L88 Engine Code May Be Coming Back
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 25
From: Simi Valley Ca
Heat soak should not be an issue if they put that intercooler under the vent on the hood. That is fed directly by the grill area on the front facia. Then again, it could be an issue in the Phoenix summer heat but the Gila monsters will love it!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,264
Likes: 142
From: Short Hills, NJ
I'd guess the L88-LT4 at about 6.0L & super-charged, making about 600HP, and NO cylinder-deactivation. Very doubtful we'll ever see a 7.0L 427 again - the 'L88' likely will be used to represent performance but without the size of the 60s motors...
IMO, I'm saying I expect the next Z will be SC - no more big n-a power...
IMO, I'm saying I expect the next Z will be SC - no more big n-a power...
I'm thinking that model might be known as the ZR1 and that there might not even be a Z06 anymore, but I agree otherwise. 
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 906
From: salem OR
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,226
Likes: 2
From: Lake Wylie SC
I cannot ever imagine the designation L 88 used for anything other than a 427 motor. In my opinion it would make a good designation for a new 427 motor for the ZO6 that would be naturally aspirated and would get rid of the LS7 designation that is associated with blown motors.
Interesting history about the L 88 motor is the first version that came out in 66 had a rather mild camshaft in comparison to the second-generation L 88 motor with open chamber heads paired with a much more radical camshaft that had mega duration.
As pump gasoline was seriously degraded in the early 70s, one of the common solutions that worked very well for owners of early L88 motors with 12.5 compression & closed chamber heads was to leave the high dome 12.5 pistons in place but add the much more efficient (added 30 hp) open chamber heads that brought the static compression down to a pump gas friendly 10.5 for a win-win situation.
The second-generation radical camshaft and open chamber heads were used in the ZL1 motor
I would really like to see a new ZO6 with a L88 designated 427 motor. After having several "old" BB motors a new one would be nice.
Interesting history about the L 88 motor is the first version that came out in 66 had a rather mild camshaft in comparison to the second-generation L 88 motor with open chamber heads paired with a much more radical camshaft that had mega duration.
As pump gasoline was seriously degraded in the early 70s, one of the common solutions that worked very well for owners of early L88 motors with 12.5 compression & closed chamber heads was to leave the high dome 12.5 pistons in place but add the much more efficient (added 30 hp) open chamber heads that brought the static compression down to a pump gas friendly 10.5 for a win-win situation.
The second-generation radical camshaft and open chamber heads were used in the ZL1 motor
I would really like to see a new ZO6 with a L88 designated 427 motor. After having several "old" BB motors a new one would be nice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 7
From: CA
I cannot ever imagine the designation L 88 used for anything other than a 427 motor. In my opinion it would make a good designation for a new 427 motor for the ZO6 that would be naturally aspirated and would get rid of the LS7 designation that is associated with blown motors.
Interesting history about the L 88 motor is the first version that came out in 66 had a rather mild camshaft in comparison to the second-generation L 88 motor with open chamber heads paired with a much more radical camshaft that had mega duration.
As pump gasoline was seriously degraded in the early 70s, one of the common solutions that worked very well for owners of early L88 motors with 12.5 compression & closed chamber heads was to leave the high dome 12.5 pistons in place but add the much more efficient (added 30 hp) open chamber heads that brought the static compression down to a pump gas friendly 10.5 for a win-win situation.
The second-generation radical camshaft and open chamber heads were used in the ZL1 motor
I would really like to see a new ZO6 with a L88 designated 427 motor. After having several "old" BB motors a new one would be nice.
Interesting history about the L 88 motor is the first version that came out in 66 had a rather mild camshaft in comparison to the second-generation L 88 motor with open chamber heads paired with a much more radical camshaft that had mega duration.
As pump gasoline was seriously degraded in the early 70s, one of the common solutions that worked very well for owners of early L88 motors with 12.5 compression & closed chamber heads was to leave the high dome 12.5 pistons in place but add the much more efficient (added 30 hp) open chamber heads that brought the static compression down to a pump gas friendly 10.5 for a win-win situation.
The second-generation radical camshaft and open chamber heads were used in the ZL1 motor
I would really like to see a new ZO6 with a L88 designated 427 motor. After having several "old" BB motors a new one would be nice.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,226
Likes: 2
From: Lake Wylie SC
I tried to get a open chamber alum head LS7 454 cu.in. 465HP in a black chevelle in 1970 shortly after the motor was announced. The dealership and salesman who was old friend tried real hard but GM denied the order.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 7
From: CA
this would have been the 454 version of the l88 but gm axed it .
Zora Arkus Duntov wanted it however .
Ls7 was often called the engine that never was .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,226
Likes: 2
From: Lake Wylie SC
Hard to duplicate the power of a real BB within the limitations of todays SB. It is nothing to make 500 cu in out of an old factory 4 bolt main block making 650 and north NA HP.
LSX does pretty good IMO but nothing compared to the easy 800 plus NA HP available from aftermarket 540-572 inch motors. Last 540 I had put 700# torque down by 3200 and is claimed (by current owner) to be the fastest C2 in Europe.
Not so sure about that myself, bragging is easy but IMO pretty hard to have the "fastest" anything these days
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Hopefully GM will keep true to tradition and the L88 will be a real beast right from the factory.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,467
Likes: 8
From: 972 and 405
The original L88 could only be driven with leaded fuel and produced over 500hp... in the 60s! Man I would love to see a modern ALL BUSINESS race engine like this. Very doubtly it would be that serious though as it would be used for regular production street cars.
-Alex
-Alex
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,756
Likes: 173
From: Ventura CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,756
Likes: 173
From: Ventura CA
The original L88 could only be driven with leaded fuel and produced over 500hp... in the 60s! Man I would love to see a modern ALL BUSINESS race engine like this. Very doubtly it would be that serious though as it would be used for regular production street cars.
-Alex
-Alex