SEMA 2021: Chevrolet Performance Flexes LS9 Long-Block

SEMA 2021: Chevrolet Performance Flexes LS9 Long-Block

If there’s one thing that SEMA had to offer this year, it was LS and LT crate engines. It seemed like these powerplants were all over the show, and we kept finding them all week long. Some of the more notable finds included the L8T from Scoggin Dickey, which made over 2,000 horsepower with a stock block and LT4 heads. Another stellar concept was Edelbrock’s 427 cubic-inch LS with an Edelbrock TVS 2650 supercharger that cranks out over 1,000 horsepower on pump gas. And while both of these engines are a killer combination, Chevrolet Performance had a trick up its sleeve with an LS9 long block. 

The LS9 was created initially for the almighty ZR1 Corvette, built from 2009-2013. This 6.2-liter engine came in the ZR1 with a supercharger and cranked out 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. And while this supercharged mill can still be purchased in crate form, Chevrolet had another variation of the LS9 in its booth that looks very different from the original, with a pair of turbos hanging out front of the engine. 

Here’s a look at Chevrolet Performance’s LS9 long-block all decked out with twin turbos, intake, throttle body, ignition coils, wires, and water pump.

While the sight of twin-turbo LS9 is enough to cause a stir among SEMA participants, we should note that this combination will not be available from Chevrolet Performance. Instead, the boost-ready long block is available for purchase. 

Since the LS9 engine was designed for boost, Chevrolet Performance decided to offer the long-block for builders and racers who might want more power than the factory supercharger can generate, allowing the builder to add the power adder of their choice. We spoke with Bill Martens about the new LS9 offering. He said, “We did a soft push with the LS9 long block, took this combination, and made 1,000 horsepower.” And while Martens says that this is not a 2,000-2,500 horsepower combination, it’s very capable of making solid power for those wanting something in the 1,000 horsepower range. 

While the twin-turbo LS9 was certainly getting some attention at the SEMA show, this is more what the package looks like.

LS9 Long-Block Tech Specs

  • Engine Type: LS-Series Gen-IV Small-Block V-8
  • Displacement: 376 cubic-inches or 6.2-liters
  • Bore x Stroke (in.): 4.065 x 3.622 (103.25 x 92 mm)
  • Block: Cast aluminum with six-bolt, cross-bolted main caps
  • Crankshaft (PN 12641693): Forged steel with nine-bolt flange
  • Connecting Rods (PN 12624231): Forged titanium
  • Pistons (PN 19180414): Forged aluminum
  • Camshaft Type (PN 12638427): Hydraulic roller
  • Valve Lift (in.): .562 intake / .558 exhaust
  • Cylinder Heads (PN 12621774): Aluminum L92-style ports with 68-cc chambers
  • Valve Size (in.): 2.160 titanium intake / 1.590; hollow, sodium-filled exhaust
  • Compression Ratio: 9.1:1
  • Rocker Arms (PN 12696105 int.): Investment-cast, roller trunnion
  • Rocker Arms (PN 12681275) exhaust: Investment-cast, roller trunnion
  • Rocker Arm Ratio: 1.7:1
  • Recommended Fuel: Premium pump
  • Maximum recommended rpm: 6,600
  • Reluctor Wheel: 58X
  • Balanced: Internal
  • Dry-sump oil pan

And if you’re worried that the LS9 long-blocks won’t last, that’s not the case. Martens said, “Actually, we have a lot of these engines.” And that is great news! 

Be sure to check out Chevrolet Performance’s website for more information on the LS9 long block and other offerings, as well. 

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About the author

Brian Havins

A gearhead for life, Brian is obsessed with all things fast. Banging gears, turning wrenches, and praying while spraying are just a few of his favorite things.
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