SEMA 2014: GM Says Corvette Engine Build Experience Will Return

At its pre-SEMA party last Monday night, GM announced that the popular Corvette customer engine build experience will return next year. No further details, such as cost, were released, but the experience will move to the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where the Performance Build Center has been relocated. And, the only engine under consideration right now is the supercharged LT4 that powers the 2015 Z06 Corvette.

From left, Rob Nichols, Barry Dennis and Mike Priest of the Performance Build Center discuss the latest assembly at the SEMA Show.

The engine build experience was a popular option for Corvette buyers who purchased the previous Z06 model or the ZR1. Those owners paid an additional $5,800 to visit the Performance Build Center, then located in Wixom, Michigan, and help hand assemble the LS7 or LS9 engine that was scheduled for their vehicle. COPO Camaro buyers could also participate in this program, as could buyers of the LS7 or LS9 crate engines. All transportation and lodging accommodations were the responsibility of the customers.

With the Performance Build Center moving inside the Bowling Green facility, it will be easier to customers to not only build their own engines but also watch it being installed on the assembly line, assuming that will be part of the program. Again, no details were released.

Scenes from the LT4 engine assembly exhibition at the Chevy Performance booth during SEMA.

As part of its SEMA display, Chevy Performance had three engine builders from the Performance Build Center demonstrate the disassembly and assembly of a LT4 engine. Twice each day, Mike Priest and Barry Dennis tore down the display engine, then assembled it while Rob Nichols provided commentary and answered questions.

The Performance Build Center employs about 25 workers, each trained in engine assembly as well as other functions that are critical to the operation. While the LT4 is assembled under a “one man, one engine” system, the engines travel to 13 different stations during the process where “kits” of parts are ready for installation.

LT4 parts awaiting assembly.

“It takes two and half to three hours to assemble an engine from start to finish,” says Nichols.

The engine builders have access to lift assists for heavy items, and torque procedures for the mains, heads and connecting rods are handled by a multi-spin wrench that tightens all the fasteners at the same time. All other tightening is handled by a single torque wrench that automatically relays the torque measurements and yield angles to a data recorder.

“We can review the torque trace for the entire engine at any time,” adds Nichols.

Large crowds often watched the assembly, but the team always had time to answer questions.

All LT4 engines are cold tested for oil pressure, leaks and more, then they’re externally balanced with precise weights added to the damper or flywheel as needed.

The Bowling Green facility is smaller than Wixom, so some logistical arrangements will likely have to be made before the customer engine build experience can start up. But it’s certainly a popular program that many customers want to participate in and there likely will be a waiting list to sign up.

About the author

Mike Magda

Mike Magda is a veteran automotive writer with credits in publications such as Racecar Engineering, Hot Rod, Engine Technology International, Motor Trend, Automobile, Automotive Testing Technology and Professional Motorsport World.
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