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"The vicious new Chevy LS9 ZR1 Corvettes are here. The supercharger helps bring the Corvette into SuperCar status. Superchargers or Blowers. Motors - engines"
Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 full vehicle pictures
2009 marks a huge leap for the all around performance and status of the Corvette on the world market.
About the only thing some people complain about is how the American auto interiors are not covered with miles of leather. Much of the original appeal of muscle cars was about being a bit rough around the edges, instead of the idea of basking in luxury. GM is putting out a huge effort, though, on perfecting a leather package that will appeal to the masses, while also tightening up the fit and finish. However, today we are thinking about the motor in this SuperCar.
The engine in the new ZR1 is the LS9 6.2L (376 cubic inch) supercharged small-block V8 wonder. It puts out 638 horsepower and 604 ft-lb of torque pushing the top speed to 205 mph.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sports car cutaway cutaway picture
The cutaway view gives a good general idea of where the main components reside.
C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Full Aluminum Chassis pictures- autospider.com
Here is the chassis or platform that positions the LS9 motor for the dispersal of power.
Fully Assembled ZR1 LS9 Corvette engine (motor) pictures
The ZR1 features the same dry sump oil system as the Z06, but features an increased capacity of 2.75 liters. We discussed this system in previous articles which can be found by using the site search box found in the left column of any page. Also note the decorative cover placed over the supercharger assembly. This is the piece viewable through the clear plate in the hood.
Corvette aluminum ZR1 motor Assembled image
The LS9 block is aluminum with cast iron cylinder liners. The heads are also aluminum and feature titanium intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves. There are 2 valves per cylinder. The heads are similar to the LS3 heads except that they are made out of a more exotic alloy which better dissipates the heat.
Corvette ZR1 LS9 head gasket pictures
The head gaskets are also upgraded to a super duty 4 layer steel design in order to handle the extra pressure inside of a running ZR1.
ZR1 LS9 Corvette motor Cutaway pictures
This cutaway drawing helps to portray where the major engine components reside.
ZR1 LS9 Corvette Cutaway picture - in Museum - corvettecentral.com
The lightweight engine and reciprocating components along with a high flow supercharger make for an engine that maintains horsepower at the higher RPM levels where many other superchargers tend to fade out. Low end power is also outstanding. The throttle body is an 87-mm single-bore type working with a dual pressure fuel system which is designed for optimization of both low speed and wide open throttle (WOT).
ZR1 LS9 6.2L Exploded – LS9 Corvette engine parts pictures
Here is the kit for those that prefer to twist the wrenches themselves (or our really sad attempt at humor). Actually, this is just a view of the separate parts that the assembly plant at GM's Performance Build Center, in Wixom, MI will expertly turn into the finished motor. These engines are largely hand assembled.
Corvette ZR1 LS9 aluminum Block images
The LS9 "319-T5" aluminum block is basically a reinforced (20% stronger) 6.2-liter LS3 block like those found in the new base Corvettes. This block is famous for its bullet proof design which makes it ideal for use with forced induction. All 6.2 L GM vehicles (and trucks) are slated to use this new toughened up block starting in 2009. The crankshaft is forged steel.
Corvette ZR1 LS9 Blower – supercharger pictures
The LS9 has a positive-displacement Eaton Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor pair. They are designed to spin at over 15,000 rpm and provide 10.5 psi of boost. The Roots-type blower is powered by a pulley and belt. This blower is said to take about 70 to 80 hp to run, but that is about 1/3 less than required by most previous superchargers of this type. This horsepower figure is deducted before any numbers you will see regarding the ZR1 (so, the ZR1 has 638 horsepower. NOT 638 minus 70). Also note the claim that the engineers, in the design, made it as difficult as possible for people to swap out the stock pulleys for an easy horsepower gain.
C6 Corvette LS9 ZR1 Air to Water Intercooler pictures
The compact air to water intercooler is said to reduce induction temperatures up to 140 degrees. This intercooler is connected to heat exchangers, filled with standard antifreeze, in the cars nose.
Corvette ZR1 LS9 Piston and Rod picture
The LS9 ZR1 rods are titanium (as are the LS7 rods in the Z06). The coated pistons are a forged aluminum 9.1:1 compression design.
ZR1 LS9 Corvette Exhaust Manifold pictures
The ZR1 exhaust manifold is identical to the one found on the Z06 LS7 engine. These merge into a 3" exhaust with vacuum-actuated flaps designed to reduce back pressure under certain conditions (again like the Z06).
Vette C6 LS9 ZR1 Torque and Power comparison chart image (chart)
The LS9 engine produces 90% of its maximum torque anywhere between 2,600 rpm to 6,000 rpm. Max horsepower comes at 6,600 rpm.
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Chevrolet Corvette C6 LS9 ZR1 Videos:
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C6 Corvette ZR1 LS9 Engine Build video - automobilemag.com
Lastly, nearly anyone could go in to mind blowing detail on many of the items discussed in the "Zorly American Metal Racing" series, but we try to put out an easy to read base of knowledge that can also provide a jumping off point for those searching for more details in any specific area
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[ref] wikipedia.org
Visit the Corvette “American Metal Racing” modern muscle cars index for more information, images and videos.
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This series is dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette C5 C6 C7 enthusiast. We include news and details on the base Chevy Vettes, the Z06, and new ZR1 SuperCar model. The LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9, a racing engine, crate motor, or hot rod tuning subject is always game for discussion. Factory stock General Motors Corvettes, the engines and options, performance and horsepower specialty tuners, and aftermarket parts to make a modified Vette the fastest or quickest are what we are all about. The main years of interest are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and beyond for the GM future.
Read through the American Metal site archives for more high tech info on the exotic Corvette. The sites index will also display archive info on the coupe and convertible sport car Corvette. The sports cars design, concept, and high performance aspects are all explored. See the site wallpaper galleries for both the Camaro and Corvette via this free wallpapers link.
Also, please use any information with caution. These articles contain information from many sources, and it is impossible to verify the accuracy on each of these sources, so please do your own research before reacting to anything, and consult your local professional for guaranteed information.
Visit the Zorly Corvette American Metal Home Page, or view the entire index. Also see the Camaro American Metal site. Thanks for the interest!
Corvette "American Metal Racing" by Zorly aka Paul Malessa
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