Technology marches forward, and with its progress, graces previous generations with updated components and techniques that weren’t available when first designed. Such is the case with Chevrolet Performance’s new LS364/450 engine (P/N: 19370163). Using a blend of newer components, Chevrolet Performance has enabled owners of LS-based autos the opportunity to upgrade their engines with larger, more powerful options.
With a budget-minded approach, the engineers at Chevrolet have assembled an LS-based powerhouse that not only uses the performance tricks learned over the years, but it also makes them available to those wanting to upgrade their earlier-generation LS-based vehicles. Being able to do so on a budget is just the icing on the cake!
While Chevrolet claims that this engine makes 452 horspower and 441 lb-ft of torque, we asked Chevrolet Performance’s Bill Martens about the power numbers of this new combination. “This is a really conservative number,” he said. “We made that power with a factory-stock, LS3, EFI manifold.” Bill also emphasized that the final intake, throttle body, and ECU compatibility is left to the installer. While designed to upgrade earlier LS-based engines, ensuring compatibility is near impossible due to the number of swaps and installs throughout the decades.
Swapping an LS/LT engine into a vehicle, one needs to be concerned with items such as reluctor wheel tooth counts and camshaft timing points. The LS364/450 uses the early-style 24X crankshaft and 1X camshaft sensors, enabling easier retrofit installation with the ECUs in early LS-powered vehicles.
The LQ9-based block brings six-liters of fun in a cast-iron foundation. An LS6 camshaft (duration at .050-inch is 204-degrees intake, 218-degrees exhaust) controls the airflow through a set of LS3-based heads that keep compression right at 10.3:1. The engine is sold as a long-block assembly, requiring an intake manifold matched to LS3- or L92-style rectangular intake ports. The earlier LS3- or L96-production intake manifolds can be used, but require an aftermarket adapter plate to use the early LS-style, three-bolt throttle bodies.
Check out Chevrolet Performance’s new 2020 catalog or contact your local Chevrolet Performance vendor for more information or to order your LS364/450 engine!
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