Raw power wasn’t the LS7’s only parlor trick, however. It was also extremely light due to its aluminum block and cylinder heads, plus some exotic titanium connecting rods that helped it accelerate to a furious 7,000 rpm redline. To keep this engineering marvel well lubricated, a large 8-quart dry sump oil system was installed. Normally the domain of exotics and race cars, a dry sump prevents oil starvation during aggressive acceleration, cornering and braking.
In addition to the 2006-2013 Z06 Corvettes, the LS7 also found its way under the hood of some 5th-gen Z/28 Camaros in 2014 and 2015. It was available for purchase as a crate engine ( literally, an engine entirely mounted in a wooden frame). crate), too, so hot rodders could fit modern performance to their classic rides, albeit at a hefty $14,837 price tag.
In 2020, Chevrolet surprised the performance community with an updated version of the LS7, available only as a crate engine, called the LS427/570 (above). The LS427/570 ditched the LS7’s racing-inspired dry sump oil system in favor of a traditional oil pan, but got a more aggressive camshaft that boosted power to, yes, the 570 .Torque output also jumped to 470 lb-ft. . Best of all, the LS427/570 was significantly less expensive than the LS7 at $12,700. Unfortunately, both engines were discontinued in 2022. If it’s any consolation, there have been rumors that the current Z06 Corvette’s current 670-horsepower LT6 could soon be offered in crate form.
