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I have an LS7 in a 2006 z06 with what I would say is minor damage in cylinder #2.
Dropped an intake valve because I forgot to put lash caps back on after reinstalling the heads 😔.
There are 2 dings in the sleeve, no cracks. Probably too deep to overbore. But I'm wondering if possible to sleeve. Motor is otherwise fine.
Local machine shop says sleeving an LS7 always cracks...
Anyone with better news?
I have an LS7 in a 2006 z06 with what I would say is minor damage in cylinder #2.
Dropped an intake valve because I forgot to put lash caps back on after reinstalling the heads 😔.
There are 2 dings in the sleeve, no cracks. Probably too deep to overbore. But I'm wondering if possible to sleeve. Motor is otherwise fine.
Local machine shop says sleeving an LS7 always cracks...
Anyone with better news?
Find a different local shop!!! That is simply not true. BUT....As long as the aluminum block behind the sleeve is intact, you dodged a .44 mag bullet!! Steve at Race Engine Development @Steve - Race Eng has dry sleeves for this engine. Might be a bit pricey for shipping, depending on locale, but nobody does it better, and probably even as good. Shipping may actually cost more than sleeving only 1 cylinder, again, depending on location. Best of luck.....
BTW, until you know exactly why that valve dropped, it may not be your fault. Yes, that's a big error, especially if you put many miles on it without them. If you did, then it is probably on you. HOWEVER, if it did this within, oh, say only 25-50 miles, then it may not be on you. It may be just the LS7 being an LS7!! Counting on an LS7 having a reliable valvetrain is like counting on honesty and reliability in an ex wifes testimony at a custody hearing! Yes, I like that metaphor......
Chances are the block is cracked behind the dented areas in the sleeve. Most likely can't be fixed. Unless you are local to me, not worth the cost of shipping it to find out. I've been replacing these cracked LS7 blocks with sleeved LC9 5.3 blocks. Much stronger casting.
Chances are the block is cracked behind the dented areas in the sleeve. Most likely can't be fixed. Unless you are local to me, not worth the cost of shipping it to find out. I've been replacing these cracked LS7 blocks with sleeved LC9 5.3 blocks. Much stronger casting.
Got the sleeve out and of course you were right cracked behind the sleeve. A good local shop did it. They recommended loctite and darton single sleeve to fix it.
I'm trying to keep the original motor because it is a low mile car but if it's just lost cause give it to me straight. I'm in Newport News Virginia.
Chances are the block is cracked behind the dented areas in the sleeve. Most likely can't be fixed. Unless you are local to me, not worth the cost of shipping it to find out. I've been replacing these cracked LS7 blocks with sleeved LC9 5.3 blocks. Much stronger casting.
If they did sleeve it and it pressure tests okay, do you think it's just going to end up failing later? It's mainly just going to be a street car with occasional hpde or drag strip. Use. Stock cam no boost no Nitrous. But I also only want to do this once
I know you want to hear it will be OK if it passes a pressure test, but I'd listen to @Steve - Race Eng . He has forgotten more about this stuff than most guys will ever know. I would imagine there is a very small chance it would be OK. But unless you have really deep pockets, or just enjoy pulling the engine (some guys do, depending on their age), I'd give up on it. It may be OK for a year, or??? But with all the heat cycles, the flexing of the casting, etc., I dont see it being long term reliable. But, I've been wrong before......
That will leak with just Loctite. I don't think it can be successfully welded. When you weld that up it will most likely crack elsewhere in that bore on cool down or crack when the sleeve is installed. These blocks appear to get brittle with age. What I could weld up and repair a few years ago is no longer possible. Best to start with another casting. Any LS2, LS3 block can be sleeved also the already mentioned LC9 5.3 aluminum truck block.
That will leak with just Loctite. I don't think it can be successfully welded. When you weld that up it will most likely crack elsewhere in that bore on cool down or crack when the sleeve is installed. These blocks appear to get brittle with age. What I could weld up and repair a few years ago is no longer possible. Best to start with another casting. Any LS2, LS3 block can be sleeved also the already mentioned LC9 5.3 aluminum truck block.
Obviously not want I want to hear but I appreciate the advice and I'll start shipping
06-09-2024, 07:47 PM
LS7 may need a sleeve 
You gave me about the same quote.....Just because you're right, don't confuse us with facts!!!!!!!!