2015 Corvette C7 Z06 engine failure at 6 miles- a random shoddy assembly fault or a larger problem indicator

With all the +General Motors advertising bullshit and +Tadge Juechter 's claims of greatness, it is difficult to believe that the hand assembled LT4 engine supplying muscle to the newest Corvette flagship could give anyone a reason to worry.  But... this is at least the FOURTH LT4 that decided to end its own life prematurely and this time, at SIX MILES.  Judging from the available information, this seems to be a connecting rod related failure and these problems are not all that common, especially on an engine with 6 miles on it.

Although a speculation at this time, all the signs point to connecting rod bolt failure.  Problems with connecting rod bolts usually revolve around assembly errors, specifically torqueing the bolts and torqueing sequence.  Other causes may include defective torque wrenches, improper assembly lube and lack of proper assembly equipment.

Considering the C7 Z06 is supposed to be the flagship of all Corvettes and at least according to Juechter, the most track capable Corvette ever, one would hope that among the tools used by the UAW crew assembling LT4 engines, not only a high quality torque wrench but also a ROD BOLT STRETCH GAUGE would included as a part of the standard issue.  When these tools are combined with the assembly expertise and necessary assembly procedures followed (including torqueing the bolts in three stages), there should not be any issues and certainly nothing obliterating the engine within six miles of car's ownership.

So what gave with this latest and truly spectacular engine failure?  Was the UAW member lazy, on severe hang over, did his tools fail or was GM too cheap to equip its crew with the stretch gauges (or maybe the springs were too soft?).

As it stands, it appears that the UAW hero fucked up and hopefully only with one engine but of course, this scenario is a clear case of wishful thinking but still, hopefully it is only a single person making these mistakes and GM will get to the bottom of this in a hurry.

The alternative outcomes: Juechter blaming oil filters again or.... a batch of defective rod bolts ( made in China since GM has a great Chinese business connection).  Only time will tell but in the meantime, it is all a crapshoot and certainly another great reason why Z06 POS is such a great car for power upgrades NOT!!!