Shop Feature – Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE)

The Lingenfelter name is synonymous with some of the most powerful tuned cars that roam the streets. From twin-turbo Chevy Corvettes to tuned CTS-Vs, Lingenfelter has GM products covered. But before his company was making SEMA appearances, founder John Lingenfelter started off like many other tuned business founders – by racing.

Chevy Corvettes getting their engines taken apart and built for big power at Lingenfelter

Lingenfelter took thirteen NHRA drag racing titles in vehicles as varied as a Pro Stock Trunk and a Sport Compact FWD Cavalier. He was noted as being the first Comp-class driver to break the six-second quarter-mile mark. Before his death in 2003, Lingenfelter oversaw the design and production of Lingenfelter’s world famous 427 twin-turbo Chevy Corvette. Raced against a fighter Jet, the Vette could run 9s in street trim and do more than 200mph.

More Corvettes, and one SSR, get torn apart for Lingenfelter engine builds

Lingenfelter's own Corvette ZR1 uses a stock engine and supercharger to run 9s

Today, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) is still a major tuner of GM products. Although body kits and SEMA show appearances are now on the regular schedule as well, engine building and turbo/supercharger packages remain one of their mainstays. With their in-house CNC and engine dyno facility, LPE continues to build big power V8s and the parts that support them.

Machined cylinder heads wait on the rack at Lingenfelter before assembly

For the new Camaro, they offer a 550hp supercharger package and up to a $65,000 800hp twin-tubocharged engine package. Got a Dodge Viper? 725hp naturally aspirated can be yours after $38,500. The latest Corvette Z06 gets 800hp and 800lb/ft of torque after a $46,000 engine build and two turbochargers. None of these prices are exactly what we’d call bargain basement but, then again, you get what you pay for. LPE is a racing shop that tunes streetcars and the results speak for themselves. Remember, if you want to race a jet fighter, you know it’s not going to be cheap.

Computer controlled machinery are used for engine machine work. Much more precise than your uncle's thumb and eyeball

A V8 engine block's cylinders are machined and prepped before new pistons are assembled inside

A twin-turbocharged V8 engine build goes on to the engine dyno at Lingenfelter for some controlled conditions testing. This is what a $50,000 engine package get you

One of the empty engine dyno cells at Lingenfelter