When Chevrolet Performance announced the launch of the GEN-V LT1 during SEMA 2014, we were excited! Adding to the already impressive line of GM crate engines, the LT1 is now available to bring enthusiasts the latest technology in the form of a traditional small-block V8.
Since its unveiling, its been largely regarded by some as nothing more than an updated LS-series engine with direct injection. That couldn’t be further from the truth. It is in fact, a clean sheet design – from the block and bottom end, to the camshaft, intake manifold, cylinder heads, all of the various electronics – you name it, it’s all brand new. Nothing will even interchange from the LS-series of yore. This truly is the next chapter in the Chevrolet small-block.
Chevrolet Performance just released a new video highlighting the engine, its features and most importantly, its historic roots and why this latest engine from General Motors is so important. Russ O’Blenes, Senior Manager of Performance and Racing Engines for Chevrolet, tells us about all of these things – even citing Ed Cole and Zora Duntov as the original forefathers of the small-block design.
The LT1 benefits from new technology such as variable valve timing and active fuel management, that we have already seen in GEN-IVs like the L99 and L76, but it also adds direct injection, a variable displacement oil pump and oil-spray piston cooling. This not only helps create a more efficient powerplant, but an overall improvement in performance as well.
If this opening-act LT1 is the good, and the supercharged LT4 of the CTS-V and Z06 is as amazing as it is – what else could GM have in store with this platform? Could we see a twin-turbo variant with 800-plus horsepower in near the future? Only time will tell.
Specs:
- HP/TQ: 460 hp at 6000 rpm/ 465 at 4400 rpm
- Part Number: 19328728 or 19329997
- Displacement: 376ci/6.2L
- Bore x Stroke: 4.065 x 3.622 (103.25 x 92mm)
- Block (PN 12619171): Cast aluminum with 6-bolt nodular iron main bearing caps
- Crankshaft: Forged steel
- Connecting Rods: Forged powder metal
- Pistons (PN 12619171): Eutectic
- Camshaft Type (PN 12619171): Billet steel roller
- Camshaft Lift: 200-degrees intake/ 212-degrees exhaust
- Valve Lift: .561 intake/ .531 exhaust
- Camshaft Duration (@ .050): 200-degrees intake/ 212-degrees exhaust
- Cylinder Heads (PN 12620544): Aluminum; rectangular-port DI
- Valve Size (inches): 2.13 intake/1.59 exhaust
- Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
- Rocker Arms (PN 12619829, intake): Investment-cast, roller trunion
- Rocker Arms (PN 12619829, exhaust): Investment-cast, roller trunion
- Recommended Fuel: Premium
- Maximum Recommended rpm: 6600
- Reluctor Wheel: 58X
- Balancing: Internal
- Street Price: $11,000
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
