Chevrolet has officially discontinued the Chevy LS9 Long Block crate engine, ending the run of one of the most exciting factory-backed small-block V-8 crate motors offered through Chevrolet Performance.
The Chevy LS9 was not just another V-8. It was the supercharged 6.2-liter engine best known for powering the C6 Corvette ZR1, one of the most memorable high-performance Corvettes of its era. As a crate engine, it gave builders a factory-supported way to add serious Corvette ZR1 power to custom projects, restomods, and performance builds.
But while the Chevy LS9 is now listed as discontinued, Chevy may already be preparing something new. Chevrolet Performance recently teased that “something BIG is coming,” which has sparked speculation about a possible next-generation crate engine based on the new Corvette V-8.
What Happened to the Chevy LS9 Crate Engine?
The Chevrolet LS9 Long Block has been discontinued after roughly a decade on sale as a crate engine.
The Chevy LS9 originally made its name in the C6 Corvette ZR1. The crate version was rated at 638 horsepower, making it a strong choice for builders who wanted supercharged small-block power with factory engineering behind it.
On Chevrolet’s crate engine website, the LS9 now appears as “Discontinued.” That means buyers looking for a brand-new LS9 crate motor from Chevy will need to consider other options.
Why the LS9 Was So Special
The LS9 became famous because it combined traditional small-block V-8 character with serious forced-induction performance.
The engine featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 layout and was built with strong internal components, including a forged rotating assembly, titanium connecting rods, and a cast aluminum block.
That made it a serious performance engine, not just for Corvettes but also for custom builds where owners wanted huge power in a reliable package.
For many enthusiasts, the Chevy LS9 represented one of the best modern Chevrolet performance engines because it had:
- Supercharged power
- Corvette ZR1 heritage
- Factory-backed engineering
- Strong internal hardware
- Big horsepower potential
- Classic small-block appeal
What Engine Is Chevy Recommending Now?
With the Chevy LS9 gone, Chevrolet is pointing builders toward the LSX376-B15 for boosted applications.
The LSX376-B15 is designed for supercharged and turbocharged builds. It is rated to handle up to 15 psi of boost, making it a strong foundation for custom forced-induction projects.
In naturally aspirated form, the LSX376-B15 is rated at 473 horsepower and 444 pound-feet of torque. With a supercharger or turbocharger added, that output can climb much higher depending on the build.
This makes the LSX376-B15 a practical replacement for builders who want a boost-ready engine, even if it does not carry the same C6 ZR1 legend as the LS9.
Is Chevy Planning a New Crate Engine?
Chevy has not officially revealed the LS9 replacement yet, but Chevrolet Performance has teased that “something BIG is coming.”
The teaser was posted with a close-up image of an intake manifold, which immediately started speculation among Corvette and Chevy performance fans.
The big question is whether Chevrolet is preparing a crate engine based on the upcoming sixth-generation V-8 expected in the 2027 Corvette Stingray.
Could the Replacement Be Based on the New LS6?
Rumors suggest Chevy’s next crate engine could be based on the new LS6, a 6.7-liter V-8 expected for the 2027 Corvette Stingray.
That engine is rated at 535 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque in Corvette form. If Chevrolet Performance creates a crate version, it could potentially include packaging changes, airflow improvements, or performance upgrades that raise those numbers.
Nothing is confirmed yet, but the idea makes sense. A new LS6-based crate engine would give Chevy a modern replacement for customers who want a fresh factory performance V-8.
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Why This Matters for Performance Builders
Crate engines matter because they give builders a simpler way to add serious power to custom cars.
Instead of sourcing a used engine, rebuilding it, and hoping everything works properly, buyers can choose a factory-backed crate engine with known specifications.
The Chevy LS9 was popular because it gave enthusiasts access to ZR1-level performance. Its discontinuation creates a gap in Chevy’s crate engine lineup, especially for people who want a high-end factory supercharged small-block.
If Chevy introduces a new LS6-based crate motor, it could become the next go-to engine for restomods, pro-touring builds, hot rods, and custom performance cars.
LS9 vs LSX376-B15: What’s the Difference?
The Chevy LS9 was a factory-supercharged engine with deep Corvette ZR1 roots. It was already built as a complete high-performance package.
The LSX376-B15 is different. It is designed as a strong foundation for forced induction, but it is naturally aspirated in its base form. Builders can add a turbocharger or supercharger depending on their goals.
In simple terms:
LS9: factory supercharged, 638 horsepower, Corvette ZR1 heritage
LSX376-B15: boost-ready foundation, 473 horsepower naturally aspirated, supports up to 15 psi of boost
Both engines are serious performance options, but they appeal to slightly different types of builders.
What Enthusiasts Should Expect Next
For now, Chevrolet has not released official details about the upcoming replacement.
But the teaser suggests Chevrolet Performance is not leaving the high-performance crate engine space empty. Whether the new engine is based on the LS6 or something else, Chevy appears to be preparing a major update for builders who want big V-8 power.
More information may arrive soon, especially as the 2027 Corvette Stingray gets closer.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Chevy LS9 crate engine marks the end of an important chapter for Chevrolet Performance. The LS9 gave builders access to 638-horsepower supercharged Corvette ZR1 power in a crate-engine package, making it one of the most desirable small-block options of the last decade.
But this may not be bad news for long. Chevy is already teasing something new, and rumors point toward a possible replacement based on the upcoming 6.7-liter LS6 V-8 from the 2027 Corvette Stingray.
For performance fans, the LS9 may be gone, but Chevy’s next big crate engine story may just be getting started.
Is the Chevy LS9 crate engine discontinued?
Yes, Chevrolet has discontinued the LS9 Long Block crate engine after roughly a decade on sale.
What car originally used the LS9 engine?
The Chevy LS9 engine originally debuted in the C6 Corvette ZR1.
How much horsepower did the LS9 crate engine make?
The LS9 crate engine was rated at 638 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8.
Why was the LS9 crate engine popular?
The LS9 was popular because it offered factory-backed Corvette ZR1 performance, supercharged power, and strong internal components for custom builds.
What engine does Chevy recommend instead of the LS9?
Chevy is pointing buyers toward the LSX376-B15 for boosted applications.
What is the LSX376-B15?
The LSX376-B15 is a boost-ready Chevrolet Performance crate engine designed for supercharged and turbocharged builds. It can support up to 15 psi of boost.
How much power does the LSX376-B15 make?
In naturally aspirated form, the LSX376-B15 is rated at 473 horsepower and 444 pound-feet of torque.
Is Chevy making a replacement for the LS9?
Chevrolet has not officially confirmed the replacement yet, but Chevrolet Performance has teased that “something BIG is coming.”
Could the new replacement be based on the LS6?
Rumors suggest the replacement could be based on the new 6.7-liter LS6 V-8 expected in the 2027 Corvette Stingray.
How much power does the new LS6 make?
The new LS6 is expected to make 535 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque in the 2027 Corvette Stingray.
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