C5R Experts only...tough questions.
First, when was the first engine (working prototype?) built? I know Schwartz (?spelling) built the blocks and even the C5R heads but they did not (I asked them) finish the heads. Who did? Katech says it's not them. Who prepared the heads for final use?
The piston? When and who built and/or designed the first ones? Diamond? JE? Maybe Schwartz again?? And is there a difference in the C5R 427 piston and any other GM 4.125" piston? In other words would the piston you would put in a sleeved LSx engine be the same or would the C5R not clear the reluctor ring or whatever? How much difference between the C5R piston and the LS7?
Who was the first piston builder to make them available and when? I think this was in '01 but not sure. Again, is there anything unique to the C5R piston that would make it applicable to only the C5R or is it still an off the shelf piece.
Any other historical facts of links would be appreciated. thanks
First, when was the first engine (working prototype?) built? I know Schwartz (?spelling) built the blocks and even the C5R heads but they did not (I asked them) finish the heads. Who did? Katech says it's not them. Who prepared the heads for final use?Well, define finish? They were all flow tested and assembled by Katech, but they weren't CNC'd there. I can remember the CNC place now.
The piston? GM design, built by Mahle When and who built and/or designed the first ones? Diamond? JE? Maybe Schwartz again?? And is there a difference in the C5R 427 piston and any other GM 4.125" piston?Completely different compression heights. The C5-R used other than 4" strokes and longer rods. In other words would the piston you would put in a sleeved LSx engine be the same or would the C5R not clear the reluctor ring or whatever?It probably would, but they didn't have internal reluctors, so it would have to be checked. How much difference between the C5R piston and the LS7?That's like comparing a LS1 piston to a LS7
Who was the first piston builder to make them available and when? I think this was in '01 but not sure. Again, is there anything unique to the C5R piston that would make it applicable to only the C5R or is it still an off the shelf piece. Again, Mahle.
Any other historical facts of links would be appreciated. thanks
I guess the guys over at Katech would be able to fill you in on all the old specs, or at least they should be able to if they have time. I know a limited amount from my stay at Katech. I tried to pay attention to all of the race programs, but they were pretty tight lipped with the C5-R.
By finish I mean, it is my understanding that Schwartz Machine did a lot of preparation to finish the CC to 30 or 38cc or whatever. I don't think this was anything other than a rough cut. In other words when, say, a SCPC got the head it was finished to the extent that it was ready for final porting and polishing. The engine builder would have the combustion chambers "finished" to his size and specs.
In fact, when I asked Katech this question they referred me to Schwartz who said they believed the heads were in some cases sent to a shop somewhere in Michigan or the Detroit area. And some were sent rough CND'd. Not sure what all that means other than Schwartz nor Katech did the final P&P.
It makes sense that Mahle would design the pistons but an apparently confused source told me Diamond built the first C5R pistons. I have no clue what he meant unless he confused the two companies.
I have seen on the Internet where there were some 427 C5Rs running in '01. Just wondering who and when built, tested or ran these engines and when they hit the street. I guess when they hit the street is what I would really like to know.
Thanks for your help!
Thanks,
Shane
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I have some info from C5R stuff in 1998/1999, but its not 100% verified. This was over 10 years ago.
GM also experimented with different strokes and different bores. They also used Nikasil liners at some point, its unknown to ME when they changed. I believe it was mid 2000s so they could get the bore they needed, and they reduced the stroke to 3.8/3.85.
In 2005/2006? I believe they changed cylinder head configurations. The info on these heads is not much. Its kept pretty hush hush. There is a water pipe UNDER the Intake manifold/intake ports. Its very peculiar in design, and NOTHING was allowed to leak to us, as we developed partially C5R 2nd gen heads for use in GT2, but they were never ran.
Also, in 2006/2007? Perhaps earlier? They changed to direct injection. This allowed a 10% increase in power, and was legal in FIA/ACO homoligations. It was employed this year in GT2, but was quickly deemed illegal.
If you are serious about information, I can see what I can dig up. I spent countless hours researching this information for our race program, so I know a little more than the average guy.
Our corvette GT2 car, with 2 GT1 cars at sebring 08.


Take care
Louis
My earliest memory of C5R blocks running on the streets were GMMG ZL1s and in fact someone here posted a video of the car, a yellow car owned by a guy named Barnhart (?) in 2002 I think. But, I've got to think the really big tuners and people like LPE and Katech had some street C5Rs out before that. Or for that matter probably some LS1.tech sponsors had them on the street by 2001. As a matter of fact I bought a pair of used C5R heads right here on LS1.tech in July or so 2002. These were used Katech heads, according to the guy I bought them from, and were set up for a solid roller.
I'm not positive on this one but isn't GM bringing the C5R block back? Seems like SDPC has them.
My earliest memory of C5R blocks running on the streets were GMMG ZL1s and in fact someone here posted a video of the car, a yellow car owned by a guy named Barnhart (?) in 2002 I think. But, I've got to think the really big tuners and people like LPE and Katech had some street C5Rs out before that. Or for that matter probably some LS1.tech sponsors had them on the street by 2001. As a matter of fact I bought a pair of used C5R heads right here on LS1.tech in July or so 2002. These were used Katech heads, according to the guy I bought them from, and were set up for a solid roller.
I'm not positive on this one but isn't GM bringing the C5R block back? Seems like SDPC has them.
My 388 uses ETP 265 heads.
My latest 2000+hp 427 uses C5R heads and block converted to 6 bolt, welded deck, half hard blok fill, 1/2" head studs, roller cam bearings. It is a very trick piece.
I can't remember which castings they are, I believe 090's. They are at VA Speed right now getting the magic treatment.
I have a build thread in the Forced Induction section that has a rundown of the build.


