At first glance, the overall LT1 doesn\'92t look much different from a typical LS3. But this cool, see-through view reveals how GM engineers cleverly integrated the solenoids and injectors into the area underneath the intake manifold. The engine is all aluminum, of course, integrating the latest in gasoline-engine technology with a two-valve, pushrod configuration. The direct-injection system increases the fuel pressure to 2,175 psi at the injectors.At first glance, the overall LT1 doesn\'92t look much different from a typical LS3. But th Did you feel the disturbance in the Force a short time ago? If you did, it was a good thing. It\'92s the future come knocking, with the release of GM\'92s Gen V small-block engine dubbed the LT1. With a nod to two earlier Chevy performance engines, this is the first V8 with direct injection. That means fuel is injected directly into the cylinder under very high pressure. Think of this as (dare we say it?) a hybrid between gasoline- and diesel-engine technology. GM is calling this spark ignition direct injection (SIDI). The \'9214 LT1 still uses spark plugs to initiate combustion, but this configuration is sneaking up on diesel efficiency, with an impressive 11.5:1 compression ratio. The direct injection has been cleverly integrated into the existing LS-engine architecture, retaining what appears to be plenty of interchangeability between this engine and its Gen III/IV cousins. That\'92s a good thing. What\'92s most interesting is how impressive the cylinder heads look. No specs yet on the intake-port volume, but it appears to be in the LS7 range. The bore and stroke are typical of an LS3, with 4.065 bore and 3.62-inch stroke, displacing 6.2L (376ci). Then there\'92s the variable valvetrain technology (VVT) that uses oil pressure to advance or retard the cam to improve combustion efficiency, power, and emissions. And don\'92t forget Active Fuel Management (AFM)\'97formerly called displacement on demand (DOD)\'97in which the engine can instantaneously drop four cylinders and convert to a 3.1L V4 during cruise conditions. That promises to improve highway fuel mileage to 26 mpg in the new \'9214 Corvette. This is where the new LT1 will debut, but expect it to be quickly integrated into new Camaros and truck and SUV applications. We\'92ve come a long way from the 265 SBC, baby. This chamber view reveals the placement of the fuel injector between the 2.13-/1.59-inch valves. The intakes benefit from hollow stems, while the exhaust valves feature sodium-filled stems. The valves are at a 12-degree angle (versus the standard 15 degrees) but also splayed 2.5 degrees to improve flow efficiency. The intake port is also raised in comparison to the typical LS3.This chamber view reveals the placement of the fuel injector between the 2.13-/1.59-inch v The piston also has a unique face configuration that appears to concentrate combustion in the middle of the piston, and then push it toward the exhaust valve. Also, note that the main and rod bearings are coated.The piston also has a unique face configuration that appears to concentrate combustion in The bottoms of the cylinders include piston oilers, which have previously only been used on supercharged engines.The bottoms of the cylinders include piston oilers, which have previously only been used o The injector rail sits snugly under the intake manifold and manages the 2,175-psi fuel-rail pressure.The injector rail sits snugly under the intake manifold and manages the 2,175-psi fuel-rai This is the new Corvette logo that accompanies the new C7 for 2014. By Jeff Smith Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
