“Don’t risk that $20000 motor!”

Another awesome video Josh. The LS7 reliability question has intrigued me ever since I choose to buy a C6Z06. The reality is that the engineering in the engine is leagues ahead of anything else at the price point at the time the car was released. But, you cant have everything. If you want to beat on a road car on the track you have to pay the devil. The engines are plenty tough as proven over many many race wins across many countries around the world. There is truth around the issues of valve guide wear, the cause of this is often debated but which of us would trade the 360cfm flow provided by the head design and want a less aggressive valve angle or lift with the trade off in performance that would result. If the answer is yes, maybe this isn't the car for you'? Could the factory have better matched parts to get better longevity? I expect so, but then in race engines I have built and maintained, the likes of lifters, valve springs, exhaust valves and guides have been a 35 to 50 race hour "consumable" anyway. Again, you have to pay the devil for the fun. I have seen plenty of destroyed LS1's, 2's and 3's during my race career with dropped valve seats or valves as well. These engines were not released from the factory with a 7100 redline. I think a big part of the problem is owners generally run LS7's hard for the fun factor and it is not realistic to expect a road car will hang together in race mode without race car maintenance. I have modded my own LS7 with sump baffles, tank baffles, Katech cam, Katech oil pump, C5R timing chain, CHE bronze guides, GM race lifters etc etc for longevity. But in modding the engine, I also pulled the limiter back to 6800rpm and rarely rev it over 6000rpm even on the track. Once modded, the power curve allows you to do this and still go plenty fast. My race / self race funding experience taught me that rpm = $$. Super interested to hear others thoughts on this.

My dream car is a C6. In my eyes they are the pinnacle of a Corvette. So beautiful.

By far my favorite videos to watch on YouTube. I’m always on the lookout for new videos as I build a very similar track car

Great videos! Love watching you progress with the Z.

Making me want to make a trip up to AMS - last time I was up there was years ago (when it opened). Nice build and the c6 can be a monster on the track, can't wait to see the progress continue for this build 👍

Just sub'd, as I love great editing and story telling! The car looks great with the track wheels! Sitting in the staging lanes for 30 mins waiting to make a 10 sec 1/4 mile lap sounds about as fun as sitting in line at an autocross event 🤣. Thanks Josh!

Really enjoying the video so far, only 9 minutes in and wanted to share some advise: My 08 Z06 threw a similar code, turned out one of the O2 sensors was faulty. I was very skeptical at first if it was actually an 02 sensor, but I did some electrical testing of one of them and it tested bad, sure enough installed a Denso (I seem to always have look with Denso, most are made in Japan) O2 sensor, fixed it. I even had a fancy code reader that was showing a bad signal from the 02 sensor. I think they are more prone to fail with aftermarket stuff (long tubes, hotter exhaust, less insulation etc). The more and more I learn about the z06, this remains clear: the more and more aftermarket parts you install, the less reliable it is.

I like the way you work organized and neat! Way to go !

Another awesome video! Can't wait to see this thing rip once you get the oil issue squared away.

Sick ride bro. Its all about the journey

Humility coupled with humor, and about racing? Subscribed and excited. I have a lot of catching up to do. Josh, you seem like an awesome person.

Super high quality video man, i love watching

I wanted to hop on my computer and say I enjoy your videos thank you for uploading. I appreciate your story telling and editing. You've given me confidence to get a c6 except I doubt id be as hands on as you (I admire your skills both in educating and mechanically wrenching). Anyways, excited to see where you go!

Great video, I just picked up a 2012 Z06 after watching your videos can't wait to start digging into it.

Loving the videos brother!

I've been following your progress since day-1, and I've got to say, I still love that you're rocking 315 front tires! I'm rolling on the VS-5RS wheels with 315 front, 345 rear and good lord, I'm braking and out-cornering everything so far.... McLaren, Porsch GT2, Huracan STO... I'm laughing all the way to the bank with my C6Z! Keep on posting your journey -- 'this is the way.' =]

Take care of the car it will take care of you. My neighbor has over 130k miles on their C6 Z06. Still running great.

Slow is smooth and smooth IS fast. Great vid!

Thanks for sharing. Kinda like your "authentic" squealy AP brakes and I bet they click like crickets during cooldown, love aluminum hats. 70k miles here on my 2007 LS7, never experienced an oil issue but I'll keep a closer look now at long left handers, the 2007 does only have an 8 quart reservoir. The valves still sing with the same song, I'm always vigilant, their sound will eventually change but it's more of an internet meme to me at this point. I'm pretty confident the clutch will fail me first.

Glad to see you taking (for the most part) all the precautions to keep that legendary engine healthy and in one piece. I absolutely LOVE the LS7, and I wish you nothing but long life and happy miles with yours. That said, I’m coming over and setting your exposure for you, and if you say it’s on “Auto,” next time we grab coffee I’m bringing large Italian mafia dudes with me 😂