LT4 Crate Engine?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,325
Likes: 786
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
Likes: 3,548
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."
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 131
Likes: 26
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
Likes: 421
From: BC
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,872
Likes: 3,548
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
