What is wrong with the LS7 heads?

What is wrong with the LS7 heads?

GM traced the problem back to one of its cylinder head suppliers. By analyzing heads returned under warranty, it was discovered that some weren’t machined properly. On these LS7s, the valve guides and valve seats weren’t concentric, which led to severe wear of the valve guides.

What causes valve drop?

Many things can cause a valve to drop out. Running the engine too fast (doubtful), backfire (again doubtful), misadjusted valves, weak valve, rotator or keeper.

What happens when a valve drops?

If the valve breaks, bits and pieces can be ingested into the combustion chamber and destroy the top of the piston as well as the cylinder head. If you’re lucky, you may be able to salvage the head by welding and reshaping it. A leaking valve can cause a significant power drop due to the loss of compression.

Is the LS7 a good engine?

The LS7 is the largest displacement member of GM’s LS engine family, and it is an absolute beast right out of the box. Rated at 505 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, this 7.0L unit was offered in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 from 2006 to 2013, as well as the 2014 and 2015 editions of the Chevrolet Camaro Z28.

How do I keep my valves from dropping?

Compressed air is preferred. In a pinch, I’ve seen rubber hose put in to the cylinder through the spark plug hole (make sure to leave some hanging out, or use a flange of some sort) then put the piston at TDC. The hose SHOULD make up the gap between the piston and the valves to hold them in.

How much does it cost to fix the heads on LS7?

LS7 Head Fix, Repair Only. MSRP $2,519.88, Discounted: $2,267.90.

How do you tell if you’ve dropped a valve?

The symptoms of bad valves include:

1. Cold Engine. A cold engine test will give you a good idea if your valve seal is faulty.
2. Off-Throttle Braking. Engine braking involves employing different means to slow down your car asides from the external braking.
3. Idling.
4. Excessive Oil Consumption.
5. Excessive Smoke.
6. Loss of Engine Power.

Can you drive with a dropped valve?

Unfortunately, yes you can do more damage by continuing to drive with damaged valves. Damaging the catalyst can cause it to break apart internally, leading to plugging up the exhaust and causing an even more severe loss of power, which will make the car very difficult to drive.

Can a LS7 cylinder head be reconditioned?

The LS7 Cylinder Head Reconditioning Package includes the inspection, treating, and polishing of your original titanium intake valves, or you can select the option to replace your intake valves with a brand new set. (If you select the LS7 Cylinder Head Core Charge option, replacement intake valves are included in the price.)

What kind of valve springs do LSW cylinder heads accept?

The LSW heads readily accept 1.625″ diameter valve springs and coupled with Jesel or T&D rocker systems provide reliable operation beyond 8000 rpms. They also have factory located intake and exhaust bolt holes to accept all LS7 style manifolds and header combinations.

What is the flow data for West Coast cylinder heads?

Flow Data is on the info page, check it out. West Coast Cylinder Heads is please to announce the completion of our latest Gen3/Gen4 LS7 style cylinder head. The All Pro LSW head opens a new era in cylinder head flow technology with a whopping 400+cfm of intake airflow and 260cfm of exhaust flow.

What kind of exhaust valves for GPI LS7?

The LS7 Cylinder Head Reconditioning Package replaces your stock exhaust valves with a set of Ferrea Lightweight LS7 Exhaust Valves. We’ve found these exhaust valves to be a great quality and great value product for most customers.