C7 LT1 Tuner Upgrades

[ltmax]

Just read that Hennessey is about to cut loose with some serious power increase packages for the C7, on the order of 600 to 1,000 hp total! I distinctly remember a few months back Lingenfelter issuing a semi-warning about trying to blast out so much power from this engine due to the fact that it is CAD to the MAX and every gram of 'excess' metal has been removed from all areas of the engine. Article stated H will give a 3 year/36,000mile warranty. After that mileage, what, Kaboom?! I saw some pix of the engine guts and it does look like minimum metal in there. HIB, chime in here, what's the deal for this engine? I'd be much inclined to go with Lingenfelter and leave this engine stock - if ya got to have more power, wait until Chevy comes out with the next Z car with an engine that's originally designed for it.
Inputs, please!

 

[catbert]

It will be interesting to see what Hennessey can do with the LT1, but It wouldn't be with my new C7.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Hennessy is talking poop.

Let's wait until they get a car and does some development.

My guess is modifying and calibrating engines with DGI and VVT will take a little engineering work and that takes time.

I can comment on how much metal is in the engine block and cylinder heads of an LT1 because I haven't seen one of the engines apart, but I can tell you that for that engine to make 30-hp more than an LS3 means to me that GM certainly did not make the block or heads less "strong" than were the equivalent LS3 parts.

If anything the block is more robust. LT1 uses a forged steel crank rather than a nodular iron unit. Not sure what connecting rod they're using. Pistons are a material similar to that used in the LS7 piston but I think the source is F-M rather than Mahle.

As for Lingenfelter...I can tell you that they are developing LT1 stuff but, unlike Hennessy, they're not going to be bragging about it. When Lingenfelter's stuff is ready, they'll introduce it to the market and...you can bet it will work.

 

[catbert]

It IS interesting that he is talking about upgrades and plans for a power plant he hasn't even seen yet. GM works with a couple aftermarket developers, but he isn't one of them.

 

[ltmax]

Hennessy is talking poop.

Let's wait until they get a car and does some development.

My guess is modifying and calibrating engines with DGI and VVT will take a little engineering work and that takes time.

I can comment on how much metal is in the engine block and cylinder heads of an LT1 because I haven't seen one of the engines apart, but I can tell you that for that engine to make 30-hp more than an LS3 means to me that GM certainly did not make the block or heads less "strong" than were the equivalent LS3 parts.

If anything the block is more robust. LT1 uses a forged steel crank rather than a nodular iron unit. Not sure what connecting rod they're using. Pistons are a material similar to that used in the LS7 piston but I think the source is F-M rather than Mahle.

As for Lingenfelter...I can tell you that they are developing LT1 stuff but, unlike Hennessy, they're not going to be bragging about it. When Lingenfelter's stuff is ready, they'll introduce it to the market and...you can bet it will work.

Pretty much as I figured. These new engines are of exact design so I'd go with stock or mild L'fltr mods. As capable as the C7 will be, I'd spend the money down at Bob Bondurant for a few days!