Heads up, hot rodders and restomodders! Through Monday, May 12, anyone in the market for their project’s next powertrain has a tough decision – and possibly some stiff competition – ahead of them, courtesy of Bring a Trailer. Examples of the two most iconic Pushrod V8s built by General Motors since Y2K are about to be awarded to this weekend’s highest bidders.
LS7 Crate Motor
No accounting of legendary Small-Block Chevys would be complete without the 7.0L LS7 near the top. The motivator for the C6 Corvette Z06 and Fifth-Gen Camaro Z/28 set the world on fire when it debuted in 2006. Noteworthy for resurrecting the 427 cubic-inch displacement that had already cemented its face on the Mount Rushmore of America’s original “Golden Era” of performance machines, but the LS7 was more than just a nostalgic tribute. The biggest production, Small-Block in history, was also a technical tour-de-force. It featured a lightweight aluminum block, unique pressed-in cylinder liners, forged titanium connecting rods, a forged steel crank, and main bearing caps, and hypereutectic aluminum-alloy pistons, a high-g dry-sump oiling system, and more.
Not only was it the first Corvette engine to (officially) eclipse 500 horsepower from the factory, but it also had the ability to rev higher than any traditional GM V8 before or since with a 7,000 rpm redline. The crate version up for grabs right now has been stored since its purchase in 2018. The package includes the factory crate and, per the listing, includes everything: ignition coil packs, spark plugs and wires, intake manifolds, fuel injectors, exhaust manifolds, and a 168-tooth manual transmission Camaro Z/28 flywheel. With five days and change remaining in the auction, seven bids have pushed the price up to an early $12,250
6.2L LT5 Crate Motor
The alphanumeric LT5 is so steeped in Chevrolet lore that one has to specify a year, displacement, or induction method when discussing it; today’s topic is the second engine to earn one of Detroit’s most vaunted bits of nomenclature. That means the 6.2L version with the huge 2.65L crown of a supercharger on top. To make the most power of any cross-plane engine in GM’s storied portfolio, the C7 Corvette ZR1 exclusive Gen V Small-Block utilized port and direct fuel injection, 14 psi of boost (vs. 9.4 in the Z06’s LT4), and several other unique parts like its then-record-sized 95mm throttle body, and an electronically controlled bypass valve interestingly sourced from the L5P Duramax. The bottom line was an astounding 755 horsepower – that owners could push to 772 based on the availability of the optional performance intake – to go with 715 lb-ft of twist.
It is important to note that, unlike the LS7 above, the LT5 on the BaT block presently is on a stand and doesn’t include the crate that it came in (it is listed as “never installed”) and is also missing critical “plug-n-play” components such as the engine harness and engine control system, so buyer beware – you’ll need to get more than just the motor for a successful marriage with your high-end project car – but it’s still an LT5! As such, bidding has already reached $25,000 with five days to go! Because of these irregularities, it remains to be seen how it fares against a pair of complete LT5 kits that recently hammered for nearly $40,000 on BaT; this one could be a deal in the making!
So, the most crucial question raised by this incredible pair of American heroes is, what would you use them for? Chime in below, and thanks for stopping by, Corvette Nation!
Source:
Bring a Trailer
Related:
One Step Closer to a 6.6L C8 Corvette: Chevrolet Debuts 523-Horse L8P Crate Engine
GM Officially Discontinues Production of the 755-HP LT5 V8 Engine
The First 32-Valve DOHC LT5 V8 Engine Ever Produced Is Now For Sale
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Well, if I could afford it, I’d replace the L87 in my 2022 Tahoe High Country with an LT5 crate engine. My L87 engine has already been replaced, but I still don’t trust it. There’s still that pesky valve lifter issue.
Montana Bob
PS: The next thing to be replaced in my Tahoe is the transmission valve body to, hopefully, correct the jerky shifting. The dealer has already ordered the new valve body. Yup, you’ve got it, they’re on back order!
I just recently had to replace the compressor on my C6 Z06, and they aren’t easy to find these days. Where did I finally find it? The first place I should have started and will going forward. Amazon. Yep, brand new in the box AC Delco. Had it in two days with standard delivery. GM Parts Direct was on back order with no estimated date. Just FYI for your cross check if you are coming up empty.
Have Flyin’ Miata work their magic on an MX-5 with that LS-7!
I would take the LS7 Crate Motor and drop it in a 73 Corvette Coupe that I would customize with an L88 style hood, side pipes and fender flares filled with wide 18/19 diameter custom wheels and tires fitted to modern suspension and brakes. I would add a custom black interior and a House of Kolor Kandy Tangerine paint job. It would be my dream bad ass restomod C3!
Either one would make a dynamite go kart with 24s all around.
LT5 PLEASE! Swap out the 315000 original mile 305 in my 84 El Camino SS and row my own gears 6 speed manual. Tub the rear end so I can get wide enough tires to gain traction , Modern upgrade on suspension and handling , and the cherry in top a custom hood grafting the IROC Z hood cowl with the oval shaped slots in the side Make it live up to the SS badge by today’s standards.
Well if I could afford it I would drop that engine into a 1959 Chevy pickup that has a ’74 Nova sub frame Saginaw Warner 4-speed and a Dana rear end and it’s been chopped dropped but there again if I could afford it. I’m a disabled vet on a fixed income. These engines have gotten way too expensive
Use them for boat anchors
I would put the LS7 in my 69 Camaro I bought from my uncle. I would put the LT5 in my 70 Chevelle SS that my dad gave me 20 year’s ago as a gift.
LT5’s are coming out of the woodwork. This year on 2/16 one sold for 51K. That was crazy and probably why the next three (4 counting the latest one) went up for sale. On 3/10 sold for 35K, on 4/14 sold for 37.5K and on 4/20 sold for 39,250. Personally, I would take the LS7 and the difference in cash. Zoom Zoom
I would install in my 84 Corvette and make it look just like it was originally installed for the 84 same attachments changed out to transmission and hopefully be able to use the same driveshaft update the fuel system keep the same equipment inside the car compartment interior.
Final tally:
LT5 sells for $28k
LS7 sells for $21k
The LS7 is the dream engine for my 81 Corvette. That was my original plan when I acquired the car, which is near perfect. Bought it from the original owner who bought it for his wife, garage kept, has only 50,000 miles on it. Love the car, not crazy for the almost nonexistent horsepower. An LS7 would be a perfect match for that car. The only limitation is the price tag.
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