by Chuck Stowe
GRAND BLANC, Mich. -- For Late Model and Super Late Model competitors looking for maximum power in a ready-to-race crate engine, GM Performance Parts (GMPP) has the ticket: the new, CT525 small-block V-8. It goes on sale in early 2008, with part number 19171821.

The CT525 is based on GM’s new LS3 engine – the all-aluminum production engine in the 2008 Corvette. GM Performance Parts engineered the engine for competition use by equipping it with a carburetor intake manifold, a circle track-spec steel oil pan, and GM’s hot ASA-spec camshaft. When fitted with a 750-cfm four-barrel carburetor (not included), the CT525 is rated at 525 horsepower and 471 lb.-ft. of torque, with a maximum engine speed of 6,700 rpm.

“The introduction of the CT525 demonstrates GM Performance Parts’ deepening commitment to the racing world,” said Lisa Reffett, marketing manager, GM Performance Parts. “It broadens our lineup of CT racing engines and gives those at the top rung of the sportsman classes unparalleled performance, reliability and value.”

The LS3 base engine is the newest iteration of the storied small-block family. Compared with the LS2 small-block, it features a larger-bore cylinder block (4.06 inches), high-flow, L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons and a revised valve train with offset intake rocker arms. It also features an aluminum cylinder block with revisions and machining in the bulkheads that enhance its strength and improve bay to bay breathing.

Enhancements and revisions made to create the CT525 increase power and suit the heavy-duty, full-throttle demands of the circle-track racing, while also conforming to class rules. The unique, ASA performance camshaft is from the GM Performance Parts catalog and delivers 0.525/0.525-inch lift specs and 226 degrees of duration on the intake side and 236 degrees on the exhaust side. It is the primary enabler of the engine’s 525-horsepower rating and is complemented with a full roller-type valve train.

The carbureted intake manifold is another GMPP component. It’s all aluminum, single-plane design, created specifically for the LS3’s rectangular-port cylinder heads, and has proven very effective at delivering high-rpm airflow to the cylinder heads. GMPP recommends a 750-cfm HP-series carburetor for the CT525.

Ignition controller
Because the CT525 uses a distributor less ignition system, a separate ignition control module must be used to fire the engine. GM Performance Parts introduced the ignition controller kit in conjunction with the CT525, although it is not included with the engine. The controller carries part number 19171130.

The controller kit is a stand-alone system that takes the guesswork out of start-up and ignition timing. It includes connections for the camshaft position sensor and the crankshaft position sensor; a MAP sensor that attaches to the intake manifold and connectors for the engine’s eight ignition coils. The controller is pre-programmed, so ignition timing is automatically set with the first start.

In addition to the CT525, the controller can be used on other GM Performance Parts crate engines – as well as LSX-based engines – based on the Gen IV “LS” engine family – engines built from 2006 and later that feature a 4X camshaft sprocket on the timing gear and a 58X crankshaft reluctor wheel. And while the controller is programmed for “plug-and-play” performance, it can be linked to a laptop computer, allowing the user to make unique adjustments of details such as the advance curve, timing and hi and lo rpm limiters.

About GMPP crate engines
GM Performance Parts crate engines undergo a 50-hour, full-throttle engine dynamometer validation, requiring the engines perform from peak horsepower to peak torque. Enthusiasts who crave the latest technology, maximum horsepower and the expertise and confidence backed by GM can purchase GMPP crate engines, blocks, heads and components from Karl Chevrolet – 1101 SE Oralabor Road – Ankeny, IA 50021. Karl Chevrolet is a GMPP Authorized Center servicing circle track racers, drag racers, custom car enthusiasts and street rod fans.