Erik Smith

And finally, for now, the LS9. The LS9 Is handmade, supercharged, and puts out about 638 hp. It uses the LS3 block - the compression is too high to use the thinner walled LS7 block, according to online sources. It was available in the 2009-2013 Corvette ZR1. LS9 - 6.2 L (376 cu in) 638 hp. 2009-2013 Corvette ZR1. 2.3 L Roots type supercharger. Kit sources: 2010 Revell Corvette ZR1 (kit #85-4216, #07189) - also contains parts for LS2 and LS7 Overall, this is the kit to get if you want an LS engine. It has the LS9 parts plus all the parts for the LS2 and LS7 included. It also shares the LS7 valve cover plate/coils, which are the cleanest (and have all the coils facing the same direction). Here is the Revell (of Germany) version of the 2010 LS9:

Next: LS7 The LS7 is the largest displacement LS engine made at 7.0 L (427 cu in) and was available from 2006-2015. It uses a sleeved aluminum block and produces 505 hp. LS7 - 7.0 L (427 cu in) 505 hp. C6 Corvette Z06 2006-2013 Kit source: Revell 2006 Corvette Z06 (kit #85-2015) - also contains parts for LS2 Here is the Revell LS7 from the 2006 Corvette Z06:

Next up, the LS3, Corvette’s base engine starting in 2008. LS3 - 6.2 L (376 cu in) 430 hp 2008-2013 Kit source: *Revell 2010 Camaro SS (kit #85-4239) - kit engine is actually an L99 because it’s attached to an automatic transmission, just don’t tell anybody you drive an automatic... Here is the L99 (LS3) from Revell’s 2010 Camaro SS:

Next in line: LS2 The LS2 is a generation IV block and saw an increase in displacement to 6.0 L (364 cu in). They produced about 400 hp. **Note - the Revell Chevy SSR is not an LS2 - the LS2 was available in the SSR in 2005-2006 - the model represents a 2001-2004 SSR. The model has an LM4 (an aluminum version of the LM7) 5.3 L engine. LS2 - 6.0 L (364 cu in) - Corvette 2005-2007, GTO and some SSRs (2005-2006). Kit sources: Revell 2005 Corvette Z06 (kit #85-2840) parts are also in the 2006 Corvette Z06 (kit #85-2015) and 2010 Corvette ZR1 kits (kit #85-4216, #07189) Here are the LS2 parts from the Revell 2006 Corvette Z06 and the Revell 2010 Corvette ZR1. The cover details are pretty washed out and I can’t even read the “LS2”, but the kit may come with decals. I don’t have a 2005, so I don’t know.

Next up, but seems out of order: LS6 The LS6 was found in the Z06 Corvettes and had unique heads, intake and exhaust manifolds, and camshaft (although that’s hard to see on a model). It had about 385 to 405 hp depending on the year. Kit sources: Revell 2001 Corvette Z06 (kit #85-2588, #85-2376) Revell 2004 Corvette Z06 (kit #85-2827) Monogram 2004 Corvette Z06 (kit #85-4029) Here is Monogram’s 2004 Corvette Z06:

Here is the LS1 from the Revell 1998 Camaro. The engine block is nicely detailed and is attached to a T56 6 speed manual transmission. The coil packs are more detailed but have the wires molded in. Note there is also a nasty ejector pin mark on my example. The intake plenum is a little more detailed than the AMT part, with what looks like the fuel rails molded in, not too realistically. Again, the Camaro comes with a nice shroud and separate electric fans. The Revell version I used came with a very nice decal sheet including lots of under hood details. (There are some additional parts included in this kit - I don’t know what they go to - see photo). I think this engine is identical to the Revell 1998 Firebird based on viewing the instruction sheet. Overall, the Revell engine looks a little better, although the belt and front cover on the AMT corvette, while specific to the Corvette layout, are a little nicer.

The beginning: LS1 (Generation III) Introduced in the 1997 Corvette, the LS1 was a 5.7 L (350 cu in MOL) engine putting out around 345-350 hp. It was available in Corvettes from 97-04 and Camaros/Firebird 98-02. LS1 - Produced from 1997-2004 5.7 L Kit sources: AMT 1997 Corvette (kit #8327, #31832) AMT 1998 Corvette (kit #3329, #31816, #31833, #31969) Revell 1997 Corvette (kit # 85-2490, #07307) Revell 1998 Corvette (kit #85-2527, #85-2558, #85-2857, #85-1648) Revell 1999 Corvette (kit #85-2578, #85-2154, #85-6657) Revell 2000 Corvette (kit #85-2345, #85-1344) Revell 1998 Camaro (kit #85-2538) Revell 1998 Firebird (kit #85-2159, #85-2059, #85-2539) Revell 1999 Camaro (kit #85-2153) Revell 2002 Camaro (kit #85-2380, #85-2157, #85-4273) Polar Lights 2004 Pontiac GTO (kit #6402) Here is the LS1 from the AMT 1997 Corvette. The engine block is void of most detail - this would work out well in a car with limited visibility, but in an open engine bay type car, it may stand out. The Corvette engines require the removal of the transaxle and a donor for a transmission. The coil packs, while they don’t have molded in plug wires, also lack detail. Built as per instructions and in a Corvette model, they would be covered by the “Corvette” plastic parts. It does come with a great belt assembly with individual parts for the power steering reservoir, alternator and alternator bracket, and an ac compressor. The intake plenum is ok compared to other options but a little under detailed. It does come with a detailed radiator shroud with separate electrical fans. There are no decals for the engine compartment - AMT was in the phase of not really providing much detail in decals through this period.

Chevrolet’s Performance LS Engines in Kit Form The Chevrolet LS engine is ubiquitous in the 1:1 engine swap world. Introduced in the 1997 Corvette, it has become a cliche in all manner of car styles, but for good reason. Its ability to produce a lot of horsepower and the availability of parts has made it into something of a legendary engine. In the miniature world, there are a number of sources for most of the LS variants. The advent and increasing popularity of 3D printing has also increased the variety and availability. I haven’t always been that interested in small scale LS engines, but a recent building idea got me sidetracked into a bit of research and kit finding to see what kits had what LS variants and which were the best. So, follow along, add corrections or ideas as needed, and hopefully learn something as I did in the process. (Side note - I will not go into details of all the Gen III, IV and V small block engines - only the high performance, aluminum block LS engines. The Vortec truck engines are based on the generation III small block but are cast iron) I have examples of and will discuss the LS1, LS6, LS2, LS3 (L99), LS7 and LS9 engines. I may also throw in some aftermarket 3D printed options.

That’s such a cool piece and beautifully done. Someday when I happen to be on eBay when Paul has one listed, I would like to get one.

I don’t have a Jo-Han. Here are Revell hood measurements though.

Awesome rainbows. Take care. We are, and have been, hunkered down here. Basically, like you - trip about every 8 or 9 days to the store. I know two people with Covid. The more we can do, or really, the less we do, the better we will all be.

I like that color a lot. This is a great kit. Looking forward to your usual clean modeling on it.

Let’s not encourage it. I love these little Hondas. Would like to find a 1:1 unmolested, but times running out on those... I like the fabric decal too.

That’s a gorgeous piece, Chris. Love that a box and kit that old is in that good of condition.

Yes, from the kit. Weird I was just thinking about this model a day or two ago...and up pops a 9 year old thread! Yeah, so much content on here was ruined with the PB crud.

I am getting the weird ads over (or really under) posts in the section threads. Annoying, yes. But, this is a free to use site. If I paid for it, I would care. As is, I will deal with it. I would actually pay for the website to get rid of ads.

Great color combo. This is one of Revell’s best model kits.

I’m waiting for the Capris II to re-emerge before I let the rumor die...

The 66 GTO promo in good condition is very valuable. I can’t quite tell the condition of yours, but it is missing the wheels. Top condition example with box could be over $400. The 67/68 Cougar is probably $40-60..? Maybe more on a good day. As mentioned above, make sure the grill goes with it. The taillights and front and rear bumper are hard to find if missing. It’s missing the firewall and the glass looks damaged, but parts from the 69 probably could replace. The 68 GTO funny car is cool and I believe MPC converted the molds to a 69, which is still readily available. I don’t know the difference. Looks like it’s missing some parts but $50 seems like a safe number to throw out. The others I don’t know. You can always search eBay for completed listings and get feel for the current market.

Plymouth Furies (eg Johan 68 four door) Pontiac Bonnevilles all the way through the 60s (65 is easy to find) Plenty of Cadillacs Chrysler Imperials (59 I think is only easy one to find) ...

The Revell Balck Widow kit is the first kit I built (that I remember). I used a lot of glue. Here is a beautiful later rendition of the Revell kit:

https://www.bbb.org/us/pa/mayfield/profile/wholesale-hobby-supplies/internet-hobbies-0241-235973355/complaints

Kind of a legend in folk/country world. Sad to see him pass. He survived cancer and heart disease. Only 73. I saw him in concert about 27 years ago...

The Rabbit would be cool, if Revell hadn’t rolled out a better, modern tooled one. The AMT kit was state of the art back then, though.

Working on the taillight replacement. I dug out some spare red styrene. One piece from the Dodge Deora, one piece I think is from a Riviera, and one piece from AMT 1971 Charger. The Charger piece has nice flat back and small ribs, so...cutting, filing, and - tada! Better than the OG. I’ll foil the back to cover the old mounting hole. Notice the ribs even line up with the trim - just like the real car. Lucky.