Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 LS9 Engine Specifications - Domestic Exotica

The last step in the assembly is weighing the engine. Because the LS9 doesn't have a dipstick, the oil is later added by weight, making it important to know what the engine weighs dry-529.8 pounds in this case.

Each assembled engine is first run on natural gas so it can be externally balanced. After that it's put though a 45-minute cold test run by a DC motor. When the engines are complete, they are double checked and sent offsite for a 20-minute hot test and dyno validation. It takes from 4.5 to 5 hours to build an LS9 at Wixom, which means it can churn out around 45 units a week. We'd all like to see LS9s available as crate engines, but for now, every one is bound for a ZR1-and there's no shortage of willing buyers.