This 3.6L Hot Rod develops a healthy 261 hp at 6,300 rpm and 250 ft-lbs at a relatively low 3,200 rpm, and incorporates interesting upgrades over the original LYZ (like a variable intake system). Controlled by the ECM, the intake manifold houses a valve in its plenum area, which opens and closes according to engine speed and load. The valve begins to open just off idle and then closes higher in the rpm band, creating two inlet plenum ports for half of the cylinders. This system allows the LY7 to develop low-end torque much greater than that of a standard 3.6L engine, while still making a lot of top-end horsepower. The LY7 also incorporates new Bosch dual spray injectors that have two individual nozzles for more complete combustion through increased atomization, and of course more horsepower, to boot.
The LY7's block and cylinder heads are sand cast from A319 aluminum. The block features six bolt mains and cast-in iron cylinder liners, housing forged aluminum slugs that are cooled via oil-squirters aimed at the underside of the piston.