How to identify a real LS7 427 Z06 Motor

[hotrodstingray]

I'm about to purchase a new crate LS7 427 Z06 Motor from a person who bought the motor new and is giving up on his project. How can I identify that it is a real deal LS7 427 Z06 Motor?

[WSSix]

Should have LS7 cast into the block. Possibly in the bell housing area. The LS7 block is unique to the LS7. I can't remember the head casting number but the heads are also unique to the LS7. Dry Sump oiling while not unique is a dead giveaway to being a vette motor. If you do a Google search on the casting numbers for the heads, I'm sure you'll find them. Might even do a Google search on identifying the engine. Who knows, someone may have already written down all the unique characteristics to identifying an LS7.

Ok found a picture of the engine. Since you said it was a crate engine, it should look like this if it is a GM crate engine. http://www.crateenginedepot.com/store/product2.aspx?Product_ID=930

Notice the exhaust manifolds are unique which I had forgotten about. The intake manifold is unique as well but is so similar to the LS3 that you need to know the difference from seeing them side by side.

[mexMan]

actually I would recommend an LS1 but if you're going with the LS7, make sure it came out from a Z06 engine bay, and I don't think there are ''pirate'' LS7 out there, they're hard to build, so if you know a real LS7 (that I don't, I'm more a mopar guy, but I would go with any car I can modify) you can identify a real 427

listen to the guy before me

[Rhino]

Should have LS7 cast into the block.

If I recall correctly, the block should have 7.0 cast into it, rather than LS7.

EDIT: First off, ask to see an invoice or accompanying engine documentation. That will be the easiest way to get a little more comfort. Other than that you should obviously be looking for any other tell tale sign of an LS7. Insure it's cast aluminum, not iron. If it doesn't have manifolds/headers it should be the "D" style exhaust port, not the round you see on earlier LS motors.

If anything smells fishy, it probably is. If he's pushing you for a hard sale, walk away. Gather your research and post back here if you're unsure. You've got a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. :thumbsup:

[ironworks]

lots of ways

intake manifold
timing cover,
exhaust manifold
oil pan ports for dry sump, easiest to ID not a dry sump pan not and stock LS7.

[hotrodstingray]

It's a complete motor,going to put it up this Sunday, have not seen the motor in person yet. The owner have the receipt for the 427, does anyone know if the receipt have serial numbers to match the motor?

[WSSix]

If I recall correctly, the block should have 7.0 cast into it, rather than LS7.



You are correct. It should have 7.0 not LS7 cast into the block. The D ports are a good idea to look for as well.

stingray the receipt could possibly have a number on it that matches the engine. ID stickers with a serial number and barcode may be present on the engine head. Look there for a possible match.

If you just do a google search for images of the LS7 motor, you'll find plenty. This isn't a motor that someone is going to fake.

[68sixspeed]

yes, 7.0 cast into the back of the block, cnc's intake and exhaust ports, the intake manifold runners are kind of flat on top vs the rounded profiles on the ls1 and ls2 types, dry sump hookups on the oil pan (and 2 drain plugs), oil cooler connection points, bigger throttle body too. Crate motors may not have a s/n, I'm not sure, but I can get a casting # off the block if you want. If you need pics, I have 1 on the shelf for a project and one in a car I can take pics of to let you verify. -Dan