New Ls6 Engine For Z06; More Agility - Chevrolet Corvette 2001 Owner's Manual

2001 Chevrolet Corvette Restoration Kit
New LS6 Engine For Z06
The new Z06 takes the term "performance" and raises it to a whole new level. At the heart of the Z06 is a
new engine, the LS6, which delivers 385-hp and 385 Ib-ft of torque. The LS6 is the only engine available
for the Z06, and is not offered on other Corvette models.
The LS6 designation is another expression of appreciation for the accomplishments of earlier Corvette
engineers. In 1971 Zora Duntov's team created a special 425-bhp (gross) big-block V8 for the Corvette -
again with racing in mind. It was second only to the legendary full-blown L88 racing engine that was
available from 1967 to 1969. Despite the fact that only 188 Corvettes were sold with the LS6 engine, it
occupies a special niche in Corvette legend.
The new LS6 is based on the 5.7L LS1, the standard engine in Corvette coupes and convertibles. Its
aluminum block has been modified for better management of crankcase pressures and speedier return of
oil from the upper part of the engine during highspeed operation. The engine also has a more aggressive .
camshaft profile to take full advantage of the additional air that Corvette's new intake manifold provides.
New highcompression cylinder heads (10.5:1 vs. 10.1:1 on the LS1) have improved porting to get this
larger volume of air smoothly into the combustion chambers. The new heads are equipped with stronger
larger volume of air smoothly into the combustion chambers. The new heads are equipped with stronger
valve springs to handle higher rpms, and larger fuel injectors to provide a healthier shot of fuel.
Exhaust gas backpressure is relieved by Z06's unique less-restrictive titanium exhaust system - the first-
ever use of this exotic metal in a mass-production automobile. The new titanium system is 50-percent
lighter than the stainless steel system it replaces. The LS-6 engine delivers 385 hp @ 6000 rpm and 385
Ib-ft @ 4800 rpm.
In addition to giving both the LS1 and the LS6 more horsepower and torque, Corvette powertrain
engineers also improved their environmental friendliness. EPA fuel economy labels will reflect a full mile-
per-gallon improvement, city and highway, over the 2000 Corvette - whether the car is equipped with
manual or automatic transmission.
All Corvettes, including the Z06, are now classified as National Low Emission Vehicles (NLEV), meeting
stringent emissions requirements in all 50 states.
The recommended oil change interval has been extended for all Corvette models - from 10,000 miles to
15,000 miles or 1-year, whichever comes first. This means less dirty oil to be recycled, fewer dirty oil
filters gOing into landfills and less maintenance expense.
Engineering development of the Z06 package resulted in several improvements for coupe and convertible
models as well. LS1 engines get the same new intake and exhaust manifolds as the LS6, and a stronger
clutch that requires less pedal effort will now be used in all manual transmission-equipped Corvettes. All
Corvettes get a stronger, larger diameter aluminum driveshaft.
Unique to the Z06 is a new 6-speed transmission (M12) with more aggressive gearing to increase torque
multiplication in almost every gear and allow for more rapid acceleration. Z06 achieves 0-60 mph in 4
seconds flat, and quarter mile in 12 seconds.
More Agility
In mid-1998 a new feature called Active Handling was introduced on Corvette. It is a sophisticated
stability control system that utilizes on-board sensors to measure yaw, lateral acceleration and steering
wheel position, then brings into play the capabilities of Corvette's standard ABS brake and traction control
systems to smoothly assist the driver in maintaining vehicle control in oversteer or understeer situations.
For 2001 a Second-Generation Active Handling system, much enhanced over the original, becomes
standard equipment on all Corvettes. With a new Bosch brake pressure modulator and many new or
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