When I first saw the official photos of the LT6 engine for the 2023 Corvette Z06 back in October on the eve of the reveal, I couldn’t help to feel a bit underwhelmed by the overall design which is highlighted by the flat-black twin intake manifolds on top. My hopes were somewhat improved with the addition of the optional carbon fiber “halo” that sits on top of the LT6, but for such a unique engine that would be on display “under glass” in the Z06 Coupe, I thought the Corvette Team could have given us something that looks a little better.
Maybe that was the plan all along.
While we only saw the black version of the intake manifolds in the official photos, on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum for the Z06’s reveal was the cutaway display which was nicely painted in silver. My friend John from the MidEngineCorvetteForum.com had pointed out to one of the GM engineers there that he preferred the Silver version to the flat black manifolds and was told that both Silver and Edge Red were under consideration, but neither was yet confirmed for production.
We definitely like the look of the Silver option as I believe it lightens up the dark engine bay and provides contrast with the Black dry-sump oil system and the Edge Red valve covers. But this is the American Ferrari after all, so shouldn’t the engine cover be red to reflect its 670 naturally aspirated horsepower?
MotorTrend was one of the outlets that got an advance look at the 2023 Corvette Z06 in Detroit prior to the October 26th reveal and in this “First Look” video they show an LT6 on an engine display stand wearing the Edge Red manifolds.
Seeing the engines out of the car shows just how big those intake manifolds are, but when the engine is in the car, the top color is actually a lot less viewable, especially with the carbon fiber engine appearance package which will also include the same or similar side rails as installed in the Stingray. With the carbon fiber engine cover in place, the color of the manifold becomes more of an accent color than being the main focal point.
We also predict that the aftermarket will very active in coming up with various ways to allow Z06 owners the ability to customize their engine bays as well, but it won’t be as simple with the LT6 as it is with the Stingray’s LT2 engine cover which can be swapped out in literally minutes. You can do that with the Z06’s engine appearance cover as well, but swapping out the intake manifolds or having them pulled to be custom painted may be too big of a job for most to tackle.
Let’s say that all three colors will be available with Black offered as the standard color while the Silver and Red versions are optional upgrades. Which color do you want topping your LT6 engine? Let us know in the comments below.
Source:
MidEngineCorvetteForum.com
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General Motors May Offer the C8 Corvette Z06’s LT6 V8 as a Crate Engine
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Do convertible buyers get a discount?
Edge red intake manifolds to match the valve covers or bright red intake manifolds and bright red valve covers BUT without the carbon fiber “halo” that sits on top of the engine – for the win. Why not have custom color intake manifolds and valve covers since the engine is hand built? Choices are good – right?
I’ll take the Edge Red please!
Absolutely, EDGE RED! I’ve been praying for this option.
If I was able to fill out my dream sheet for the new Z06 – I’d like the bright red intake manifolds and the bright red valve covers in order to tie in with the rest of my build which will be bright red calipers and two tone black and red interior. This should go well with an Arctic White exterior or a Pearl White Metallic, if they offer that. Also, I’d like to have the choice of the carbon fiber engine bay treatment but without the carbon fiber intake manifold “halo” as I think the “halo” hides the awesome engineering and design of the dual intake manifolds and some of the other features of the engine. Also, I am planning on checking all the boxes on the interior carbon fiber which would go well with the carbon fiber in the engine bay. For me, this overall combination would be stunning.
It seems that if the engine is under glass and on display it would be in Chevy’s best interest to make it as “pretty” and interesting as possible, all the while raking in $$$ for the “extra cost option”. Making money 101!
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Edge Red.
I was told by GM at the Petersen Museum reveal that the silver manifolds on display were for display engine purposes only. The cars would ship with black.
Edge Red
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