TECHNOLOGY REPORT The LT6's forged-aluminum pistons are 8% lighter than the LS7's. A major weightsaving contributor is the flat-plane crankshaft itself, thanks to fewer counterweights compared to a cross-plane crankshaft. But the LT6's crank also has extraneous mass drilled out around the main bearings and other areas. Design release engineer Clarence Smith said the engine's crankshaft is a full one-third lighter than that of the LT2 6.2L V-8 that powers the standard Corvette. In all, said Gardner, despite having 175 hp more than the standard Corvette's LT2 V8, the LT6 is just 1 kg (2.2 lb.) heavier. Optimizing around flat-plane To stay within an optimum displacement range to make the LT6 suitable for worldwide endurance racing and to also help address the vibration issues that can afflict V8s with flat-plane crankshafts, the LT6 fronts a short stroke of Hundreds of tunable parameters contribute to the LT6 V8's record horsepower and consistent, flat torque curve. just 80 mm compared to its bore of 104.25 mm. The flat-plane V8, a longstanding preference of Ferrari (a recent example of which GM purchased from a salvaged model) allows for improved exhaust-scavenging behavior and is a key enabler of enhanced volumetric efficiency and high-rpm power. The Small Block engineering team initially set a maximum-output goal of 650 horsepower. After some analysis of the engine's characteristics, " We quickly ICU HV Connector (Integrated Central control Unit) BFA HV/LV Wiring Harness Built-in Cam Battery Disconnect Unit (Busbar Frame Assembly) HV Junction Block HV Charging Coupler AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/82331-706 April 2022 7 GMhttp://info.hotims.com/82331-706