It Took Me a YEAR to Build This Engine

Goldie, my C6 Z06, has been down and out for yearly a year and it's taken me that long to finally build her replacement engine: A monster 700-horsepower Katech LS7.
If you're planning to build an LS-Series Engine I highly recommend the book I used to guide me: amzn.to/3wfsyi3

[@JoshVanVeld]

For those of you wondering if I met my deadline for getting Goldie back on the road, the answer to that question has been filmed and there is a big story to tell. I want to do the story justice, so I'll have to break it into a few videos. I'll try to get them out as fast as I can but it's going to take a while. Thanks for watching!

[@Stinkie_Cheese_Man]

I'm excited to see it! Thank you for taking the time to record and tell the story!

[@LionelQuesada]

Hi Josh, Looking forward to them... and seeing Goldie back on the track! Take care.

[@mrweayoobagggo.3119]

A dart 427 LS block rated at 1000hp is 9k at smedingperformance.

[@timothythomas1737]

Ty.

[@benrambow144]

Hey, this is supposed to be a car channel, not a channel where I cry on a Saturday morning! Glad you had that moment with your daughter, they really do make it the best. hope you make your deadline!

[@nsxr001]

I second that. Getting teary eyed over here damnit. Love to see that moment. Can't wait to see the startup!

[@henrywal]

The channel sounds a commercial advertisement. TX Speed if you are name dropping.

[@jwb4bb]

Why am I crying at the end of an engine build video?

[@JoshVanVeld]

Because you’ve got a heart, that’s why!

[@jwb4bb]

@@JoshVanVeld we have three kids. But my middle is my only boy who’s eight years old. I hope to have experiences like this with him soon.

[@JoshVanVeld]

@@jwb4bb Three girls here! I’ve given up on getting them to take on my hobbies but that’s ok 🤜🤛

[@JS-pe9xk]

I have 4 sons from age 8 - 14. Just upgraded from c5z to c6z, just like Josh. So many similarities, highs, lows and frustrations. However, it's all worth it when my boys come to the garage and help or watch - even if it's only for a few minutes. The payoff comes on weekends when without fail, one of them will ask me to drive them to a game or practice or to their friend's house in the corvette. Bonus is that my wife says it's too loud and too smelly and too bumpy - which means I must be doing something right. Also, the amazon/fedex/ups man now shows up with random car parts for me every day vs the typical women's shoes and makeup deliveries. Keep up the great work.

[@smartiesnestle6679]

Hey man they if ain’t grown time will tell ya I bet they will end up bragging about their dads car is faster lol

[@mauriciorivapalacio5212]

The finale was one of the most wholesome things I’ve ever seen in my life

[@skwiat]

4/27. I see what you did there 😊

[@JoshVanVeld]

Holy shit I didn’t even notice that! It was meant to be!!

[@WildEngineering]

@@JoshVanVeld hell yeah brother

[@masterneverwas3145]

I only just " Got It " thank the Gods I drive quicker than I got that ! 🙏 Mr Slow 🐌 here :)

[@Doctor_Bobby]

Dr. Bobby has finally made it 😂. Let’s just say Josh and I take this deadline as serious as you could. We have long days and late nights still ahead of us that’s for sure. I really appreciate you letting the audience know it is eighth grade humor such a big difference compared to fourth grade.😂 Btw Josh I’m so very impressed with your hard work and dedication on this build. You could have taken the easy way out but you didn’t. You have challenged your self at every turn with the Goldie build. That shows the kind of person you are and that’s the kind of person KZbin needs. So keep up the hard work and everyone just wait for the next video 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😂❤

[@redstang70]

You were a brave man taking the car to the track without addressing the valve issue beforehand. Thats a hella expensive gamble!

[@JoshVanVeld]

"The fine line between bravery and recklessness can only be clearly discerned through the lens of hindsight." - Josh Van Veld, 2024

[@johnkurpiewski3996]

What a way to end the video. Those moments are precious.

[@JoshVanVeld]

I’m glad I was going slow and paying attention (and had the garage doors open) otherwise it would have been easy to miss the opportunity.

[@hairymoobs]

Don’t be stressed. Whatever happens will be meant to be. I’m getting ready to take my turbo LS swapped 350z on its maiden voyage in a couple of hours. I built the motor in 2016, and just started it last year. The car hasn’t been on a public street since 2012. I should probably be stressed but it’s not going to change a thing, it’s either going to go or blow.

[@JoshVanVeld]

Holy crap! What a journey! Come back and report how it went!!

[@hairymoobs]

Ha! Sprang an injector leak before I even made it out of the garage.

[@JoshVanVeld]

@@hairymoobs My worst nightmare! Any thoughts on how that could have been prevented?

[@hairymoobs]

@@JoshVanVeld using the right fuel rail mounts. Years ago I ordered ls1/6 style rails from FAST but I’ve got ls2 style injectors. The mounts on the ls1 style rail are too tall to accommodate the shorter ls2 injectors. I cut them down and redrilled to compensate. Which worked fine for almost 2 years of idling, but chose today of all days to spring a leak. I’m not even mad about it, I think this was divine intervention telling me to sack up & use the right parts. $255 later now & I’m just waiting for the ls2 rail kit to arrive next week.

[@JoshVanVeld]

@@hairymoobs Wow, some lessons are learned the hard way, others by reading KZbin comments 😬😅

[@aps5150]

Happy 4/27, everyone!

[@Spooky4815]

Your videoes are so nice to watch. Not like other automotive youtubers who screams into the camera.

[@motorgearhead]

A lot of heart in this video… and time is precious. I think more good things are just around the corner. Thank you for bringing us in & taking us along.

[@Gorlo77]

Love you humbleness throughout all this. I broke a lifter in the LSA in my CTS-V a few years back and had never dug into a motor of this caliber before. So many of your learning opportunities and resolved unknowns are so familiar to me having gone though most of this myself. Hats off to you and your hard work. Can’t wait to hear it!

[@N1GHTKN1GHT]

Josh!! Loved this video man :) Keep up the amazing work buddy! The older I get the more I realize that time is the most precious thing we have and time spent with the ones we love is what makes everything worth it. I can't wait to hear this beast come alive!!!

[@adamscott9725]

FYI, use the heaviest impact socket you can find it will give your impact gun a lot more ass.

[@carsonmcvay8543]

My daughter is 3 months old. I want her to help me in the garage someday too. Thanks man. Godspeed.

[@JoshVanVeld]

I know everybody says it but try to take as much time as you can to stop and enjoy those younger years. It feels like you blink and they're grown up.

[@IvanMiata]

Man I can’t believe it’s already been a year! Can’t wait to see this thing back on the track! I also absolutely love how these video are edited, no music, great commentary and really satisfying cuts.

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks man! I LOVE writing and editing. Makes me wish I had gotten an earlier start, but better late than never 😁

[@m.scottmunger4685]

Thanks for the ride

[@thehippyhillbilly3229]

Ah fk man I can't watch stuff like this. Thank you for making a grown man cry after I watched your entire video. Haaa now I'm missing my kid even more now. You seem genuine

[@JoshVanVeld]

Aww man sorry about that. Didn’t plan for the video to end that way, it’s just how life happens sometimes. 🤝Handshake from an internet stranger.

[@austinswift7621]

I’ve watched lots of car channels over the years, but this is some of the best and most relatable content I’ve seen. I applaud your honesty, humor, and willingness to learn. As someone who strives to have a track z06 in the future I have watched this series with anticipation. Keep up the great work and being a great dad.

[@jonnyindianajd]

I have 3 kids, 3, 7 and 11. That point with Charlotte IS INDEED THE HIGHEST POINT. Even brings tears to my eyes, in 30 I'll be 90. You really do exilant video work, of course, it's what you do.

[@ianmoberg374]

Broooooooo break clean will dry our ur valve steam seals lol, great video, didn't expect to watch the whole this but this is how all videos should be, the quality is amazing and u go step by step the way most people need to see

[@FEAR_Actual]

Watching this brings me back to earlier this year building my LS6 for my C5. Personally, bolting the heads on and installing the valvetrain was my favorite part. Solid video!

[@EssMotorsports]

Your video editing skills are on point! Also made me all emotional 😢. I have daugters too and that hit home brotha!

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks man! It’s been a real pleasure to get to the point where I feel like I can use the videos to express what I’m feeling and thinking about as I work on projects.

[@FLATSOGOOD]

This is the most hilarious 'calm' engine build video i've ever seen and probably through whole youtube video. Thanks for nice vid.

[@Doctor_Bobby]

I am sooo ready to see it ❤❤❤

[@JoshVanVeld]

Dr. Bobby in the house!

[@robvia2127]

Awesome to see the progress! Keep going to the finish line!

[@patrickcaudill2939]

Phenomenal story👍🏼 Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@ctvette1318]

You made my day better! Youre doing great on the build.

[@aaronsspatcositevideos8463]

Man you made me tear up at the End. Love my kids and cherish every moment, goes by so so fast

[@JoshVanVeld]

It sure does.

[@Cooper323]

Josh that's awesome man! Glad to see you uploading again!

[@alexfrey4828]

This channel is so good, thanks for sharing.

[@robyna8995]

Great progress! Thank you for documenting this. I’d love to do my own build someday.

[@robertjohnson4784]

Awesome video. I know what it feels like when you finish building your first engine amazing. Can't wait to see it back on the track going around GT3 LOL

[@casey31242]

Been sub'd for almost a year, great rebuild. Good luck and God speed, rooting for you the whole way.

[@mikec6447]

Outstanding documentary.

[@chavito305]

Josh this strung the heart strings, I can’t wait to see an update, keep your head up!

[@Follett2121]

Definitely made my day better! Great video. I’ll be following along for the next one!! Keep it up

[@Thomas-pt2bt]

Just wanna let you know, your videos are a work of art. portrayed beautifully. I enjoy them very much!

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thank you. I put a lot of time into them, maybe more than is reasonable, but I’ve really grown to love it and hearing that folks get something valuable from it is really gratifying.

[@MangoTangoJKU]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@ueberhopft4278]

Awesome time for someone who is watching from Germany 👍🏻👍🏻

[@opinojai]

Definitely Made a strangers day a little bit better. I look forward to every single one of these, Good Work!

[@ronmor8237]

Awesome video and info with lots of details!

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks Ron!

[@trentkammerer8639]

Nice work Josh!! Love how you are sharing the story!

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks for making a cameo!

[@karlucho1988]

Happy 4/27 day Sir! Loving the content and to see grow on your mechanical knowledge 💪

[@CodeBlueNurburgringAtom]

Awesome video! Quite a feat tackling this project. Can’t wait to hear her start up.

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks man!

[@klex6009]

that subscribe sales pitch was creative n caught me off guard lol. subbed

[@speky_149]

i’ve been watching since you started the build. It’s been my dream since then to get a yellow z06. Love watching the content. Can’t wait to see what else you have for goldie

[@KingEdwardA]

Super stoked, cheers from Las Vegas!

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks! Considering the time zone you get a pass in terms of viewing the premiere when it goes live 🤝

[@KingEdwardA]

@@JoshVanVeld appreciate it Boss 🫡

[@godzilla7391]

2 of my most enjoyable things to decompress with, videogames, and cars! 👏 Champ. Good luck with the car!

[@vatechguy3]

Great video series. Building a shed today for my sister in law. My 5 year old daughter came out to "help" for half an hour or so. Definitely the best part of the day! Totally understand your feelings there!

[@almostlastplace]

Been loving this build, can't believe you've been working on this rebuild for a year now and now it's almost done. Can't wait for you to get Goldie back on the road and I loved that little moment you shared with your daughter at the end it was so heart warming

[@HarryPetropoulos]

You’ve got a permanent subscriber and what you said at the end even as a 25 year old. Makes me think of my father (who is still around) but made me so emotional. I have two younger siblings and in a way in like a second dad because of the age gap and sometimes even before I have kids I want them to know the exact same thing. God bless you.

[@Supercruze]

Love your perseverance and dedication to getting your motor rebuilt. Slow and steady wins the race. I bet you are learning a ton about LS motors. Well done.

[@albanybrian]

Good work. It is always fun to learn some new skills, I think. Where I live it is too wet for me to take out my C6 Z06 on 427 day. But any day experiencing the LS7 is a good day. Look forward to the next update.

[@user-qy1hk3ee3o]

You Did! Thx for youre Content. Greets from Switzerland

[@Stinkie_Cheese_Man]

love seeing these updates coming in!! KEEP IT UP!! It motivates me to do the same thing in my 2017 Camaro SS 1LE!

[@TobiasFunke_r4m]

this will be good. excited to see it.

[@wangspeed]

I love this channel! You're almost there

[@kroniical3830]

I went through a lot of these struggles with my Z06 two years ago after I cracked my stock LS7. Although I went a different route on mine (LS3 block, bored out to a 427 and resleeved, forged rotating assembly for boost), I still remember having my dad walk me through all the proper steps of putting the engine together and it was certainly a little nerve racking. Looking back, although I hate I had to build a new motor for my car and spend all the money, I am glad I had the experience of putting it together myself. Can't wait to see you car back on the road!

[@WeinsonFam]

Another amazing video!

[@stevebishop9545]

Great Video! i get my son involved any time i can when working on my car and it absolutely makes it so much more fun!

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Hang in there Josh. Proper progress, and looking great! You've given all us LS7 owners an avenue to follow, when and if ours ever expire. I'm enjoying the content. This engine build is not easy, but it's very doable. Nice :⁠-⁠)

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks Bill!

[@think1stproductions]

I just found this channel and love it even though I'm a Ford guy. I like your tone and demeanor, etc. Cool channel, my brother. Rock on, brother

[@Abel3270]

I’m loving this series 🫶🏽

[@tausigmanova]

Awesome video dude.

[@_johnycash]

watched the full thing and man bro glad i subscribed at the beginning you didnt disappoint very underrated channel💪🏻

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks brother!

[@docsmallblock6584]

Cool video format!

[@johnflo906]

Almost there brother! Looking forward to hearing it make noises!!!!

[@TheWolfMatt]

Great video bud. Very well done. Welcome to the world of LS building! Our newest member and now experienced builder of short blocks for the Mighty LS7, Mr. Josh Van Veld! Congratulations on bud on your first. It was bound to happen sooner or later, just sad that yours had to happen due to a dropped valve. I've done many 5.3, 5.7, 6.0, and even a 6.2 here and there but never a 7.0 LS7 engine, you have me up on that one. Every engine is a learning experience, and you gain more knowledge the more you build on them as they are not all is the same, nor built the same. I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that we're all looking forward to hearing Goldie's first fire in her brand new Katech LS7, built by Josh. You need a builder's plate now bud. 😅 You built a 7.0L LS7 and nearly have 7k subscribers, the rev limit to the LS7 and liter size of the block. Coincidence perhaps?

[@JoshVanVeld]

Haha thanks Matt! 7k subs and 7k rpm here we come!

[@bignickenergy2042]

great video! you deserve so many more subs with this top notch quality!

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks! I always enjoyed the sentiment in Field of Dreams: If you build it, they will come!

[@persioabreu7376]

Excellent man, I'm so happy to see some substantial progress on Goldie. You're doing an excellent job. I would change only one or two things, but it's all a matter of preference. You're doing great, and the sense of accomplishment You're going to have on that first pull is indescribable. Keep it going. Also, that last second heart string pull with your daughter was a mean trick. LoL I'm building my son's first engine for his GTO, so I felt that one.

[@JoshVanVeld]

This video took SO LONG to edit, by the time I was done I was worn out and feeling very sentimental. I’ve noticed that’s a pattern haha! How cool that you’re doing that for your son. Appreciate the kind words!

[@robmccance]

Dang that's awesome! Looks a lot more fun that pulling the engine.

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks Rob! Also way more fun than putting in an engine I would imagine…

[@eduardogonzalez8862]

This video reminds me of my first LS cam and heads build. Great job 👍🏼

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks man!!

[@bendino13ify]

Awesome job! I literally have been doing this myself since last May as well, with my WS6. Tore down everything to bare block and started fresh. Good luck!

[@codybullis7059]

Love the vids and the fact that you're local to me. Kudos on the self build. I don't have the confidence for that. I just dropped my 08 Z at LSXperts for some work (Perry Mason and the case of the disappearing coolant). Oh, take your Bugout to Olde Towne Cutlery and they'll get it sorted while you wait. They're great over there, cool store too.

[@JoshVanVeld]

I’ve been to Olde Towne Cutlery, nice folks! I hope your mystery is solved soon.

[@seydzhchernopiski3122]

LETSSSS FRIGGGIN GOOOOOO. Glad to see DOZE nuts tightened down to spec.

[@JoshVanVeld]

😂😂😂

[@seanfski]

Been watching your channel since the beginning; fantastic new follow up video! Not gonna lie, I was always hoping for this video to come along. Great job, keep it up!

[@JoshVanVeld]

Believe me, it's been really hard for me to make video after video that's basically about cleaning up the mess of blowing the motor. I know people want to see progress, and so do I. So this is a really proud moment because it's a huge step towards the goal.

[@seanfski]

@@JoshVanVeld That's great to hear! I agree, it really is a huge step. Like I said before, keep it up, I have a good feeling about what you're doing 👍

[@randybdis]

Great Video! Love Your Courage to tackle this on Your own! For future reference tighten and torque all components in a sequence Starting from the center and working your way out.

[@humphrey4976]

Great channel. Not obnoxious or shouty like a lot of them. God speed sir may your LS always remain lubed.

[@tylerhod]

great video i really enjoyed it 😁

[@LionelQuesada]

Hey Josh, great 4/27 posting. I’ve been watching your entire z06 adventure. The original trigger was researching an issue with what likely is a blown head gasket but grew up into a concern with the Z06 valve guides. I’m no professional mechanic but your adventure, postings, magnificent storytelling and editing convinced me to not only do the work but also wiggle test and if necessary, call Katech for a DIY head replacement project. Thank you sooooooo much for letting us all learn from your journey and reminding us all about the most important things in life. Yeap, stranger’s day made better.

[@JoshVanVeld]

This comment made my day. Thank you!

[@whiskeyactual.]

Beautiful outro, and excellent story telling as usual. That 27mins went by incredibly fast.

[@96t5wagon]

Josh, typically I enjoy the soundtrack you have that accompanies your videos because you always choose a fitting few tracks that match the energy. This video didn’t have any music and had I not stayed till the very last seconds I wouldn’t have understood why. Man, your content is about so much more than just the cars and I appreciate that. Happy 4/27 to you and Charlotte and I am looking forward to hearing Goldie tick over with the new heart.

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks for noticing that detail!

[@bjornbakke]

Greetings from Norway. You are for sure an extraordinary guy! A superb storyteller, funny, humble and very inspiring. These videos are so well made and relaxing to watch. I drive a 2006 Z06 (with the valve issue taken care of) and to follow your project is so much fun. All the best, cheers!

[@JoshVanVeld]

Hi Bjorn, thanks for the kind words. For some reason it makes me so happy to know people are watching from all over the world!!

[@LS3_LaFlare]

Absolutely love the content brotha

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks dude!!

[@tjautocross]

We don’t know each other, but it doesn’t feel like that, to me. I’m cheering you on, like I would any of my track buddies. Thanks for another amazing video! Nobody is talking about proper nut torque, but we knew we could count on you to bring this issue to light. 😂😂😂😂 And the part with Charlotte gave me goosebumps. I don’t have kids, but I believe it’s important for us to pass things on to the next generation. I’ll guess she remembers that for the rest of her life. I’m not crying, you are. 😢😢

[@JoshVanVeld]

Aww thanks dude, I appreciate that. And I know the feeling of connecting with somebody’s stories and feeling like you’ve met. It’s a powerful part of KZbin that I think is really amazing.

[@WTnetworks]

Good shit bro.

[@cameronmueller1373]

You're awesome man! love these videos and getting to hangout in the garage with you. Lets smash that dead line!

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks dude 🤜🤛

[@shaneintegra]

13:20 thats why you keep a pipe in your shop to extend your leverage. I swear I use that everytime I work on a vehicle.

[@ChrisHale0629]

This popped up on my feed today. I was WFH so I watched and you got me at the end there with the message to your daughter. I work on my subaru (constantly) with my Son and getting his help is the best part of the process. And yes, you made this stranger's day a little bit better.

[@JoshVanVeld]

That’s great to hear man. Thanks for dropping me a message.

[@James0u812]

Sorry for your loss.

[@josecabrera1462]

Nice detailed vid, the joke cracked me up but the dedication time capsule got my sub. Nice work in the voice overs.

[@zstraps]

Great content.

[@stevengrizzle]

Enjoyed the vid!

[@FranksGarageOfficial]

The ending was great brother

[@spencerburt3426]

Great video. Really enjoyed it. I usually 2x speed longer videos that I want to watch, but I didn't this one, which is a direct reflection of your story telling and editing.

[@JoshVanVeld]

I absolutely agonized over the editing and could have done at least two more passes but I have a deadline to think about 😅 Really appreciate the compliment, thank you.

[@bartgalambos7123]

Great video! As I age, I take my time too! It must take a lot of patience to make these videos! I really appreciate it!

[@AngelGdo]

Good job broski!

[@JoshVanVeld]

There’s something about being called broski that really brightens my day. Thanks!

[@southfloridagearheads6504]

Great video! I just came across your channel/video. The production quality is amazing. I have been doing video's on KZbin and including my c6z06 for quite a while also. I'm hoping to get into road course racing with it one day. My daughter is only 2 and I hope one day soon we will share moments in the garage together.