2001 Corvette Z06 engine

[Guest Anonymous]

I just purchased a 2001 corvette Z06 engine to drop in to my Z. What kind of tranny do you think I should use. The engine is a little bit modified with headers, hotter cams, etc. It is producing around 435 hp. I believe that it originally came with a T56 six speed tranny, but I prefer to have an automatic. Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

[jeromio]

Whoa! I presume you've already read all the LS1 posts here, esp. regarding the fact that standard JTR setback plates won't work.

 

Anyway, I'll be using the 4L60E trans with my LS1 swap. I'd like to eventually get a T56, but ain't got enough dollars currently. I'm starting my swap tomorrow.

 

There are guys on the LS1.com forum (currently down) who have broken the A4, which does seem to have a better reliability rep than the T56, at least for drag racing. But the FBodies are much heavier than a Z and they tend to use much stickier, wider tires. Those who broke stuff switched to the TH400.

 

You can probably pick up an A4 (the 4L60e) for $700 or so. The one you want came in 98-02 FBodies.

[Guest Anonymous]

Wow! what did that motor run ya? I'm thinking that getting my goal of a little over 500hp shouldn't be that hard on something that starts at 405 thru semi-restrictive factory parts!

[Guest Anonymous]

The motor was missing the cylinder heads and a few items. It cost me around $2,400.00. I thought it was a good deal cause brand new would run me around $9,000. But to complete the motor that I got, I purchase a pair of heads for $1400.00, and I still have to purchase some misc. items like water pump, oil pump, ECM, ECM wiring harness, harmonic balancer and engine beauty covers. So it will probably cost me around $5,000 after everything is complete.

 

Also, I would like to know if I need to do some kind of structural modifications on my z. I am trying to look for an R200 rear. Is it true that this can handle in excess of 400 hp. Any help would be great.

 

I am not a good fabricator, so I am having the engine and tranny professionally installed.

[Lone Star 1]

Hey Pogi

The LS6 is the same motor as the LS1 with improved breathing. Howell Engine Development Inc. hedi@eesc.com makes the wiring harness and ECM you'll need. I talked to one member at Texas Moter plex the other night who says he runs in the 9's on the stock IRS. He has a cage built in his now and is turnning 1.5 60ft times but could only turn 1.6 60ft times before the cage. You'll need the 4L60E out of an 98-02 F-body LT1 4L60E will not work. My LS1 is making about 350 FHP and the only chassy mod is the front brace between the strut towers.

 

Try Hpsalvage.com for your 4L60E

 

[ September 14, 2001: Message edited by: Lone Star 1 ]

[jeromio]

For LS1 parts, email valvegod@aol.com. He comes highly recommended from LS1.com. I contacted him about a waterpump and got a good price - shipped quick and well packed.

 

As to structural mods, yes, they will be required. Make sure your floors, floor rails, frame rails are free of rust. You might consider having some "sub frame connectors" welded in - sqaure tubing or folded sheet metal that continues the floor supports back and connects with the rear sub frame. Front and rear strut tower braces are key, but a full cage is preferable, both for structure and for safety. S%W (http://www.swracecars.com/roll%20bars&cages.html) make an affordable kit, although it is not a bolt in and requires fabrication.

 

Probably more importantly, the Z will need better brakes and some driveline mods. An R200, as you mentioned, is key. The general consensus is that it can handle the high HP, and there are a few cars, such as ScottieGNZ's (http://home.cfl.rr.com/scottiegnz/gnz.html) that have run an R200 successfully. Look for one from a 75-80 280Z which will be a 3.54 ratio.

 

You'd do well to consider switching to 280ZXt CV half shafts. The stock, Ujointed shafts a a weak link. See Terry Oxandale's write ap at http://www.zhome.com/rnt/FordPower/index.html or go to Ross C's site at http://www.modern-motorsports.com. He will be selling an adapter that allows use of standard seals and stronger 280Z stub axles with the 280ZXT CV shafts.

 

You can also consult those 2 sites, along with MikeSCCA's site at http://www.outlaw-brakes.com for various bolt on brake upgrades. Conversion to coilovers is pretty cheap, opens up your choice of spring rates immensely, allows for ride height adjustability and signifigantly increases the available width in the wheelwells (esp. in the rear) for wider rubber.

 

Good luck.

[DavyZ]

Pogi,

 

Jeromio's own site is well packed with information as are many of the guy's sites in this forum. Please take the time to do the research (if you have not already done so) by using the search function. Also, www.gmsportssalvage.com has motors and transmissions, etc. They are local, but may be on the high end of the price scale--see if it is any better out of state and then factor in shipping. Good luck with your project.

 

Davy

[Guest KraZ4spd]

Hey Pogi! I just got a R200 w/ 3.54 from ZBarn for $75.00+ shipping. Fully inspected and with a Garranty!

[Modern Motorsports Ltd]

"The motor was missing the cylinder heads and a few items." Were you told why those items were missing? A bud bent his Z06 pushrods under normal use and it was found to be 'weaklink' that the dealer wasn't admitting to very readily. Seems odd they'd break up such a new motor. Have you priced the ECM and harness out? Their must be a few aftermarket heads available and possibly more to come out shortly for that motor I'd imagine. I'd be wanting some MTI tickled over ones myself

 

Have you got motorsports in your blood......what are your intended uses...we all gain enjoyment from knowing each others projects I know of an almost new Lt1 4L60 but not an Ls1, good luck and Graham's Salvage (search for them, I don't have their info handy) should be able to help you out. Anyone have an aftermarket harness out for that yet or will it be a factory one you'll use?

 

Good luck and we all look fwd to hearing about it

[Guest Anonymous]

I bought the block from a lawyer based in southern ca. It looks like he is in to racing a lot. He told me that he is selling the LS6 block because he is replacing it with a $6,000 C5R block. He even mention, that the total engine modifications that he is doing will cost around $18,500.00 and around 600hp. He seems to be a really honest guy and quite helpful to me in acquiring some of the parts I need. Thanks for being concerned Ross.

[Guest JESTER3798]

jeromio,

you mentioned that the jtr setback plates will not work with the ls1. why not? i was just getting ready to put the ls1 in the car and am waiting for the jtr parts to come to my door. i never read anyone saying they will not work. please educate me-hurdles i can handle but i hate roadblocks.

 

tia

ryan

[jeromio]

Already ordered? Bummer. The motor mount locations are farther back on the LS1 than on the "standard", 350 Chevy. Farther back by about 2 inches (I think).

 

LoneStar1 used the JTR technique, but his plates were longer and he anchored them to the strut rod mounts on the frame for stability. Too far back for the plates to work on their own. He then had some thick metal coming welded orthagonally to the plates with holes drilled to meet up with the LS1 bolt thru mount. Do a search on the Chevy forum for LS1.

 

For my LS1, I'll be modifying the crossmember, creating 2 extra, angled "legs" that will form a K and meet up with the frame at the strut rod mounts. I'll be removing the standard Datsun motor mount towers and making my own to meet up with the stock LS1 motor mounts. These will be mounted on the cross member extensions.