Watch This C8 Get a Replacement LT2 Following Catastrophic Failure

This master mechanic successfully replaces the LT2 in a C8 Corvette and documents the entire process on video.

Recently, General Motors’ new LT2 V8 has caught some flack for a well-publicized valve spring issue that has caused some headaches for a few C8 Corvette owners. But that apparently wasn’t what caused this poor Sebring Orange C8 to grenade its powerplant, as the culprit was an exploded piston. While we wouldn’t wish this on anyone, we were particularly intrigued to watch The Corvette Mechanic, otherwise known as Paul Koerner, go through the process of replacing it.

Koerner has documented the entire process in a series of videos on his Facebook page, which shows just what is involved in replacing an LT2 in the new C8. This is something that not a lot of people have done, let alone seen, so it’s pretty cool to get an inside look at a master mechanic returning this blown C8 to factory spec.

It all started just a couple of weeks ago when the Corvette landed in Koerner’s capable hands. He proceeds to explain just what, exactly, is going on here. “What we have is…pieces. And unfortunately, these pieces are part of an engine,” Koerner says. “It’s my job to get this thing exactly as it was when it rolled off the assembly line, and that’s exactly what I am going to do in this case.”

The next step is to research the problem, which Koerner says “is very, very critical to us in shortening the amount of time it takes for us to do a job of this magnitude.” Luckily, the valve springs are still intact, but the exploding piston blew holes in the engine block and oil pan, so he’s waiting on a replacement LT2.

Soon, parts begin arriving, beginning with a brand new wiring harness, which Koerner gives us a detailed look at prior to installing it.

Next, the replacement LT2 shows up, and Koerner does an excellent job of going over what the package includes and doesn’t include, as well as all the components that come already installed.

Next up is an overview of the new intake manifold and oil tank assembly, which Koerner wants to replace for a number of reasons, including the fact that GM recommends it due to the possible presence of debris that could result in yet another failure if the old intake is reused.

With everything in hand, the last step before actually installing the new engine in the C8 is to take the time to study the guide on how it’s done, though most of us just tend to jump in without reading the instructions, of course.

Once the homework is done, Koerner begins the process of removing the blown LT2.

With the engine out, Koerner discovers that cylinder number 5 is the culprit.

During his lunch break, Koerner takes a few minutes to go over the new engine prior to its installation.

Next, we get a quick lesson on torque wrenches and how they’ll be used in this particular job.

During the process, Koerner discovers some interesting debris inside of the old intake manifold, which proves his previous point.

Soon, the new LT2 is in place, lubricated, and ready to start for the first time.

Unfortunately, the C8 doesn’t start, but thankfully the problem is quite simple – a blown fuse. What’s particularly interesting here is that there are a series of fuses built into the battery bus that are soldered in and can’t simply be pulled out and replaced.

Regardless, Koerner gets everything sorted out and this C8 starts right up with its new powerplant. The whole thing is a fascinating inside look at what it takes to replace the LT2 in the new Corvette, which is something most of us never want to have to do. Regardless, it’s incredibly cool to see this job completed by a master mechanic, nonetheless.

Photos: Paul Koerner

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