Scott, I think most people (like me) love the idea of a big cube, naturally aspirated, bonzai-power small block. It's pretty much accepted that the next super GM V8, while more powerful still than LS7, will be supercharged. The worry there is that the supercharger and related items will make the overall package much heavier and more cumbersome than the simplistic LS7. Thus eliminating the sheer beauty of the small block package.

Maybe we're getting too ahead of ourselves, or making the wrong assumptions, but I'd still take the big cube N/A motor.

 

The LS7 was designed to use a dry-sump oiling system. IMHO, a centrifugal blower is far more simplistic and less cumbersome for a daily driven street car.

 

I am another who is solidly in the compact, lightweight, biggish cube, high rpm NA engine camp. FI just doesn't fit with the Camaro identity IMHO

FWIW if we absolutely have to live with FI, I'd honestly rather see a turbo (or two). I probably wouldn't be in the market for such a vehicle but turbo cars are ridiculously easy to make blindingly fast.

 

I feel the same way...

 

Irrelevant IMO.

 

One could make the same argument about the big cube small block. The 350-cid sbc was given birth in the Camaro in 1967. The largest sbc ever in a Camaro was 5.7 liters. Etc.

However the 5.7l is dead, its probably going to come with a 6.2l LS3. Its far cheaper from a manufacturing prespective to offer a hardened LS3 with blower than a second larger displacement motor. Affordability is going to be key in making this Camaro successful. Etc.

As much as I'd love to see the LS7 in the Camaro as well, it just doesn't make good business sense.

 

Why is that? Because it doesn't help your argument?

 

I said big-ish. I'm not looking for a 427.6 ci engine here.

A worked over, high winding, let's say 460 hp, 6.2L mill would suit my next Z28 just fine (provided the car is not grossly overweight). I think such an engine is well within the Camaro legacy.

I don't want the added weight and complexity of forced induction on the nose of my next car.

 

Agreed. My preference would be the same. Sort of the same treatment that the LS6 got over the LS1. Except with the LS3, you're already starting at 430.

I fear that with this whole supercharged deal, we may be getting into the same predicament as Camaros and Corvettes got into with hot smallblocks vs big blocks. IMO, the BB's in those cars were not very satisfying to drive. Sure you had torque, but turn the steering wheel and you knew you had a big boat anchor over the front wheels. Not satisfying at all.

 

No, because you can just as easily build a big cube, powerful small block without the dry-sump setup. I believe GM is working on a wet-sump crate version of the LS7. The Z06 is dry-sump equipped because it is Chevy's ultimate expression of a race car for the street. Camaro doesn't need it, and there's never been a law that states a 500+ HP motor requires a dry-sump pan.

 

NO.

 

So the old Mustang could take twice the factory horsepower without needing to strengthen the drivetrain or chassis?

 

Certainly not 800lbs worth.

 

A set of 20 lb subframe connectors work wonders. Some no-weight-added UCAs/LCAs help too.

 

I understand what you're saying.

But the cost of an LS7 engine is about $10K.........putting this proposal so outlandishly priced.........