[LOWDOWN]

It also seems readily apparent the Team is interested in spreading the development co$t$ of MRC 3.0 by applying that technology to other (possible) Models. Witness 1LE's use of it. So, seeing a "Pedderized FE4" (one of the original premises of this longstanding thread) seems "remote".

MRC is no doubt a fantastic set-up, as witnessed by the 'Ring times of the ZL1. Regardless of the "specifics" of how that particular "mule" was "equipped". With less weight to carry as a 1LE (or, dare we say, Z/28?), the net results would "improve" (power aside). And, as Chev has shown with the ZR1 vs. Z06/Z07 at the 'Ring, less weight and the extra "boil" provided by a certain engine upgrade could make for a very "entertaining", BOSS-bashing Camaro...

I personally still see a valid place for the LS7, particularly IF a "hot LS3" is NOT in the cards. A "rev-able" 500hp, still pushing 200+ extra pounds vs. the BOSS LS, should create something the Ford folks will lose sleep over... Having said that, the drop in power from a 580/556 ZL1 @ 4130 (Base) to a 435hp (exhaust-tune)/430tq (same) @ 3850 (1SS) is a large drop (some would say "cliff"). 7.12 lb/hp vs. 8.85 (1LE) vs. 8.18 for the BOSS boys. With a 3850 lb. LS7? 7.62! Even with 100 lb added for HD Driveline, you still have power-to-weight of 7.82...and IRS and MRC 3.0...

1LE/LS3 > Base BOSS in performance, and = in price

1LE/LS7 > BOSS LS in performance, and >/= in price...and = Z/28

Built from 1SS genes, a 1LE or Z/28 can achieve those goals...and sell in numbers well worth the efforts.

Which then leaves the ZL1 as the "ultimate halo", a position GM seeks...and GT500 fears...