Generation IV Internal Engine 2005-2014 LS2 | LS3 | LS7 | L92 | LS9

LS7 Swap- Longevity

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 21, 2025 | 02:44 PM
  #1  
Rich2342's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 131
Likes: 17
Default LS7 Swap- Longevity

I am about to swap an LS7 into my 5th gen Camaro SS(again). First motor was GM crate 570.

I want to avoid mistakes with that foray.

What cooling should be done for Heads, Cam, MSD intake manfold?

What 4 point steam ports kit will work with the MSD? I am particularly concerned with the Cylinders 7 and 8 at the rear as number 7 was the loss. Instead of using a kit at that time, the rear ports were blocked off and I think either heat or detonation(fueling) became the issue after 6k miles.

Is an aftermarket radiator helpful for cooling the entire block? Which one would fit?

Fans: Is turning on the fans sooner also enough?

What else? I have an aftermarket oil cooler currently which I would be utilizing.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2025 | 05:40 PM
  #2  
Bbknucks's Avatar
TECH Regular
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 444
Likes: 158
Default

I doubt the steam ports caused your engine failure. Me and many others beat on them boosted with no steam ports in back...

For fan I would get the brushless one from a newer zl1..they are beast

Reply
Old Apr 22, 2025 | 05:46 PM
  #3  
1bdbrd's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 53
Default

From a quick search, the LS7 powered z/28 5th gen had a different radiator than either of the other v8 cars.

For your first engine loss, was it cooling related or was it valve related?
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2025 | 09:09 PM
  #4  
pannetron's Avatar
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 126
Likes: 44
From: Colorado
Default

7 and 8 will run the hottest. If you run EFI, maybe a degree less timing or a bit more fuel in those cylinders.
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2025 | 09:27 PM
  #5  
DualQuadDave's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 614
Default

Originally Posted by Rich2342
I am about to swap an LS7 into my 5th gen Camaro SS(again). First motor was GM crate 570.

I want to avoid mistakes with that foray.

What cooling should be done for Heads, Cam, MSD intake manfold?

What 4 point steam ports kit will work with the MSD? I am particularly concerned with the Cylinders 7 and 8 at the rear as number 7 was the loss. Instead of using a kit at that time, the rear ports were blocked off and I think either heat or detonation(fueling) became the issue after 6k miles.

Is an aftermarket radiator helpful for cooling the entire block? Which one would fit?

Fans: Is turning on the fans sooner also enough?

What else? I have an aftermarket oil cooler currently which I would be utilizing.
Check out Fffaster on eBay for good 4 corner steam kits. Has quite a variety Yes go as big as possible on all the cooling and like Psnneton said, watch the tune.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2025 | 11:30 AM
  #6  
Rich2342's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 131
Likes: 17
Default

Originally Posted by 1bdbrd
From a quick search, the LS7 powered z/28 5th gen had a different radiator than either of the other v8 cars.

For your first engine loss, was it cooling related or was it valve related?
Not quiet sure. But heat must have been an issue.

At 3k I did the heads. When they were removed the shop called me and said the cylinders were rusted! He had never seen that before.

They wet sanded and installed the heads with block off for the rear.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2025 | 11:37 AM
  #7  
Rich2342's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 131
Likes: 17
Default

Originally Posted by Bbknucks
I doubt the steam ports caused your engine failure. Me and many others beat on them boosted with no steam ports in back...

For fan I would get the brushless one from a newer zl1..they are beast

Will a fan change make that much of a difference vs. turning the stocks on sooner?

What about cooling the back of the motor?
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:49 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE