You can buy the 765 HP Chevrolet Corvette's V8 as a motor crate

Marcus De Guzman / Chevrolet | October 19, 2018 10:00

Chevrolet shoehorns the ZR1 Corvette's V8 in a classic Chevelle Laguna

Last year, Chevrolet unleashed the most powerful Corvette to date, the supercharged 2019 ZR1. Powered by a 6.2-liter V8 that churns out 765 PS with nearly 970 Nm of torque, the ZR1 is a force to be reckoned with.

But what if you wanted its supercharged V8 for a restomod? Chevy will demonstrate just when it arrives at this year's SEMA show with a vintage concept. From Oct 30 – Nov 2, the bow-tie will be displaying a custom 1973 Chevelle Laguna powered by the all-new LT5 6.2-liter V8 lifted from the Corvette ZR1.

Part of Chevrolet's new line of small block, big block, LS, LSX and LT crate motors, the automaker claims that this will give enthusiasts plenty of choices to power their projects, restorations and restomods.

Fully painted in black, the supercharged Chevelle Laguna builds on the racing heritage of the original cars that were used for NASCAR in the 1970's. The exterior blends both old-school styling with a hint of modernity thanks to the ZR1-inspired carbon fiber hood. It even gets a modified suspension system and huge 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in thick Goodyear Eagle tires.

"Chevrolet Performance's expanding crate engine offers something for every enthusiast and his or her dream project. "That choice is matched with the peace of mind that comes from factory-engineered systems tested to the same standards as production vehicles, for performance you can count on," said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.

Apart from the LT5 crate motor, a wide array of other V8 engines and vintage concepts will also be on display at the Chevorlet booth at the 2018 SEMA Show. These include a 5.7-liter ZZ6 V8 installed on a 1967 C / 10 truck. The engine combines the classic installation of a 350 small block with the modernity of an electronic fuel injection (EFI). It's good for 425 PS and is suitable for hot-rod builds and other restomods that favor a small V8.