13 Highest-Torque Chevrolets Ever Produced (2024)

Torque is the measure of the rotational force applied to an object and determines how much force is needed to cause that object to rotate. It's a fundamental concept when it comes to mechanics and how engines operate. When it comes to automotive vehicles, torque is crucial because it represents the engine's ability to do work.

For example, high torque at low rotation-per-minute (RPM) engine speeds means the engine will have better acceleration. This is useful when drivers are merging onto highways or overtaking other vehicles. Sports cars can benefit from high torque as it helps contribute to rapid acceleration. Torque isn't just important for sports cars, though. Trucks and SUVs with high torque can often tow heavier loads and haul more cargo, like other vehicles or trailers and boats, without straining the engine.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet, or Chevy as it's often called, is a household name and a major division of General Motors. Founded in 1911, Chevy established itself as an affordable carmaker, offering reliable vehicles for everyday drivers.

Parent Corporation

General Motors

Divisions

Chevrolet Performance

Founded

1911

Founder

Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant

Headquarters

Detroit, Michigan

Current CEO

Mary Barra

For die-hard fans of the bow-tie brand, vehicles with high torque provide significant advantages in so many different situations. Whether for personal use, performance driving, or heavy-duty applications, the vehicles in this list represent the highest-torque Chevrolets, at the time of writing, that will get drivers anywhere they need to go.

13 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C8): 460 LB-FT

The LT6 engine, despite its "LT" designation, differs significantly from GM’s fifth-generation Small Block overhead valve (OHV) engines. Based on the 4.2-liter Cadillac Blackwing engine, the LT6 marks the beginning of a new era with its sixth-generation dual overhead cam (DOHC) V8 design.

The LT6 incorporates a sophisticated valve train and modern architecture which enables enhanced power delivery and efficiency. Its DOHC design supports higher engine speeds and precise valve timing, resulting in 670 horsepower and 460 ft-lbs of torque.

Specs

(Source: Chevrolet)

12 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport (C7): 465 LB-FT

The fifth-generation 6.2-liter LT1 engine made its debut in 2014 under the hood of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. What makes the LT1 stand out is that it represents one of the most significant redesigns in the small block’s nearly 60-year history. As a member of the fifth-generation small block family, the LT1 features cam-in-block architecture and 4.400-inch bore centers (the distance between the centers of each cylinder). Those design features are shared with the very first Chevrolet small block V8, which launched in 1955.

The LT1 was equipped with direct injection, Active Fuel Management, and continuously variable valve timing to support an advanced combustion system that helps the LT1 engine produce 460 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque with greater efficiency.

Specs

(Source: Chevrolet)

11 Chevrolet Corvette (C8) Stingray: 470 LB-FT

The 6.2-liter LT2 engine is a proud member of General Motors’ fifth-generation small-block V8 engine family. In many respects, the LT2 is an updated version of the LT1, retaining many of its features like direct injection, which optimizes fuel delivery for improved efficiency, and Active Fuel Management, which works to ensure that the engine can seamlessly switch between different modes of operation to balance power and fuel economy.

Structurally, the LT2 utilizes a dry-sump lubrication system, a common feature for high-performance engines. The engine block is crafted from A319-T7 cast aluminum and is reinforced with cast-in iron cylinder liners, which provide a durable and wear-resistant surface for the pistons.

Specs

(Source: Chevrolet)

10 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C6) And 2014-2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28: 481 LB-FT

The 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine stands out in the General Motors' lineup as it is one of a few hand-assembled engines. Exclusively used for high-performance models like the sixth-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 427 Corvette convertible, and fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, the LS7 belongs to GM’s fourth-generation small block V8 family. Known for its consistent and smooth power delivery, the LS7 combines large displacement and high-flow cylinder heads for impressive performance.

Crafted from lightweight aluminum with steel sleeves and featuring titanium components, the LS7 ensures rapid, efficient combustion and robust durability. Its 7.0-liter displacement and high-flow design provide exceptional torque and acceleration across a broad RPM range, making it one of GM's most powerful naturally aspirated engines.

Specs

(Source: Chevrolet)

9 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454: 500 LB-FT

The 454 cubic-inch LS5 engine was a powerhouse featured in several iconic Chevrolets for the 1970 model year, including the Monte Carlo SS, Chevelle SS 454, and El Camino SS 454.

Designed with a 10.25:1 compression ratio, the LS5 aimed to deliver robust performance. It used a Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor for efficient fuel delivery and enhanced throttle response. The engine also featured a performance-oriented hydraulic-lifter camshaft to optimize valve timing for better power and efficiency. These attributes combined to produce an impressive 360 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque.

Specs

(Source: Hemmings)

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8 1967-1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88: 550 LB-FT

The L88 is one of Chevrolet’s most iconic engines, powering Corvettes from 1967 to 1969. It evolved from the first-year 427 L72, which featured a block with four-bolt mains, forged steel crank, and rods, forged aluminum 11:1 pistons, a high-performance solid-lifter cam, and rectangular-port iron heads with a Holley four-barrel carb on a high-rise aluminum intake manifold. The L72 was conservatively rated at 425 horsepower.

For the L88, Chevrolet increased compression and cam timing, upgraded the rotating assembly, and added aluminum heads. Despite these enhancements, Chevrolet reported that the L88 only produced 5 more horsepower than the L72.

Specs

(Source: Hemmings)

7 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C6): 604 LB-FT

The supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8, part of the fourth-generation small block V8 family, was hand-built and debuted in 2009. It was featured in the sixth-generation Corvette ZR1, the flagship of the C6 Corvette lineup.

The LS9 was known for its smooth operation at low speeds and impressive performance across the entire speed range, thanks in part to an Eaton R2300 supercharger with a distinctive four-lobe rotor design that contributes to the 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque it produces.

Specs

(Source: Chevrolet)

6 2017-2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 And Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C7): 650 LB-FT

The LT4 was the most powerful production engine offered by General Motors when it made its debut in the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The LT4 builds on the strengths of the LS9 supercharged engine from the sixth-generation Corvette ZR1 and incorporates advanced technologies like direct injection, cylinder deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing.

These enhancements contribute to the 650 horsepower rating and 650 lb-ft of torque the V8 produces. The LT4 V8 in the Camaro ZL1 is based on the Gen 5 small block foundation used in the 6.2-liter LT1 naturally aspirated engine but features unique modifications to support its higher output and increased cylinder pressures from forced induction.

Specs

(Source: Chevrolet)

5 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD-6500 HD: 700 LB-FT

The Duramax Turbo Diesel L5D 6.6-liter engine was introduced in 2019 on the Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty trucks, including the Silverado 4500 HD, 5500 HD, and 6500 HD. The Duramax Turbo Diesel L5D generates approximately 700 lb-ft of torque and 350 horsepower. The L5D engine is closely related to the 6.6-liter Duramax V8 L5P engine but features a smaller turbo and a different tune.

Specs

(Source: Chevrolet)

4 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C7): 715 LB-FT

The LT5 engine debuted with the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, advancing the Corvette’s supercharging legacy that began with the 2009 sixth-generation ZR1 and continued with the 2015 seventh-generation Z06. It delivers the highest output ever for a Chevrolet production vehicle, thanks in part to a more efficient supercharger system with 52% more displacement than the Z06’s LT4 supercharger.

The larger supercharger produces more boost while spinning less, reducing under-hood heat. Although the blower is intercooled, heat soak can still impact performance in extreme conditions.

The LT5 also features GM’s first dual-fuel-injection system, which uses primary direct injection and supplemental port injection to help achieve a record output of 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. The official Chevy Corvette intake adds another 17 horsepower.

Specs

(Source: Chevrolet)

3 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C8): 828 LB-FT

The hand-assembled ZR1's 5.5-liter LT7 twin-turbocharged DOHC V8 engine elevates the architecture of the Z06's LT6 engine, which was the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 when it debuted. The LT7 introduces twin turbochargers to the Corvette power plant for the first time.

The LT7 features unique head castings with larger combustion chambers and optimized valve timing for forced induction. Engine highlights include a new intake system and CNC-machined components specific to the LT7, along with dual mono-scroll turbochargers integrated with the exhaust manifold for a quick response while driving on the street or the track.

Enhancements also include added machining for turbo cooling, modified counterweights for unique pistons and rods, and a secondary port fuel injection system to support its massive 1064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque.

Specs

(Source: Chevrolet)

2 2017-2023 Chevrolet Silverado HD: 910 LB-FT

The 6.6-liter L5P Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine represents the latest generation of Duramax engines, succeeding the 6.6-liter Duramax V8 LML engine. First introduced in 2017 in the Chevrolet Silverado HD, it delivered an impressive 910 lb-ft of torque. To achieve this power, Duramax and Chevrolet equipped the engine with a completely new, reinforced cylinder block and rotating assembly, along with a GM-developed control system.

A hallmark of the Duramax diesel, the engine's ability to produce low-rpm torque remains unchanged: the L5P delivers 90 percent of its 910 lb-ft of peak torque at just 1,550 rpm and maintains this through 2,850 rpm. This feature ensures strong, confident pulling power for drivers at low speeds.

Specs

(Source: Chevrolet)

1 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD: 975 LB-FT

The Duramax Turbo Diesel L5P V8 engine stands as Chevrolet's highest torque engine produced to date. This formidable 6.6-liter V8 powers Chevrolet's full-size heavy-duty pickups, including the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD.

The L5P's massive torque figures stem from a newly designed camshaft profile and an enhanced cylinder head. An electronically controlled, variable-vane turbocharger further boosts the engine's capabilities, delivering more power while also reducing exhaust emissions. The advanced systems working together in the engine allow for higher exhaust temperatures, enabling the engine to generate greater power at lower cylinder pressures.

The best part of 975 lb-ft of torque? The truck can tow up to 16,000 pounds effortlessly.

Specs

(Source: Chevrolet)

Sources: Chevrolet, Hemmings