The 7-litre 2-valve per cylinder V8 behemoth that has become an icon not only for automotive enthusiasts but in meme culture too is set to be canned by the Chevrolet performance parts program.
It may not be the most powerful V8 engine built but the Chevrolet LS7 has enjoyed a successful career, not only as a crate motor but also as the heart in the C6 Corvette Z06 and Camaro Z/28. After it enjoyed a decade of use debuting in the aforementioned models, it quickly became a mainstream alternative for swapping, offering accessible power with a host of aftermarket upgrades.
The Gen III naturally aspirated pushrod with 376 kW that was available from the box was an affordable (relatively speaking) option of obtaining a 7000rpm small block V8 symphony that is almost as synonymous with the USA as their own national anthem. Sounding like a brute muscle car from yesteryear is where the archaic nature of the beast ends. The crate engine came standard with a forged crankshaft, titanium connecting rods and hypereutectic aluminium pistons. All of this alludes to an engine that has the ability to be tuned even further.
The Chevrolet performance parts program has also further discontinued the LS427/570 which is an upgraded version of the LS7 and capable of 425 kW thanks to an upgraded camshaft. To continue with the culling theme, the most powerful GM Production engine; the LT5 will also have production ceased after only one year of availability. Management didn’t state how many of the 563 kW option were sold nor why it was discontinued.
GM has been slowly phasing out its Gen III LS crate engine since 2019 to make room for the newer crate options; the Gen IV LS and the Gen V LT-series small block.
Chevy has stated that he automaker plans to fulfil current orders until no inventory remains so if you have a muscle car or even a Miata that has you yearning for more power, this will be your last opportunity to get your hands on an LS7.
