This is a mystery motor. In all the files at General Motors i could only find one picture of this engine. Actually this really isn’t a Corvette engine but parts of the engine were used in the Corvette racing program. Then some Corvette racers got the unique ASA parts before the ASA racers got their parts. Figure that one out.
In 1998 the American Speed Association decided to introduce electronic engine management to oval track racing. At the same time there was a need to keep costs under control by using a sealed engine. The new LS1 Corvette engine was a natural fit. GM was more than happy to cooperate, as this would be a great showcase for the LS1 engines.
These engines were assembled at the Romulus Michigan plant and then shipped to Lingenfelter where they were modified, dyno tested and then sealed. ASA kept control of the PCM boxes and passed out sealed boxes before each race. These were special units developed by GM and had different values from the production units.
When everything was said and done these engines had 430 bhp and 430 ft-lb of torque. They used a more aggressive camshaft and higher quality valve springs. In addition the engines all used a dry sump oiling system. In 2000 these engines were sold to the ASA teams for $12,000.
ASA called the whole deal Project 2000. These LS1 engines were developing 430 bhp at 6200 rpm. The torque reached 430 lb.-ft. at 4800 rpm. The red line was at 6500, which was the same the fuel shut off point.
I believe about 300 of these engines were built. I haven’t been able to confirm that number but it sounds reasonable. They’re still out there and people are asking around $15,000 for used ones. That’s more than what people paid for brand new ones over a decade ago.
