The new Corvette has a 400 hp engine so notable named the LS2. The predecessor was the LS1 model at a mere 350 hp. This engine along with aerodynamics allows this Corvette to have the highest top speed of any Corvette, including the exotic ZR-1 model from the early 1990's. This new engine is all aluminum and with the Z51 package, allows the fastest acceleration of any model currently available.
The team considered using a 405 hp LS6 engine, but it had a lot of special components in it to get that horsepower. They were afraid that the cam might have been too aggressive for everyday street driving. When the team finished, they came up with a 400 hp engine at 6,000 RPM. The engine also boasts 25 lb-ft greater torque than the previous engine. Torque numbers are 400 lb-ft at 4,400 RPM. Now the engine is larger. The engine displacement increased from 346 cu in to 364 cu in. This was accomplished by a larger cylinder bore of 101.6mm. The stroke remained the same at 92mm. The LS2 also uses a higher lift cam and stronger valve springs. Another engine feature is the throttle body has been increased from 75mm to 90mm which allows more air into the engine. Couple all of this together with new flat top pistons at a higher compression of 10.9:1 and faster responding fuel and engine management computers results in one of the most advanced engines GM ever put in a car.
Due to state emissions regulations Corvettes and every other car manufactured have to abide by strict guidelines to comply with noise ordinances and highway safety standards. While these laws and regulations are often more strictly enforced with motorcycles and cars custom built for road racing the system in a brand new Corvette or even a Corvette kept in mint condition may not be enough to satisfy an owner looking for a more powerful sound.
To improve engine horsepower and get a more throaty sound from the exhaust many car owners will swap out the OEM system and replace it with any of the high quality performance exhaust systems available on the exhaust part aftermarket. When performing and exhaust swap Corvette owners need to carefully shop for specific exhaust parts including mufflers, headers, crossover pipes, exhaust tips and catalytic converters. Available in high quality metals including shiny chrome, stainless steel and durable carbon fiber.
Unless you have an inside source for available Corvette parts your best bet for finding high performance and high quality exhaust systems and parts is to go online and search through aftermarket suppliers to locate the right parts for your specific make and model of Corvette. While some systems and mufflers are universal fit others are engineered for certain types of engines and will only work on specific car models.
