As the photos demonstrate, the LS7 engine looks great disassembled. It is still part of the small block family, a relative of the 265 cu. in. motor introduced in the 1955 Corvette. The only thing the two motors had in common was the bore centers, (the distance between the pistons) which had been unchanged at 4.40", the OHV layout and the camshaft location. Engine output is 505 hp at 6,300 RPM with 470 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800 RPM. Engine RPM is limited to 7,000 RPM. The EPA estimated fuel economy was 16 mpg city and 26 mph on the highway. As with all previous Corvettes, the 2006 Z06 did not require buyers to pay a gas guzzler tax. Very impressive.
Initially the 2006 Z06 hp was rated at 500 hp as indicated by the above press image. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) certified testing upped the power to 505 hp which became the official specification. Interestingly, the Z06 LS7 engine was the first to be tested under a new "SAE Certified Power" program. Certification requirements included a ISO9000/9002 certified facility and in person approval of the testing by a SAE approved party.
Although not as significant, there were other developments in the Corvette lineup for 2006 besides the intro of the Z06. A new six speed automatic transmission became available as an option. There were two modes - Drive and Sport - and the sport mode featured manually selectable gear changing via steering wheel mounted paddle switches (right). The automatic, which as a four speed was a no-cost buyers option for 2005, became an extra cost option (RPO MX0; $1,250.00) in 2006.
Oddly enough, a five speed transmission - automatic or manual - was never available in a Corvette.
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Hydra-Matic 2006 6L80 (MYC) Six Speed RWD Automatic Transaxle for Cadillac XLR, Cadillac XLR-V and Chevrolet Corvette
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Hydra-Matic 2006 6L80 (MYC) Six Speed RWD Automatic Transaxle for Cadillac XLR, Cadillac XLR-V and Chevrolet Corvette.
