Z51 engine mount

[Winky2002]

Because of the dry sump on the Z51 engine is the engine mounted lower (i.e. lower center of gravity than the standard model)

[purpleRac3r]

There's no mention of that anywhere I've looked. It's very unlikely from a manufacturing cost aspect. The primary reason for the dry sump is so at high cornering g-forces, the engine doesn't starve for oil as it sloshes up the sides of a standard oil pan. It doen't seem to have any impact on center of gravity.

[Winky2002]

Thank you for the comment. I would have have hoped the engineers would have used the opportunity of the dry sump to lower the engine and the center of gravity of the Z51.

[purpleRac3r]

I think there's a practical limit on how low the engine can go in a street car without suffering damage to the underside during everyday driving. And the dry sump system still has a pan for oil recovery and recirculation, which is still almost as deep as the standard oil pan. The center of gravity in a street car is more affected by all the creature comforts and safety equipment than the drive train. And the engineers did what they could by using carbon fiber, magnesium and aluminum as much as possible on parts located high on the car.

Keep in mind, the Corvette already enjoys one of the lowest-mounted and shortest-height engines out there. How else could it have such a low hood with a front engine? All the others with similar profiles have the engine out back!