[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by McRat

1997 debut of LS1 SBC. 305 to 350HP ratings.
2001 freshen to LS6 to 385HP
2002 freshen to LS6 to 405HP
2004...LS2 6.0L @ 400 hp (and numerous variants)
2005 freshen to LS3 at 430HP; "430+" hp as a dry-sump Corvette GS-stick engine...
2006 freshen to LS7 at 505HP
2009 freshen to LSA at 556HP
2010 freshen to LS9 at 638HP
2012 freshen LSA to 580HP
2014 unofficial bump in LS7 power, bump in torque.

The "LS" family has spawned 4.8-5.3-5.7-6.0-6.2-7.0L versions for land-based vehicles, and an entire separately-engineered family, under MerCruiser development, for water-based craft as well.

Check out Gen III, and Gen IV SBC, here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General...l-block_engine

Originally Posted by Bhobbs

I think you misunderstood my point. I am not saying GM doesn't build multiple engines. I am saying that when they build an engine, they leave it until it is retired. Outside of a few examples, that is the case. The LS3, 7, 9 and A all remain at the same output they did in their respective forms from the day they were released. Yes, the LSA got a bump moving from the CTS to Camaro...

...and so did the LS7, when re-engineered for the heavier Camaro, when it was brought over from the Vette.

The LS3 in the Camaro is rated lower than the LS3 in the Corvette. The LS1 Camaros were rated way lower than the LS1 Corvettes even though they had essentially the same engine. Exhaust systems would be the primary answer. There were other technical differences as well, often.

The LSA is nowhere near the LS9 in power output. Technical differences...compare specs. With hypereutectic pistons, a 1.9 blower, CAFE, and a 5/60 warranty, near-600hp ain't too shabby. What do the "tuners" offer for warranty with this much power in an aftermarket-blown LS3?!

BTW, what was the difference in power between an '11 GT500 and a '13? Aren't you glad you didn't buy an earlier one?!

When the GT500 came out with 662 hp, GM didn't do anything to the ZL1 to make it a little faster. They were spending their development dollars on the "LT" program, and putting an LS9 in a Camaro would not have met performance or pricing objectives (LS9 is not Automatic-compatible, the true secret to the Hellcat's hellacious times...).Did Ford catch GM with their knickers @ their knees? Yes. But, by that time, the die was cast...other programs had priority. And the atmosphere for $85K+ LS9 Camaros would have been mighty rare air...

Ask an average ZL1 owner if they feel gypped, or ripped off...the vast majority of owners bought their cars with their eyes W-I-D-E open...and they were bought in similar numbers to the GT500.

As for Ford only having 444 hp N/A as of now, I bet the GT350 matches or beats the LS7. GM has completely given up on N/A engines for higher performance trims.

Stay tuned...

Originally Posted by shaffe

They better make a great sedan if/when they Make a lincoln on the S550. I want Lincoln to survive and they desperately need something cool like that

Since there are no independent test results for the '15 Mustang published yet, stick around.

If you're impressed with the ATS's capabilities, and how they'll morph as a Camaro, I would expect the same recipe will be engineered into the Lincoln version of the S550 as well. Lincoln could do a LOT worse than target the ATS, including the upcoming ATS-V. And if/when they get around to doing something CTS-sized, you can believe the CTS will also be in their crosshairs...