LS9 Time Lapse Video Provides A Look At The ZR1 Corvette And The Wonders Of The Incredibly Versatile LS Engine Block (Videos)

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

There has been much fanfare about the LS engine block. Because it is so versatile, the LS block has quickly become the go-to for custom builds. Nothing demonstrates this better than the fact that the new Chevy ZR1 Corvette's power base is a supercharged LS9.


GM Performance Build Center
Photo Credit: lsxtv.com

While Corvettes have traditionally rolled out of the Bowling Green plant, LS9 engines are assembled in a special plant called the GM Performance Build Center, a $10 million dollar, 100,000 sf facility located in Wixon, Michigan. When you stop to consider that engines coming out of this plant are not mass produced, but rather made to order, it's easier to understand the costs associated with the cars that come out of this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

Salvatore Alaimo, author of the article Time Lapse Video Captures The Genesis Of An LS9, describes the significance of the engine as, "the LS9 is to the General (General Motors) what an AMG motor is to Mercedes; each individual unit is assembled by an assigned engineer in an environment that is specific to the motor assembly process."

The following video, provided by CarsInDimension, offers a time-lapse 3 minute build of an LS9!



Lucky buyers of the new ZR1 Corvette have an option of visiting the PBC to watch their engine being assembled. If you have a few minutes, watch the interesting video. It might be your least expensive chance of seeing a professional LS build from the GM Performance Build Center, and probably your only chance of seeing it done from start to finish!

Contrary to what the article states, however, if you've got the extra cash, you can arrange a visit to the GM Performance Build Center, and even to do your own custom build at their facility! Tours are available by appointment only to enthusiasts, clubs and current model Corvette owners. But what is really unique is the Corvette experience that is offered to every Z06 and ZR1 buyer. The Corvette Engine Build Experience.



As described on the GM Performance Build Center website, "Every Z06 and ZR1 production engine is hand built. Now, those hands could be yours! All Corvette Z06 and ZR1 buyers can take advantage of this new once in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to the GM Performance Build Center to help build their own LS7 or LS9 engine. With the guidance of the world-class craftsmen who assemble these engines every day, Z06 and ZR1 buyers can enjoy the experience of a lifetime."



All part of owning a new Corvette!

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chevrolet - Chevy Corvette
Corvette Assembly Plant - Bowling Green
GM Performance Build Center - GM PBC Website 
GM Performance Build Center - Corvette Engine Build Experience
LSXTV - Time Lapse Video Captures The Genesis Of An LS9
Museum - National Corvette Museum
YouTube - CarsInDimension

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.