How Much Does It Cost to Build a 600+ Horsepower LS7?

The LS7 in the C6 Corvette Z06 is a high-revving 505 horsepower monster from the factory, but what does it take to turn it up to 675 horsepower?

General Motors made an incredible V8 when they made the LS7. The 505 horsepower beast revs to 7000 rpm and features a dry sump oil system from the factory. The C6 Corvette Z06 is a track crushing machine you can drive on the streets and, naturally, it needs a motor to match. The LS7 is the answer to the C6 Z06 chassis.

However, as some of you may know, the LS7 has some flaws. Specifically, the heads like to go kablammo and drop valves into the motor. This is what industry experts call a bad thing.  So, what happens if you have an LS7, and want more power, and more reliability? Well, as the old saying goes “power, cost, and reliability: pick two.”

Adding a camshaft, headers, and tune will wake up a normal LS, giving you gobs of power and response. The LS7 is no exception, and in fact, is even more receptive to mods (no replacement for displacement) than a smaller displacement LS motor. So what happens when you turn the wick up? YouTuber, and friend of the site, ZentRose picked up a modified C6Z and breaks it down as to what to took to make 572rwhp.

ALSO SEE:1970 LS7 Race-Inspired Camaro is a Monster!

In short, his Z06 is modified with heads, intake, throttle body, headers, exhaust, and an aftermarket E85 tune. Those upgraded heads not only flow more than stock, but eliminate the weak spot of the stock motor. As a result, it currently is making 572 horsepower to the rear wheels. Which is around 675 horsepower at the crank with a 15% drivetrain loss. His Z06 sounds like a total animal and he plans to take it to the track. We can’t wait to see this LS7 scream and look forward to seeing his experiences. So, let us know what you think in the comments.