Quote:
Originally Posted by pimlico
Hi all,
As you probably seen I'm still in the middle of deciding what engine to use in my 67 Camaro. Running an AME Max-G chassis and T56 L5 transmission.
Does anyone here run a stock GM LS7? Do you like it? Any problems?
I'm looking for a very, very reliable engine.
Are there any upgrades/modifications to increase the HP of the stock LS7, but doesn't impact the reliability of it?
I'm looking to get over 100,000 miles out of the engine, but be able to abuse it a bit.
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Stock LS7 is bad ass. As for upgrades and reliability-
There have been quite a few with valve guide issues which ultimately result in a broken exhaust valve and a broken engine. Whether or not this is a "valid" issue is a debate among many but I have seen several with my own eyes.
Considering that, I would do a few things for reliability.
-Install bronze guides and stainless exhaust valves
-Replace stock oil pan with ARE unit.
The stock pan is a poor design. You have one stage of scavenging and basically a wet sump pan with a big open area around the pickup. Not efficient at returning oil to the tank, especially in a continual 'lateral-g' situation
As for a cam, you have a lot of different choices.
I built/tune these for a living and in my experience a stock C6Z will be in the 465rwhp range. With a dyno tune, around 480rwhp. With an induction add 10-15 to that.
I designed a cam which is 227/243 .649/.660 115.5lsa which has a nice sound at idle but has near stock driveability.
Basically with a cam swap you are trading out the rpm range it is most efficient. This is just a simple explanation but as you go up in cam size you will trade low speed smoothness for high rpm power. Go to big and it will surge and chop at low cruise rpm's. This is a characteristic I prefer to avoid, especially with a manual trans.
With the above cam in a C6Z with headers and induction it will typically make 525-535rwhp. With ported/milled heads and fast intake/NW throttle body it has made over 590rwhp.
One more thing to consider as far as overall reliability. It will take much longer to reach minimum oil temp with a dry sump system. Keep that in mind and keep load/rpm down until it is up to temp and you will help engine life dramatically.