Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Chevrolet, GM
SEMA Preview: GM Performance Parts 638-hp LS9 Crate engine
Click above for a high-res gallery of the LS9
General Motors has announced that the blown beastie that lives under the hood of the Corvette ZR1 will be available as a crate motor next fall and our head is spinning with the swap possibilities.
With 639 hp and 604 lb.-ft. of twist available from the 6.2-liter supercharged V8, and dimensions shared by the LS3, any number of vehicles could make a happy home for the LS9. According to GM, the engine comes fully dressed, with an ignition system, exhaust manifolds and supercharger, and only needs an external oil tank and coolant tank (for the charge cooler), an ECU and wiring harness.
So, the question is: what would you fit the LS9 into? We've put together a poll after the jump, but feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments.
Gallery: The Chevrolet LS9 V-8
[Source: GM via MotiveMag]
PRESS RELEASE
GM PERFORMANCE PARTS SET TO UNLEASH THE SUPERCHARGED LS9 CRATE ENGINE
LAS VEGAS - The LS9 6.2L supercharged V-8 is the power behind the most powerful and fastest production car in GM's history - the 2009 Corvette ZR1. In the third quarter of 2009, it will be available as a complete crate engine package from GM Performance Parts. It delivers a stunning 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb.-ft. of torque (819 Nm).
The LS9 crate engine will be the ideal all-in package for enthusiasts and racers who want the ultimate LS power plant for their project cars, from resto-modified vintage Corvettes, muscle cars and street rods to late model F-bodies and "shoebox" Chevys. The supercharger and charge cooler are integrated in the engine's valley for a lower profile, allowing creative builders to fit the engine in a variety of applications with plenty of hood clearance.
The engine's 6.2L displacement is shared with the LS3, but the LS9 is built for high-revving power with a supercharger. It uses stronger cylinder head castings and steel cylinder liners that are honed with a deck plate installed to maximize performance and cylinder sealing.
High-rpm-validated lightweight reciprocating parts, including titanium intake valves, are used, along with high-flow cylinder heads that draw the charge forced on them by a sixth-generation supercharger. A new, four-lobe rotor design delivers greater power at the low end and sustains it longer through the rpm band for broad, on-demand power, whether off-idle or at speed. A dual-brick charge cooler is integrated on a unique manifold system that mounts the "blower" in the engine's valley, with charge cooler on top.
GMPP's LS9 crate engine assembly comes fully dressed, including the ignition system, supercharger assembly, exhaust manifolds and more. It also includes the production dry-sump oil pan and provisions for the charge cooler's liquid cooling system. Builders will need an external oil tank, external coolant tank (for the charge cooler) and an ECU/wire harness.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
Jimbo 2:36PM (10/28/2008)
Saturn Sky
Reply
Dude 3:26PM (10/28/2008)
Same here, except make mine a Solstice.
Russell 6:39PM (10/28/2008)
My C5, just kidding, I'd be really happy with LS7.
devil666 7:26AM (10/29/2008)
why not Pontiac G8? It already has a L76, LS9 should pop straight in for some (near) perfectly weight distributed rear drive fun! :D
MemphisNET 2:37PM (10/28/2008)
1976 Chevette GT
Reply
kevin 7:32PM (10/28/2008)
I saw a Chevette with a 454 wedged under the hood once. The guy that owned it hadn't changed the rear end from stock so he kept sheering the pinion. Old boy said he just swapped rear ends every time he need tires.
When it was running it handled like crap because, well, it was a Chevette with a cast iron 454 up front.
Sean Flanagan 2:38PM (10/28/2008)
Poll doesn't seem to be up yet, so I'll answer here:
Pontiac G8.
Reply
aaron 2:58PM (10/28/2008)
I agree.
How about a Camaro Gen 1 or 2? With, of course, big brakes and modern suspension. It would be much more interesting than those boring hot-rods/musclecars modified to have the LS1. 350HP? Yawn. Just keep it original if you're going to do that.
meshies 3:05PM (10/28/2008)
^^^ exactly. I wouldn't think twice about any other car, its going into one of these: http://www.iroczone.com/Carlisle2007/showfieldcamaro02.JPG
MONTE 2:41PM (10/28/2008)
Can I just get a LS7 with a Kenne Bell on it?
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Brendan 2:43PM (10/28/2008)
TR6... or a golf-cart
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Eric Y 2:44PM (10/28/2008)
Toyota Supra
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Damon Lavrinc 2:45PM (10/28/2008)
Added the Solstice/Sky and G8 to the poll.
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Reader 1:47AM (10/29/2008)
Could you add Prius too? :P
Allan 2:46PM (10/28/2008)
GT-R?
I kid, I kid...
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Yar 3:57PM (10/28/2008)
Maybe then it could actually run a 7:29!
Sergey 11:27PM (10/28/2008)
@ Yar
I think it'll pop a gear before it can run 7:29...
Dasupersprint 2:47PM (10/28/2008)
Where's the Alero?
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steve clark 2:48PM (10/28/2008)
That'd fit in my Miata, right? Whoo-boy!
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Mark 8:03AM (1/08/2009)
Hi Steve,
I didn't know if you knew that a company called "Boss Frog" has LSx miata kits already available. I am looking to install a LS9 in my 91 NA miata. They say it is a bolt in except for radiator and exhaust.
Can't wait.
and to think I'll have less money in it than a stock Sky red line and over 2x the HP.
Ahhhhhhh!