It occurs to me that someday, the concept of Corvettes with original engines or "matching number" engines is going to be a thing of the past. The Gen III and later small blocks used for 1997 and later Corvettes use cylinder blocks with cast-in liners. These liners cannot be replaced. The maximum over-bore is about 0.015". So, they're essentially throw-away blocks. When even one cylinder bore is worn or damaged, that's it; a new block is required. Restoring an original engine will thus be pretty much out-of-the-question.
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In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: The End of Original Engines?
you could darton sleeve but that is as much as new block. do you know if the LS1 engines even have date/vin codes on them?? could make the counterfit game lesson some but probably not. things a changin as the old song and saying goes but I agree with you.Michael
70 Mulsanne Blue LT-1
03 Electron Blue Z06 -
In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: The End of Original Engines?
I will be surprised if these cars are ever popular for restoration. The electronics do not lend themselves to reproduction parts once GM discontinues them, and the owners of them are not so involved in the DIY culture that they will be able to restore these cars when they become nostalgic about the old days.Comment
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Re: The End of Original Engines?
That may be somewhat offset by the fact that the cyl walls exhibit almost no wear over the live span of most cars built today (and in recent years). I don't know specifically the composition of the material in the liners, but the fact that they weren't having to cast the entire block out of same material as the cyls allowed for a huge improvement in cyl wall construction. Couple that with low tensiion, high seal rings and small skirt pistons and you have a cyl that may see multiple overhauls without need for boring.
And if there is a demand for saving the block, they can be sleeved with a larger liner accommodated by undersize pistons.
The technology is there if the demand warrants it.
SteveComment
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Re: The End of Original Engines?
The LS engines have vins on the engine, stamped or laser etched. They're located on the left rear of the block. However, they cannot be seen easily. I have tried on several occasions to find it on my '07 LS2. Impossible to see. Maybe with a long neck inspection camera.
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RichComment
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Re: The End of Original Engines?
Regardless of whatever it is, if a car becomes valuable enough to restore at some time in the future and if that car is worth more with an original engine then somebody will find a way to replicate whatever they need and it will have an "original" engine.
That aside, if these engines can not be replaced then the cars with them will be very desirable. Original engine a thing of the past? No.
Original engine conceptualization will NEVER be a thing of the past. Simply put, its not a concept monopolized by the collector car hobby. It's a common theme among collecting anything. The more original, the more collectible and valuable. Wether its a born with original engine or an original painting by Van Gogh. Originality is what makes things, anything, desirable.Comment
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Re: The End of Original Engines?
How about replacing a wiring harness? That's fairly routine now.Comment
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Re: The End of Original Engines?
But repro harness is easy to detect by anyone familiar with originals appearance. Especially the insulation on the wires. The fact remains the wire harness just does not have the accept importance as the engine block. It's kinda like replacement seat covers, of lesser importance to most. Seems the most important things are engine block, tranny, rear end, frame, and virgin body.Comment
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