Chevrolet Discontinues LS9 Crate Engine, New LS6 Based Replacement Could Be Coming
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The legendary Chevrolet LS9 crate engine is officially gone. After spending nearly a decade in Chevrolet Performance’s lineup, the supercharged 6.2 liter V8 now shows up as “Discontinued” on Chevy’s official crate engine website.
For performance builders and Corvette fans, this marks the end of one of GM’s most respected small block V8 engines. But Chevrolet already seems to be teasing something new, and possibly much bigger.
According to reports from Car and Driver and Corvette Blogger, Chevrolet Performance recently posted a teaser on Instagram saying “Something BIG is coming,” alongside an image of an intake manifold. That immediately started speculation about a next generation crate motor based on the rumored LS6 V8 expected in the 2027 Corvette Stingray.
Why The LS9 Crate Engine Was So Popular
The LS9 first became famous in the C6 Corvette ZR1. At the time, it was one of the wildest factory engines Chevrolet had ever built.
The crate version carried over most of the serious hardware, including:
- Supercharged 6.2 liter V8 layout
- 638 horsepower output
- Forged rotating assembly
- Titanium connecting rods
- Cast aluminum block
Even today, those specs still look impressive.
Builders loved the LS9 because it handled power upgrades without drama. Whether someone wanted a street build, drag setup, or a restomod project, the LS9 usually ended up somewhere on the shortlist.
The engine also helped grow Chevrolet Performance’s reputation in the crate engine market. For many enthusiasts, the LS9 became the “dream garage motor” even if they never actually bought one.
Chevrolet Is Now Pushing Buyers Toward The LSX376 B15
With the LS9 discontinued, Chevrolet Performance is directing buyers toward the LSX376 B15 crate engine instead.
The LSX376 B15 was designed specifically for forced induction applications. Chevy says the engine supports up to 15 psi of boost, making it suitable for supercharger and turbocharger builds.
In naturally aspirated form, the engine produces:
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Boost Capability |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSX376 B15 | 473 hp | 444 lb ft | Up to 15 psi |
Those factory numbers are lower than the LS9, but the real story starts once boost gets added. Tuners can push the B15 much further with the right setup.
Still, many enthusiasts feel the LS9 had a unique character that newer crate motors struggle to replace. That engine carried real Corvette ZR1 history with it.
Is Chevrolet Preparing A New LS6 Based Crate Engine?
This is where things get interesting.
Chevrolet has not confirmed anything officially yet, but rumors suggest the replacement could use the upcoming sixth generation small block V8 architecture expected in the 2027 Corvette Stingray.
The rumored engine is reportedly called the LS6.
Early details suggest:
| Rumored LS6 Specs | Figures |
|---|---|
| Engine Size | 6.7 liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 535 hp |
| Torque | 520 lb ft |
If those numbers are accurate, the LS6 would become one of the most powerful naturally aspirated small block crate engines Chevrolet has offered in years.
There is also speculation that Chevrolet Performance could release a modified version with improved airflow, revised intake packaging, or higher output figures specifically for crate engine customers.
That would make sense because the crate engine market has changed a lot. Buyers now want engines that support modern electronics, emissions compatibility, and huge aftermarket tuning potential straight from the factory.
Why This Matters For Corvette And Muscle Car Fans
The LS engine family remains one of the most influential V8 platforms ever built. Even today, LS swaps dominate everything from classic Camaros to drift cars and off road builds.
So when Chevrolet retires an engine like the LS9, people notice immediately.
At the same time, the move also signals that GM is not done with high performance V8 development despite growing EV pressure across the industry.
And honestly, that is probably the biggest takeaway here.
Chevrolet could have quietly ended the LS9 and moved on. Instead, the company teased a replacement almost immediately. That usually means something important is already deep into development.
For now, enthusiasts will have to wait for official confirmation. But if the rumors are true, the next generation LS based crate motor could end up becoming the new favorite among builders.
Sources and References
- Chevrolet Performance Crate Engines Official Page
Official Chevrolet Performance website for crate engines, specs, LS and LSX engine lineup, and performance parts. - Chevrolet Performance LS/LSX Engines
Official LS and LSX crate engine catalog page with technical details and available engine options. - Car and Driver Report on LS9 Discontinuation
US automotive publication covering the LS9 discontinuation and rumored LS6 replacement. - Corvette Blogger LS9 Coverage
Detailed enthusiast coverage focused on the LS9 crate engine and Chevrolet Performance teaser. - GM Authority LS9 Discontinued Article
GM focused news source covering LS9 discontinuation and possible future replacements. - Hagerty LS9 Story
Trusted collector and enthusiast automotive outlet discussing the end of the LS9 era. - Chevrolet Performance Parts Main Page
Official Chevrolet Performance homepage covering engines, transmissions, and factory performance upgrades. - MotorTrend Chevrolet Crate Engine Feature
Technical feature explaining how Chevrolet crate engines are developed and assembled. - Chevrolet ZZ632 Crate Engine Official Release
Official GM press release for Chevrolet’s 1000 horsepower ZZ632 crate engine. - The Supercar Blog LS9 Coverage
Performance and supercar focused coverage discussing the legacy of the LS9 engine.
