What engine powered the 1990 Corvette ZR-1?

The 1990 Corvette ZR-1 was powered by the LT5 V8. This engine was a specialized 5.7-liter, double-overhead-camshaft V8 developed with major engineering input from Lotus and built for the high-performance C4 ZR-1.

The LT5 replaced the L98 V8 used in the regular C4 Corvette. Although both engines shared the same 4.4-inch bore spacing, the LT5 was substantially different: it used an aluminum block, four camshafts, 32 valves, and a sophisticated intake system designed to broaden its power delivery.

For 1990–1992, the LT5 produced 375 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. At part throttle, its secondary intake runners and injectors could remain closed, helping the car behave more civilly in everyday driving; opening the throttle activated the engine’s full breathing capacity.

The ZR-1 was produced through 1995, with later LT5 versions receiving cylinder-head, exhaust, and valvetrain improvements. The model became known as “King of the Hill,” but the L98 remains the common C4 engine, which is why it is an easy incorrect choice for this question.