Speculation of LS7 being in the 2009 SS

[Maven]

I wouldnt count on the LS7 being in the 5th gen. Its crazy expensive(hand built, ti rods and valves), cant be supercharged and remain durable(ti rods and cast pistons) and is only scheduled for production until 2009. The LS3 is the new 6.2L 430hp base Vette engine(2008, comes out in just a few weeks) and this engine when supercharged(often called LS9) is what is expected to be the 600+hp Killer Vette engine. I would expect a higher output NA LS3 or a lower output supercharged LS9 to be the top Camaro engine.

[shibbychevy15]

the LS7 is a killer idea but that could also be a big killer to the wallet. how much do you think it would drive up the price. if it goes too high then why not buy a corvette if they can give you an LS7 for a Camaro price then i'm game this could have been discussed earlier but i didn't read thru this.

Cheers!!

[Mr. Wyndham]

I think an LS7 comes in at around $14,000, just as a crate engine...I could be wrong. But besides, regardless of price - if you read Scott Settlemires statement real carefully, you can pick out a very important clue..."Cool car -- but with the piece cost of the LS7 -- coupled with some incredible 'future' powerplants -- forget the LS7 in the Camaro as a production option." The LS7, along with the LS2, are dead...

If the CTS-V engine is indeed the Supercharged LS3, (aka LS9) and it's making 600+ hp, it means that it is a truly versatile engine - capable of huge power numbers....for cheaper then the LS3 (as far as I know). IMO that fases out the LS3 completely.

[Maven]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

If the CTS-V engine is indeed the Supercharged LS3, (aka LS9) and it's making 600+ hp, it means that it is a truly versatile engine - capable of huge power numbers....for cheaper then the LS3 (as far as I know). IMO that fases out the LS3 completely.

A: The LS9 wont/cant be cheaper than the LS3 because an LS9 starts life as an LS3 and then gets supercharged, a supercharged version of any engine is never cheaper than the engine it is based upon.

B: The LS3 isnt phased out because its brand new, it debuts in the 2008 Vette in a few weeks and I would be incredibly shocked and completely baffled if it wasnt available in the Camaro.

[Mr. Wyndham]

I definitley feel like an Idiot.........

This is what I meant to say - I have no idea why it came out the way it did....

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

I think an LS7 comes in at around $14,000, just as a crate engine...I could be wrong. But besides, regardless of price - if you read Scott Settlemires statement real carefully, you can pick out a very important clue..."Cool car -- but with the piece cost of the LS7 -- coupled with some incredible 'future' powerplants -- forget the LS7 in the Camaro as a production option." The LS7, along with the LS2, are dead...

Sorry :o
Thanks for bringing that to my attention Maven.....fool I am...

[Mr. Wyndham]

I know that there has been talk of not being able to supercharge an LS7, but vortech decided to do it anyway...

http://www.vortechsuperchargers.com/...&section=Media

6.5 lbs. of boost, and 630 hp at the flywheel, 57X (570-something) at the rear wheels...(wow)

[LSxcellent]

Vortec can supercharge anything because they use a centrifugal (sp?) style supercharger that just adds power on the top end, but it does little-to-nothing on the bottom end.

Has anyone else thought that the 430hp of the LS3 is ONLY 70horses shy of the LS7? Doesn't it seem like its a pretty short leap from 430 to 500? I bet we could easily 450hp by the time the camaro comes out... and that is pretty darn close.

Although I would LOVE a 427 Camaro, I think we can bet on an LS3 powered Camaro with 450hp out of the gate.

Now, about that supercharged LS3... THAT's the motor to have. Why? Let me tell ya:

-Probably forged pistons (to handle the boost pressures)
-Forged connecting rods (more beef)
-Forge & Nitrided crankshaft (stronger and longer lasting)
-Improved cooling
-Bigger valves
-Reinforced engine block (skirt & main bearing support should be beefier)
-Beffier Trans (probably same improvements as are seen in the 2008 'vette)
-Stronger rear diff?
-Limited Slip Diff for sure...

This is all speculation, but its based on best-practice, and historical reference... feel free to add in any improvements you might expect between these two engines as well!

Either way, I'm not sure if I'm qualified to own it, but if the LS7 comes out in 5th Gen my money's down. Otherwise its an LS9 Camaro SS for me!

~LSx

[TFord]

LSx I agree with you 100% on that one. I even read that supercharged LS3(LS9) was built to withstand to handle boost pressures, even said something about reenforced cylinder wall...tell you what Im stacking my pennies for that LS9.

[TAG UR IT]

But you all know what that means, right??? After reading all the additions, all I see being added (besides the goodies) is $$$$$$$$$$. I guess that's expected for "super, crazy fast", though.

[JeepinMatt]

The LS3 incorporates a few LS7 derived bits and pieces. Personally, I would prefer an N/A car, so I'd skip the supercharged version and stroke it out. I'm surprised that no one's mentioned a stroker at all, given the fact that the 383 has been so widely used

[LSxcellent]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

But you all know what that means, right??? After reading all the additions, all I see being added (besides the goodies) is $$$$$$$$$$. I guess that's expected for "super, crazy fast", though.

This is true, but it would be FAR cheaper to buy all this stuff from the factory up front, rather than trying to add it later... yes I know some will debate the fact that the aftermarket could be cheaper, but when you factor in time/warrantee/quality etc. It's still far cheaper.

~LSx

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by LSxcellent

This is true, but it would be FAR cheaper to buy all this stuff from the factory up front, rather than trying to add it later... yes I know some will debate the fact that the aftermarket could be cheaper, but when you factor in time/warrantee/quality etc. It's still far cheaper.

~LSx

Oh, I completely agree! It would be cheaper to get it all from the factory and have it done RIGHT. I could see it costing more having an aftermarket company rebuild the engine (parts and labor). I would prefer to buy it already built from the factory 100%. I just wonder how much more GM would charge for the beefier engine and other upgraded parts.

[Mr. Wyndham]

I thought that part of the reason the LS3 was so much better than the LS2 was that is was already "beefier" (stronger, whatever you want ot call it).

[Jak]

Hey all. I found this while trying to find more info on our car. I don't know how accurate they are and if this isn't allowed, go ahead a delete this post. The site is at http://5thgen.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1100 According to them the LS7 is a big No.