2014/2015 z/28

[Andy]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I agree on the valve issue. Everything I've read clearly stated that if I get a GM vehicle with an LS7 that replacing the heads should be the first thing that I do to prevent dropping a valve. I would likely do a cam at the same time. I've seen heads/cam/intake/exhaust on these cars make 600+ rwhp. I think that would be a blast in a car that is pretty much a purpose-built racecar from the factory. The car in the video link below made 632 rwhp.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FYo46tz3OE

[Pro Stock John]

I'd check around before I'd pull the heads. For sure the C6Zs had issues but I have not heard that for the 2014-2015 Z/28s.

Longtubes and cam only they will make big power for sure.

[Late BrakeU2]

Big fan of these, have owned four ,down to one and keeping it. IMO don't sweat the valve guide "issue", many of those were over revs and or money shifts the operator was too proud to admit. They are wonderful cars to drive, yes the original Trofeo's tramline a bit and that is solved with a set of P4's or the like street freindly tire. You hardly ever see one, and like stated are still affordable. IMO these are destined to be recognised as the most special Camaro built in the last 50+ years. I am soured on all the period Camaros( from a purchasing standpoint, not appreciaton), too much fraud and crazy money for marginal cars. I am down to my one Gen 5Z,and have a 23 ZL11LE ordered, those will be the two i grow older with.

[GotGrunt]

Originally Posted by Late BrakeU2

IMO don't sweat the valve guide "issue", many of those were over revs and or money shifts the operator was too proud to admit.

I will respectfully disagree with this statement. There is a definite valve guide issue on the LS7. It’s a ticking time bomb with the oem heads on it. Again, not sure if this problem exists with the later Z28s (very low production #s) but it is in fact a huge issue on 2006-13 Corvettes. My buddys C6 Z06 grenaded at 20k miles. My very early build 2006 pilot Z06 made it to 50k before grenading. It’s the luck of the draw.

[juliosz]

Originally Posted by GotGrunt

I will respectfully disagree with this statement. There is a definite valve guide issue on the LS7. It’s a ticking time bomb with the oem heads on it. Again, not sure if this problem exists with the later Z28s (very low production #s) but it is in fact a huge issue on 2006-13 Corvettes. My buddys C6 Z06 grenaded at 20k miles. My very early build 2006 pilot Z06 made it to 50k before grenading. It’s the luck of the draw.

I agree on the C6. On the 5th Gen Camaro forum, any reports of dropped valves and other engine related failures seem to be confined to engines that have already been apart and modified. There are a couple folks that preach caution on the valve guides but I don’t recall any reported on a bone stock LS7.

[Late BrakeU2]

Originally Posted by GotGrunt

I will respectfully disagree with this statement. There is a definite valve guide issue on the LS7. It’s a ticking time bomb with the oem heads on it. Again, not sure if this problem exists with the later Z28s (very low production #s) but it is in fact a huge issue on 2006-13 Corvettes. My buddys C6 Z06 grenaded at 20k miles. My very early build 2006 pilot Z06 made it to 50k before grenading. It’s the luck of the draw.

I have read it was corrected in 09, but also have read otherwise. Regardless it works out to 2% of total LS7 motors built, or 98% of them are fine in unaltered form. I guess you could spend 4k and have the heads upgraded, certainly less that 20k for a new motor. Always seems like it's something, the oil pumps on the 18 LT4's in the ZL1, but i'll take these two over a Voodoo motors oil consumption and bang related failures. I had my Z and a GT350R at the same time and sold the R as i began having cold sweats as it got closer to the warranty timing out. Have never really given the valve issue on the Z a second thought, guess i could be whistling past the grave yard but like Julio stated you just don't see any mention of that on Camaro 5 with stock Z's and there are quite a few members with them on there.

[Rallyegreen68SS]

Have a customer with a 2015 Z28. He’s had many Porsche’s, including a lizard green 2018 GT3 RS. He tracks them a lot, said his favorite track car is the Z. Sounds like a strong endorsement to me.

[dykstra]

I do not own one, but have always loved these Z’s.

[Pro Stock John]

Here's a 2015 with 2,200 miles:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...let-camaro-65/

[Lynn]

That one just sold for $62,500 plus buyer's premium.