Chevrolet will let you build your own Corvette engine
Words: Kyle Cassidy
In a move that puts even Ferrari and Lamborghini to shame, Chevrolet has announced it will allow buyers of its top-tier Corvette models to roll up their sleeves and hand-assemble their own engines.
Starting this US spring, the “Corvette Engine Build Experience” returns, giving owners of the Z06, ZR1, and the mighty new ZR1X the chance to travel to the Bowling Green assembly plant in Kentucky and build the V8 that will power their specific car.
The Ultimate Personal Touch
While premium manufacturers often offer bespoke paint or custom stitching, allowing a customer to physically bolt together the internal components of a 1000hp+ hypercar is unique to Chevrolet.
Watch: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X becomes America’s quickest production car
The program was confirmed by Ray Theriault, Corvette Plant Director, who stated on LinkedIn: “We know that when you help build the heart, every rev feels personal. So roll up your sleeves and come get your hands (actually gloves) dirty as you work alongside our master builders.”
How it works
Buyers ticking the RPO Code: PBC on their order form will be invited to the Performance Build Center in Kentucky. There, they will spend a day working one-on-one with a master technician to assemble their engine; either the screaming 5.5L flat-plane crank LT6 (for the Corvette Z06) or the twin-turbo LT7 (for the ZR1 and ZR1X).
Participants won’t be left empty-handed; alongside the bragging rights, they receive a custom engine plaque with their name on it, professional photography of the build, and exclusive gifts.
Pricing and NZ Availability
Chevrolet has not yet confirmed the price for the 2026 program, though the previous iteration (offered briefly for the Z06) cost $5,000 USD (approx. $8,200 NZD).
For New Zealand customers, the situation is a bit more complex. While GMSV brings factory right-hand-drive Corvettes into local showrooms, this specific build experience typically requires the owner to be present at the US factory during the production window. Kiwi buyers determined to build their own beast would likely need to coordinate closely with dealers to see if such a pilgrimage can be arranged for an export-spec build.
The program is set to launch in the US spring (our autumn), just in time for the new wave of American hypercars to hit the road.
