2005 Corvette LS2 400 hp engine
The new Corvette has a 400 hp engine so notable named the LS2.
The predecessor was the LS1 model at a mere 350 hp. This engine
along with aerodynamics allows this Corvette to have the highest
top speed of any Corvette, including the exotic ZR-1 model from
the early 1990's. This new engine is all aluminum and with the
Z51 package, allows the fastest acceleration of any model
currently available.
The team considered using a 405 hp LS6 engine, but it had a lot
of special components in it to get that horsepower. They were
afraid that the cam might have been too aggressive for everyday
street driving. When the team finished, they came up with a 400
hp engine at 6,000 RPM. The engine also boasts 25 lb-ft greater
torque than the previous engine. Torque numbers are 400 lb-ft at
4,400 RPM. Now the engine is larger. The engine displacement
increased from 346 cu in to 364 cu in. This was accomplished by
a larger cylinder bore of 101.6mm. The stroke remained the same
at 92mm. The LS2 also uses a higher lift cam and stronger valve
springs. Another engine feature is the throttle body has been
increased from 75mm to 90mm which allows more air into the
engine. Couple all of this together with new flat top pistons at
a higher compression of 10.9:1 and faster responding fuel and
engine management computers results in one of the most advanced
engines GM ever put in a car.
Other interesting features in the overall layout of the engine
included moving the engine 1" forward. 1"? What could that do?
Actually, it allowed for a better exhaust system, which in turn
gave the car more power. There is more than enough power to
exceed the traction of the rear tires. But cornering also had to
be considered in the engine design. If the car is capable of
1.0+ G's in maximum cornering, this is the equivalent of turning
the engine on its side at 45 degrees. The team made a different
windage tray and oil pickup to control the lubrication system
during spirited driving. Redesigning also allowed the team to
eliminate the "gull-wing" oil pan of older models leaving room
for more exhaust work to further tune the engine.
But how did all of these modifications effect the overall gas
consumption? The new Corvette can get 23 mpg on the combined EPA
city/highway test. That's better than the 320 hp Porsche 911 at
20 mpg. Forget the 400 hp Ferrari Modena at 12 mpg.
This new engine has been totally redesigned for the Corvette
enthusiast and shows a tremendous effort GM has put forth for
this new model. This is by far the best Corvette ever produced.