Very little $ goes into the LS series designs vs. new car designs and such. Especially because most of the cost is amortized into the (still profitable) trucks. For example, the L92 in the Escalade uses a lot of the LS7 research. And there’s nothing wrong with pumping out factory heads that flow over 330cfm. :idb:
And no, GM couldn’t make the LS1 make the power AND TORQUE of a L92 or LS3 and still pass CA emissions and such.
I’m not saying GM isn’t stupid and setting themselves up for extinction. But it’s not the Gen III/IV motors doing it. Hell, they may be be their second saving grace behind the new full-sized truck/suv platform.
-TJ
agreed 100%. IMO, the LS2 was a bandaid engine for the LS3 to come out. Yes it’s wonderful, and has many good applications, but it wasnt “different” enough from it’s Gen III predecessor the LS1