Any engine probs for Z06 in UK??

[saucyboy]

Hi fellas,

Whilst researching the C6 Z06 the best I can before trying to join the fold (Still waiting for the dreaded mortgage renewal in less than 2 weeks) I came across this thread

www.z06vette.com/forums/f70/2007-z06-engine-problems-110836/

Have there been many reported failures over here?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

James

[mitch_]

We have replaced a couple of engines, but being a former TVR dealer the mechanical issues seen in Z06's don't even register by comparison. Whlst not wishing to sound like a stuck record that's the reason why some people are insistent on factory warranties as engine issue aren't a concern with the cost of replacement being covered in full.

There is no one issue to speak of either so there aren't any tell-tale signs to look for. For what it's worth I know of more people who have had engines replaced in Porsches than Corvettes.

[saucyboy]

Thanks for the feedback Mitch.

Didn't think there would be a problem but i always like to get as much knowledge as poss when looking at getting a new motor. With the exchange rate where it is at the mo and the fact that i have seen some reasonably priced euro spec Z06's around, I may have to save that little bit longer in order to get one with the attached warranty.

Just out of interest, how much is an engine replacement?

Thanks again

James

[Godzilla]

My engine let go a few months ago, but it was tuned.
Songman's did the same, but was standard engine-wise I believe.

There is no engine with a 0% failure rate, but I am still not convinced the LS7 is as bulletproof as the smaller LS engines.
In fact Tom Wallace, Chief Corvette Engineer, said as much to me at Le Mans this year.

So Mitch is right, a warranty is a very good idea.

Having said that, an engine replacement for a Z06 is peanuts compared to that for a Lambo, Porsche or Ferrari!

[mitch_]

Engine's are in the region of £10k+VAT+Fitting. As David says there isn't an engine out there with a zero failure rate so there's no point winding yourself up about it too much. I tend to think that if you find a car with even 6 months of its warranty left it will be a big help as you learn alot about a car in that time and you will gain confidence with it accoringly. We have just sold a 2006/06 Z06 Euro Spec. for £40k so the prices aren't daft by any means.

[ringram]

What problems are people experiencing?

Ive heard of trunion bearings on rockers spilling the needle bearings, split bore liners and some suggestion that the 2 piece valves lose lash caps and perhaps even separate?

The trunion issue is fairly common to all the LSx range, but not so much the split bores or messed up valves.

David what did yours do?

[Godzilla]

ringram said:

What problems are people experiencing?

Ive heard of trunion bearings on rockers spilling the needle bearings, split bore liners and some suggestion that the 2 piece valves lose lash caps and perhaps even separate?

The trunion issue is fairly common to all the LSx range, but not so much the split bores or messed up valves.

David what did yours do?

Don't know Richard. Valves were all still there, so it wasn't a valvetrain issue.
Most likely a piston failed.

If I keep my existing car, with its new engine, I will change the oil to a Motul motorsport one as I'm sure the OEM Mobil 1 is not up to serious track use.

Mitch, what was the result of the analysis of your race car's engine? Was gutted for you...

[v8yea]

mitch_ said:

There is no one issue to speak of either so there aren't any tell-tale signs to look for. For what it's worth I know of more people who have had engines replaced in Porsches than Corvettes.

One thing that has always mistified me is that at this stage in the development of the reciprocating combustion engine you would have thought that reliability was a given.
I accept that horsepower returns are hugely bigger than historical figures,but surely we should hsve ironed out all the simple problems that still occur.
Range Rover,BMW,Porsche etc have all had major longevity issues in the engine department,it simply shouldn't be an issue in the so-called prestige market.What are we paying for if reliability/longevity is inferior to the offerings from less prestigious(and cheaper) marques ?
What value has testing by these manufacturers when power units fail on a regular basis at predetermined mileages
to the extent that you KNOW it's going to fail and budget for it,while at the same time the manufacturers replace units but do not admit that there is a problem.
The practice of "refining" a product to the point where it fails and then producing the last incarnation as reliable is OK for plastic forks but is not the best case for such things as motor car engines.
I have a 68 year old Harley that admittedly doesn't cut in todays world,but the fact that it still exists really says a lot about the ethics of the day,building things to last was the order of the day then and thats why companies like that survive today.
Having said all that I will never lose my passion for the fragile screaming two strokes of my youth when I thought four stroke motors were for old men !