Crate engines are the perfect solution for restomod projects because they are designed to be easily installed and customized. They come in a variety of configurations, from naturally aspirated to supercharged, and can be tailored to meet specific performance goals. Additionally, crate engines are often backed by warranties, giving restomodders peace of mind that their investment is protected.
The Chrysler Hemi engine, the Shelby 427 engine, and the Chevrolet LSX engine are all legendary engines that have inspired modern crate engines. These engines have been re-engineered to incorporate modern technology and can now produce up to 1,000 horsepower or more.
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get more power out of your vehicle, installing a crate engine into your ride is well worth the time.
So without further ado, here are ten of the most interesting and powerful crate engines ever made!
1. Hennessey Fury - 1,817 HP
2. Nelson Racing Engine Alien 427 - 1,270 HP
3. DSR Performance DSR 1150 - 1,150 HP
4. Chevrolet ZZ632 - 1,004 HP
5. Mopar Hellephant - 1,000 HP
6. Dodge Demon - 839 HP
7. Ford Predator - 760 HP
8. Chevrolet ZZ572/720R Deluxe - 727 HP
9. Dodge Hellcat - 717 HP
10. Ford Megazilla - 615 HP
1Hennessey Fury
1,817 HP | 1,193 lb-ft
Based on GM's LS engine.
When it comes to crate engines, the Hennessey Fury is in a league of its own in terms of sheer power output. While other crate engines are also known for their impressive power, such as the Alien 427 engine and the DSR 1150, none can match the Fury's ability to produce almost 2,000 horsepower and 1,193 lb-ft of torque.
For genuine gearheads, the Fury engine is the stuff of dreams. Its massive power output and incredible sound make it a true joy to behold, and it's no wonder that so many car enthusiasts are drooling over it. The Fury is a true masterpiece of engineering, and it's a testament to Hennessey's dedication to pushing the limits of what's possible in the world of high-performance engines.
2Nelson Racing Engine Alien 427
1,270 HP
Based on the LS block.
The Nelson Racing Engine Alien 427 is another high-performance engine that's known for its impressive power output. This engine is capable of producing up to 1,270 horsepower thanks to its unique design and high-quality components.
One of the key features of the Alien 427 is its advanced airflow system, which helps to optimize combustion and increase power output. The engine also features high-quality components, such as forged pistons, billet connecting rods, and a billet crankshaft, which help to ensure its reliability and longevity.
3DSR Performance DSR 1150
1,150 HP
Based on the Gen III 426 HEMI engine.
The DSR Performance DSR 1150 is a high-performance crate engine that boasts an impressive 1,150 horsepower. This engine is based on the Gen III 426 HEMI engine and has been modified with a variety of high-performance components to deliver exceptional power and performance.
One of the key features of the DSR 1150 is its 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger, which helps to maximize airflow and increase power output. The engine also features revised cylinder heads, custom camshaft profiles, and advanced valvetrain components to further enhance its performance.
4Chevrolet ZZ632
1,004 HP
The Chevrolet ZZ632 is a highly coveted engine among muscle car enthusiasts and for good reason. With its massive 10.3-liter V8, this engine is capable of producing an incredible 1,004 horsepower and 876 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful crate engines ever produced by Chevrolet.
One of the most exciting things about the ZZ632 is that it comes stock with the 2023 Camaro COPO, which is sure to become an instant classic among gearheads and muscle car enthusiasts alike. The fact that this engine is available for sale by Chevrolet for roughly $37,758 makes it an attractive option for those looking to add serious power to their ride.
Whether you're looking to build a drag racer, a street machine or just want to add some serious muscle to your ride, this engine is sure to impress.
5Mopar Hellephant
1,000 HP
The Hellephant engine from Mopar is a true engineering marvel that has captured the attention of gearheads and muscle car enthusiasts around the world. This supercharged 426 cubic inch V8 engine is capable of producing an incredible 1,000 horsepower and 950 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines ever produced by Mopar.
Although Dodge announced that the Hellephant engine would not be fitted in any production car, several muscle car enthusiasts have gotten their hands on this impressive powerplant and shoehorned it into a variety of vehicles. The Hellephant's massive power output makes it a popular choice for those looking to build a truly impressive muscle car, drag racer, or street machine.
Its power and performance harken back to yesteryear, when muscle cars ruled the streets and drag strips across America.
6Dodge Demon
839 HP
The Dodge Challenger Demon is a true muscle car legend, and with only 3,300 units produced, it's also one of the rarest modern-day muscle cars. This impressive vehicle is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine that is capable of producing an astounding 839 horsepower on race gas.
One of the most impressive things about the Challenger Demon's engine is that it is more powerful than the electric motors found on the Porsche Taycan Turbo S. This is a testament to the incredible engineering and design that went into this powerful engine, which is capable of propelling the Challenger Demon from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds.
7Ford Predator
760 HP | $28,935
This powerful engine is capable of producing an impressive 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines ever produced by Ford.
One of the most exciting things about the Predator engine is that it is now available as an engine crate, which means that it can be used to power a wide range of Ford vehicles, from the Taurus SHO to the Explorer. This makes it an affordable and versatile option for those looking to add serious power and performance to their vehicles.
When it comes to high-performance cars, it's no secret that horsepower is king. Whether you're building a 10-second drag car or a pro touring monster, having a powerful engine is essential. For a long time, Mopar has been dominating the horsepower wars with their Hellcat engine, leaving Chevy in need of a worthy competitor. That's where the ZZ572/720R Deluxe engine comes in.
While the ZZ572/720R Deluxe engine may not have made as big of a splash as the Hellcat engines, it is still an incredibly impressive powerplant. With a massive 727 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque, this engine is capable of delivering some serious performance on both the street and the track.
9Dodge Hellcat
717 HP
The American muscle car industry has been hotly contested between Ford, Chevy, and Dodge for decades. Ford's decision to reintroduce the iconic 5.0 Coyote engine was a major win for muscle car enthusiasts. Chevy's announcement of the new ZL1 also generated a lot of buzz, but it was Dodge's 2013 release of the Hellcat engine that truly shook the industry. Unmatched in power and performance, the Hellcat engine set a new standard for American car companies, leaving the competition scrambling to catch up.
While some may be tempted to buy a totaled 2021 Dodge Challenger Hellcat just to obtain its engine, there's really no need to go to such extremes. Mopar and other shops offer the supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 that powers the Hellcat, which delivers an impressive 717 hp and 656 lb-ft of torque. This Hellcat engine crate is likely to become a staple in restomod projects based on classic Chrysler cars, as it provides the perfect combination of power and performance to take these vintage rides to the next level. So whether you're looking to upgrade a classic car or build a custom ride from scratch, the Hellcat engine crate is definitely worth considering.
The Ford Megazilla crate engine is a variant of the Godzilla engine and is capable of delivering an impressive 615 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is designed for heavy-duty vehicles and is perfect for those looking to upgrade their classic cars or build a custom ride from scratch.
With its enhanced power output and improved performance, the Megazilla is a great option for anyone looking to take their vehicle to the next level. However, it's worth noting that this engine can be quite costly and may have limited availability.
While Ford has not yet released pricing information for the Megazilla V-8 crate engine, it is expected to be more expensive than the Godzilla engine due to its upgraded features, such as forged internals (as a guide, the Godzilla is priced at $9,175).
The Bottom Line
In the end, we'll let you draw your own conclusions on the matter, and encourage you to judge each engine on its own merits. Whether you're a die-hard LS guy or a loyal Mopar man, we hope that you find this article helpful towards narrowing down your search for the best crate big block for your project.
And that's the list of the most powerful crate engines. If you have a favorite, or if you think we left one out, make sure to leave a comment!