5 minute read
Road Rumblings
Chevrolet Perfor mance Launches L8T Crate Engine
Chevrolet Performance is now offering the naturally aspirated 6.6L V8 L8T as a new crate engine. For those readers who may be unaware, the naturally aspirated 6.6L V8 L8T is the same powerplant cradled by gasoline-powered variants of the Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD heavy duty pickups, and now, the L8T is the largest-displacement LT-family engine on offer from Chevrolet Performance. Peak output is rated at 401 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 464 poundfeet of torque at 4,000 rpm, but unsurprisingly, the V8 also packs in loads of low-end torque along the way. Maximum recommended engine speed is 5,600 rpm. In terms of construction, the L8T block is made from cast iron and incorporates six-bolt nodular main bearing caps, while the crankshaft is made from forged steel. The connecting rods are made from forged powder-metal, while the pistons are made from hypereutectic aluminum. Compression ratio is set at 10.8:1. Further features include oil-spray cooling for the pistons and production-style exhaust manifolds. The L8T crate engine package also includes the throttle body, oil pan, PCV tube, evap tube, oil dipstick, oil fill tube, and cap, as well as a highpressure directinjection fuel pump pre -installed. However, it does not include the controller, harness, oxygen sensors, or Front End Accessory Drive system. Alternatively, customers can opt for the L8T Long Block option, which includes the direction injection cylinder heads, coil-onplug ignition, oil pan, and dip stick, but does not include the intake manifold, throttle body, fuel pump, or fuel injectors. In terms of transmission options, the 6.6L V8 L8T crate engine is available to connect to the SuperMatic 6L80-E six-speed automatic, with customers offered a few options for the torque converter, including a 2400 – 2800 stall, and a 3000 – 3400 stall. Further related parts and accessories include an accessory drive system, both with and without air conditioning, and the L8T controller kit required to run the L8T crate engine with the 6L80 automatic transmission.
2024 Ford Mustang's 5.0L V-8 Gets a Big Power Bump
The reworked Coyote V-8 makes 500 horsepower in the top Dark Horse model, while the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder now makes 315 hp and 350 pound-feet of torque. Ford has announced official power figures for the new 2024 Mustang. The base 2.3liter EcoBoost four-cylinder makes 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The optional 5.0-liter V-8 ranges from 480 hp in the base GT up to 500 hp in the Dark Horse performance model. Ford is turning up the wick on the Coyote V-8 in the new 2024 Mustang, with the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter engine set to produce between 480 hp and 500 hp in the redesigned pony car. The 500-hp figure is for the top Dark Horse performance model, but even the base 480-hp 2024 Mustang GT will make more power than the previous Mach 1, which was rated at 470 hp for 2023 (it was initially rated at 480 hp for 2021). The revised V-8 makes 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet in the base Mustang GT, a healthy upgrade compared with 450 hp for the previous base GT. Adding the optional performance exhaust increases those figures to 486 hp and 418 pound-feet. The V-8 in the Dark Horse benefits from a different crankshaft and forged piston connecting rods, and its output sits at 500 hp and 418 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard on the GT, with a ten-speed automatic optional.
Chevrolet Shows Off The 2023 COPO Camaro
When Chevrolet brought the COPO Camaro back, it was done with great fanfare, and the 2023 versions of this iconic race car could be the best yet. The factory-built race car is still sold through dealerships using a lottery process, but for 2023, there’s a new big-block powerplant option that harkens back to the original 1969 COPO. Chevrolet has made the COPO its flagship vehicle for sportsman drag racing through heavy factory support and development. Typically, those who win a spot in the lottery can have their Camaro built with three different engine packages. In 2023, a new COPO owner can choose from a naturally aspirated LSX-based 427 cubic-inch mill, a supercharged 350 cubic-inch LSX-based engine, or the new 632 cubic-inch big-block package. If you elect to build your car with the 632 cubic-inch engine, you’ll not only be getting a big, modern Rat motor that can crank out over 1,000 naturally aspirated horsepower, your car will come with a few extras. The 632 includes custom graphics and some other nice touches that set it apart from the other COPO Camaros. All of the 2023 COPO Camaros will come with a TH400 transmission, an 8.50 NHRA-certified chromoly roll cage, and numerous other standard features. There’s also an available race package that includes dual batteries, a weight box, carbon fiber air intake, quick-change coupling with the supercharged engine package, and a parachute. You can learn more about the COPO program and how you can purchase one of these legendary cars right here on Chevrolet’s website. https://www.chevrolet.com/performance-parts/copo-camaro
In the remote wooded scene at Indiana’s Brown County Dragway, this predominantly original 1969 Camaro owned and operated by Eric Trigalet is a no-prep diamond among the rough. Discovery Channel’s long-running franchise, "Street Outlaws: OKC" is set to return on Monday, January 2 at 8:00pm ET/PT.
This season of "Street Outlaws: OKC" is a love letter to OG car culture. The 405 racing crew reignites their passion for raw street racing by stripping down to small-tire basics. With the combination of Shawn "Murder Nova" Ellington as the new race master and the group’s new racing mindset, they are on a mission to prove that they are the fastest crew on the planet on any tire. This season, the 405 reclaims their roots, upping the ante with each driver building out and racing brand-new, high-powered small tire race cars reflective of street racing in the early days.
In each episode, viewers will watch the 405 crew ready their cars in preparation to take on different groups of racers from across the country. OG competitors including Farmtruck and AZN get behind the wheel with Kamikaze and Reaper joining in on the action to make the stakes even higher. When big money comes into play, the 405 quickly realizes that proving their dominance among the other skilled racers is going to be a tougher task than expected.
The season ends when Nova locks in a big Cash Days event featuring all the top racers from the previous weeks. The 405 bands together and uses everything they’ve learned to come out on top and take home the money.
See a sneak-peek of the new season at https://list.powerautomedia.com
