LT4 Crate Engine?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,326
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From: Redondo Beach, California
LT4 Crate Engine?
Does anyone know if a crate LT4 engine is available? This is the 650 hp supercharged engine in the 2014 and 2015 Corvettes. Of course, another question is...can you install this in a C3? I know that the motor mounts of the LT4 are different, so right away there's a little mod to get this engine onto a C3 frame. The next question is ...will a LT4 bolt up to a standard early C3 (...213) bellhousing? It would be just fantastic if it would. Anyone have any knowledge of anyone who's doing this conversion? I'm contemplating putting a big block in my 70, if I can get LT4 HP from what is essentially a small block..this is an attractive option since it's a smaller volume engine...I know that the engine cost of a LT4 may make me take a pass on this option.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
It's not only the cost of the engine but all the other mods to put it in. Many here including me have done an LS swap into a C3 chassis. Yes you can bolt it in but al lot of other things need to be modded or fit. Adding a supercharger to the package makes it even trickier. No doubt it can and has been done but don't expect a weekend project. The BB is an easy swap. The LT4 takes a lot more.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 14
From: Mobile Alabama
I dont know if a crate version is available yet, but it would be not much different than a LS swap - that is fairly common. You would need the big 621 bell housing, but really, putting an "old tech" 4 speed behind the new engine would be taking it backwards. It would really be better with a modern 6 speed - that is commonly done with LS swaps. The big block would be much simpler, as the LT4 swap would need additional system upgrades - fuel, electrical, ect.
Last edited by 74modified; May 3, 2015 at 09:02 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,872
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
It really doesn't look that tough- exhaust manifold wouldn't work-AC compressor needs to be moved. HOWEVER-the price will probably be north of $20k!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 596
Does anyone know if a crate LT4 engine is available? This is the 650 hp supercharged engine in the 2014 and 2015 Corvettes. Of course, another question is...can you install this in a C3? I know that the motor mounts of the LT4 are different, so right away there's a little mod to get this engine onto a C3 frame. The next question is ...will a LT4 bolt up to a standard early C3 (...213) bellhousing? It would be just fantastic if it would. Anyone have any knowledge of anyone who's doing this conversion? I'm contemplating putting a big block in my 70, if I can get LT4 HP from what is essentially a small block..this is an attractive option since it's a smaller volume engine...I know that the engine cost of a LT4 may make me take a pass on this option.
GM Performance Catalog 2015
from the catalog
"2014+ LT1
Seventeen years after the second-generation LT1,
the all-new, Gen V-based LT1 engine debuted in the
2014 Corvette Stingray, where it helped the car sprint
from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds and cover
the quarter-mile in 11.9 seconds. It’s also the first LT1
to displace more than 350 cubic inches (376 cid/6.2L).
The Gen V LT1 shares architectural similarities with
the previous LS-series Small-Block, but with virtually
no interchangeable parts. It also introduced new
technologies to the Corvette, including direct injection
and variable valve timing. A supercharged
version of the engine dubbed LT4 – and
rated at 650 hp – powers the 2015
Corvette Z06, making it the most
powerful regular-production
Chevrolet engine in history."
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 131
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From: Fort Valley Georgia
Man. Ya'll are talking mad play money. And here I am dreaming of a pathetic LS3. Wits a six speed or auto it would be well over $10 grand by the time I got it in. Because of it being a new engine and all your best bet would probably be to find a wrecked donor.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
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From: BC
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,872
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
