The Science Behind Chevy’s Mighty LS7 Crate Engine

Summary

• The C6 Corvette Z06 showcased Chevrolet’s most powerful naturally aspirated small block engine, the LS7 Crate Engine.
• Boasting 570 horsepower, the LS7 engine is a cornerstone of the Z06’s impressive performance and agility.
• The Z06’s distinctive features, lightweight construction, and exclusive editions solidify its status as a track-focused performance icon.

In 2005, the Chevrolet Corvette C6 took over from the fifth generation. From the new chassis, manufactured using a new method, to the new LS engine family, the changes were substantial and pronounced. Undoubtedly, the sixth generation of the Corvette can be cataloged as an evolution from its predecessor.

While the base version of the Corvette C6 introduced the new LS2 V-8 engine, an improvement compared to the previous aluminum LS1 5.7-liter, increasing its displacement to 6.0 liters and its power to 405 horsepower, in 2006 the Z06 version was born.

When it comes to aftermarket performance parts, there are plenty of engines available. However, only a select few carry the prestigious pedigree of being designed, engineered, and rigorously tested by Chevrolet.

Among these stands the LS7 engine, hailed as a benchmark in naturally-aspirated power. Selected to power the Corvette C6 Z06, it quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts seeking uncompromised performance for their project vehicles.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Chevrolet.

The LS7 Engine Plays A Pivotal Role In The C6 Z06’s Success Story

The C6 Corvette Z06, produced from 2005 to 2013, marked a significant milestone for Chevrolet as it showcased their most powerful naturally aspirated small block engine at the time, which is no other than the LS7 Crate Engine.

Even though the base C6 model was already highly regarded by both enthusiasts and critics, the Z06 elevated that excitement to another level.

The Engine Allowed The Z06 To Achieve An Impressive 505 Horsepower

While the Z06 may bear a light resemblance to standard C6 models at first glance, its true essence lies beneath the surface.

At the core of the Z06 beats the heart of automotive excellence: the formidable LS7 engine. With a commanding displacement of 427.8 cubic inches (7,011 cc), this V-8 powerhouse is capable of delivering outstanding performance.

A 7.0-liter engine, specifically crafted for the corner-carving 2006 C6 Z06, the LS7 unleashes a staggering 505 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 470-pound feet of torque at 4,800 rpm, thus becoming a real hotrodders dream. Until the introduction of the LT9 engine in the ZR1 model in 2011, the LS7 held the title of being the most potent naturally aspirated engine ever produced by General Motors.

Corvette C6 Z06 Specs

(Data sourced from Chevrolet)

Its Enhancements Added To Its Distinctiveness

Alongside the impressive engine, the Z06 was equipped with a range of enhancements to make it even more track-focused.

Featuring a 4.00-inch stroke — a rarity among GM production LS Crate engines — the LS7 boasts expansive 4.125-inch bores, which required a unique siamesed-bore cylinder block. Complemented by an array of race-ready components and cutting-edge technology, such as featherweight titanium intake valves and connecting rods, the LS7’s exceptional airflow capability plays a pivotal role in achieving its remarkable horsepower output.

Straight from the factory, the ports and combustion chambers of the LS7 are meticulously CNC-ported, ensuring precision and consistency in airflow dynamics. Additionally, the LS7 heads are designed to exclusively accommodate LS7 intake manifolds or compatible aftermarket equivalents.

Alongside the pioneering use of titanium intake valves previously mentioned, another notable feature of the LS7 heads is the incorporation of sodium-filled exhaust valves, something previously unheard of in a pushrod V-8 engine. This new approach not only enhanced durability and heat dissipation but also contributed to improved engine performance and efficiency.

Furthermore, the 7.0-liter LS7 was engineered around a hybrid dry/wet oiling system, often referred to as a dry-sump system; a first for GM.

Chevrolet Introduced A New LS7 Crate Engine With Even More Power

Many enthusiasts were eagerly awaiting the arrival of an upgraded successor to the legendary LS7 engine. Finally, their patience was rewarded as GM unveiled the new LS427/570 crate engine in 2020.

The Main Goal Was To Tackle The Main Issues Of The LS7

In developing this new powerhouse, GM set out to address some of the key issues that caused concerns to its predecessor, the LS7. One such issue was the dry sump system, which has been replaced with a conventional wet sump configuration so as to specifically streamline conversions and simplify installation processes. This not only allowed to lower the engine’s cost but also enhanced accessibility for enthusiasts looking to integrate it into their projects.

The “570” part in the LS427/570 name signifies the engine’s impressive power output, boasting a substantial increase of 65 horses over the previous LS7 iteration. This boost in power can largely be attributed to the incorporation of a new hydraulic-roller camshaft, featuring a 0.591-inch intake and a 0.590-inch exhaust lift, along with 227° intake, 242° exhaust and a 116° lobe separation angle. Peak power is achieved at 6,200 revolutions per minute, while the maximum torque is reached at 4,800 rpm.

Other notable features include:

• High-rate valve springs.
• Camaro fifth-generation Z/28 tri-Y exhaust manifolds.
• A low-profile EFI intake manifold with fuel rails, injectors, and throttle body pre-installed, as well as a forged steel crankshaft and titanium conrods.
• CNC-ported cylinder heads with 2.20in titanium intake valves and 1.61in sodium-filled exhaust valves.
• Camaro Z/28 14in, 168-tooth manual transmission flywheel.

Its Exceptional Lightweight Greatly Enhances Its Prowess On The Road

The Z06 made its debut for the 2006 model year, arriving in the third quarter of 2005. It allowed Chevrolet to develop the Corvette C6R GT race car by taking part as an homologation vehicle. It stands out as the lightest among all Corvette models, embodying a perfect blend of power and agility.

The Z06’s lightweight profile extends to its construction, with an aluminum frame shaving off 136 pounds compared to the standard steel frame. Further weight-saving measures include balsa wood/carbon fiber composite floors and a magnesium alloy engine cradle. These enhancements contribute to the Z06’s exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 6.2 pounds per horsepower.

With a curb weight of 3,130 pounds, the Z06 delivers exhilarating performance while maintaining respectable fuel efficiency figures of 15 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway. The C6 generation did not match the previous generation’s relatively good fuel economy, despite its relatively low 0.28 drag coefficient and low curb weight.

Notably, the Z06 had the honor of serving as the official pace car for both the 2006 Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 races, further cementing its status as a performance icon.

Despite boasting a longer wheelbase compared to the C5 model, the overall vehicle length and width were slightly reduced. Still, like all manual transmission Corvettes since 1989, it is fitted with Computer Aided Gear Selection (CAGS) to improve fuel economy by requiring drivers to shift from 1st gear directly to 4th in low-speed/low-throttle conditions.

The Corvette C6 Z06 Looks Sleek As It Flies Down The Racetrack

While the C6 Corvette retained the front engine and rear-transmission layout of its predecessor, the C5, it underwent a comprehensive overhaul to emerge as an all-new iteration.

Visually, the Z06 sets itself apart with larger front and rear fenders, along with an imposing intake inlet scoop adorning the front bumper. Carbon fiber construction for the front fenders and strategically placed ducts in the rear fenders enhance aerodynamics and aid in cooling the rear brakes. Furthermore, it stands out for its new bodywork with exposed headlights, which make a reappearance for the first time since 1962 and give the car a subtle vintage and sporty look.

From 2006 through 2013, Chevrolet minted a total of 27,995 C6 Z06s out of the famed Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Nowadays, the C6 Z06 stands out as an accessible sports car that has been meticulously crafted with a lot of attention to detail, resulting in an amazing balance of performance on the track.

The Z06 Carbon Limited Edition Was Introduced In 2011: Only 252 Units Were Manufactured

The Z06 Carbon Limited Edition made its debut as a 2011 model, hitting the market in the summer of 2010. This exclusive iteration of the Z06 boasted a distinctive identity and a host of performance enhancements.

Exclusive Improvements Featured In Special Edition

Available in two striking colors — Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue — the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition exuded a sense of exclusivity. Its exterior features included black headlights and mirrors, a ZR1-style spoiler, and carbon fiber elements such as the hood, rockers, and splitter.

One of the standout features of the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition was its 20-spoke black 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, which not only added a touch of aggression to its appearance but also contributed to improved traction and cornering capabilities. Complementing the wheels were the ZR1’s carbon ceramic Brembo brakes, delivering exceptional stopping power and fade resistance.

Performance-wise, the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition was equipped with Magnetic Selective Ride Control, offering enhanced handling and stability in various driving conditions. Additionally, the car featured a special carbon engine cover.

Despite Chevrolet’s initial plan to produce 500 units of the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, only 252 examples were ultimately built, which made it an even more exclusive iteration.

Both The LS7 And The LS427/570 Were Discontinued In 2022

After capturing the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide, a truly revered V-8 engine in automotive history has been officially retired. The LS7, hailed as a fan-favorite by the crowd, bid farewell in 2022 after an illustrious journey that saw its power reflected in iconic vehicles such as the Corvette C6 Z06 and the Camaro Z/28, before ultimately being offered as a crate engine under Chevrolet’s performance parts program.

Alongside the LS7, Chevrolet has also ceased production of the LS427/570, the upgraded variant that boasted increased power output thanks to a revamped camshaft and a simplified wet sump oiling system — a change aimed at facilitating engine conversions for enthusiasts.

Despite these discontinuations, the legacy of the LS7 and its upgraded counterpart remains indelible, leaving an enduring impact on the automotive community and still present in the highly sought-after models that still remain today.