ls7-01.html - 2010, -
updated: 2011, 3rd of October

Installed in the Ghibli the LS7 is only running at 3400 rpm.
Designed to use 91 octoane automobile fuel, consumption is 9 gallons per hour giving the Ghibli a 570 mile range.

The engine is unique in that it is built by the GM Performance Department and specially modified for our use.
Using the best 2008 technology the LS7 has titanium connecting rods, titanium valves, roller camshaft and rockers, all aluminium 6 bolt block and composite intake manifold.
Dual computers are installed for electronic redundancy that manage the variable ignition timing and fuel injection.

A glass cockpit display panel offers engine health monitoring and can be individually configurated for additional visual and audio functions.

This is real FADEC technology designed by the best engineers in the world.

Air conditioning and heating system are available as well as electronic throttle governor.

The basic engine is currentlt in a FAA certification program in another applicatrion.
We are making it available again as an optional powerplant using automobile fuel!

Over the years many people around the world have asked "Do you have an engine that will run on automobile fuel?"
Many areas of the world do not have access to 100 LL aviation fuel.
With the thought of the Environmental Protection Agency outlawing leaded aviation fuel, we decided to bring back our V-8 powerplant as an optional engine in the GHIBLI 260 and TWINPOWER 520.

We decided to use the General Motors LS7. This engine is specially designed and built for the GHIBLI 260 and TWINPOWER 520.

It is not a stock LS7 engine.

This engine is configured with the best components available on the market including forged crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons.

A special designed camshaft optimizes torque and horsepower at the continuous r.p.m. of 3250.

A dyno chart is provided below. The blue line is torque and the red line is horsepower.
A newly designed cast aluminum oil pan and specially designed cylinder heads have been created specifically for the GHIBLI 260 helicopter.
The exhaust system required extensive test cell time in order to optimize the power curve.

The computer system is programmed for the GHIBLI 260 and TWINPOWER 520 application with redundant communication with critical input sensors.

The throttle is fly-by-wire and is fully governed when set. Wide band of sensors provide the capability to use 87 octane auto gas up to 100 LL aviation fuel.

The oil system is a dry sump design with an optional oil cooler for extreme operating conditions.

This engine was configured for the GHIBLI 260 and TWINPOWER 520 and will make 325 h.p. at 3200 r.p.m.

It is derated to 280 h.p. and will produce 280 h.p. up to 12,000 feet.

This is the only helicopter available that provides sea level performance to 12,000 feet with a piston engine using auto gas.

Engine installation is simple and easy to maintain. It starts like your car, runs smooth, and is quiet.