Rick Hendrick builds engine for his Corvette Z06

Back in 2010, Chevrolet launched a unique program called the Corvette Engine Build Experience. This program gave do-it-yourselfers the chance to build their very own engines for models like the Corvette ZR1 and the Corvette Z06. That’s right, for $5,800, customers got the chance to be a part of the building experience, kind of like those restaurants that let customers help cook their own food. Whether this program needed a more powerful marketing campaign or this guy truly wanted to take part in the experience, Rick Hendrick - one of the world’s foremost experts in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing - recently took the dive into auto manufacturing with a 7.0L 505-horsepower LS7 engine for his Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition.

"As a Chevy enthusiast and lifelong gearhead, having the chance to experience GM’s hand-build engine assembly is a real privilege," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "I want to thank everyone at the Performance Build Center for this opportunity. It’s incredible to spend time with the people here and see first-hand these processes that produce some of the best engines in the world."

After Hendrick completes the engine build, his name will be put on a personalized nameplate that will be added to the engine before it goes to the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky. for installation. Although this does seem to be a marketing ploy to bring more attention to the program, we have to admit that the thought of building our very own engine is pretty enticing.

Chevrolet’s 7.0L LS7 engine boasts of the following specifications:

 427.8 cube or 7,011 cc
 500 HP
 All Aluminum
 Larger bore than previous engine, 4.125 in (104.8 mm)
 Longer stroke than previous engine, 4.00 in (101.6 mm)
 Forged steel crankshaft and main bearing caps
 Forged titanium connecting rods
 Hypereutectic (metallic alloy) pistons
 CNC-ported aluminum heads with 12-degree valve angles
 Camshaft delivers 0.591-inch of lift and 230/211 degrees of duration at 0.050
 Dry-sump oiling system is connected to an 8-quart reservoir mounted in the engine compartment