Late Model Engines (LME) [1] has cranked out some of the meanest LS-platform engines to date. Spanning multiple fields of motorsports, they continue to demonstrate their understanding of theory, design and implementation of technical engine development. We have looked at no shortage of drag racing programs, and even a recent road racing engine they developed [2].
In this quick video, LME dazzles us first with imagery of their behind the scenes development before getting to the part we’re all waiting for, the dyno! Parts are digitally engineered and 3D models created so that machining work holding fixtures, and tool paths can be established.
With this data all condensed in a computer file, CNC mills can do their magic and whittle out complex shapes and parts like billet valves covers, cylinder heads, combustion chambers, valve seats, and conduct boring and honing procedures on cylinder sleeves. We see the ballet of 5-axis machines carve out these features with extreme precision.
[3]Finally, the human touch enters the equation with painstakingly careful assembly. With a complete powerplant on the dyno, we can see what the fruits of LME labor create. In the case of this 440 cubic inch LSX platform, it is running 12.2:1 compression, a Callies [4] Dragonslayer 4.00-inch crank, Callies Compstar 6.125-inch rods, Custom Diamond [5] 4.185-inch pistons, Cam Motion [6] billet cam, LME/Brodix [7] 6-bolt BR7 heads, and an assortment of other goodies.
Finally putting down number the engine made 691.2 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 609.6 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm, certainly a healthy engine for whatever it is destined to power!