Corvette to get new V-8 engine
Apparently, Chevrolet Colorado is not the only vehicle that will be getting some action. Chevrolet will be doing something new with the Corvette as well. According to reports, Chevrolet will give the the Corvette a new V-8 engine.
The previous 400-hp LS2 V-8 engine will be replaced with a LS3 engine that is said to produce 430 hp in standard trim and 436 hp with optional muffler-bypass valves.
Other redesigned parts include block, crankshaft, pistons, heads, camshaft, valves and intake rocker arms. There are also some parts that will be improved to accommodate the enhanced engine. The valves, intake and exhaust ports, intake lift and fuel injector capacity will all be larger to raise peak torque from 400 lb-ft to 424 lb-ft at 4600 rpm. The optional exhaust will be kicking in another 4 lb-ft of torque.
For these upgrades to work efficiently, there will be tougher connecting rod bolts and a different machining operation at the bottom of the cylinder bores. There will also be less camshaft overlap, which will allow the LS3 to meet tighter emissions standards. More effective top-cover insulation will also be included to help curb valvetrain noise. The effort invested in the LS3 will also benefit the next new V-8 in the pipeline: the supercharged and intercooled 650-hp blunderbuss due next year for the Corvette SS. The much higher combustion pressures that are created by supercharging necessitate the use of the LS3, with its more substantial cylinder walls, rather than the Z06’s 7.0-liter LS7 as the basis of that engine. The blower on top will more than make up for the smaller displacement.