Owner-Built Engine Program For Corvette Z06 Returns

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Buying a new Corvette Z06 soon? Would you like to build its engine? Chevrolet has a plan to make that happen, if you got the cash and the time.

Beginning in March, new Z06 owners will have the opportunity to participate in Chevrolet’s resumed Engine Build Experience. The $5,000 option — code PBC, for Bowling Green Assembly’s Performance Build Center, where the build will occur — allows owners to spend an entire day building the Z06’s supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 under supervision by a PBC engine assembly tech. A personalized plaque on the engine and photographs of the day complete the package.

That said, the engine won’t necessarily be placed in the owner’s Z06 right away. Corvette product manager Harlan Charles says the owner-built engines will take its place in line with the rest of the engines, flowing into “the scheduling process for vehicle assembly, which depends on a number of logistical variables.”

Those who don’t mind the wait and want to spend more time in Bowling Green, Ky. can also check-off option R8C, which allows owners to pick up their completed Z06 at the National Corvette Museum across the street from Bowling Green Assembly.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • CRacK hEaD aLLeY CRacK hEaD aLLeY on Jan 08, 2015

    I need the code for the trip to Korea to build a Sonic engine for $299.

  • Budda-Boom Budda-Boom on Jan 08, 2015

    If I could afford a Z06, I'd fly to Bowling Green to "build" my engine in a heartbeat.

  • Madanthony Madanthony on Jan 08, 2015

    I'd be worried about picking up my new Corvette from the Corvette museum, it might get eaten by a sinkhole.

  • Luke42 Luke42 on Jan 09, 2015

    This is cool. I'd totally do it, if I ever wanted a Corvette for some reason. I've been following homebuilt aircraft and the EAA since my early 20s, and the build-your-own-aircraft-at-thu-factory options just look like a good idea. The airplane's construction is overseen by experts, the owner gets about 20 years of maintenance experience in one trip, and the rules allow you to build/buy/fly an aircraft for personal use that was designed and built AFTER I was born. Everything except the Experimental-category legal hack applies to building a car thin way. I'd love to do it for an heirlooms quality vehicle of some sort. I'm not in to Corvettes in any way, but I'd totally do it for a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with electric and/or diesel powertrain. I'd even consider paying Corvette money for that experience+vehicle it a few years, especially if my sons could help.

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