Future truck engine RPO's

[C/K Man]

Has anyone heard of an RPO LS-7, that's supposed to be some sort of truck engine?  Any info. on the future V-10, or big blocks?

[CMNTMXR81]

THere are rumors, but no one, not even dealers know RPO codes until GM releases build specs/sheets for the vehicle in order to order them.

 

As to the V-10/Big Block thing, GM WILL NOT be using a V-10 anytime in the near future.  They considered and spent some R&D on a V-10 prior to the intro of the Vortec 8100 and came to the conclusion that the R&D, cost of engineering, tooling of engine factory's (such as Tonawanda where the 8.1 is built), re-training service technicians, cost of replacement parts VS. the power output and fuel efficiency of a much simpler and well known BBC design wasn't worth the cost to bring it to market.

 

As is, the BBC wallops the V-10's from the competition in terms of power, equals or betters them in fuel mileage (I know, I know), and does it in a much more easily servicable, cost efficient, smoother running (due to "even firing" for each cylinder vs. a V-10 with "semi-even firing" measured in degrees), and from an engineering standpoint, much simpler powerplant.  As is currently, the 8.1 is rather conservatively setup from the factory with a relatively low compression ratio and stout bottom end which is the hallmark of BBC's.  SO there is PLENTY of room for improvement should the competition TRY to fight GM Powertrain for big gas engine bragging rights.  A fight, neither will win very easily.

 

Why go V-10?