The mighty 650 horsepower, 650 pound-foot LT4 supercharged V8 engine that will spaciously fit into the engine bay of the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Z06 Convertible will roll off the assembly line just like any other engine at the GM Tonawanda, NY engine facility when the supercar launches later this year.
But it will also be built at the GM Performance Build Center, newly relocated in Bowling Green, KY. The presumption is that the engines built here will be for those who want to take part in the Corvette Engine Build Experience, where they help assemble the very powerplant that will be nestled into their new super Corvette. However, that has not been confirmed officially by Chevrolet. It’s also not official as to whether or not which transmission — a seven-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic — will affect which facility the engines will be built on. Stay tuned as we learn more.
Comments
Well if the Z06 is the off the shelve production engine it makes one ponder what else they have set to build in Bowling Green.
All vehicle engines will have components hand assembled. There is no automatic system that can assemble a high-performance gas engine completely by itself. So you can have your Corvette engine done by others, or assist in building it.
It may also be that the Tonawanda built engines are destined for other vehicles or for purchase as crate motors.
I am thinking they may be for other cars as with more volume they will need to automate production.
Much of this work can be automated but by hand assembling it makes things a little more special and they can check a few more things. Most MFG have done this as you can get a signed hand assembled engine in Rolls. Benz. Ford and many other cars.
The you build is a nice option and pure profit.
I expect a L88 at some point and it will be built in KY.
I expect the LT4 in Cadillac’s and other Chevys in the future and with that volume they will need to be line built.
Yea, like the 6th Gen ZL1 Camaro, etc.