Product Review

LS7 Crate Engine

LS7 from Turnkey Engine Supply

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. 2005.

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.

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7.0 L LS7 engine in a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06The LS7 is the latest high-power LS engine. It is a 427.6 ci (7.0 L) unit, based loosely on the LS2. The block is changed, with a larger 4.13 in (104.9 mm) bore and longer 4.00 in (101.6 mm) stroke than the LS2. The small-block's 4.4 in (111.8 mm) bore spacing is retained, requiring pressed-in cylinder liners. The crankshaft, and main bearing caps are forged steel for durability, the connecting rods are titanium, however cast pistons were retained to avoid the piston slap issues that forged pistons have on startup. The two-valve arrangement is retained, though the titanium intake valves have grown to 2.20 in (55.9 mm) and sodium-filled exhaust valves are up to 1.61 in (40.9 mm). Peak output is 505 hp (377 kW) at 6300 rpm and 470 ft·lbf (637 N·m) at 4800 rpm with a 7000 rpm redline.

The LS7 is hand-built by the General Motors Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan. Up to 15,000 LS7s will be produced each year starting in 2005. Most of these engines are installed in the Z06, but some are also sold to individuals by GM as a crate engine.

The 7.0 L mark had already been reached by the LS-series of racing engines, famously in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Corvette C5R. GMMG Berger Camaro ZL1s made late in 2002 and GMMG Berger Dick Harrell Camaros (inspired by the Roger Penske Mark Donahue concept car) also featured variations of the 7.0 L size.

Is the LS7 crate engine a dream come true for sand rail enthusiasts? Everything we've seen on paper says yes, but we've yet to see one first-hand.  Stand by as we study up and search for a car to "test"?

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

www.goodwrench.com

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