Build your own ZR1 with Katech LS7 Crate Engine

Posted Yesterday 04:55 PM by Scott_Evans Category: Aftermarket

If a Corvette ZR1 is a little out of your price range and you're the do-it-yourself type, you may consider building your own. Of course, if you do, you'll have to find yourself a supercharged 6.2L V-8, since GM isn't selling them separately yet. We'd recommend looking to Katech, which has just released its Air Attack LS7 Supercharged crate engine. "Our Air Attack LS7 SC delivers extreme forced-induction performance for the LS7 engine in off-road and hot-rodding applications," said Caleb Newman, vice president and director of aftermarket operations for Katech Performance. "Because we are producing 50 percent more power - far beyond what the cast production piston was designed for - our Katech forged pistons were a must in the Air Attack LS7 SC to maintain engine life and enable even greater boost levels." If you were wondering, 50% more power means this engine puts out 750 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque, which is 112 hp and 96 lb-ft more than your run-of-the-mill ZR1. To get that kind of power out of the big 7.0L V-8, Katech strips down the engine and blueprints it, then builds it back up with serious aftermarket parts. The build sheet includes a Callies forged steel crankshaft and forged steel rods, Katech's forged aluminum pistons and Diamond-Like Carbon coated pins, a Katech camshaft, and a billet steel girdle to hold the bottom end together. Up top, a Magnuson M122 twin-screw high-helix intercooled supercharger pumps seven to ten pounds of boost into the engine. Katech can also mate an Eaton Twin Vortices Series supercharger like the one found on the ZR1 to the engine, or they can build you a twin-turbo set up. Katech's Air Attack LS7 SC will run you a cool $37,000, and if you want to go the twin turbo route, the custom fabrication will probably set you back even more. If you haven't decided what power adder fits you best yet, Katech also offers the Air Attack LS7 without any blowers but still set up for boost for $24,000. If you need to save a few bucks, the Katech valve covers are optional. Source: Katech