Anyone building a motor yet?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 152
Likes: 90
Anyone building a motor yet?
I know there's various nitrous and turbo builds, curious if anyone has looked at building a whole motor. Katech and others have been getting 600-700hp out of NA LT1-based builds for years.
Tuning is probably still the "long pole in the tent" but I'm curious what has been learned about block differences between the former LT variants (1,4,5) and the LT2. Motor mount locations, accessory drive, coil mountings, pans and dry sump parts, intake manifold bolt pattern, etc.
Am thinking I'd like to build a motor, and (if they're compatible) it'd be way easier to start with one of the LT-based engines that are already out in the aftermarket, than having to pull my LT2, or find an LT2 block or crate motor.
Tuning is probably still the "long pole in the tent" but I'm curious what has been learned about block differences between the former LT variants (1,4,5) and the LT2. Motor mount locations, accessory drive, coil mountings, pans and dry sump parts, intake manifold bolt pattern, etc.
Am thinking I'd like to build a motor, and (if they're compatible) it'd be way easier to start with one of the LT-based engines that are already out in the aftermarket, than having to pull my LT2, or find an LT2 block or crate motor.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,529
Likes: 1,941
From: Austin Texas
Without having seen the engine itself, we know the oil pan is shallower and the engine sits lower to the ground, and there is an additional oil pump in the head area. This would imply that the front of the engine is different maybe only in minor details but different none-the-less. Who knows about the bolt pattern in the rear.
But once you get TO the block, this will be substantially the same as the other LTs, So boring for larger steel bores will allow 427 and 438 CID sized motors. Billet crank and stronger rods will allow for higher RPMs, and a CAM to breath up there and someone will make 600+ N/A HP. All that needs to be done at that point is access to tuning of the ECU.
But once you get TO the block, this will be substantially the same as the other LTs, So boring for larger steel bores will allow 427 and 438 CID sized motors. Billet crank and stronger rods will allow for higher RPMs, and a CAM to breath up there and someone will make 600+ N/A HP. All that needs to be done at that point is access to tuning of the ECU.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,869
Likes: 23
From: Oro Valley Arizona
I am on a list for a 2021. I come from my current ‘07 Z06 and as far as I am concerned, torque is where it’s at. I may get pushed back to a 2022 and the thought of a bored and stroked DOHC Z06 gives me sweet dreams. However, just thinking about it makes my wallet throb.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10,230
Likes: 885
From: Alexandria, Virginia, USA VA
the heads on the c8 look like they have huge intake ports but are down on flow in comparison to z06 ls7 head
from the numbers I've seen around 350 cfm which is still very good, but a bit shy of the ls7
the new semi dry sump looks pretty cool and yes the engine pan is very short with a small flywheel
interested to see how good the hard core parts are
from the numbers I've seen around 350 cfm which is still very good, but a bit shy of the ls7
the new semi dry sump looks pretty cool and yes the engine pan is very short with a small flywheel
interested to see how good the hard core parts are
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 247
From: Merritt Island Florida
TQ is the killer, not HP..
NOS users got into trouble faster as it hits hard low down...
Turbo, I think 100 RWHP more is not an issue if it came from NA engine...ie on top...
So as author of thread asked, who is building the first NA 600+ package , with drivability as stock will get my money :-). LPE, Katech or ????