VIDEO: Watch the LS9 crate engine being built

Click above to view the video
Mated to a Corvette ZR1, the LS9 can get you from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds, and it will travel a quarter mile in 11.3 seconds. GM Performance Parts announced earlier in the week that beginning next fall, you won't need to own a ZR1 to get your hands on an LS9. The supercharged, 638-hp beast will be available as a crate engine to put under the hood of any project car that can handle the power.
The GM Performance Parts team is so excited about the crate LS9 that it shot a video of the blown small block being hand-assembled. The clip shows some of the more significant parts of the LS9's production process, as well as some of the testing performed to ensure your crate engine is up to snuff. The guys building LS9s are lightning fast at their craft, too, and we're sure most gearheads would love to have some of the equipment they use during the build process. Hit the jump to see the moving pictures for yourself, and start dreaming about your own fire-breathing LS9 project car.
Gallery: The Chevrolet LS9 V-8
[Source: YouTube]












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mehdi Cheddadi 6:52PM (10/30/2008)
I want one *drools*
Reply
Lad 10:17PM (10/30/2008)
The Tesla roadster does the 1/4 in 11.7secs without all the noise and terror. The point is you don't need an inefficient push rod locomotive ICE engine to go fast in a straight line, just less weight, batteries, an efficient electric motor, controller, and good grip rubber tires.
Mehdi Cheddadi 10:18PM (10/30/2008)
yes...thats such an appropriate reply to my comment.
RJ 8:02PM (10/31/2008)
Lad,
Sometimes it's better to remain quiet, and let people think you're stupid, than to open your mouth and remove all doubts.
zoom_x2 6:53PM (10/30/2008)
Now we don't have to wait for the first idiot to smack his rear into the tire wall. LS9 powered GeoMetro anyone?
Reply
Zeus.:God 8:23PM (10/30/2008)
Wonder how it would perform in a Jeep Cherokee...
>:D
Torrent 6:56PM (10/30/2008)
*planning to get one for a custom 2010 Z28*
*pondering how he can jack one out of a ZR1 without making noise*
Reply
Torrent 6:57PM (10/30/2008)
*knows he can buy one, but wants to take the hard route*
Flashpoint 7:04PM (10/30/2008)
I'm not as interested in the engine as I am in getting Americans more jobs in America for American car companies and American businesses.
Reply
fixitfixitstop 1:59AM (10/31/2008)
DEY TOOK YER JERB!
Jarrod L. 7:16PM (10/30/2008)
Hmm... so I have a full year then to save up for one for my '79 Trans Am? Sounds like enough time to me!
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Michael 7:22PM (10/30/2008)
Put that beast in the Camaro SS.
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SeattleJeremy 7:32PM (10/30/2008)
So on the "Leak Test" the guy said it "passed", but it looks like it passed 54, and failed 2.
Why the two failures?
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ugg.tryptophan 7:49PM (10/30/2008)
because they leaked?
ugg.tryptophan 7:48PM (10/30/2008)
i wanted to hear the cold test
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JJ Daddy-O 8:25PM (10/30/2008)
Great subject, TERRIBLE video.
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paul 8:38PM (10/30/2008)
LS9 in the Camaro, then you get a PROPER camaro SS.
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hydrogenvodka 10:53PM (10/30/2008)
"these are like, formula one racing pistons, hoohh"
right...
Reply
That One Person 12:05AM (10/31/2008)
You do realize that racing tech does and has trickled down into everyday vehicles, right?
The design may be similar to what they use in racing engines. It isn't farfetched. Companies that produce crotch rockets use racing tech in everyday road bikes...
hydrogenvodka 12:09AM (10/31/2008)
That One Person,
You do realize that no F1 tech is in the Corvette piston, right?
Yes, F1 does incentivate some car tech (less than rallying does, and I'm a HUGE F1 fan), however, believe me, no F1 car has pistons "like" the one in the LS9. Maybe in principle, not in practice.
Maybe like a NASCAR. LOL