Quote:
Originally Posted by Bhobbs
I don't see why a low volume engine would necessitate a $75k Z/28. The 5.2 Voodoo is a very exotic, low volume engine and yet the GT350 starts in the mid $40s. It even has some serious modifications done to the car. If Ford can do it, I would hope GM can as well.
The only time the Camaro got a unique engine was the 67-69 Z/28. The other years were just basic packages. It seems they made a real effort to get back to the Z/28 meaning something again. It would be disappointing to have it go back. I am planning to get a 6th gen if they build something like the 1LE again or if I could afford a Z/28. I hope they build something I want.
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You are right, low volume engine doesn't have to cost a crap ton. But GM chose to take the dry sump engines and build them on a small, semi automated assembly line in a unique facility. If you can put it on the same line as the other V8s, it could be much lower cost and essentially just be the premium for the better/different parts.
I only know one thing and that is GM is going to do something in this area. We just don't know what it is yet. If we only go by what we know, the engine will be the LT4 because that is what is in the top shelf world beaters GM has already shown us. It is also very easy for GM to hide engine development. Partly because it can be hidden in dyno cells and under the hoods of non descript cars you wouldn't even notice. The purchased parts are much more limited and leaks from the supply base are less likely.
So can I imagine 2 cars with the LT4, one track focused, the other street focused? Yes, I can. And if I were in charge and didn't have the capital for a unique NA engine, that's just what I'd do. And I would do so knowing I would crush the GT350R with ease and only worry about the GT500 making Hell Cat HP.