Some engines don’t just power cars; they define them. And the beast behind the C6 Corvette ZR1, the legendary LS9 V8, was exactly that. And now, it’s officially gone.
Chevrolet Performance has discontinued the LS9 Long Block, marking the end of one of the most iconic American performance engines of the modern era. For enthusiasts, this one stings as it made the C6 Corvette ZR1 what it truly is.
The LS9 wasn’t just another small-block. It was a 6.2-litre, supercharged monster built to handle serious punishment. Designed with forced induction in mind, it came packed with forged internals. It was strong, overbuilt, and purposeful.
And the numbers? Still impressive today. 638 hp at 6,500 rpm and 604 lb-ft of torque at just 3,800 rpm. All delivered with brutal, linear force. It revved to 6,600 rpm, backed by a rigid cast-aluminium block with six-bolt main caps to keep everything in check under extreme loads. Even the cylinder heads were special – L92-style aluminium units designed for optimal airflow and combustion efficiency.
Source: GM Authority
