Z/28, will it have a forged rotating assembly?

[garagelogic]

Obviously, GM can deliver just about any configuration it desires if it does produce a Z28, but the big question is, how much will it cost them to deliver what people are asking for and where will the MSRP be at if they do?

[radz28]

Originally Posted by garagelogic

Obviously, GM can deliver just about any configuration is desires if it does produce a Z28, but the big question is, how much will it cost them to deliver what people are asking for and where will the MSRP be at if they do?

After reading some more details on the '11 GT500 (in addition to what you already reported) I think they have some work cut-out for themselves; the biggest obsticle, IMHO, being price. Like you said, GM has the arsenal, but they can't very well price Z28 into 'Vette territory and expect a huge return, if much at all, IMO. It seems like there are a lot more people out there who would rather spend that money on a 'Vette than Camaro; I'm not one of those, but that's stretching my budget to the very end if that becomes the case...

[boxmonkeyracing]

Originally Posted by radz282003

After reading some more details on the '11 GT500 (in addition to what you already reported) I think they have some work cut-out for themselves; the biggest obsticle, IMHO, being price. Like you said, GM has the arsenal, but they can't very well price Z28 into 'Vette territory and expect a huge return, if much at all, IMO. It seems like there are a lot more people out there who would rather spend that money on a 'Vette than Camaro; I'm not one of those, but that's stretching my budget to the very end if that becomes the case...

to be honest my Z brothers. I have recently looked up used Z06's. And I have found a C6 Z06 on auto trader for under 44k. man is it a hard choice.

[radz28]

A Z'OH would be the ONLY other car I'd consider, except a CTS-V, perhaps...

[Speed74SS]

I am still all for the Z28 coming out. I really wanted to wait it out for the Z28 when the Camaro first came out but the car looked so damn good and I couldn't help but put a new Camaro in the garage. Now I have the LPE570 package and I am happy with it for now. If you look at the cost of the LPE650 package and what it entails for forged components, it is pretty good. This on top of a 2SS/RS is about $55k, although I still think a Z28 should be closer to 49K.

LPE 650hp
- Engine removal, disassembly and inspection
- Lingenfelter CNC porting of LS3 cylinder heads
- Lingenfelter multi-angle valve job, cc cylinder chambers
- OE 2.165" hollow stem intake / 1.59" heavy duty Inconnel exhaust valves
- Surfacing for correct compression, Competition Cams valve springs
- Mahle forged coated aluminum pistons and tool steel pins
- Manley 4340 forged billet steel “I” beam connecting rods
- Computer balanced LS3 crankshaft & rotating assembly
- Total seal file fit rings
- Clevite Heavy duty rod & main bearings
- Head gaskets, head bolts
- GM LS9 ZR1 supercharger camshaft
- TVS2300 intercooled supercharger system
- Black powder coated finish
- Based on OEM Eaton supercharger unit
- Fuel system upgrades and properly sized fuel injectors
- 160 Degree thermostat
- Ported & polished LS3 throttle body
- Lingenfelter High Flow Air Intake
- Professional engine installation, testing & tuning
- Chassis dyno report before & after installation
- Excellent drivability, highway mileage not adversely affected
- Lingenfelter 3 year/ 36,000 mile warranty
- Lingenfelter certificate of authenticity
Package price – $19,875.00

If GM could somehow do this with the Z28 engine or add some forged parts to the LSA for less than the cost of the LS9, it would be a winner. I have never really cared about forged parts myself but I can see the value in it for longevity purposes.

[El-Diablo]

Originally Posted by radz282003

How big a market is that really? I know I'm one of those interested, but I really doubt I'd go much past 700 FWHP, if that much at all. I don't think because I'm not as ambitious as others that the car should be watered down, but enthusiasts don't usually sell cars; it's the public. If you give the public the car they want first, I think the enthusiast has a better opportunity to get his/hers. Don't get me wrong - I'd love an engine that would support what Cobras have/do, but the percentage of those that would take advantage of that safety factor is probably relatively small, in the big picture. If they can do it for the right price, I'm all for it

I read over this thread and I did not mean to sound like an ass, I was intending to have fun and make a point. Oddly enough though a very simple thread asking "will it..." has turned into 3 pages of people making excuses for why the potential holy grail of Camaro's doesn't need to have a forged rotating assembly. While the glaring point stands that it's biggest competitor, the GT500, will. Maybe someone at GM will read this and think "hey this guy has a good point" and the Z will come ready to handle 900 horsepower. Wishful thinking on my part. I'm no Ford loyalist. I'm a possible future Z28 buyer hoping it comes the way I want it.

Back to your question radz. The market is big enough that companies like Kenne Bell and Whipple have made a great business from designing for and catering to the 03/04 Cobra and GT500 crowd, Hellion even designed and produces a bolt on 1000 wheel horse power turbo kit for both as well. (and they say it's ok for the stock engine with a safe tune) The stock Easton superchargers on these cars can support you well into the 500 wheel horsepower range, so nobody really buys an aftermarket supercharger for these cars unless they want a minimum of close to 600 at the wheels. And they certainly do buy them.

[radz28]

Originally Posted by El-Diablo

I read over this thread and I did not mean to sound like an ass, I was intending to have fun and make a point. Oddly enough though a very simple thread asking "will it..." has turned into 3 pages of people making excuses for why the potential holy grail of Camaro's doesn't need to have a forged rotating assembly. While the glaring point stands that it's biggest competitor, the GT500, will. Maybe someone at GM will read this and think "hey this guy has a good point" and the Z will come ready to handle 900 horsepower. Wishful thinking on my part. I'm no Ford loyalist. I'm a possible future Z28 buyer hoping it comes the way I want it.

Back to your question radz. The market is big enough that companies like Kenne Bell and Whipple have made a great business from designing for and catering to the 03/04 Cobra and GT500 crowd, Hellion even designed and produces a bolt on 1000 wheel horse power turbo kit for both as well. (and they say it's ok for the stock engine with a safe tune) The stock Easton superchargers on these cars can support you well into the 500 wheel horsepower range, so nobody really buys an aftermarket supercharger for these cars unless they want a minimum of close to 600 at the wheels. And they certainly do buy them.

If I came off sounding like I thought you were being an a$$, that's my bad, and I'm sorry for misinterperating your stance For me, I wish Z28 WOULD have a forged shortblock, but I'm more concerned about cost and whether-or-not the market would support a car, with, say an LS9 in it. I can only guess what a Z28 so-equipped would cost, but I can't see it being competitive with GT500, but I have nothing but speculation to base that off of. To your point about GM listening: that's why I feel compelled to comment every chance I have, in the hopes that it will add support to show how many people support Z28 and convence them there is a market. I feel like if they see people are interested, they'll try to make a case to build it.

You know - I don't really have a firm grasp on how big the market is for GT500s and such. I know more about their potential and prowess than what all is out there for them and just how many there are out on the roads. It's just been my thought that, in general, in that price range, there are so many good cars out there. I do know that I hope Z28 can have the aftermarket support and customer base that rivals you 'Stang guys I'm with you, though, on hoping Z28 comes back the way you want it.

[GotMeSOM]

I'm sure the pistons will be the same as the CTS-V which are high silicone/hypereutectic. They went with this probably to keep the noise down for Cadillac drivers. I believe the rods in that motor are shot peened and not forged, that's strong enough and yes will probably support 700 hp as some suggested. That's a cheaper way to ensure the bottom end is stronger for the 556 or so hp it is designed for.

700 hp in a 3800+ lb car is not a lot. (to me at least) that'll only take a pulley change, and your standard intake/exhaust mods and maybe one size up in injector w/ simple tuning.

If they do a Supercharged version of the Z, it definitely won't be price competitive for the likes of me and you. Unless you are making some serious bank.