[collinsr]

I have an 04 Z16 and am seriously considering an engine upgrade. I am looking at: 1) the Callaway NA 6.8L advertised at 550 hp and based on a GM Motorsports C5R block ($26,300); and 2) the Lingenfelter NA 7L advertised at 530+ hp and based on a "custom" aluminum block($19,995).

I would like some knowledgeable feedback on the respective merits of the two engines and shops. Price at this level is not quite as important to me as quality (that is, unless there was not a qualitative difference between the two--then price would be the key issue).

Thanks for your help!

Bob

ps I am located in the middle of Missouri, obviously closer to Lingenfelter than Callaway, but still quite a distance from Decatur, Indiana.

 

[Blue Vette]

I don't think you can possibly go wrong with either company.

I had LPE do mine and can say that LPE actually did what they said they would do and did it when they said they would do it. I dropped off my Vette at LPE on the way to a business trip in Chicago on a Monday and picked it up at the end of the week.

If I were you I would consider twin turbos. That is the route I am going to go on my next Vette.

 

[mdhmi]

If I were you I would consider twin turbos. That is the route I am going to go on my next Vette.

:thumbsup:

 

[vettecop]

Welcome to DC collinsr. What a decision you have to make there!! Two great companies doing great things. From here I suppose you should ask yourself what you want from your car, and compare it to what each company has to offer. Keep us posted on this one!!:thumbsup:

 

[phxc5]

callaway

well i have been waiting for my blower from callaway and to say the least, hasnt been fun. its one thing after another, first a tune problem. then, waiting for it to get here, but finding out they never shipped it cause they have no injectors. i have had bad experiences with most of the vendors i have delt with. maybe its just me but i cant understand why they just cant tell the truth or keep you in touch if there is a problem. in short maybe look more into lingenfelter. just my 2 cents

 

[Bvette2000]

I'm in the middle of a 430 HP build for my car and I went with Lingenfelter. I couldn't get my car down to Decatur because of the logistics, so I'm having the work done here, (it was suggested by them if I had a good technician that was local - I'm using our GM Corvette Tech). I think there is more flexibility with Lingenfelter over Calloway. You can mix and match more with their packages which is a good selling feature.

On a side note: I'm buying the package in stages because my accountant (the wife) only allows for $800.00 per month on my habit.:laughing: I'm stacking the parts in the garage as they come in and will have them installed together as one complete upgrade. I should have my project done by Aug or Sep.

 

[mdhmi]

I'm buying the package in stages because my accountant (the wife) only allows for $800.00 per month on my habit.:laughing:

I told mine the turbo project would be about $5,000. :rolling:

 

[vettefever88]

Collinsr, you have a beautiful car I bet. That's my favorite C5 Z. Well do you really only want Lingenfelter and Calloway? There are many other packages that will blow them away. With exception of some Lingenfelter F/I cars. If I were you, and this is just me, I would consider a nicely forged 427 or something in that neighborhood with a good turbo or supercharger. You could build the engine pretty strong and add the F/I and alky kit within the range of price for the Calloway. A build like that could suck the doors off most Calloways and Lingenfelter builds. I understand your need for quality, I don't blame you a bit there. But, just IMHO I think the Calloway products are highly overpriced. Now Lingenfelter on the other hand, that man has some very nice products. May he RIP. I hope this helps...:thumbsup:

 

[tar heels]

Now Lingenfelter on the other hand, that man has some very nice products.

dont forget about the 3year/36,000mile warranty that Lingenfelter includes!

 

[midnite902]

dont forget about the 3year/36,000mile warranty that Lingenfelter includes!

And the performance support they provide is excellent. They are constantly improving tunes and packages. They race right here in the US locally not in France. If you are lucky enough to be close to a Lingenfelter Dealer/Installer they can make these engines sing:thumbsup:

:cheers:

 

[fdxpilot]

ps I am located in the middle of Missouri, obviously closer to Lingenfelter than Callaway, but still quite a distance from Decatur, Indiana.

Lingenfelter also has a shop in suburban Dallas (Carrolton) run by John's son-in-law, 21 Century MuscleCars, if that's closer.

 

[WIT911]

No offense to the others, but I'd go Lingenfelter all the way! :thumbsup:

 

[WIT911]

BTW - Welcome to DC, Bob! :cheers:

 

[ZexZo6]

They are both great companies. I have seen this post pleanty of times before, but didn't want to write a long post. With all due respect to Callaway, they are too over-priced and are all name. They do have percision equipment and tuning, but won't ever respond to an email or written letter if you write one. Lingenfelter is also overpriced, but I would way rather go to them for work than callaway. My choice is your local shop that has a really good name for GM, or just send you stuff off to Lingenfelter to "SAY" that you have a Lingenfelter Vette. I would and will have RPM in Raleigh NC rebuild my bottom end when I get the money. Good luck an I hope you get your car all straightened out the way you want it.

 

[tar heels]

you might also want to read the Car & Driver article on the 403 LS2. You'll get an idea of what Lingenfelter cars offer.

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=26&article_id=9296

 

[Longhorn Z06]

Easy choice . . .

Go woth LPE, and be done with it. You'll never regret it. :thumbsup: :cheers: