[VIDEO] This is What a C6 Corvette Z06 Sounds Like with a Flat-Plane Crank

By
Keith Cornett
-
9
9371

[VIDEO] This is What a C6 Corvette Z06 Sounds Like with a Flat-Plane Crank


Over on eBay is a C6 Corvette Z06 whose LS engine was modified to have a flat-plane crank layout. As there are all kinds of rumors about the next generation C8 Corvette that may or may not have a similar setup, I wanted to check this out further!

Traditionally, GM’s small-block engines have utilized a cross-plane crank configuration where the crankshaft rotates 90 degrees between cylinder fires. This keeps the engine running smoothly as there is a constant rotation of the crank because the cylinder is firing during every 90-degree rotation. One of the benefits of V8s with a cross-plane crank is they can provide a large amount of torque beginning at lower RPMs.

A flat-plane crank can be found in many European exotics like Ferrari although Ford used the design in its Mustang Shelby GT350. Flat-plane cranks are designed to rotate 180 degrees between cylinder fires and consequently, they make their torque at higher RPMs. The redline is higher with flat-plane cranks with some going to 9,000 RPMs or higher. The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 has a redline of 8200 RPMs compared with 7000 RPMs on the standard Mustang GT.

[VIDEO] This is What a C6 Corvette Z06 Sounds Like with a Flat-Plane Crank

Obviously, there’s more to it than that, but I hope that’ll serve as a quick overview. One of the side-effects of a flat-plane crank is the sound they make when revving at high RPMs and that’s another reason why a Ferrari sounds so good at speed.

So now to jump back to our regularly-scheduled post. Here is a black Corvette Z06 that was fitted with a flat-plane crank and it can rev up to 8250 RPMs. The Z06 was set up to be a track car with LG coil-overs and StopTech brakes. The custom built engine provides 560 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque.

But it’s the sound that we want you to hear. The seller made a video of the Z06 coming and going on a deserted stretch of road and it provides a great soundtrack as to what a Corvette might sound like with a flat-plane crank. We get to hear the car revving and doing some drive-bys at higher-rpms:


We’ve heard from a few that perhaps the Corvette team should go with a flat-plane crank for the C8 Corvette for the higher redline, and one of the interesting patents that GM received recently was a two-stage turbo that would offer more torque at lower RPMs. So perhaps, but I’m not sold on that idea at all.

While I like a good sounding Ferrari as much as the next guy, I think I prefer the big sound that Corvette V8s are known for. What are your thoughts on a flat-plane crank for the Corvette? Let us know in the comments below.


Source:
eBay via RoadandTrack.com
Carbuzz.com

Related:
Two Stage Turbocharger and Front Bumper Cover Design Could Be Headed for Mid-Engine C8 Corvette
[VIDEO] Ferrari 458 Encounters a 2015 C7 Corvette Z06 on the Street!
[VIDEO] Motor Trend’s Epic Comparison of the Corvette Stingray, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and the Ferrari F12

 



-

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

9 COMMENTS

  1. I vote for the flat crank! Somebody in my part of town has a GT350 that can be heard some nights wailing down the highway – no doubt about what it is. Go for it, Corvette!!

  2. Absolutely go for a flat – plane crank! This sound really adds to the already 100 mile per hour look just sitting at the curb! Truly High Performance!

  3. I vote for a flat plane crank. They sound much better and they they seem to rev quicker.

  4. A flat plane crank sounds great, but can and often have vibrational issues. Check out some posts by Mustang owners who have such a motor on their forums. Most of those vibrations occur around 1,800 RPM, an RPM that many long distance cruise at.

    I too like the traditional Corvette ground-pounding sound.

  5. Really, ?? a flat plane crank fires every 180 degrees??? Do the math.. A V8 with 90 degree banks fires every 90 degrees whether cross plane or flat plane crank. All cylinders, of a four cycle engine, have been fired in two revolutions, 720 degrees, of the crank?..

  9. Karlos, the v-angle of the cylinder banks is irrelevant. You’re correct that all cylinders will have fired after two rotations of the crank, but a V8 with a cross-plane crank is going to have one cylinder firing every quarter (90 degree) rotation of the crank, while a V8 with a flat-plane crank is going to have two cylinders firing every half (180 degree) rotation of the crank. So 8 cylinders divided by one firing at a time every 90 degrees equals 720 degrees ([8/1] * 90 = 270), and 8 cylinders divided by two firing at a time every 180 degrees also equals 720 degrees ([8/2] * 180 = 270).

    Essentially, when a V8 uses a flat-plane crank, each cylinder bank is acting like its own inline 4… it’s as if you have two inline 4 engines running simultaneously off the same crank.

Comments are closed.