Chevy to Build Corvette ZR1’s LS9 Engine Live at SEMA

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Chevy to Build Corvette ZR1's LS9 Engine Live at SEMA

This summer Chevrolet unveiled a new program for Corvette buyers called the Corvette Engine Build Experience. For a cool $5,800, the program allows a Corvette buyer to assemble the LS7 or LS9 engine that will be installed in his Corvette Z06 or ZR1. To help promote the program, Chevy will be taking the Performance Build Center on the road to SEMA where one of GM’s skilled engine builders will assemble the Corvette ZR1’s 638 horsepower engine live from the floor of this year’s SEMA show.

The supercharged LS9 will slowly come to life at booth #23743 within the Chevrolet display over the course of the show which runs November 2-5, 2010.

We followed syndicated radio talk show host Todd Schnitt’s experience with building the LS9 engine that was installed in his 2011 Corvette ZR1. Describing his experience as “over the top”, Schnitt has since taken delivery of the Cyber Gray Corvette.

Here is the official press release announcing the SEMA LS9 Engine Build


Corvette Engine Build Booth Coming to SEMA

Chevrolet exhibit will include “build your own” Corvette engine demonstration

DETROIT – Skilled engine builders from General Motors’ Performance Build Center (PBC) will slowly assemble the LS9 6.2L supercharged engine that powers the Corvette ZR1 on the floor of this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Booth #23743 within the Chevrolet display will be the place for SEMA attendees to watch and ask questions as the engine comes together during SEMA’s Nov. 2-5 run.

The skilled engine builders will be demonstrating the Corvette Engine Build Experience, an industry-exclusive program open to Corvette buyers. The program allows customers who order a 2011 Corvette Z06 or ZR1 to pay an additional $5,800 to assemble their car’s LS7 or LS9 engines at the PBC.

When a customer selects the PBC option for a 2011 Corvette Z06 or ZR1 and the dealer submits the order to Chevrolet, a special concierge contacts the customer to verify participation and help coordinate arrangements. While travel arrangements to and from Detroit are the customer’s responsibility, the Chevrolet concierge helps schedule the engine build; coordinates the customer’s activities at the Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan; assists with booking local lodging and meals, and arranges local transportation.

Recently, Todd Schnitt, host of a Tampa-based syndicated radio show, built the LS9 that powers the ZR1 for which he recently took delivery. He described his experience as “over the top.”

Skilled builders at the PBC individually hand-build each Corvette Z06 LS7 7.0L engine, Corvette ZR1 6.2L supercharged LS9 engine and a variation of the Corvette Grand Sport’s LS3 6.2L engine. The PBC incorporates the best practices of low-volume niche manufacturers and the established quality and manufacturing standards at GM to ensure the highest-quality specialized engines. Engines built as part of the Corvette Engine Build Experience program are covered by GM’s five-year / 100,000 mile warranty.

The LS9 engine produces 638 SAE certified horsepower and propels the Corvette ZR1 from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. It is built with titanium connecting rods, forged pistons, a dry sump oiling system and four-lobe 2.3L supercharger.


Source:
General Motors

Related:
[VIDEO] Corvette Engineer Discusses the ZR1’s Exposed Carbon Fiber
[VIDEO] Radio Host Assembles His Own LS9 Corvette Engine
GM To Allow Owners To Build Their Own Corvette Engine

 



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