[VIDEO] This C8 Corvette Stingray is Undergoing an 8.1L Big Block V8 Engine Swap

Get ready to see the world’s first C8 Corvette with a big-block engine.

Well, actually not yet. It’s still in the engineering phase.

San Diego hotrodder Larry Hofer admits people have told him he was crazy for taking the stock small-block 6.2-liter LT2 out of the middle of his Stingray after being driven just 4,000 miles.

But that hasn’t stopped this legendary gray-haired big-block expert from taking on the challenge. After all, he’s penned several horsepower technical manuals over the years and has actually written the book on these high-performance engines, including his latest effort called “Chevrolet 8.1L Vortec/496 Performance Manual.”

Even for an old-timer like Larry, however, the engine swap hasn’t been easy, requiring many, many custom-built parts. It’s definitely a tight fit in the engine bay, requiring, for example, a custom oil pump hose to replace one that proved to be just a quarter-inch too long!

But “everything seems to fit” now, he promises YouTuber Greg Quirin who’s documenting the build on his channel. To make sure, Larry has already had the big-block in and out of the Stingray 10 times during the engineering process and has been told by HP Tuners that the computer that coordinates the whole process will “probably” work on his GM 8.1-liter direct gas injected big block. We certainly hope so after all the time, money, and effort Larry and his crew have put into making this C8 Corvette the most unique in the world.

We wouldn’t bet against Larry being successful since he’s previously installed big blocks in an ’86 C4 and a ’99 C5. The new dual-clutch transmission that debuted in the C8 is a smooth operator, and he admits this gear-shifting marvel is “wonderful.” He seems very eager to see how well it meshes with a big-block, and we’ll keep you posted as updates are made in the coming months.

Source:
Greg Quirin / YouTube

Related:
[VIDEO] Unholy Engine Swap: C6 Corvette Gets a Turbocharged K24 Honda Engine
1964 Corvette Build Named “Decepttion” Will Feature a Lambo V10 Under the Hood
[VIDEO] Final Thoughts on the C8 Engine Swap from the Corvette Mechanic Paul Koerner

Subscribe Now: