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)

alright, i'm now taking donations so i can put one in my SS

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

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

better start collecting for a new tranny and rear end while your at it

The Big 3 are really pissing me off here. LEt's offset the cost of the TITANIUM rods (WTF for anyways) with some cheap cast pistons. Why connect something super strong to something inherently weak? Don't even get me started on Ford and their stupid powder cracked con rods.

And why on earth all that compression? I can nitpick at this, but there's no point.

Stupid automakers.

Should be a nice little addition to someone's hotrod though. Wonder what it will cost.

I heard on a chevy board that they were gonna put forged pistons in them... I'm not sure when though. It might be a second year thing.

The Big 3 are really pissing me off here.  LEt's offset the cost of the TITANIUM rods (WTF for anyways) with some cheap cast pistons.  Why connect something super strong to something inherently weak?  Don't even get me started on Ford and their stupid powder cracked con rods.

And why on earth all that compression?  I can nitpick at this, but there's no point. 

Stupid automakers. 

Should be a nice little addition to someone's hotrod though.  Wonder what it will cost.

now if MB made the E500 motor in a crate set up (355hp) with a vortech option for my chassis

but sadly they dont, and that motor is becoming harder and harder to find

better start collecting for a new tranny and rear end while your at it

details, details...

i'll be starting the collection for my T-56 soon

Wonder what it will cost.

i saw on the Impala forum somewhere around 15K i believe

i saw on the Impala forum somewhere around 15K i believe

And that is considered an affordable alternative to building yourself. Even at $7500 I could get better performance. And I thought Ford was nuts on the 5.0 DOHC engine.