As reported a little over two months ago, the digital tachometer of the C8 Corvette switches its max rpm from 4,500 to 6,500 revolutions per minute after putting 500 miles (805 kilometers) on the engine. This is the initial break-in period of the LT2 small-block V8, the first 500 of 1,500 miles (2,414 kilometers) in total according to Chevy.
Because the torque is limited by 25 to 30 percent in the first and second gear ratios of the dual-clutch transmission, dyno ratings also differ before and after breaking in the 6.2-liter motor. Speed Society demonstrates this quirk of the C8 with a black example of the breed that shows just under 500 miles during the first pull. Without further ado, 427 RWHP (433 RWPS) isn’t too shabby at 110 miles per hour (177 kph) in the Tremec M1L transmission’s fourth gear out of eight.
The second sub-500-mile run on the dyno returned 423 RWHP (429 RWPS), and this gets us to the first proper test of the engine at its full potential in bone-stock form. After letting the car roll to 500 miles on the dyno, the third pull’s results came in at 449 RWHP (455 RWPS) at 113 mph (182 kph) and 411 pound-feet (557 Nm) of torque. The answer, therefore, is yes; the LT2 is a little better after 500 miles!
20 ponies may not seem like much but don’t forget we’re talking about a bone-stock vehicle here with natural aspiration, the base version of the C8 Corvette. Given time, the Z06 will level up to a flat-plane crankshaft V8 known as the LT6 while the ZR1 is set to adopt a pair of snails to create the LT7. Both of these engines are expected to mirror the displacement of the LT5 in the Corvette Racing C8.R racing car, namely 5.5 liters. Better still, two hybrids are also rumored for production in the guise of the Grand Sport (LT2 hybrid) and Zora (LT7 hybrid).
Until these babies show up in dealer showrooms, don’t forget that the aftermarket has plenty of upgrades for the LT2 in the guise of turbos, superchargers, and prochargers in addition to new headers and free-breathing exhaust systems. Those who plan on taking the ‘Vette to 1,500 horsepower should take into consideration the rear-axle upgrade from Cicio Performance, priced at just under $2,000.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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