHE trunnion kit: Remove all possibility of needle bearings getting scattered throughout your engine. By far the easiest kit to install, and the longest lasting. I had a set on my Camaro with a large cam that was constantly flogged for 22K miles. I inspected one at 20k miles and it showed barely any wear, they would have easily gone another 20k abusive miles and probably more. I ended up putting another set on my Corvette when I got it. Other parts to consider if the budget allows -Tick clutch master cylinder + "long" clutch line: This is a replacement for the OEM clutch master cylinder. It uses a robust Tilton slave cylinder. The one on their website has a larger bore than OEM which will shorten the pedal travel, but also make it slightly stiffer. If you call them on the phone, they can set you up with one that has the same bore as the OEM one, which would make it feel exactly like OEM. The "long" clutch line is a stainless steal braided line that goes all the way from the CMC to the slave, eliminating the rubber portion of the OEM line, which expands and can cause the pedal to get mushy when it gets hot. FWIW, I have the larger bore Tick CMC with my Mantic twin disc clutch and I love how it drives, and I have a large cam too. - Dewitt's radiator: Can't speak from experience on this one, but I've heard great things about it. My car starts to overheat when it's 90* degrees while sitting in traffic with the AC on. However, my car has 12:1 compression, a large cam, and ARH headers on it. But I think it's something you may want for your track days. -Headers? I'm one of those weirdos who cares about the sound of a car way more than I should, I love how ARH headers + x-pipe make the car sound, also they improve torque throughout the entire rev range, idle to redline. This does however make things hotter in the engine bay, which may is something to consider for a track car. They will be much easier to install with no engine in the car though! That's all I'm gonna write for now. I'm sure I'll think of other things, and when I do I'll come back. Feel free to ask any questions! I'll keep an eye on this comment thread.
@@C6Z_Bob Wow Bob, this is exactly why I make the videos, because people like you are willing to share what you’ve picked up over the years. Thanks for taking the time to type all this up, you’re the man!
Hey Josh! Enjoying watching your videos since you had a similar mindset to me when I bought my C6Z in that I really wanted a Porsche GT car but couldnt afford it haha. My C6Z is built for Gridlife Time Attack so it's seen and will continue to see significant track abuse. I think the LS7 can be made more reliable than people think on track as long as the obvious weaknesses are addressed. You're halfway there with the Katech heads but you need to take care of inherent oiling issues before you grenade another LS7 from oil starvation: -My car is an 09 so it's already got the larger sump tank and I think that's the bare minimum you should do because earlier cars with the smaller sump tank can oil starve with sustained high G left hand turns. -The next step is Katech's ported oil pump. Since you've got piston squirters now that require higher oil pressures, you should probably go with their red LS7 pump which increases the rate of oil scavenging (which the blue pump is scavenge only) and pumping. The ported scavenging side will increase the rate at which the sump gets refilled with oil so that it's less likely to run dry and the ported pumping side helps maintain oil pressure as the oil gets hotter and you run higher RPMs. Normally Katech recommends the blue pump for LS7s but they do recommend the red pump for LS9s due to the piston squirters but maybe give Zach a call and pick his brain about it. -I see you've already got oil pan baffle on the list and I recommend Improved Racing's baffle because of how cheap and easy it is to install. There's no reason not to put it in since you've already got it apart. My car has all of these countermeasures and I've logged oil pressure and seen it stay consistent and reliable every turn on every track on 200 TW tires. Check out my youtube channel (@WaksmanRacing) for on-board videos and instagram (@waksman_racing) if you want to follow the rest of my build.
Nice to have you back. I’m another guy starting DIY from bare block for my yellow C6ZO6. I’m track guy from Japan and I’m sharing same goal as yours, beating GT3. It has been two years now since I started my project. It is amazing there are bunch of corvette guys in the US helping a stranger in Japan! Without them, I won’t be able to finish at all for sure. Keep going man, once you hit a track with DIY LS7, oh yes, you will be screaming at driver seat. I did lol.
I'm so glad i found your channel. Please keep up the LS7 videos as I love to save them and watch in the evenings. I have to say it's great to watch someone so human, and by that i mean like how you turned over the oil pan and had the pick up fall out. It was something we've all done at some point and just adds that realistic quality. Kudos!
Much respect for taking on this engine build without a ton of experience. Getting the clearances and torques correct is 90% percent of the build. Slow and meticulous always pays off.
Great to see you getting back into this! Looking forward to seeing the build and for you to get back on track. Katech did a great job with my cylinder heads and they are still going strong after thousands of track miles.
I'm glad to see an update from you. One of your older videos popped up the other day. It made me wonder what your plans were. I'm ready to watch the build process.
Glad I found this series recently and don’t have to wait for updates! I totally understand the effort needed to just start any project. Glad you stuck with it! On to the next vid :)
I am so pumped to see you are back at it. I have really enjoyed your series up to this point. In fact, it inspired me to buy a 2012 Z06. I have been checking back periodically to see if I missed anything.
Good stuff Josh! I found your videos back in December when I picked up a very tired 09 Z06. I did end up going the 6.2 route using my running LS7 as a core exchange. Had the LS3 built up a bit to improve reliability on the track. Car gets started this weekend! Hope to see some assembly videos from you soon!
Yay🎉! New clutch? Yes. Match the clutch to the expected torque per katech’s recommendation. Don’t forget about the o ring on that pickup tube you dropped. While you’re in there, have the fuel injectors professionally cleaned and flow tested. Change the idler pulley, nothing worse than a squealing idler on a fresh motor.
I'm not an LS or Corvette expert, but I'm a skilled DIY mechanic and autocrosser. Your complete while I'm in there list is long and expensive, I think you can save a few $$ by leaving some of those components for next winter or maybe even two years depending on how it goes. Test your alternator to make sure it's in good condition, that can probably wait. I would look at just the items that are easily accessible with the engine out, upgrade for the clutch, resurface the flywheel if it's serviceable and/or you can't spend the coin on a lighter weight flywheel. Rebuild the torque tube and add a transmission tunnel thermal blanket since you have easier access to it. I would also upgrade the roller rockers since it's easier to do it now, maybe you will get 5-10 HP & TQ. Expanded dry sump is good to help prevent any oil starvation on track and keep Goldie on the road. Everything else should be good for a year.
I've been waiting for this vid for what feels like forever now haha! Drooling over those parts you got there your car is gonna be amazing once it's back together!
Super pumped you are back! Excited to where this goes, one of the reasons I finally took the plunge on a c6z after loving them for so long was this channel. Love your videos, please keep it up!!
As for the clutch, yes. You are already there and it has 50k on it assuming it’s the original one. As for upgrading it, my suggestion would be to maybe find someone local that has an upgraded clutch to try. Clutch feel does change predicated on what kind you get. Hence why I suggest maybe trying one out before you change it so see if you like the feel. An upgraded clutch can feel stiffer, catch a little different l, etc. Most of the time, folks like it but I have seen where they don’t. Really looking forward to you finishing it. Have a good one.
I came across one of your vids while researching the c6 Z06. It really seems like a wonderful car but the valve issue has put me off. Seeing you dive into this work and get it done at the diy level has really inspired me. I'm not half as timid as I was about this car and am looking forward to purchasing one this year. Love the content and its very well done! Will be waiting for the next update!
Thanks! It’s really not that bad and there are lots of resources out there to learn the diy side. The car is really amazing… or at least I remember it being amazing, it’s been a while since it ran 🤣
Valve issue and Trunnion Rocker upgrade a simple known proven bolt on fix . No risk there in my opinion. Great gains for cost LS engine, especially LS7 versus other performance engines. Go for it Dude.
Notes: 1. Ensure you the lash caps are on the Intake Valves prior to installing rocker arms 2. You will want to tighten the front, rear, and oil pan in unison to ensure no leaks., and a touch of your favorite gasket maker on the outer edges where the covers mate to the pan. 3. Definitely upgrade the clutch! RPS BC-2. Saves 30+lbs of reciprocating mass! And yes, it is still street friendly. Or Mantic Twin with Aluminum Flywheel. DO NOT PUT A MONSTER IN THAT CAR lol 4. Drive shaft couplers, and torque tube rebuild. You're already there 5. New Idlers, tensioners, and water pump. 6. Upgrade the Rocker Arm bushings "cheap and easy" Cheers from Texas!
Thanks man, this is a great list. Thoughts on rockers? Use the ones from the old motor? Trunion upgrade? I’ve seen what happens when the needle bearings get into the top of the head.
@@JoshVanVeld CHE trunnion upgrade is a must! Nothing wrong with a monster twin, its literally just a modified GM twin disk from the zr1. Drives 100% like stock because it is almost stock. Definitely do a clutch, even a new oem ls7 is more than enuf, but most importantly you need that remote bleeder or you will just burn thru any clutch in there with dirty fluid (i bet your current fluid is toast). You should do a speed bleed almost every track day if the fluid looks dark, brake fluid should always be clear!
More of a great story. Wow! All goo stuff. Can't wait to see your face when it's broken in and you go WOT. Def change the clutch. I think a ZR1 clutch will fit or just use the Monster S series twin disc Z06 equivalent.
Selfishly I hope you get started sooner rather than later😫 Seriously though, take your time and do it right whatever that means for you. While you're in there eventually gets expensive. You can make efficient power without going broke. Funny thing and I think I speak for most, " If we could we'd all show up and give you a hand." Best of luck and enjoy the journey!!!
Thanks man! I've got a volunteer lined up who is going to help me with the process. The delay is mostly going to come from needing to have all the parts on-hand. I've been chipping away at the parts list on a daily basis to try to keep that little bit of momentum going :)
Great to see you back at it, I can’t wait to see the finished product. I’m certain you will enjoy this project, especially that you appear to do your research before jumping in head first. Keep the videos coming!
Read your list of upgrades. Yes and yes. Consider also a few other clutch and light weight flywheel options, just to be sure. Definitely upgrade trunnion....rocker side of things. Rest of your list makes sense. Excess Heat kills 🔥engines, as does never getting warmed up and always running too cold 🥶 So would not skimp on extra cooling options 🤔 List looks sensible and sane too me in the Southern Hemisphere. Just move the steering wheel to the RHS of the Vette 😂and its puuurrrfect 😂
Good to see you Josh! great to see you digging into this. It will be a hassle but we are here to answer questions, and once it is back together, you are going to be so thankful and get to enjoy the car again! keep that momentum rolling! you got this!
"Whats in the box?" How many times have you heard that yet lol. It's glad to see you back cuz I would have been pissed if you called it a quits. Don't ever leave us again because we will find you 🧐😳. Lol
You’re back!!!! I can definitely relate to being stopped/stuck on a project. Hoping this was a good first step to getting you off and running again. Will wait patiently, maybe not to patiently for updates. 😂
I can’t say this wouldn’t happen to me but if I had the space I would be itching to get that car back driving. I just like installing new parts and working on my own car if it’s doable.
Hey Josh, I "bumped" into your channel this afternoon and ended up binging your entire C6 video series. I also am the owner of a yellow 2009 z06. In my case, I believe only a head gasket job is required but I am of course considering changing valve and valse sleeves. Not sure I want to go as far as changing the heads. So sorry it went sideway for you but look at all the traction you got with your channel. I'm mostly dropping you a line just to let you know how much I enjoy watching your channel. The most interesting, well-paced, information available out there. We’re all feeling the pain with you and looking forward to the reward. Thank you so much. Keep it up!
My take: your videos on this project are SO INTERESTING to those of us out here who are mostly watchers but aspiring (like you) to become more "Doers" I read the comments and see that experienced guys say "Do the torque tube" and I know that C5 and newer vettes have a transaxle and the connection is called a torque-tube. I've seen Lyle at C&S Corvettes explain that they go bad and are a PITA to rebuild/replace. BUT... have I ever done a torque-tube?! Hell no! So many of us watching a smart, non-expert trying to learn and making mistakes is PERFECT for helping encourage us to try stuff on our cars too. Mine is a 96 LT4 so not even LS. I digress.... Your channel deserves more subscribers. Good luck Josh! We are truly cheering you on, man.
Thanks you so much for the kind words! Torque tube rebuild doesn’t sound like fun but it’s on my list now 😅 I’m so glad that making videos of me muddling through this project is encouraging others. Making the videos and getting to interact with viewers is a huge part of what keeps me going.
Right on Josh!!!!! Glad you're back at it. I had my heads done last year just for the same reason, before it bit me. But, I'm very excited to see you put another LS7 back in Goldie, as if I ever have fatal issues, I now have an option, like you're taking. Cheers from Canada bud, super enjoy your enthusiasm :-)
My favorite RU-vidr of all time! You’ve been a great distraction during some tough times. Also motivated me to do some gt3 inspired work on my own C6Z. Going for gt3 inspired interior but I should probably be addressing the heads tho 😬
Yahooo ok now hurry up you know how long I’ve been waiting for your video to come out. I honestly thought you quit and sold the car because it was so long . I’m so excited for you. I can’t wait for you to do more videos. Can’t wait for the next one to come out. Good luck.
JOSH!!! So glad to see you brother :) I've missed your videos! If you need a hand with anything lemme know (even though you know more!). Cant wait to see what this becomes!
Just watched a few of your videos and love the content. Amazing car by the way! I’ve always wanted to have a C6 Z06!!! Hands down one of the most beautiful Corvette out there!!!! Can’t wait for the build series…….100% you got it!!!! Soon we shall all hear that chop chop chop chop chop………
Josh your choice of Katech was a good one. WCCH does a great job with porting. I definitely would put a clutch in also. You don’t want to have to yank the driveline out to change it. I would also recommend a Tick Performance adjustable master cylinder with the remote bleed option. I don’t know if you remember me commenting before, but we had our dyno time done after some set backs ( bad brand new throttle body) but we are making 552 to the wheels with 541 torque to the wheels. That’s 646 crank hp, it’s a full time autocross car so it’s just right. Your cam choice is pretty good for what you want. I would think if you ever want more hp, all you would need to do is put in a bigger cam and throttle body. I really enjoy your videos, keep it up!
@@JoshVanVeld My C6 ZO6 was dyno'd at 566 and let me tell you, it is way way way more than enough power. These cars are so light. It is a very fun car to drive.
I knew you'd go with the Katech Engineering LS7.....but the "Track Attack" build???? My man!!!! That's an amazing engine that'll last you a good long while. I'm soooo very glad you got back on the horse to put Goldie back together and am anxious to see your next video. As far as the clutch goes, I'd swap it out with the Monster S Series Twin Disc Clutch SKU# S2-9524-C6. This one won't break the bank but will give you the clutch feel you want while knowing that you won't slip any gears if you have to drop the clutch on a hard launch. I'd also consider replacing any dry rotted or worn out guide bushings in the torque tube along with that. Good luck bud. Looking forward to the build process of this beasty.
Welcome back Josh! Glad to see you're not giving up on the car. Get your father in law back out there to help you and make this project a bit more fun. For the clutch just go aftermarket and with a remote bleeder. Lots of us run Monster or McLeod.
Good to see you going through the parts for your new engine. It will be fun once the car is all back together, and the engine broke in to go and play at the track again.
I can't wait. Almost at the point where I sit in the car making vroom vroom sounds. Hard to believe how long it's been since it was on the road, it'll be like getting a whole new car :)
Glad to see you pushing forward again. Was looking forward to this video to drop. Kinda expected you to go the GM 427 long block path which I think replaces the LS7. But this is good too.
Just think, at the end of this, you're gonna have an amazing knowledge base of the car and teh gratification of knowing you climbed Mt Everest on your own. But remember to expect setbacks, they always happen. But that first track day is gonna be amazing!
Excited to see this series pick back up!!!!! MAST Motorsports had a crazy Black Friday deal to where I was able to get a set of speced out fully assembled aftermarket in-house American cast CNC heads with awesome hardware for $1900 shipped to my door (Mast Mutants). Couple of my coworkers picked up some LS7 sets too. Very interested to see the cost breakdown if you choose to share it on a video. Kaetech is definitely a no expense spared kind of company. Can't wait to see how it performs. Congrats!!!!! This is a much cooler build now than a sbe, no cam, no fixed heads build.
Hey brother love to see the project back up! We have all been waiting for it. I absolutely love the parts you have for the Z but if I may suggest something id say that I would get a aggressive cam, yes lots of chop chop and more power simply because you said you building a race car to take high end cars on the track and not a grocery getter. and also the clutch its DEF a must have at this stage. Get an aftermarket clutch now and be done with it. Anyway best of luck and we will be waiting for some progress😊
Racing and/or racecars can make you feel like a millionaire and 10 minutes later like a begger on the streets! I think the C6 ZO6 is the car to build for the track! My C7 Procharged Corvette with Cup2 tires makes me feel like a king on the track, but the heat it generates and the fuel consumption would not be good in a real race. I can understand avoiding the build,one just because of cost alone. I am buidling a motion simulator and upgrading every year. The simulator has taught me so much and I put 277 hours on it in 6-7 months. Once again there's somuch to learn, you can win a racein come in last once you have to make pit stops Hang in there, I want to do a track day with you in the future!
Sim is way more cost-effective and takes just as much skill, just doesn’t deliver quite the same sense of accomplishment. If you’re on iracing send me a friend invite.
Josh, I think once you finish this project, you should take the wife back to Tail of the Dragon. I believe that is where y’all went. Anyway, I think with all of your upgrades, the experience would be much different.