The US Nationals provided an interesting look at the role of the LS in traditional drag racing and perhaps not in the way that you think. Yes, the SAM Tech factory stock showdown was populated with COPO Camaros that had blown LS engine but the other categories at the race that were starting to show signs of LS-life were the stock eliminator ranks and even some of the “super” classes where big block Chevy engines have reigned supreme for decades. That won’t change tomorrow but engines like the one you are going to watch below are the bullets that are going to eventually make the BBC a fond historic memory.
This little LS makes 1,082hp on the dyno with a Whipple blower and it makes 952 lb/ft of torque on the way to the big horsepower number. Those are both LARGE digits and as such, this engine would be perfect in a drag car, no matter the class. This thing could send a super gas, super comp, or certainly a super street car down the track in the perfect amount of time with big mph but it would also be gnarly in a competition eliminator car as well.
This weekend both Chad and I will be at Holley LS-Fest held on the grounds of the historic Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. There will be weird cars, cool cars, swaps, builds, and freaks the likes of which you’ve never seen before. This engine may be there. Who knows!
