2014 LS7 engine option
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 279
Likes: 133
2014 LS7 engine option
Wasn't quite sure where to post this but since this refers to the future of a corvette icon I thought this thread might be appropriate.
In the words of Mark Twain " The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated. " It appears GM is planning to continue manufacturing the LS7.
http://www.camaro5.com/breaking-2014-camaro-listed-with-ls7-engine-option
In the words of Mark Twain " The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated. " It appears GM is planning to continue manufacturing the LS7.
http://www.camaro5.com/breaking-2014-camaro-listed-with-ls7-engine-option
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,083
Likes: 190
From: IL / FL .
Interesting. Assuming option code "LS7" on a 2014 Camaro is the same engine as code "LS7" on a 2013 Corvette, this would be good news for the PBC in Wixom. I've been been wondering what they'd be building during the lul before the next Z-something Corvette goes into production. A few months ago one of the guys there posted that something interesting was in the works.
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Last edited by ZL-1; Dec 21, 2012 at 10:15 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 8,099
Likes: 398
From: Oakland, CA
I bet the ATS-V engine will be built there. If they screw up and don't just make it an LT1, that is.
It makes a lot of sense for GM to offer a special edition Camaro with the LS7. It's a fine swan song for both the Fifth-Gen and the LS7, and it's hardly a big engineering job. Drop it into the ZL1 chassis, tune the suspension a skosh for the lighter nose, then hand it over to Styling for a new tie and pocket square.
It'll pimp-slap the Boss 302. Camaro 1LE buyers might kick themselves for not waiting a little longer, though.
It makes a lot of sense for GM to offer a special edition Camaro with the LS7. It's a fine swan song for both the Fifth-Gen and the LS7, and it's hardly a big engineering job. Drop it into the ZL1 chassis, tune the suspension a skosh for the lighter nose, then hand it over to Styling for a new tie and pocket square.
It'll pimp-slap the Boss 302. Camaro 1LE buyers might kick themselves for not waiting a little longer, though.
Last edited by Jinx; Dec 21, 2012 at 11:38 AM. Reason: 1LE
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 8,099
Likes: 398
From: Oakland, CA
But this is madness. How can GM expect the 2014 Corvette to sell with a measly 450hp when you can get a Camaro for probably thousands less with over 500hp? They're undercutting their own product. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 838
Likes: 81
From: Yorba Linda CA
All they need to do is drop 1000# off the fatso Camaro, lower the center of gravity a half a foot and it would become an interesting option.
Great option for the final year of the Camaro model imho.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,191
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From: Tucson Arizona
Unless you are buying the car for the track what practical difference would 450 HP or 500 HP make to the average vette owner that only drives it on the street.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
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St. Jude Donor '14
I think they are making a limited run of "Z28"'s.. add the 1LE package and an LS7...and there you have a Z28. With the corvette switching to the LT's I think they may just be trying to unload some LS7's before the 6th Gen Camaro hits and they have found an excellent way to do so. That keeps the ZL1 forklore as the top dog camaro...brings back the Z28 for the fans and leaves the SS and 1LE for the others.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,226
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From: Lake Wylie SC
Even though this thread belongs down in the other car section........
The only way I can see the general making a 427 from existing parts would be to use the LS 7 block but match it to an LS 3 top end, and in doing so could circumvent the LS 7's all too frequent dropped valve syndrome.
Lingenfelter does this combination with a hydraulic roller, forged pistons, and wet sump setup that yields 570 reliable horsepower.
I am an old school 427 BB fan but there is no way I would have a motor in any car that I would have to worry about every time I took it out
The only way I can see the general making a 427 from existing parts would be to use the LS 7 block but match it to an LS 3 top end, and in doing so could circumvent the LS 7's all too frequent dropped valve syndrome.
Lingenfelter does this combination with a hydraulic roller, forged pistons, and wet sump setup that yields 570 reliable horsepower.
I am an old school 427 BB fan but there is no way I would have a motor in any car that I would have to worry about every time I took it out
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
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From: Springfield MO
1967 Camero had a 375 HP L78(exact same L78 that was rated at 425HP when in the 1965 Corvette) optional engine, with a curb weight of 3375#.
The camero was the faster of the two.
Both the Corvette and the Camero survived to see 1968.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: San Diego CA
1967 Corvette had 300 HP(base) with a curb weight of 3155#.
1967 Camero had a 375 HP L78(exact same L78 that was rated at 425HP when in the 1965 Corvette) optional engine, with a curb weight of 3375#.
The camero was the faster of the two.
Both the Corvette and the Camero survived to see 1968.
1967 Camero had a 375 HP L78(exact same L78 that was rated at 425HP when in the 1965 Corvette) optional engine, with a curb weight of 3375#.
The camero was the faster of the two.
Both the Corvette and the Camero survived to see 1968.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 311
From: Bristol, VT
I think this is a good idea to keep interest in the 5th Gen Camaro as rumors of the 6th Gen based on Alpha and the announcement of it being built in the USA have started a lot of buzz regarding 6th gen, and they definitely have a few more years of gen 5 to sell.
Glad to see Camaro get a higher end V8 in between the LS3 and LSA.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: Coatesville PA
By the numbers, just food for thought.
1LE Camaro: $37,9xx 426hp 3860lbs 9.06lbs/hp
ZL1 Camaro: $54,995 580hp 4120lbs 7.10lbs/hp
Lets jus say ls7 camaro gets 1LE package but zl1 size wheels, and enough drivetrain parts to handle it.
Ls7 Camaro: $XX,XXX 505hp 3890lbs(+30 over the 1LE) 7.70lbs/hp.
That would sorta fall in between the two performance wise, and keep the weight distribution of the 1LE no less. Problem is, I dunno how much cheaper the ls7 is vs lsa or vice versa for GM. On the other hand, you get more then just an engine with the ZL1, so an ls7 camaro could indeed split the difference in price between a 1LE and ZL1.
I dunno. I'm doubtful, but I guess there's a chance they might build a one year z28. I always thought the 1LE name was a fairly obscure choice vs z28.
1LE Camaro: $37,9xx 426hp 3860lbs 9.06lbs/hp
ZL1 Camaro: $54,995 580hp 4120lbs 7.10lbs/hp
Lets jus say ls7 camaro gets 1LE package but zl1 size wheels, and enough drivetrain parts to handle it.
Ls7 Camaro: $XX,XXX 505hp 3890lbs(+30 over the 1LE) 7.70lbs/hp.
That would sorta fall in between the two performance wise, and keep the weight distribution of the 1LE no less. Problem is, I dunno how much cheaper the ls7 is vs lsa or vice versa for GM. On the other hand, you get more then just an engine with the ZL1, so an ls7 camaro could indeed split the difference in price between a 1LE and ZL1.
I dunno. I'm doubtful, but I guess there's a chance they might build a one year z28. I always thought the 1LE name was a fairly obscure choice vs z28.