DLindstrom

Hi Folks, I recently inherited what I was told is a Corvette Challenge engine. I only know what I've read on the net about these cars and engines, which is minimal. I have no use for the engine, so I plan on eventually selling it, but I have a couple of questions first. 1. Is there a way to tell if it is indeed a Corvette Challenge spec engine, serial number, or? 2. Are these engines worth any more than a standard engine of that era? Value/price range? Thanks for your help.

Incorvettei

That looks like a standard aluminum head L-98

Tom400CFI

I agree. Why's it bolted up to an auto trans?

There is all kinds of lore about the challenge engine and ridiculous hp numbers and claims....but they were "sealed" factory engines, so I don't believe that there is anything special about them other than numbers, for a challenge car owner.

WVZR-1

You should certainly be able to validate what you've actually inherited by using the information from the block in front of the right cylinder head. There should be sufficient information to accomplish that.

ChumpVette

Taken from Mark Horner. Challenge car owner.


The 1988 Corvette Challenge Cars had 270 HP, whereas stock was 245. The 88s had a 9.5:1 Compression Ratio, 270 HP @ 4400 RPM, (with equalized calibration) / 370 LB/ FT @ 3200 RPM (with equalized calibration). The 88 Challenge engines had a V0113ZMC stamp on the block. The Challenge engine that initially came with the car also had the VIN stamped below it.

The 1989 Corvette Challenge Cars as well as the 1990 World Challenge Cars had a 10.25:1 Compression Ratio, 300 HP @ 4800 RPM, (with equalized calibration) / 400 LB/ FT @ 3400 RPM (with equalized calibration). Both the 89 and 90 cars had the VET1806 stamp. Keep in mind that the engine that came with the 89 Challenge Cars was a stock l98 engine, later replaced by Powell during the race conversion. This engine later returned to the car at the end of the series, and teams had the option of purchasing the race engine.

Unfortunately for the unconverted 89 cars, they retained the stock engine. Only the Challenge engines had the "Corvette Challenge / Built with Pride / CPC Flint Engine" decal on the plenum.

DLindstrom

Thank you.

DLindstrom

That's what I was thinking after reading that the challenge cars had manual transmissions. Thanks.

Tom400CFI

Any more detail on this? I thought Challenge engines were literally, STOCK engines -minus cats, with possibly blue printing allowed. Different pistons??

What else was done? It's hard to believe that more compression would yield 50 hp/50 tq. Not arguing....just curious for more detail if there is any....

MGJ07C6

I had heard that they had a non-roller cam in them. My 1989 Challenge car with race engine is quite lumpy sounding compared to a stock L98.

SuperL98

The serial number should be VET1806 for a real Challenge Motor ... I believe.



And "Real" Challenge engine should have seal paint all over the fasteners.

DLindstrom

I will check that out. Thank you!

DLindstrom

Mine does not appear to have the painted fasteners. I'll take a look at the number anyway, just out of curiosity. Thanks.