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2023 Corvette Z06 LT6 Engine Shares No Parts With GM Small Block V8s

The 2023 Corvette Z06 blesses the mid-engine, eighth-gen Vette with even greater performance centered around the high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine. Notably, the LT6 is a clean departure from GM’s Small Block V8s.

According to a recent report from SAE International,  the only common feature between the 5.5L V8 LT6 in the 2023 Corvette Z06 and the GM Small Block V8 is a 4.4-inch bore-center spacing. Beyond that, the LT6 has no connection to the iconic Small Block, as confirmed by GM chief engineer Jordan Lee.

“In today’s day and age, it’s hard to define an engine by one dimension [the 4.4-inch bore centers]. This is a unique engine on its own,” Lee said, per SAE International.

Spec and facts on the 2023 Corvette Z06’s LT6 engine are impressive, to say the least. Output is measured at 670 horsepower at 8,400 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 6,300 rpm, all of which is routed exclusively to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Unlike the overhead-valve design of the Small Block V8, the LT6 features a dual-overhead-cam layout. Redline is set at a head-spinning 8,600 rpm, while the exhaust note offers a decidedly exotic tone. The LT6 also features a flat-plane crank, as well as forged-titanium connecting rods and forged-aluminum pistons, the former of which are 21 percent lighter than the titanium connecting rods in the LS7 V8, and the latter of which are 8 percent lighter than the pistons in the LS7. The block is made from aluminum, while the compression ratio is 12.5:1.

Funny enough, GM benchmarked the 2023 Corvette Z06 with the naturally aspirated, high-revving V8 of the Ferrari 458. You’ll also find 54 easter eggs placed around the engine bay and on the LT6 itself.

As a reminder, the 2023 Corvette Z06 rides on the Y2 platform, with production taking place exclusively at the GM Bowling Green factory in Kentucky.

Subscribe to GM Authority for more Corvette Z06 news, mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Ok, what’s the word on the street about CPC versions of these for other applications? Gen 6

    Reply
  2. Many small block will not interchange anymore.

    The OHV V8 is generally a new modern engine mostly sharing some dimensions and little else.

    Reply
  3. Finally!

    Let’s just hope it doesn’t get discontinued quickly like the long-awaited “finally” engine Cadillac got. Their 4.2 L DOHC V-8 lived about five minutes and was as needed for the Cadillac brand as a high-revving DOHC engine has been needed for the Corvette.

    Reply
  4. I would absolutely love to have one, but not at $20-30,000 above MSRP! I have called just about every dealership in the country and all quoted the same. Too bad GM/Chevy! You have lost the normal corvette lover! Last response below…

    Donald, if you would like to order a 2023 Z06, you will need $5000 (non-refundable) down and we are charging 30,000 over MSRP. We currently have 3 orders so you would be number 4. If you are interested in ordering, my name is Xxxxx my cell is (850) xxxxxxx
    Tahnk you for your interest,

    Jeffrey
    Pete Moore Chevrolet New Chevy SLSP

    Reply
    1. You should report this dealer to General Motors because they do not like their dealers charging over sticker price. GM has said that they will cut the allotments on any dealer charging over sticker price on the C-8 Corvette.

      Reply
      1. This is the highest above MSRP. I have about 70 emails/texts saying the same. I have tried to contact GM to complain. There is absolutely no way to contact them! I was able to text a GM rep who told me that independent dealers can just about charge whatever they want. Not the answer I expected!

        Reply
        1. Exactly…. MSuggestedRP…. The reason there’s no Z06 pricing published yet is that GM is considering a larger markup for themselves….

          Reply
    2. Go elsewhere there are plenty of dealers selling at MSRP.

      Reply
    3. I have you tried Rick Hendrick Chevrolet in Duluth? I bought a C8 Stingray from them at MSRP.

      Reply
  5. Having no design features in common with the GM small block is one thing – saying that it had “no parts in common” is a pretty bold statement.

    Reply
  6. If oil reaches $300 a barrel which is possible if we don’t figure out how to supply our selfs with our own oil you’ll be able to buy a ZO6 at invoice price.

    Reply
    1. I paid invoice on my C-8. Bought it from Estero Chevrolet Fort Myers Fl. They don’t mark up.

      Reply
      1. Jerry. Just to clarify… you paid invoice or sticker ? Cause if you paid invoice – I’m headed to Florida.

        Reply
        1. Sorry about that my mistake. I meant to say that I paid sticker at Estero, no mark up.

          Reply
      2. There are many GM retirees in the Ft. Myers area.

        Reply
  7. Who remembers in 2020 they said a Twin turbo V8 with 800+ hp lol we were so wrong.

    Reply
    1. It’s coming in the ZR-1.

      Reply
  8. Sorry about that my mistake. I meant to say that I paid sticker at Estero.

    Reply
  9. Vette Daddy, you’re exactly right there a plenty dealers who dealing MSRP, tax and tags! I ordered my 2022 Torch Red Coupe I’m presently at status 3000 with mine. If your in the beautiful states of South Carolina I suggest you contact Palmetto Chevrolet! Just be aware it’s going to be a wait! But I am sure it will be well worth it!

    Reply
  10. I purchased c8 last year n freedom chevorlet charge me 20000.00 over the msrp.

    Reply
  11. I want to build my own Z06 engine and will gladly pay the $5000 option for that. So excited.
    The wait list is long. I waited a year for my 2021, and paid MSRP. I imagine waiting 2 years for Z06
    and paying 10 to 15 over MSRP.

    Reply
  12. Nice article! Thanks for sharing this informative post. Keep posting!

    Reply

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