GM Announces LT1 Crate Engine Availability at 2014 SEMA Show

November 4, 2014

Kami Buchholz

The LT1 crate engine is featured in the 400-page 2015 Chevrolet Performance catalog.

The basic architecture of General Motors’ small block V8 has remained the same since 1955, but now a new crate engine with modern-day advanced technologies is available on the aftermarket.

“We are ready to go. We have the engines in our warehouse,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President of Performance Vehicles & Motorsports for General Motors.

The Chevrolet designed, engineered, and tested LT1 crate engine package is a 2014 SEMA headliner at the November 4-7 show in Las Vegas. This crate engine's production counterpart is the 6.2-L V8 that powers the 7th-generation 2015 Corvette Stingray.

“We’ve added technologies to improve power and efficiency, but that basic small block V8 architecture has been a constant since the beginning,” Campbell said, referencing the LT1 crate engine’s direct fuel injection and variable valve timing.

Rated at 460 hp (343 kW) at 6000 rpm and 465 lb·ft (630 N·m) of peak torque at 4600 rpm, Chevrolet Performance’s LT1 crate engine is available with a wet sump for an $11,000 suggested price or a dry sump oiling system for $11,250. All-new transmission installation kits mean the LT1’s eight-bolt crankshaft flange can be mated to GM’s 4L60-series four-speed automatic or T-56 Super Magnum six-speed manual. Electronic controller/harness kits are available for $2250.

“We’re doing the programming on the engine controller. And when you combine the engine with an automatic transmission, we also do the programming on the controller for the transmission. You don't need a third-party for the programming,” Campbell said, “It’s just connect and cruise.”

Chevrolet Performance also offers a $725 front-end accessory drive kit that includes the alternator, air-conditioning compressor, brackets, idler pulley, and serpentine belt.

Chevrolet’s SEMA exhibit features the new LT1 crate engine as the power source for a vintage 1971 Chevrolet Corvette that was redesigned with input from NASCAR champion driver Jimmie Johnson. The updated classic Corvette has adjustable coil-over springs to replace the original car’s front and rear suspension components, a custom hood vent, restyled front fender vents, and 18-in wheels in place of the 1971 sports car’s 15-in rally wheels.