The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is an off-road enthusiast’s dream, with a long list of rough-and-ready features onboard to tackle just about any terrain out there. However, enthusiasts these days demand more than just capability – they also want power. As such, this particular example was the recipient of an LT4 V8 engine and eight-speed transmission swap, plus a few choice parts from Michigan-based tuner Lingenfelter Performance Engineering.
As a reminder, the supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8 is the same lump-of-go found in the C7 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Cadillac CTS-V, and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Output from the factory tops out at 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, which is no small potatoes, no matter what the application may be.
Meanwhile, the standard Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is offered with either the naturally aspirated 3.6L LGZ V6, or the turbo-diesel 2.8L LWN inline four-cylinder that’s part of the Duramax engine family, the former of which makes 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, and the latter of which makes 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
Nevertheless, the owner of this particular Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 opted to up the ante with Lingenfelter’s 720-horsepower upgrade kit, which adds in things like a new supercharger pulley and belt, Green Air filter, NGK spark plugs, and custom tuning. This vehicle also received new calibration for the eight-speed automatic transmission.
The install looks clean and professional, sitting in the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 like it belongs there. Of course, this machine is much more than just presentation, and the Lingenfelter crew straps it to the dyno to prove it, laying down a healthy 534 horsepower and 526 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheels. It also sounds pretty damn fantastic along the way.
With all that muscle matched to the off-road-ready Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, we can’t help but feel a little jealous. This combo is definitely dressed to impress.
Of course, GM is fully aware of the appeal offered by off-roaders with sports-car levels of horsepower. That much is evidenced by the upcoming 1,000-horsepower GMC Hummer EV, which takes a battery-driven approach to the same end.
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Comments
Bet the guy rolls it like the guy in Mississippi who bought Johns TT V8 Sonoma after he bought it when john passed away.
That was a shame as John’s Red Sonoma was his pride and joy. It would do 9 seconds in street trim but was blowing up transmissions as it launched so hard the tranny needed a sump.
How much was the bill on thIs? $100,000?
Note they did put a wide body kit on this and off set wheels for a wider track. This is more than an engine install.
Like I’ve been saying you can fix all of GM’s problems just by putting a 6.2 LT4 in all rwd… and awd/4×4 !!!
IMHO 👍👍👍
However still got figure out something for Mary to do ?
Maybe step down…
Problem solved …
And everyone said a V8 even when N/A wouldn’t fit!
No one said it would not fit. Several have been done on the Colorado forum.
Wrong, In the beginning there were plenty saying it, “Several have been done” sure, now a days, but not everyone does it cleanly. You could hack an Viper engine in to one with a saws all and a sheet metal bender but it would never pass inspection!
I have stated my wishes several times over the last five years, a torquey economy tune could get decent fuel mileage and have the pulling power when needed. It would also open up the aftermarket, My point!
Mark Reuss was asked at an Auto show if a V8 would fit, he chuckled and said yes. Most were saying it wouldn’t happen, others saying “it won’t fit”.
That’s the way I remember it…
Never saw anyone from GM said it would not fit. Now I have seen some say it will not be offered.
The real problem is for GM to install would require a whole battery of crash testing and possible modifications to meet crash standards that make it cost prohibitive for all they would sell. Also it would damage the CAFE average numbers they are trying to improve.
Right now my concern is they at least keep the six in the next gen. The 2.7 could easily replace it.
My V6 trifecta tuned ZR2 has plenty of power as it is. This thing must fly.
Blazer SS 6.2L. n.a. or s.c. – add wider rubber & magnetic suspension.
this can be done today!
Chevrolet / GMC should offer this as an option straight from the factory (sans Lingenfelter upgrade kit).
They offered a V8 at a substantial increase of cost in the last gen and few were sold.
Had I known they would be so rare (I look every so often) I would have traded in my ’08 a year or two later.
The ’08 was supposed to get the V8 but it was delayed a year, GM clamed packaging delays.
Now they either have too many miles or dealers want almost original price for them. Had nothing but full size growing up, don’t care for the size of them now a days.
Yes they should! think “SLP”
I had one of those!
That’s the way I remember it…
I just want one LT4 V8 when are they ready l will buy one now looks great with all the stats give it to me please sounds awesome fantastic about time in this Size Truck, well done
There are a lot of critics but when someone makes a noise that’s when all the bullshit fly’s out its never enough for some people. Be happy people its not the end of the world YET.
This is something that Chevrolet had said about the LT4 supercharged small block V8 as it takes up about the same space as a 3.6L DOHC-4V V6 and that any General Motors vehicle that operates the 3.6L V6 could be swapped out for a LT4.
Only 534 Hp at rear vs 720Hp at crank. That’s a 26% loss. Seems pretty high?
That is for a 4×4 drive line and that sounds about right.
We had a AWD 32 Ford. It ran a ZR1 rear drive line and a Syclone front drive. It took about 120 HP just to drive the front drive and trans axle.
I have an 09 v8 5.3 factory 4×4 Colorado as my daily driver. All stock as of today with 111,111 on the clock. Performance parts available, tune, ported throttle body, long tube headers with a couple hits to clear the transaxle, electric water pump, lower pulley, cat back, AEM, intake, rocker arms, springs, push rods, stage 3 heads, Zo6 cam, and coils. With these mods RWHP is 357. Stock dyno 253 RWHP. Add a turbo or blower and add 130 RWHP.
But, that much power new tranny upgrade, new rear driveline. New rear shocks and high stall, Cha ching. Still way less than Lingenfelter.
Mine is stock and I struggle with massive torque management…
Glad to hear someone is doing aftermarket builds for these trucks. Now if they just did v8 swaps and options for performance upgrades, might be a market for these small trucks.
This is something gm needs to do to keep interest in the midsize market before ford does it
Ford does not even have a V6 let alone 8 in mid size.
I would gladly trade in my ’19 Denali for a top of line Canyon with more options. I was packaged to death costing me a lot more than I needed to spend to get the options I wanted. Bring back the individual option list and let me order it the way I want it with at least a V8 option. Please do it soon. At 77 I don’t know how long it will be before my kids take my license away.
The Denali has just gotten so big that it’s a pain in the ass to park, and the 10 speed, auto shutoff, auto running boards, moon roof, natural wood trim(?) etc. drive me nuts! On top of that, all that stuff costs a fortune, plus interest and takes away the fun of driving!
I Agree 100 %
Wow,
That would make it a buyers market,
GM wants to call the shots…
I want to see this against a TRX and a Raptor.