Quote:
Originally Posted by thePill
Looking at the LSA, I can see a very few weak links preventing it from making LS9 power from the factory. First, the powder coated rods. Although I personally know for sure that they are good up to LS9 power, not sure if GM wants to warranty that. Second, the hyper-eutectic cast aluminum pistons. These are NOT your standard cast pistons of old, they are very durable, In fact, they actually last longer than the LS9's forged pistons over time due to the polymer coating... Even though I have confidence in these pistons to produce LS9 power, the next limitation will ultimately put them on the spot... Third, the 1.9 liter TVS, a 2.3 liter is needed, providing 10.5lbs of boost replacing the 1.9L at 9lbs. This extra 1.5lbs of boost will no doubt test the LSA's piston's and rod's. Forged aluminum pistons and steel rods could easily handle the extra boost and is very possible. I know GM has a CTS-V race car, I would look into that cars LSA and see if such a setup exist... If its on the race track, GM can build it...
But... All three of those quick fixes will bring about another MAJOR concern. The TR6060 transmission is still only rated at 560 ft lbs and I warned of this before. If the transmission was built by GM then it really would matter what the TQ rating was but the fact is that this TR6060 MG9 is a Tremec product. The next logical step would be to use the TR6060 MH3 that the LS9 uses. It is validated to 620ft lbs... By that time though, GM might as well go with the LS9...
But.... Now were talking about a $30,000 drivetrain which is about 12k over the LSA/MG9 combo. Good news is the ZL1 will shed about 30lbs from the engine, bad news is, it will gain it back in the transmission... It will however, be superior to anything GM has...
Does GM want the ZL1 so close to the ZR1? I never could have predicted that Ford would have opted for a bigger displacement along with the TVS. Ford is pushing up right beside the ZR1 because they know the Camaro will not push there. It also puts GM in a drivetrain dilemma with both the engine and transmission. There will again be weight savings from the GT500/SVT Cobra, it will be cheaper than the 5.4/6060 combo and I would bet my next 2 paychecks that this will have the suspension and 305 tires it needs to do so. In light of this announcement, it also tells me that the 2012 GT500's are already gone and offering a 2013 GT500/SVT Cobra with upgrades is a great way to sell 30k GT500 owners those upgrades via Ford Racing and make double bank... If this engine truly is the Coyote long stroke 5.8, there is very little GM can do to match it in the same price range...
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OOOOOO!!! A tech' post!!!!
As far as those rods - I think GM went with the Ti rods in LS9 for their weight, perhaps, more than because of their strength. They wanted lighter weight to get the revs' higher, and lighter rods enabled that, along with the other tricks they used to control the valvetrain. Isn't Ti more briddle than steel? That's not entirely desirable in all automotive applications, is it? I believe aluminum is desirable because they take the shock from N20 better, no (for example)?
Pistons - people seem very quick to take away any qualities of these hyper' pistons. It's like many automatically think they're the same as the "standard" LS3/L99 pistons, and they're not. In addition - the oil squirters are also going to assist those stay together more effectively. But don't both LS9 and LSA pistons have the coatings on the skirts?
SC - would it be possible that the 10.5 psi in the 2300 is necessary to produce the 80 more horse' and overcome inefficiencies in the packaging for LS9 in ZR1's body? I know they had to go to great lengths to keep the hood height low enough for visibility through the windshield which meant they really had to squish the SC and plenum down. Looking at the intercooler bricks on LS9, it's easy to see air is forced to change direction and shape to conform to the passages, IMVHO. Do you think this could have an effect on boost, since it is a reflection of restriction?
I think the CTS-V car is running an NA LS3-type engine, isn't it?... I don't know - that's why I'm asking
I like the rest of the specific points you make about the powertrain and chassis, too. The engine can make all the power in the world, but it won't matter if the chassis can't take it and use it.
I like your comments about pushing this model Mustang closer to Corvette. CAMARO doesn't have to be elevated to this level because that's what the 'Vette is for. HOWEVER - the Mustang is supposed to be a Pony Car, and CAMARO was brought to life to fight the Mustang, so should GM push to move CAMARO to that level, too? I think 'Vette can justify it's price with all of it's models, and actually over-delivers in some cases, but I don't think GM would be wise to push CAMARO that far. I do think that that might push those buyers into 'Vettes at those prices. I wouldn't say that for the prices we think ZL1 will be from what we're speculating now, but pushing the price higher would make me change my opinion.