Chevrolet Performance Expanding Crate Options for Project Cars
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]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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"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.
I'm waiting for the Bolt crate drivetrain that I can put into a Chevette or Vega.