HOB Re-Read

[A26B]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

Jerry, Don't think we are really bashing the engine so much as discussing the developement, one issue people bring up is the long crank time on the LT-5.....guess there might be a reason for it...

You're right. So many, non-ZR-1 owners, seem to think it's high maintenance, no parts & a problem child. I get a little defensive. Sorry 'bout that.

As far as the cams, guess I always thought the issue was the lady in BG and start technique but sounds like there were clearance issues....and as noted they were corrected. The info I had came first hand from a manager at MM who helped build the first LT-5, even before the assembly line was in place.

That was very early in the program

The cam issue I am bringing up also due to some problems with regrinds, etc.....looking to have some done for the 90.

The problem with regrinds, in my opinion, are three-fold; (1) the base circle diameter has to be reduced to obtain more lift, (2) when the base circle diameter is reduced for more lift, the ramp angle increases and puts more torque on the camshaft x 8, and (3) the increased torque is ultimately focused at the weakest link in the camshaft, at the nose where the sprocket & vernier fit onto the camshaft. I've seen several cams with broken noses.

If I did not think the LT-5 was great, I would not own 3 motors...could easily go sell them and get a Z06...

LEE, YOU NEED A FEW MORE!

[LGAFF]

Jerrys Gaskets: Banned list

Lee Gaffigan=Lifetime ban

[A26B]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

Jerrys Gaskets: Banned list

Lee Gaffigan=Lifetime ban

OK, OK, stop whining. You can come out of your room now.

[LGAFF]

Originally Posted by A26B

OK, OK, stop whining. You can come out of your room now.

[LGAFF]

Speaking of broken noses on cams...anything that can be done with those? I have 1....

[Hog]

It was mentioned by a MM dyno operator that, and I quote

"3)Cam shaft failures....more to it than someone at the plant over revving the motor....there was nearly "0" clearance on the cams, creating an oiling issues...this was fixed....many of the spare motors floating around were the motors with cam clearance issues."

Does this imply that the "crate" LT5's floating around that will have this problem? I ask simply because the MM LT5 program ended so much earlier than the actual Bowling Green ZR-1 program ended. Problems identified by actualy driving the car could not be solved on the LT5 assembly line, simply because that assembly line didnt exist anymore.

I don't own a ZR-1, but I think that the LT5 is an excellent engine.

peace
Hog

[LGAFF]

No not crate engines, it was corrected early.....there were some of the test motors floating around that had the issue......many of them were fixed. I am also guessing that it was a case by case basis.

There was a guy with 10-11 of the motors, and they had the issue, as I understand it they were all corrected by someone. I believe the guy got these for free.

[tomtom72]

Originally Posted by A26B

I hate to see an engine that passed incredible durability tests and powered a new speed & endurance record run, get bashed over a hypothetical lube and cam problem. Come on guys, take a look at the actual, empirical data. The LT5 was built with the precision and care of a race engine. It's durability is legendary.

As far as lube goes? I've torn down several engines that have been sitting for 20 years, with no rotation. The last one was a 1990 model, #017. All of the rod bearings/journals still had plenty of oil when I inspected them (like new). I reassembled the engine with the new head gaskets for test purposes, threw in a set of used injectors from my 94 and fired it right up. Ran it for 2 days with no smoke & no problems. Tore it down and found no damage. That's 20 YEARS.

I'm not worried about lube at start-up. When was the last time anyone heard of an engine failing from such?

okay, may I come out of my room also?

I'm not bashing. I should have put question marks in place of some of the periods. Ignorance breeds fear. When you guys type about the internals of an LT5....I sit up and take notes. This is a steep learning curve for me.

Heck, I'm part of the choir and as far as I'm concerned I take great relish in pointing out that us ZR-1 owners are the only ones with a hand built motor in an American production car .....contrary to the hand assembled stuff you can get now. I'm not throwing rocks....well maybe small ones! ....but nothing about most the parts for an LT5 arrived at MM ready to assemble!

grasshopper

[A26B]

Originally Posted by tomtom72

okay, may I come out of my room also?

Well...... OK, but only if you promise to play nice.

[tomtom72]

Originally Posted by A26B

Well...... OK, but only if you promise to play nice.

I promise!

Happy New Year guys!