Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) has added a unique 427 (427 cu in/7.0 litre) option for the Corvette C8 to its Eliminator Spec engine programme, which aims to provide ‘track-ready’ performance without sacrificing road manners. Lingenfelter says it offers “a complete engine package to customers that has been tested and proven to meet the demands of severe track duty, while remaining docile and drivable enough for a street car”.
LPE’s Eliminator Spec packages are for recent GM cars and based around LPE CNC-machined blocks, CNC-ported cylinder heads and high-spec internal components, including bespoke cam grinds. The C8 was a particular challenge since its engine was engineered to be mid-located and married to a dual-clutch transmission. Nevertheless, LPE has created an iconic ‘427’ version of the C8, which is undergoing proving in US autocross and circuit events.
The C8’s Eliminator Spec naturally aspirated 427 is based on GM’s 6.2 litre LT2 V8, supplied as stock for the model. From the factory, this naturally aspirated dry sump V8 has a bore of 4.06 in and a stroke of 3.62 in (103.25 x 92 mm) for 375 cu in (6.145 litres). It is all aluminium, aside from cast-in cast-iron cylinder liners, and while direct-injected it is, of course, pushrod with two valves per cylinder.
LPE’s 427 features a 4.0 in stroke, married to a 4.125 in bore for 427.65 cu in. The long-stroke crankshaft was designed in conjunction with Callies. It has an eight-counterweight design and tailored to fit within the constraints of the LT2 oil system, which features a new scavenging and scraper design that is integrated into a flush-mount oil pan. GM engineered it to keep the LT2’s centre of gravity low and make the C8 track-capable.
The LPE crankshaft is turned by 6.125 in-long Callies H-beam con rods, driven by MAHLE 2618 aluminium-alloy ‘Power Pack’ pistons. LPE has installed larger liners into the stock aluminium block, which are precision-machined using CNC. The stock heads are CNC-ported. The upshot, when mapped by LPE and using roadside petrol, is a maximum power of 704 bhp at 6750 rpm and 600 ft/lb torque at 5000 rpm.