Most Powerful Small-Block Ever - Available in a Crate

[Koll]

blatantly stolen from corvetteforum
engine will supposedly drop right into a c5 as well x eleventy

FOR RELEASE: 2005-03-22

CONTACTS

Most Powerful Small-Block Ever - Available in a Crate

DETROIT - Chevrolet unveiled the 2006 Corvette Z06 at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January, and now GM Performance Parts is unveiling the crate engine version of the LS7 engine that powers it. This latest Z06, billed as "the fastest, most powerful car ever offered by Chevrolet and GM," has enthusiasts looking for that kind of power in a crate engine. GM Performance Parts is ready to end that search as it offers the LS7 (P/N 17802397) at GM dealerships and Authorized Centers, nationwide in August.

This small-block V-8 dreams big, displacing big-block cubic inches at 7.0 Liters (427 cubic inches) and big-block power at 500 hp at 6200 rpm. It also benches 475 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm. Helping to create its high power and high revving capability are details such as cylinder heads with computer numerical control (CNC) intake and exhaust ports and combustion chambers - which creates ports with surgical accuracy for maximum power production. In addition, the intake valves and connecting rods are made out of high-strength lightweight titanium.

The LS7 engines are assembled by hand at GM Powertrain's new Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich.

Pricing will be announced mid-summer; however, early estimates indicate that the GMPP LS7 crate engine will sell for well below the cost of comparable custom-built aftermarket engines.

Enthusiasts who must have the latest technology, maximum horsepower and the largest production cubic-inch displacement small-block ever built will be able to purchase the LS7, as well as other GM Performance Parts crate engines, blocks, heads and components, from GM dealerships or GMPP Authorized Centers nationwide. Following the release of the LS7 in a crate, GMPP will offer select parts, such as the crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder heads and valves separately, and in kit form. To locate the closest GM dealership or GMPP Authorized Center or dealership, call 1-800-GM USE US or visit www.goodwrench.com.

General Motors (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds, and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

LS7 specifications:

Part number: 17802397
Horsepower: 500 (373 kW) @ 6200 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.): 475 (644 Nm) @ 4800 rpm
Engine type: Cam-in-block 90-degree V-8
Displacement (L/cu in): 7.0 / 427
Bore x stroke (mm/in) 104.8 x 101.6 / 4.125 x 4.00
Block: Cast aluminum with pressed-in cylinder sleeves and 6-bolt, forged steel main bearing caps
Crankshaft: Forged steel
Connecting rods: Forged titanium
Pistons: Cast aluminum
Camshaft type: Hydraulic roller, 15 mm (.591 in) lift (intake and exhaust)
Cylinder heads: CNC-ported aluminum; 70-cc chamber volume
Valve size (mm/in): 56 / 2.20 (titanium) intake / 41 / 1.61 (sodium-filled) exhaust
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Rocker arms: 1.8:1; offset (intake only)
Recommended fuel: Premium required. 91 octane minimum

[enRo]

Looks good!

<<<<Not up on his LT's and LS's yet

[GP99GT]

not the most powerful smallblock ever...just the most powerful sold by GM as a crate motor. Probably grossly overpriced too.

[HardcoreZ28]

I believe the rumored price is like $14k. And you need all kinds of computer equipment to bypass the torque management and make it run correctly.

[HardcoreZ28]

I believe the rumored price is like $14k. And you need all kinds of computer equipment to bypass the torque management and make it run correctly.

[Tru2Chevy]

Originally Posted by HardcoreZ28

I believe the rumored price is like $14k. Â*And you need all kinds of computer equipment to bypass the torque management and make it run correctly.

$14k isn't too bad....wasn't the Viper motor over $20k when it was sold as a crate?

And HPTuners should have software out for the LS7 once they hit the streets, so torque management won't be an issue.

- Justin

[78camaro]

Originally Posted by Tru2Chevy

$14k isn't too bad....wasn't the Viper motor over $20k when it was sold as a crate?

And HPTuners should have software out for the LS7 once they hit the streets, so torque management won't be an issue.

- Justin

id personally save myself a grand and go buy a 572 but thats me

[HardcoreZ28]

True about the 572, plus you can get it in the 620 hp version and you don't have to worry about any computer controls....but if you have to stay emissions legal on a third or fourth gen it's a very viable option.

[Tru2Chevy]

...not to mention the horrible handling 3rd gen you would have with the cast big block up front as opposed to the alum. small block.

- Justin

[Fasterthanyou]

Hmm... cast pistons, interesting. Apparently GM is starting to think like me in a few area's of engine design.
That's one hell of a crate motor. I'd take it over the BBC in anything that weighs less than 4000lbs.
Just to clearify why I think cast pistons are fine for high horsepower... because they work! Also, being as they're cast they don't expand nearly as much as fordged which keeps the tolerances tighter (less piston slap and ring blowby). The other reason cast pistons are nicer is their weight. Designed properly you want the lightest piston since it is moving at a VERY fast rate up and down in the cylinder. Make more horsepower means not wasting it on stopping and changing direction of the piston and c-rod. Apparently the Ti-rods are awesome. I got to touch one as the SAE world congress last year and it was amazing. Also couldn't believe the process they used to make the rods... freeze and crack so that each rod has it's own specific cap, absolutely amazing!
Also, so long as you don't detonate or pre-ignite the cast pistons will last forever.
God I love engines and what GM is doing with the pushrod motors these days.

[BigAls87Z28]

This engine is well worth the 14k. Dry sump oil system, and about the size of an average small block, cant beat that.

You can have your carb'ed big block...Ill take the LS7.

As for the "torque management", thats only on the production cars so that the transmision doesnt get torn to pieces. Torque management wouldnt be found in this cause they dont care about your transmission...they arent going to have to warranty it when it snaps it.

[9secfirebird]

id rather build an 800 hp small block with a carb for 5 grand or less. and whoever doesnt like it can cram it.

[Koll]

Originally Posted by 9secfirebird

id rather build an 800 hp small block with a carb for 5 grand or less. and whoever doesnt like it can cram it.

See sig.

[Slow Z]

http://shafiroff.com/472_675_engine.asp

I think they ship that in a crate....

[Fasterthanyou]

Originally Posted by 9secfirebird

id rather build an 800 hp small block with a carb for 5 grand or less. and whoever doesnt like it can cram it.

And you'd be following the hurd with a comment like that. Everybody and their father has a big power sbc with a carb that's in the 10's or better but when you can pass NJ emissions tests and have that same 10 second car it just makes it that much cooler. Not to mention the dry sump superiority and overall engine design potential for 1000+hp on very little psi (still keeping it emissions legal).