Could Chevy be planning a sixth-generation crate motor based on the LS6 V-8 found in the 2027 Corvette Stingray? If you've shopped for a small-block crate engine anytime in the last decade, there's a decent chance that you checked out the Chevrolet LS9 Long Block. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and that's true, too, for the LS9's lifespan. Chevy has officially discontinued the LS9, Corvette Blogger reported, with Chevy now labeling the engine as "Discontinued" on its website.
The supercharged small block debuted on the C6 Corvette ZR1, with the crate derivative rated for 638 horsepower from its 6.2-liter construction. It featured a forged rotating assembly, titanium connecting rods, and a cast aluminum block.
With the LS9 leaving, Chevy is pushing customers who want support for boost toward the LSX376-B15. The B15 is designed specifically for supercharged and turbocharged builds and comes rated for up to 15 psi of boost. In its naturally aspirated form, the B15 is rated at 473 horsepower and 444 pound-feet of torque, though the addition of forced induction means that number can easily climb.
View Price on AmazonThankfully, while Chevy is closing the chapter on the LS9, the automaker is cooking up a replacement. A post on the Chevrolet Performance page on Instagram promises that "Something BIG is coming," alongside a close-up photo of an intake manifold. Chevy hasn't disclosed any details on exactly what the replacement could be, but rumors suggest that the automaker could reveal a crate engine based on the new sixth-generation V-8, which we know is arriving in the 2027 Corvette Stingray.
Dubbed the LS6, the 6.7-liter V-8 is rated for 535 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque, though a new variant could introduce packaging changes or improved airflow to increase those figures.
Source: caranddriver.com
