Chevrolet Performance has quietly discontinued the LS9 V8 crate engine, bringing an end to one of the brand’s most famous supercharged small-blocks. Originally developed for the C6 Corvette ZR1, the 6.2-liter LS9 remained available long after the car itself left production, but buyers now appear to be limited to remaining stock at independent retailers or performance shops.
The C6 Corvette ZR1 was introduced more than 18 years ago, while production of the car ended in 2013. However, its defining engine, the supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8, continued beyond the ZR1 as both a special-production powertrain and a crate engine.
After its Corvette role, the LS9 also powered the limited-run HSV GTSR W1 in Australia before becoming a popular choice for high-end swaps and performance builds through Chevrolet Performance.
In C6 Corvette ZR1 specification, the LS9 produced 638 hp at 6,500 rpm and 604 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. At the time of its launch, those figures placed it among the most powerful production-car engines available, even giving the ZR1 more horsepower than a Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640.
Chevrolet heavily upgraded the LS9 for durability and performance. The engine used a forged-steel crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, titanium intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves, along with its large supercharger.
Chevrolet began offering the LS9 as a crate engine in early 2009, with pricing initially starting at around $21,000. For builders, it provided factory-developed supercharged V8 performance in a package suitable for ambitious engine swaps and custom projects.
Now that production has ended, any remaining LS9 crate engines are expected to become harder to find. Enthusiasts who still want one may need to search independent parts retailers, performance shops or leftover inventory.
The end of the LS9 does not mean Chevrolet is stepping away from high-performance crate engines. According to the source, Chevrolet has teased a new crate-engine project through an Instagram post showing an intake manifold with the caption “Something BIG is coming.”
The article suggests the new engine could be based on the 6.7-liter naturally aspirated LS6 V8 introduced with the 2027 Corvette, although Chevrolet has not confirmed the final details in the provided source material.
Chevrolet Performance still offers loveral other crate engines. These include the supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 from the C7 Corvette Z06, rated at 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, as well as the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter LT1 V8, which produces 450 hp and 455 lb-ft.
While the LS9’s departure closes an important chapter for Corvette and tuning fans, Chevrolet’s crate-engine catalog continues to offer powerful V8 options for builders looking for modern factory-backed performance.
