"Would you like fries with that?"
Here’s a heads-up from General Motors for PH-ers planning ‘backyard special’ track day machines… the 638bhp supercharged V8 lump from the Corvette ZR1 will be available as an aftermarket performance part next year.
As we reported last week, GM has no immediate plans for future generation ‘Vettes, but it’s great to know the critical hardware won’t be going to waste.
GM Performance Parts division has announced the LS9 Crate Engine will be available as a complete package for ‘enthusiasts and racers who want the ultimate LS powerplant for their project cars, from resto-modified vintage Corvettes, muscle cars and street rods to late model F-bodies and shoebox Chevys.’
The fabulous 6.2 litre LS9 is a charge-cooled monster with high rpm (relatively!) validated reciprocating parts, and high-flow cylinder heads topped off by a low-profile supercharger designed to fit under the swoopy hood of the current Corvette.
According to the official statement it will come ‘fully dressed’ with ignition system, supercharger assembly, exhaust manifolds, dry sump lubrication and more. Builders will just need an external oil tank, coolant tank for the charge cooler and an ECU/wiring harness.
Price remains ‘TBC’, but US websites are talking about figures well in excess of the $14k you already need for a crated LS7 engine. And of course you’ll need to allow for postage from Detroit.
