Prep for a run on BP meds

[Brad Johnson]

...because Bowtie fanatics are gonna lose their minds when they find out the new Corvette engine isn't "an LS".

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a38066796/2023-corvette-zo6-lt6-explainer/?fbclid=IwAR0MyfFxCyFgEwxbYf9oPySE2GgQv-9gpdgvvIQ7R0b6DYrSLdOOGAm7s_M

Helluva engineering achievement, but it's really not all that hard to get 670 HP out of 5.5L when you're spinning it to 8500 RPM. The real trick is useful power everywhere else in the RPM range. Sounds like they spent a boatload of time addressing that. Still, I bet it's gonna be a temperamental beast at anything under, oh, 3500 RPM or so. The Mustang GT350 models outfitted with the flat-plane 5.2L suffered that problem. It sang a beautiful song when properly prodded, but was known for being kinda gutless at low RPM.

LS fans are going to go absolutely apoplectic when they find out it's an OHC design a-la Ford Modular. Also interesting to note GM's use of two-stage intake runner controls. I don't know if it was the first use of the tech, but Yamaha integrated a two-stage system into the 3.0L Taurus SHO V6 back in the late 1980s. Worked well, too. I had one. At 4000 RPM it was like punching a nitrous button. You could hear and feel the change.

Brad

[sumpnz]

We’re they not able to meet emissions requirements with an LS architecture?

[Boomhauer]

The LS engine at this point is a nearly 25 year old design. It’s a very good one but not the end of the world to try something different.

[Brad Johnson]

We’re they not able to meet emissions requirements with an LS architecture?

My guess would be it's more an issue of airflow management and valve train stability at higher RPM.

Brad

[dogmush]

It's a lot easier to do independent exhaust/intake variable valve timing with DOHCs, too.