The Baddest Small Block Ever Produced
From its inception 50 years ago, GM's small-block V-8 has been a mainstay and favorite of the performance world. Nothing, however, in the production history of this respected eight-cylinder icon comes close to matching the performance of the all-new LS7 small-block. The 7.0L 427ci engine makes 505 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque (SAE certified*) from a small-block crate engine. Now that's making a statement, if we've ever heard one.
Here's the LS7 at a Glance
Horsepower: 505 hp at 6,300 rpm
Torque: 470 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm with a 7,000-rpm redline
Engine Type: Cam-in-block 90-degree V-8
Block Configuration: Cast-aluminum block with 6-bolt, forged steel main caps
Displacement (L/cu in): 7.0L / 427 ci with 4.125 bore x 4.00 stroke
Crankshaft: Forged steel with 101.6mm (4-inch) stroke
Connecting Rods: Forged titanium rods weighing 464 grams each
Pistons: Cast-aluminum
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Cylinder Heads: CNC-ported aluminum; 70cc chamber volume
Valve Size, Intake: 2.20-inch (titanium 21 grams less than stainless)
Valve Size, Exhaust: 1.61-inch (sodium-filled)
Camshaft: Hydraulic roller; 15 mm (0.591 in) lift (intake and exhaust)
Rocker Arms: 1.8:1; offset (intake only)
Air Intake: Composite manifold with 90mm single-bore throttle body
Fuel: Premium required / 91 octane minimum
Horsepower: 505 (377 kW) at 6,300 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 470 (637 Nm) at 4,800 rpm
Fuel Shutoff (rpm): 7,100
Oil System: Dry-sump with 8-quart reservoir and air-to-oil cooler
Oh No!Not Another Reality TV Program
ESPN2's new Truck Stop series celebrates America's favorite on- and off-road toys. As we all know, the past two decades have developed an aftermarket Mecca for America's ongoing love affair with trucks. Truck Stop, an all-new 13-episode television series on ESPN2, debuting this November, will explore the country's continued fascination with the tough guys of the automotive landscape, from the latest tricked-out mini pickup trucks to outrageous monster trucks and drag-racing semis. In addition to sampling some of most over-the-top custom trucks on U.S. soil, Rebecca Grant also gets behind the wheel of a monster truck, provides proof to viewers that off-roading isn't for the faint of heart, and gets the inside scoop on just what motivates truck enthusiasts to spend thousands of dollars-and hours-on customizing a vehicle once simply designed for function, not form. Grant also introduces the Truck Stop audience to desert racers, mountain off-roaders, classic truck restorers, and performance truck builders, as well as superstar celebrity guests, pro athletes, and top drivers.
Corrections Department: Oops! We did it again. We just can't seem to understand why people are so critical about their photo credits! After all, isn't assigning the wrong name to a photo standard practice for Sport Truck? We gave Richard Truesdell credit for the cover image of our Dec. '05 issue. That was a little mistake on our part. Tom "Baller T" Gomez was the actual photographer behind the camera's eye that captured Rick Anderson smokin' the hides off his Chevy. We suppose next Baller T will complain about not getting credit for the Hooter girls Pinup he shot in the same issue that we didn't list any credit for. Thanks for all the good photography, Tom. We sincerely apologize for the mistake.
X-Runner Update
Last month, we started driving our loaner truck from Toyota, and man, is this a very nice truck. It handles great and has ample power, but how does it do on gas? With gas prices going up, we figured why not keep track of the mileage, so as we bolt up performance parts we can see if they help squeeze a little more mileage from the 4.0L V-6. At the time of print, we clocked 1,316 miles on the truck and poured 84.762 gallons in the tank that averages out to 15.52 miles per gallon. This number may look a little low for a V-6 truck, but it might be our fault. Since we got this thing, we have been enjoying the power and finely tuned suspension, and yes, the right pedal has been on the floor for a lot of it.
Toyo Truck Giveaway Winner
On September 19, the Toyo sweepstakes '04 Ford F-150 was final given to its winning owner. Grand Prize winner Arthur A. Martin IV couldn't help but grin as he picked up the keys to his white, red, and blue hauler. The truck is outfitted with components from Ford Racing and includes a Fabtech Dirt Logic 4.0 Coilover Suspension, glistening KMC XD Series Wheels, and aggressive 33-inch Open Country M/T tires from Toyo Tires. Thousands of contestants from around the country entered online, mailed in entries, or filled out applications at their dealers for a chance at winning this great-looking Toyo Tires Ford F-150. According to Travis Roffler, Senior Director of Marketing, Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corporation, "We are proud to make this exciting truck available and to be involved with these great partners that have lead to its completion. We are also celebrating our new U.S. factory and distribution center, which is nearing completion. It will serve the U.S. market, beginning with production of the Open Country M/T."