First Crate Engine Build Experience customer, Jeff Kasper, participates in 505-horsepower LS7 ‘build & buy’ program.
The “assembled by” plaque on Jeff Kasper’s LS7 crate engine is more than an engine dress-up accessory. It tells the story of the first hot rod builder to participate in the assembly of his LS7 in the GM Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mi. Kasper, a sales and business manager for a semiconductor manufacturer in California, will be installing his 505-horsepower 427 in a new Camaro.
“The build program was the thrill of a lifetime,” said Kasper, above, whose garage contains a new Camaro SS and a Chevrolet Volt. “Going inside the assembly facility and actually participating in building my very own engine greatly exceeded my expectations – and I’d absolutely recommend it to every enthusiast.”
Since he doesn’t own a full-equipped shop, a crate engine was the logical choice. He became interested in building an LS7, left, engine when he learned of the Corvette Engine Build Experience, which offers Corvette Z06 and ZR1 customers the opportunity to help assemble the LS7 or LS9 engine that power those production cars. The program was extended to include crate engines.
When an order is placed through a Chevrolet dealer, a special concierge contacts the customer to verify participation and help coordinate arrangements. Travel arrangements to and from Metro Detroit are the customer’s responsibility, but the concierge helps schedule the engine build, coordinates the customer’s activities at the Performance Build Center, and arranges local lodging, meals and area ground transportation.
Chevrolet Performance’s Crate Engine Build Experience includes part number 19259944 for the $22,756 LS7 (427 cubic inches, 505 horsepower) and part number 19259945 for the supercharged $32,050 LS9 (376 cubic inches, 638 horsepower), below, right. The personally assembled engines carry Chevrolet Performance’s 24-month/50,000-mile limited warranty.
At the build center, Kasper was immersed in every aspect of the engine’s assembly, from installing the crankshaft in the cylinder block to topping off the engine with its intake system.
“The builders there were great to work with and the whole experience was a lot of fun,” said Kasper. “It was fascinating to learn how these engines are built with a combination of hand-assembly techniques and some computer-assisted high-tech tools.”
When the engine is assembled, it is started and run through a series of tests, providing customers with confirmation their new crate engine is ready to power their project vehicle.
“I got the most satisfaction and pride when I heard my engine fire up for the first time,” said Kasper, left. “When the engine came to life, it was the payoff for a day’s work and it was a satisfying success.”
For the latest from GM Performance Parts, please visit, http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/home.jsp