GM's LS7: The 7.0L Small-Block That Redefined Corvette Power
GM's LS7 is a 7.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 built on Gen IV small-block tech, produced 2006–2015 for the Corvette Z06 and Camaro Z/28. By oversizing the bore to 4.125 inches and using steel liners, six-bolt mains, deck-plate honing, titanium rods, a forged crank, CNC heads with titanium intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves, and a dry-sump, it delivers 505 hp and 470–481 lb-ft while revving to 7,000 rpm. Hand-assembled at GM's Wixom Performance Build Center, the engine is renowned for power density in a compact package, though valve-guide wear from its 12-degree valve angle prompted warranty fixes. With proper tuning, the block/crank are rated near 1,000 hp and it remains a popular crate engine (~$18k–$20k) and a benchmark for GM performance history.
