5/19/2008
GM's LS9 Becomes SAE's 100th Certified Engine
The LS9 engine in General Motor's 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 holds the distinction of being the 100th engine certified through SAE International's Engine Power Test Code - Engine Power and Torque Certification (J1349). The 2009 Corvette ZR1 engine is certified at 638 hp at 6,500 rpm, with 604 lb-ft torque at 3,800 rpm.
Engine certification is based on a series of self-certification tests conducted by the manufacturer that are witnessed and verified by an SAE-qualified observer.
The procedure for certification is outlined in SAE's standard J2723; the actual horsepower testing procedure is described in J1349.
Although engine manufacturers are free to cite power and torque figures derived from testing conducted outside the scope of the SAE standards, only those that strictly follow all of the SAE procedures can claim to be "SAE J1349 Certified Power."
In addition to GM's Corvette ZR1, other GM engines as well as those from Ford and Chrysler make up the first 100 to have been certified.
Another GM engine - the LS7 used in the 2006 Corvette Z06 - was the first engine to be certified under this SAE program.
The full list of certified engines can be accessed by visiting www.sae.org/certifiedpower
Additional News Articles