Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Wyndham
I think it was more than just that...
Think about it, the engine which was the topic of that discussion where emissions came up was needed for the Z06. Frankly, as important as we think the Z/28 is, they weren't going to build an engine just for it.
That said, they had a benchmark for performance on that Z06, which was the outgoing ZR1. They'd need an engine capable of propelling such a car.
I think the necessary hp figure was far north of 500hp.
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I'm thinking that it would have had to be 600 minimum. Figure a NA Z06 would still weigh about the same as the ZR1, maybe be a tad heavier. So it would have needed roughly the same hp to get similar straight line performance. Sure, tweaking the tires and suspension geometry and gearing and weight distribution all play a role ... but the fundamentals still come down to plain old power to weight.
Thats partially where I was coming from with having an 'LT7' engine in the mid 500 hp range for the Z/28. I'm sure that there was work done at GM powertrain to try and make such an engine exceed 600 hp for the C7 Z06, but it just wasn't feasible to produce in a cost effective manner while meeting emissions. However, if you move that target 10% closer it would get an awful lot easier. And since its scaling back a project that was shelved, it becomes cheaper on the R&D side than doing a 100% clean sheet design.