Chevrolet is responding to Dodge’s introduction of a Hellcat-based crate engine intended for project cars that absolutely have to produce an obscene amount of horsepower. The “Hellcrate” was introduced last year, making 707 hp, for the low price of $19,530 — which actually sounds kind of expensive when you say it out loud.
Not to be outdone, General Motors is offering a trio of new engines to complement its already full stable. There’s the supercharged 6.2-liter LT5 from the Corvette ZR1, which should trump Dodge’s mill at 755 hp, and two naturally aspirated alternatives that should be sufficient for most applications. The company is also taking them to SEMA, affixed to some vintage Chevy models to stoke consumer interest. Hence the sinister-looking, LT5-equipped 1973 Chevelle Laguna pictured above.
For small-block enthusiasts, Chevrolet Performance is providing a ZZ6 with fuel injection. GM claims that it’s “the best of both worlds” for buyers seeking a classic 350 that don’t want to futz with a carburetor or electronic tuning. It makes 420 horsepower, which is 15 ponies better than the old ZZ6 without EFI. But you can still mount a traditional-looking air cleaner to the top of the new crate engine if you want keep the retro look. GM has placed the motor into a 1967 C/10 for display purposes.
Big-block boys will also be pleased to know that the 6.0-liter L96 will also be available from Chevy Performance with EFI. Rated at 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, the behemoth has been crammed inside of a 1978 K10 Silverado for SEMA.
General Motors also said there would be an expanded range of transmissions, including the all-new 6L80-E six-speed automatic designed specifically for LS/LT engine swaps. Like the crate motors, it’ll be in Chevrolet Performances 2019 catalog. Meanwhile, the cars will be on display at Las Vegas Convention Center at the end of the month if you just want to pass judgement on Chevy’s work.
[Images: General Motors]
Seems like GM’s ’73-’77 intermediate coupes have really started to pick up steam as the earlier Chevelles and Skylarks continue to climb in price. One was featured in the Movie “Drive” a few years back. I think they look pretty awesome done up!
So, GM is admitting that people do want large RWD with a V-8. Oh here is your 4 cyl Impala. Meh, the Collenade cars never did it for me.
I have a soft spot for that era of Chevelle. My mom had a ’74 as a daily driver, the same car that my dad used to take my 8yo self to the hospital when I had a stick go through my eyelid (and thankfully narrowly missing my eyeball). Malaise V8 power to the rescue!
Wow, at first glance I thought that was some form of a Mustang II in that photo.
at first I thought it had some significant front end restyling, but no, that’s basically stock.
I’m surprised it passed the 5mph tests with that relatively small bumper.
1973 was the last year before 5mph bumpers.
No, it was the first year for 5mph front bumpers. 1974 added the “corner strike” requirement and extended it to 5mph rear bumpers.
“Big-block boys will also be pleased to know that the 6.0-liter L96 will also be available from Chevy Performance with EFI. Rated at 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque”
I guess GM assumes the “Big-block boys” have never heard of junkyards.
They’re also likely to be aware that the L96 is a small block.
New TTAC isn’t even a car site anymore outside of the comments.
Yeah, I caught that too. It’s absolutely a LS series motor not a Mark IV or a Gen VI “rat”
no, they do, they’re counting on the fact that those “big block boys” are too dumb to realize bore spacing doesn’t make up for anything. not least that the 6.0 L96 makes way more *real* horsepower and torque than any of those cast iron turds sitting in junkyards.
My point was that getting your hands on a lower-priced, decent condition scrapyard LY6/L96 is pretty easy these days.
I guess there is a demand for it, but the price delta between new & used on the 6.0L looks greater than that of other engines offered as both crates and factory installs.
Meh… some people dig the SBC and BBC engines for looks and nostalgia. I have friend that has a 72 Nova and when a former buddy of his scammed him on a 383 stroker I begged him to pass on the old school small block stuff but he’s a diehard.
Granted a well built LS would be lost on him since he really doesn’t run his car. Its more a show car than anything else.
I’m waiting for the Bolt crate drivetrain that I can put into a Chevette or Vega.
Always liked the look of the Vega. I’d drive that. Or better yet, a Bolt-powered Corvair. But the Shoveit needs to stay in the graveyard.