A History of Greatness: GM Produces 100-Millionth Small Block Engine
GM Produces 100-Millionth Small Block Engine
A ZR1 LS9 Engine just produced by Chevrolet was the 100-Millionth manufactured by the company.
In the past 56 years, since Chevrolet began producing small block engines, the bowtie emblazoned automotive company and the small block engine has been synonymous with one another. In that time, every iconic car produced by Chevrolet has been known and linked to their famous small-block engine design in some manner. Most recently, the fifth generation Camaro has become a small block powered icon on both road and track, much like it's LS small block powered big brother, the Corvette.
The sheer number there--100,000,000 for those who like lots of zeroes--really highlights the durability, reputation, and potential of the small block and speaks to the iconic nature of the GM engine. It is fitting then to also consider that the first small block, introduced in 1955, was built for the first generation Corvette and the 100-millionth produced was a hand-crafted work of art LS9 made specifically for the sixth generation Corvette's special edition ZR1--the fastest Corvette ever produced.
Of course, the transition from the first small block to the modern pinnacle LS9 is a long one, filled with numerous exciting and memorable engines. In 1992 Chevrolet first introduced its second-generation Small Block, known as the LT1, in to its Corvette. This engine became an absolute staple on tracks across the globe, and adorned various vehicles from that Corvette, to the F-Body Camaro and Firebird, and the B-Body Impala SS and Caprice Police car. The LT1, which featured a newly developed reverse cooling, is still being used in races all across the globe today.
Following the second generation, Chevrolet then introduced their first LS Engine in 1997. This third generation small block, which was first placed in the C5 Corvette, was an even greater step forward. The LS engines are all-aluminum small blocks, and the first of them, the LS1, was rated a naturally aspirated 350HP and 365 lb ft of torque--numbers that, today, are still incredibly impressive for a naturally aspirated 5.7L engine. The LS engine was then featured, in some form, in numerous different vehicles and even had a more powerful, LS6 version introduced in the C5 Z06 Corvette in 2001. This LS6 featured the same 5.7L displacement as its LS1 brethren, but put out a stomach churning 405HP and 400 lb ft of torque.
Those numbers were fairly mind-shattering for a naturally aspirated engine of the LS6's size and weight, at least, until 2005 when the first of the fourth generation small block was released. In 2005 the Corvette went from its fifth generation vehicle to the now current sixth generation, and with the change in body also came the biggest change: the introduction of the Chevrolet LS2. The LS2 was almost identical to the LS6 engine in performance and displacement, but also featured a much more even Torque curve through-out the RPM range, and had the potential to be modified for incredible gains. It was from this base LS2 that the LS7--the now revered 505HP and 470 lb ft torque monster--was produced and introduced to the 2006 Corvette. Just one year after the update of the small block, this engine seemed to be where everything was building, and the Z06 became the undeniable greatest performance bang for the buck on the globe. Within the year, there were Z06's running against quarter-million dollar European exotics on racetracks all across the globe, and each one came with the distinctive sound and tone that only a Chevrolet small block V8 can deliver through the exhaust.
Of course, Chevrolet wasn't finished there (thankfully, they're dedicated to the production of envelope-pushing performance machines) and we saw such engines as the 430HP LS3 (now outfitting the base-level C6 Corvette and the Chevrolet Camaro SS), the LSA (a 556HP Supercharged monster that can be found in the world's fastest production sedan, the Cadillac CTS-V and will also hit the streets in the body of the new super-Camaro ZL1 this year), and the engine that would be made as number 100,000,000--the LS9.
The LS9 is an absolute marvel worth talking about as well, especially considering that everything before it brought us to this point. The LS9, which can only be found in the top of the line Corvette ZR1, produces an amazing supercharged 6.2L engine based on the LS3 block and putting out a ferocious 638bhp and 604 lb ft of torque. Those numbers, in combination with the Corvette's lightweight body and wide, aggressive stance, have produced a vehicle that runs track times that best it's $250,000+ competitors. Today, the ZR1 is the undeniable greatest bargain on wheels that exists for the performance minded consumer, and, as such, is the only engine fitting to be given the designation as number 100,000,000 of its kind.
Of course, Chevrolet's not stopping at 100,000,000 and the future of the small block engine holds a great deal of excitement. Already, official reports have come out that Chevrolet is updating their engine for the seventh-generation of their Corvette, and we may see the introduction of such features as direct injection and an upgraded combustion chamber design, as well as the improved performance and efficiency numbers to match. GM enthusiasts should expect to see the next small block engine first hit the streets in the C7 Corvette, scheduled for release some time in 2014.
Camaro ZL1 Gets a Price Tag
Chevrolet officially announced the base price for the new Camaro ZL1 coupe, and it's actually a little higher than I had expected. The new Camaro ZL1 will start at $54,995 (just shy of $55k) and go up in price from there based on options selected. It's a lot to pay for a Camaro, yes, but this is also a 580HP supercharged monster of a Camaro sporting MRS-Suspension.
Of course, even at $55k, this car is still a great bargain. To find cars against which the Camaro compares, you'll have to look in the $150k+ range--at least, as far as performance is concerned.
What do you think? Is $55k a fair price for this monster ride? It costs the same as a base C6 Corvette, which would you rather have at that price?
Also, for those interested, here's the official full color, photo-filled, 23 page Chevrolet brochure marketing the ZL1 in .pdf form. Enjoy! Camaro ZL1 Marketing Brochure
24 Hours of Testing the Camaro ZL1
At this point, most everything that there is to say about the soon to be released Camaro ZL1 has been said. Everything about Chevrolet's ante-upping racecar has been published, it would seem, but that's not enough for the engineers for Chevrolet. Before releasing the vehicle to the public, they had to be certain they knew all of the vehicle's abilities and limitations.
One of the most difficult things you can do to a vehicle is test it on a track, where it's running at 100%+, for a full twenty-four hours. In fact, many of the high-end endurance racers that are built and optimized for just this fall short in their attempts to complete a twenty-four hour race. Watch a complete twenty-four hour Le Mans race and you'll see million dollar car after million dollar fall out of the field as result of mechanical failures that occur under such grueling conditions, and that's exactly what Chevrolet wanted to see.
Normally, in testing, a breakage of any sort would be considered a failure; however, in this test, breakage was exactly what Chevrolet was looking for. Doing this test would allow them to see what aspects of the vehicle would be most likely to experience issues and correct them before it hit the market, and in that sense, the ZL1 made it look like a cake walk. The car seemingly ran all 24 hours without many hiccups, and, I'm certain that any hiccup they did notice the Chevrolet engineers involved in this project took care of with intelligence and craft.
I don't want to talk too long on it, because, the video really speaks for itself. Suffice it to say that Chevrolet is making some great promotional videos pending the upcoming release of this car, and my excitement over it grows with each new day and each new video.
Product Spotlight: Camaro Painted License Plate Frames
Here's a great product I came across that's available at a great price: Painted Aluminum Camaro License Plate Frames. Trying to keep up with a semi-regular product spotlight series, these seemed--based on their quality, great looks, and affordable price--like a logical next product.
The manufacturing for these is really cool, and, SouthernCarParts--who is one of the major retailers for them and a company that I personally enjoy dealing with (I feel like, as far as Camaro products go, they're like my everyday Cheers-esque bar)--provides a lot of information for how they're produced. Beginning with a solid brass, heavy cast mold, the base aluminum plate is formed. Each plate is then CNC machine cut for precision, and given a precise, fast machine engraving. The Engravings on these are of the Camaro lettering, with your choice of either RS or SS badging emblem to accompany it. Once engraved, the plates are given a multi-coat paint job using actual GM paints. I questioned this, but, was assured that the paint being used is derived from the GM WPA code, and, I'll be damned if the one I received didn't match perfectly. The paint is applied in a multi-coat process, with a final clear coating, for shine and durability and looks just like the stock Camaro paint job.
The last part of the production process is the one that impresses me the most. The Camaro engravings on these plates are actually hand-filled with an acrylic epoxy. Typically, hand-filling means that a product is prohibitively more costly than machine ones, but these are definitely affordable. The quality of the acrylic epoxy is perfect, there are no imperfections, and the plate looks awesome to be finished off with these emblems. These things are absolutely gorgeous.
As with any license plate frame, this is easy to install. The painted screw caps are a nice touch to help keep the whole thing looking uniform, and once installed, the plate really looks like it belongs on the vehicle. All-in-all, I'm really happy with the product, considering that it cost under $115 and adds more Camaro badge-ing with an OEM (or better) quality finish. That can never be a bad thing, can it?
Camaro Two-Push Trunk Release Relay
It's a stupid mistake, but an annoying one, and one that I make all the time. When locking/unlocking my Camaro with my key fob, I tend to press the trunk release button. A lot. The placement of the trunk release button on the fob is front and center and, as such, way too easy to hit by mistake. I get tired of getting in to my Camaro, turning it on, and see my "Trunk Open" light on; thus, I was really happy to see this little unit.
Simple, cheap, and effective: this trunk release relay is perfect for people with fat-fingers like myself. A simple fuse relay piece, this release relay ultimately makes it so that to release the trunk you'll have to press the button twice. That's it. It's simple, and, it's handy. I ordered one (for under $40) and installed it in, maybe, 15 minutes time, and have been very happy with it since the install.
I get that this isn't a problem for everybody, and I know that some people will laugh at me for searching out a solution other than "don't press the button", but I'm obviously not the only person who has had this issue if a manufacturer makes and sells a solution. I like it for its simplicity and ease of installation/use, and for the fact that, simply, it keeps clumsy me from having to get back out of the car half of the time I get in to close my trunk. A handy, cheap, simple product that works exactly as advertised: cool!
Camaro Officially Outsells The Mustang in 2010- Ends Ford’s 24 Year Reign Atop the Pony Car Market
For close to a quarter-century Ford has maintained a stronghold on the American Pony Car market with its Mustang, but 2010 was the year that all changed. In the first full year of sales for the Camaro revival, the Mustang was unseated from its throne.
In 2010, the Camaro sold 81,299 to the Mustang's 73,716. That, ladies and gentlemen, is not only a victory, but a solid one at that. Of course, neither vehicle was ultimately hurting, as each saw their sales increase from the year prior. The Camaro by an impressive 32%, and the Mustang by 11%. This should not come as any news, however, as the Pony Car race has bolstered, and even been a large part of the revitalization of the American automotive industry. This is surprising, as it comes at a time when lawmakers are trying to push the American public towards the antithesis of the Pony Car-smaller, more fuel efficient, less powerful vehicles, like the Chevy Volt.
Of course, Ford contributes their loss in the sales race to the fact that this was the first full year of sales for the Camaro. This accreditation lacks the foresight of the fact that the Camaro performed this impressive feat with basically only two models on sale. The Mustang, however, had 7 vehicle models in its line-up. With the release of the Camaro and Camaro SS Convertibles this year, as well as the Z28 in the near future, one might speculate (with relative safety) that the Camaro will begin a new reign atop the vehicles sales race in their class. Further proof towards this are the numerous accolades and awards that have been bestowed upon the Camaro since its release. Whatever the case may be, 2010 was a great year not just for the Camaro, but for American Pony Cars in general, and the future only looks like it will be even brighter.
New Camaro Brazil Commercial
Well, I have to hand it to the Brazilians: their marketing people are awesome. The first commercial filmed and released for the Camaro out of Brazil was the gorgeous and fun short I posted up here a few weeks ago about the son taking his parent's Camaro for a joyride. One of the most entertaining pieces of advertisement I've ever seen in any language, Camaro Brazil set the bar high for themselves. Apparently, they recognized that and came back strong for their second Camaro commercial. If the song sounds familiar, it's a modern, electric reworking of the classic 1970's Chevrolet jingle "In The Silence of my Chevrolet" just, you know, in Portuguese. A fun commercial that does a great job of high-lighting how much fun the Camaro can be in less than a minute's time. I wish GM would make commercials like the Camaro Brazil ones for our stateside TV audiences.
Lingenfelter Pushes the Camaro in to 8 Second Territory
It would be Lingenfelter, wouldn't it? With all of the buzz surrounding various Camaro modifications around the world, and as different manufacturers and modification teams fight to push the Camaro to new limits on a weekly basis, it would be Lingenfelter that steps in and blows its competition away. And blow it away, they did.
Hot on the heels of AMS and other shops pushing their Camaros through the 9 second range, Lingenfelter stepped in and delivered an 8 second 1/4 mile run. To be fair to everybody else, of course, their Camaro was outfitted with a 1200+ HP LS9, and their 8 second run was as borderline as they come: 8.99 seconds @ 158 mph. Lingenfelter achieved this feat through use of an Eaton Supercharger powered LS9 engine with fully ported heads loaded with titanium intake valves.
New Camaro Z28 Nurburgring Testing Video
This video, the most recent of the Camaro Z28 spy footage, shows a lot of what we've seen already, and some new bits too. Obviously taken by the same group of individuals who provided us all with the first two Camaro Z28 spy videos, this one also has some fantastic moments of the Camo-wrapped Z28 rounding wide bends at the Nurburgring. I'm starting to be less satisfied by these videos then I was at first, though, and really want some more official word from Chevrolet concerning the Z28's performance. Sadly, those numbers will be a little ways out, so until then my Z28 desire must be satiated by videos like this one. It's definitely worth a watch, as it's new footage of the Z28, and you really can't go wrong with that.
Camaro’s Brazil Launch Short Film
This past week Chevrolet Brazil officially launched the Camaro as part of their vehicle line-up, and to coincide with that they put together a great official Camaro Brazil website, and produced an awesome short film. Now, if you don't read Portuguese, the website may be a little difficult to navigate, but the opening animations are awesome and worth a watch, and the video they produced is absolutely a blast.
The film, titled "Não encoste no meu Camaro" (or, "Don't Touch My Camaro" in English) is a great, very fun, film just over 3 minutes long. The basic translations of the text notes in the film aren't necessary at all to get the feel of it, as it is about a feeling and experience most every teenager knows and most every parent of a teenager fears, but if you're interested I'll provide them below. (Translated, albeit, to the best of my very limited ability). The detail, in short, the story of a child who gets a hold of his parent's Camaro keys when they go out of town (anyone else thinking of Ferris Beuller?).
Translations:
- Good morning son - Kisses, Mom
- Don't touch the car
- On Flight 3551 - Take care of home
- Don't think about it.
- Flight canceled, we're coming home.
