The LS3 6.2L V-8 as the new standard engine


An custom, leather-wrapped interior and more upgrades, the Corvette powers into 2009 with a raft of enhancements that further distinguish it and give customers a lot alternatives – including a lower-priced convertible model.Naturally, that range of alternatives also includes the ZR1, with its 6.2L supercharged engine that grows 638 HP (476 kW).“The Corvette is an American icon with first credentials,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “It’s the car we all aspire to own and the 2009 variant, with more alternatives and features, only amplifies that craving.”

The ’09 Corvette lineup includes the Corvette coupe and Corvette convertible, each high-powered by the 430-horsepower (321 kW) LS3 V-8, and the extraordinary Corvette Z06. Provided with the 505-horsepower (377 kW) LS7 engine and assembled on a light chassis, the Z06 is a street-going descendent of the championship-winning Corvette racing program.

LS3 Engine

The 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in coupe and convertible models. It is ranked at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)* with the standard exhaust. An optional two-mode exhaust system brings a power rating gain to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).

The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. The cylinder bores measure 4.06 inches (103.25 mm) in diameter and combine with a 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke to deliver a 376-cubic-inch (6.2L) displacement. Breathing is accomplished via high-flow cylinder heads. They’re supported the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine, with larger-capacity, straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for better flow.

Complementing the large-port design of the heads are commensurately sized valves. The intake valve size is a large, 2.16 inches (55 mm). The intake valves feature light hollow stems, which enable the engine’s 6,600-rpm capability. The exhaust valves also are large, measuring 1.60 inches (40.4 mm) in diameter.

To fit the engine’s large valves and enable more lineal intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valve tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a camshaft with 0.551-inch (14 mm) lift.