Chevy LS7 For Your Ultima?

[builder]

FOR RELEASE: 2005-03-22

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

[boosted ls1]

I'm holding back on this engine and looking at the LS2 as a much cheaper option for boost.

The ls7 sounds really good but it's going to be mega big bucks as is a hand built big block but in a small block casing. The ls2 is more 'throwaway' if it goes tits up. I have ls7 heads so may fit them to an ls2 this summer.

Boosted.

[eliot]

boosted ls1 said:

I'm holding back on this engine and looking at the LS2 as a much cheaper option for boost. Boosted.

So perhapps you will need to change your display name??!

[boosted ls1]

Well I already have an ls2 but I can't keep changing names or can I? Ash seems to have done it. No, I'll wait for now

Mike aka boostedls1

[builder]

boosted ls1 said:

I'm holding back on this engine and looking at the LS2 as a much cheaper option for boost. The ls7 sounds really good but it's going to be mega big bucks as is a hand built big block but in a small block casing. The ls2 is more 'throwaway' if it goes tits up. I have ls7 heads so may fit them to an ls2 this summer. Boosted.

LS7 heads? Is that a typo, or do you have an inside contact at "The General"? Probably LS6? For boost heads, the truck heads result in lower compression. I think they are the LQ4.

Agreed, the LS2 is a great setup for the money. Lots of options and a new block can be had for about $900 (over here). If the LS7 is available when I am ready for the engine, I will seriously consider it. Otherwise, it's going to be a Brodix SBC or an LS2.

I have to confess, a dry-sump, 500 fwhp engine with a factory warranty is very attractive. We'll see if it's a competitive package. The price will be the deciding factor. Under $10k and it's a done deal. Much over...

[boosted ls1]

builder said:

boosted ls1 said: I have ls7 heads so may fit them to an ls2 this summer. Boosted. LS7 heads? Is that a typo, or do you have an inside contact at "The General"? Probably LS6? For boost heads, the truck heads result in lower compression. I think they are the LQ4.

I have a pair of ls7 heads now but not an engine block. They are ls7 and not ls6. I'm intending to use them or a pair of my 317's on the ls2. I don't know the chamber volumes of the LS7 as they are still in the US.

Boosted.

[chuntington101]

the ls7 does look good. but as others have said the LS2 is a cheaper and more avaliable solution. also there are already companies in the states making new liners for them to give bigger CC, and low comp set ups for people intending to run boost!

still for an N/A set up, i dont think it would take much to get 600bhp from one of these. maybe a set of bodies, some head work and some sweet exhaust manifolds!

thanks Chris.

[G Man]

Titanium rod, forged crank, ti valves, alloy block, the LS7 Z06 has all the right bits ....

If the price is right it could kill the top end aftermarket engine suppliers ...

G Man

[boosted ls1]

G Man said:

Titanium rod, forged crank, ti valves, alloy block, the LS7 Z06 has all the right bits .... If the price is right it could kill the top end aftermarket engine suppliers ... G Man

Yep, it's very special and hand built. So to make a better or similar product you will need a source of similar parts at a cheaper price which could be hard given GM's buying power.

Boosted.

[builder]

boosted ls1 said:

I have a pair of ls7 heads now but not an engine block. They are ls7 and not ls6. I'm intending to use them or a pair of my 317's on the ls2. I don't know the chamber volumes of the LS7 as they are still in the US. Boosted.

Must be nice to have connections. Dare I ask how you were able to find/get them?

I have an LS7 on order. I figure may as well...even if I don't use it. Those engines are going to be somewhat hard to come by when released.

G Man said:

Titanium rod, forged crank, ti valves, alloy block, the LS7 Z06 has all the right bits .... If the price is right it could kill the top end aftermarket engine suppliers ... G Man

Exactly. Unfortunately, I can't get an exact price yet. But, the major distributors are saying probably about USD$13k. If that's the number, it's very competitive.

[G Man]

Good article on the LS7 engine at http://popularhotrodding.com/tech/0504phr_ls7/.

Never been sold on the LS range of engines but this one has made me thinking again...

It has a 12degree head, nice engine for a canam umm

G Man

>> Edited by G Man on Monday 28th March 16:47

[boosted ls1]

That's a very impressive read!

It's a shame a lot of the parts won't bolt up to earlier lsx's.

Boosted.