So I'm picking up a z6 this weekend.

The seller says it only has around 100k, and theres nothing wrong with it. But I don't want to get it in my car only to find out its a POS. I plan on boosting this motor so I want it to be in prime condition.

Now I'm going to be replacing the dizzy, plugs, wires, timing belt, and the water pump.

What else should I look into doing?

 

I would also look into replacing the oil pan gasket, rear main seal, cam seal and oil pump. And do a compression check after you get it running.

 

I was also thinking about pulling the head off and putting arp head studs in.

But wouldn't the head / block need to be resurfaced? Or could I just bolt it back down?

 

If you want the engine to stay in the car for a while, it's currently out of the car, and it's in unknown condition, I would go ahead and do a complete rebuild.

If you want to install ARP head studs, I would strongly suggest cleaning the mating surfaces and using a new MLS head gasket. You can check for warpage using a straight edge and feeler gauges.

 

Well the thing about doing a rebuild is I get carried away.

I already had a z6, and just wanted to do an OEM rebuild. I ended up dumping $3500 into it.

I want to keep it simple this time around.

 

Haha. That's a separate issue, and I suffer from the same disease.

 

Yeah sucks. I just want something simple for the street lol

 

The thing is: if you're planning to boost it in the future, it's never really going to be a simple little project. In my opinion, you should do it the right way the first time. Then you won't spend additional time and money when you boost it.

 

I mean I'm gonna try to do it right.

I just think if I pull the motor apart and plan on doing an OEM rebuild, I'll get carried away and start building it up again lol like i don't think i'll be able to stop myself lol

 

If you're going to put money into it and have the ability to do a leakdown test that would be my first step. You wouldn't want to put money into it just to find out the rings have burned up because the previous owner never changed the oil.

A compression test is much easier but results can be misleading. There can be an abundance of carbon build up on the piston and valves which can actually create higher compression numbers.