Behold A Naturally Aspirated LT1 V8 With 835 HP: Video

Turbochargers and superchargers are fantastic, but there’s something to be said about an engine that’s “all-motor.” The meaty power and torque curves, not to mention the sound of a naturally aspirated, high-power V8 at full song – it’s pretty intoxicating stuff. Now, we’re checking out this fully built fifth-gen LT, rated at an impressive 835 horsepower and 632 pound-feet of torque without the assistance of boost or nitrous.

Pieced together by Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center (SDPC) in Lubbock, Texas, this powerhouse V8 showcases an impressive array of modifications and components aimed at maximizing performance under atmospheric pressure.

The foundation of the build is a fifth-generation LT block. For readers who may be unaware, the LT1 was first introduced in the C7-generation Chevy Corvette and was previously equipped by the sixth-generation Chevy Camaro as well. This particular LT1 is also a completely different engine from the LT1 equipped by the C4 Corvette between 1991 and 1996.

The first step in SDPC’s build was a set of cast-iron sleeves. SDPC also widened the bore and lengthened the stroke, increasing displacement to 440 cubic inches. The engine also boasts a 15:1 compression ratio.

Inside the cylinders are custom Wiseco pistons fitted with GFX piston rings and mated with Molnar forged steel connecting rods. A custom hydraulic roller camshaft from COMP Cams ensures precise valve timing and optimal performance across the entire RPM range.

The cylinder heads are sourced from the COPO Camaro, and were originally developed by GM Racing at the Performance Racing Center. For this application, the heads have been CNC ported by SDPC, optimizing airflow and combustion efficiency. Also notable is the Holley Hi-Ram intake and 102 mm throttle body.

Putting it all together, the peak output from this built V8 hits at 7,600 rpm with 835 horsepower, with peak twist measured at 632 pound-feet at 4,100 rpm. Check out what that sounds like in the following dyno video:

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

Jonathan Lopez

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

View Comments

  • Man that's hot! The LS7 in my old '15 Z/28 made about 705 HP naturally aspirated, it was a fun car and great engine.

  • Who cares? 15:1 compression requires race gas. Just like every other high hp n/a engine (see: NASCAR).

    • You can install over 1000 HP electric motors in any car with much less materials and effort than such an obsolete engine. And the EV is much faster!

      • Turn the volume up. Then as Marty said ” you definitely do not get that with electric motors!”. 😉

      • Yes, but noise appeases the stupid mind. Studies prove that people with loud exhaust typically have low IQs.

        • I'm an automotive researcher and all the EV owners I've spoken with have decent IQs but no common sense. You can have a high IQ and still be an idiot. My dad built hot rods and loved them loud. His IQ was in the top 1%. Get off the stupid environ"mental" crap.

        • @ ACAB

          I have a double masters degree, 4.0 GPA on both of them and I love my Corsa Sport exhaust on my 6.2L!!!

          Your comment is ignorant...like the EV garbage being pushed down our throats.

  • So aside from the block and heads-Chevy has nada in this build? I mean it sounds amazing but what are ya going to do with 800hp except race?

  • Some people on here have no clue about the hot rod business. It's growing despite the wishes of environ"mentals" and EVers.

    • Agreed. I think there is room in this world for both the ICE enthusiasts/hot rodders and the EV lovers. And more performance oriented hybrids.

      • Not when the EV guys want to bash and outlaw the hot rodders. It’s like that whole co-exist movement. Whine about how western society can’t get along with easterners yet ignore the fact it’s the communist and jih adist who refuse to get along with everyone else. I’d love to get along, and yell insensibly over who’s is bigger over a drink, but it turns out the other just wants to ban me.

  • do want. now, how many of those ponies will escape once you take it out of the lab and put it in a real vehicle out in the real world.........

  • Almost as good horsepower per litre as a 25 year old Honda. A 1999 had over 240hp from 2L on pump gas. This thing gets 115hp per litre.

  • Thank you for this article, it is great. I just put a new L9H motor with a Magnuson supercharger and stage 3 tranny in my '09 Hummer H2, I love it.

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