Go Big or Go home decision... Need Advice or thoughts
10-11-2010, 02:51 PM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Go Big or Go home decision... Need Advice or thoughts
Alright, 2 weekends ago i was at the racetrack (road racing) and my timing chain broke. Well I was informed there was some vent valves but they needed to take off the heads to see all the damage that was done. They mentione they might be able to take the head off and see if a machine shop could repair them, but my mechanic said that might not be an option.
I have an 05' LS2 with 31k miles on it. Was just headers exhaust tune and intake at 373hp.
If i am putting the car though the stress of road racing I know things are going to happen but I didn't expect the engine to be this far dug into at this point in time.
As the labor is a guaranty no matter what since the front of the engine is off, what are my options if repair isn't an option.
Someone had mentioned LS6 heads (not sure how they compare to LS2 for flow but i think the heads themselves are lighter aluminum) and a C5R timing chain.
Another option I guess would be something like AFR205 or 225cc heads and heck why not throw a camshaft in there as well (not a clue which one never thought id need to research them any time soon).
Question is with that much power do i need like the LS7 clutch to hold up to the power. My mechanic said maybe my clutch may be slipping and if i am road racing it may be getting worn out as well. Saw a nice special on those as well from a post a few lines down i think. Really great deal it looks like if all the parts are in there.
I know the big money decision is going to take at least $5k but my car would be pretty sweet.
Any thoughts or options i haven't considered.
I have an 05' LS2 with 31k miles on it. Was just headers exhaust tune and intake at 373hp.
If i am putting the car though the stress of road racing I know things are going to happen but I didn't expect the engine to be this far dug into at this point in time.
As the labor is a guaranty no matter what since the front of the engine is off, what are my options if repair isn't an option.
Someone had mentioned LS6 heads (not sure how they compare to LS2 for flow but i think the heads themselves are lighter aluminum) and a C5R timing chain.
Another option I guess would be something like AFR205 or 225cc heads and heck why not throw a camshaft in there as well (not a clue which one never thought id need to research them any time soon).
Question is with that much power do i need like the LS7 clutch to hold up to the power. My mechanic said maybe my clutch may be slipping and if i am road racing it may be getting worn out as well. Saw a nice special on those as well from a post a few lines down i think. Really great deal it looks like if all the parts are in there.
I know the big money decision is going to take at least $5k but my car would be pretty sweet.
Any thoughts or options i haven't considered.
10-11-2010, 03:06 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Oct 2007
Location: Greater Detroit Metro MI, when I'm not travelling.
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You haven't considered that the valves didn't bend themselves... Chances are your piston tops are damaged too. With luck the cylinders are OK, but damage there is also a possibility.
I'd open it up first, access damage, then decide what to do.
LS6 heads are no lighter than LS2s btw. They are almost identical.
I'd probably go LS3 heads + cam + re-do the whole valvetrain. If you have to do pistons, consider stroking (extra $1500).
I'd open it up first, access damage, then decide what to do.
LS6 heads are no lighter than LS2s btw. They are almost identical.
I'd probably go LS3 heads + cam + re-do the whole valvetrain. If you have to do pistons, consider stroking (extra $1500).
10-11-2010, 03:10 PM
#3
Pro
Thread Starter
Ill talk to my mechanic tomorrow, just trying to see if there are cheaper options to consider or if ill be biting the bullet no matter which way i go.
If pistons are damaged what does repair there cost? Little chain is going to make me re-build my engine.
If pistons are damaged what does repair there cost? Little chain is going to make me re-build my engine.
Last edited by LeMans05C6; 10-11-2010 at 03:13 PM.
10-11-2010, 07:07 PM
#4
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The timing chain is killer. Hopefully the damage is minimal but most likely....
There are a few different ways you can go and they are all going to be based on how you intend to drive the car (ie:continue with road racing) and your budget.
Assuming you need a new motor, you could try and source a used LS2 and just replace it (with a new timing chain of course C5R etc.) and just stay where you're at. (What fun is that?)
Or on top of that you could add the LS3 heads/intake along with a spec'd cam and be in the 450-470rwhp range.
You can also go with a set of aftermarket heads, AFR, TFs, etc. and a cam/FAST and be in the 485-510rwhp range.
If you want to spend a little more you can get a forged stroker motor with LS3 heads/intake and spec'd cam and be well above 500rwhp and much improved torque.
If you plan on adding a lot more power than where you were prior, an upgraded clutch should definitely be in consideration. The LS7 should hold the power below 500rwhp and is a cheap upgrade. If you want more torque holding capabilities your options are endless but the RPS Street Twin Carbon is a popular choice and so is the LS9. These are considerably more expensive than the LS7 clutch though. However they will hold quite a bit of power. The LS9 will also have the benefit of a stock-like feel which is very important. The wrong clutch can make you hate your car. Since you also have an '05 you have to think about whether you plan on drag racing a lot. If you start adding more power and hit the strip with sticky tires, kiss your rear goodbye. Especially with an on/off clutch. So an upgraded diff and axles may be in order. For street/RR I haven't seen the stock '05 rear as an issue.
I wont speculate too much as to the condition of your engine but I have seen some bad things happen when the timing chain goes. Your valves are probably done so I wouldn't even think about fixing them. Just replace them. The valves made contact with the top of the pistons so they may or may not need replacing too depending on any stress cracks etc. Hopefully the cylinder walls are not scored and the block can be used as is or maybe re-sleeved. Bottom line is get in that engine first before you make any decisions. Then talk with a tuner and plan out your goals and how much you want to spend. Texas is notorious for an abundance of LS tuners. Talk with any/all of them and go with the one you feel will best meet your goals. Best of luck.
http://www.latemodelracecraft.com/
http://www.lgmotorsports.com/catalog/index.php
http://www.latemodelengines.com/
http://21stcenturymusclecars.com/
http://www.englandgreen.com/
http://www.gforce-tx.com/
http://www.hennesseyperformance.com/
There are a few different ways you can go and they are all going to be based on how you intend to drive the car (ie:continue with road racing) and your budget.
Assuming you need a new motor, you could try and source a used LS2 and just replace it (with a new timing chain of course C5R etc.) and just stay where you're at. (What fun is that?)
Or on top of that you could add the LS3 heads/intake along with a spec'd cam and be in the 450-470rwhp range.
You can also go with a set of aftermarket heads, AFR, TFs, etc. and a cam/FAST and be in the 485-510rwhp range.
If you want to spend a little more you can get a forged stroker motor with LS3 heads/intake and spec'd cam and be well above 500rwhp and much improved torque.
If you plan on adding a lot more power than where you were prior, an upgraded clutch should definitely be in consideration. The LS7 should hold the power below 500rwhp and is a cheap upgrade. If you want more torque holding capabilities your options are endless but the RPS Street Twin Carbon is a popular choice and so is the LS9. These are considerably more expensive than the LS7 clutch though. However they will hold quite a bit of power. The LS9 will also have the benefit of a stock-like feel which is very important. The wrong clutch can make you hate your car. Since you also have an '05 you have to think about whether you plan on drag racing a lot. If you start adding more power and hit the strip with sticky tires, kiss your rear goodbye. Especially with an on/off clutch. So an upgraded diff and axles may be in order. For street/RR I haven't seen the stock '05 rear as an issue.
I wont speculate too much as to the condition of your engine but I have seen some bad things happen when the timing chain goes. Your valves are probably done so I wouldn't even think about fixing them. Just replace them. The valves made contact with the top of the pistons so they may or may not need replacing too depending on any stress cracks etc. Hopefully the cylinder walls are not scored and the block can be used as is or maybe re-sleeved. Bottom line is get in that engine first before you make any decisions. Then talk with a tuner and plan out your goals and how much you want to spend. Texas is notorious for an abundance of LS tuners. Talk with any/all of them and go with the one you feel will best meet your goals. Best of luck.
http://www.latemodelracecraft.com/
http://www.lgmotorsports.com/catalog/index.php
http://www.latemodelengines.com/
http://21stcenturymusclecars.com/
http://www.englandgreen.com/
http://www.gforce-tx.com/
http://www.hennesseyperformance.com/
10-11-2010, 07:28 PM
#5
Safety Car
Your 243 heads ala LS2 are the same castings as the LS6, the difference is in the lightweight valves in the LS6 heads.
Since you are running the stock cam, not much lift, the marks on the piston may be very minimal and be reusable. Post some pics
Since you are running the stock cam, not much lift, the marks on the piston may be very minimal and be reusable. Post some pics