The Most Powerful V8 Crate Engines You Can Buy in 2023

Getting an original 350 for a first-gen Camaro is nearly impossible, but on the upside, Chevrolet Performance offers plenty of 350-ci lumps in the guise of crate motors, starting with the 350 HO. Crate engines aren't meant exclusively for grandpa's Camaro, though…

They're extremely important for crazier projects as well. Think 6.2-liter LT4 in a Screaming Chicken or 7.3-liter Godzilla in a Fox-body Mustang, two combos that are certain to put a smile on anyone's face. Similar to purely internal combustion vehicles, crate engines are getting scarcer with each passing day as well. Given this industry's rather somber future, us folks at autoevolution have compiled a list of the most powerful V8 crate engines available to purchase at the time of writing.

E85 and high-octane race fuel are allowed, yet race- and marine-type motors are excluded for obvious reasons. The following top 20 is made up exclusively of V8 crate motors listed online by their makers rather than resellers, coming in as close to turn-key form as possible instead of long or short blocks. This being said, let us kick things off with a 351W-based mill.

20. Prestige Nitrous 427 Ford Small Block (1,000 hp)

North Carolina-based Prestige Motorsports opens this list with a 400-shot crate motor. Priced at $21,999 at the moment of reporting, the 351 Windsor-based 427 before your eyes is a street-strip tower of power designed to drink 93 AKI (98 RON) dinosaur juice.

Rated at 850+ pound-feet (make that 1,152 Nm), this fellow rocks King bearings, Holley electronic fuel injection, MSD ignition control, 2618 forged aluminum pistons, and 4340 forged steel H-beam connecting rods. The 351 iron block is an aftermarket unit equipped with 220-cc cylinder heads from Air Flow Research.

Forged stainless steel intake valves and Inconel exhaust valves also need to be mentioned, along with a full roller setup. Highlights further include a 4340 forged steel crankshaft and a three-year warranty.

19. Direct Connection Supercharged Hellephant 426 (1,000 hp)

Meant for pre-1976 vehicles, the Hellephant is a limited-production crate engine that costs $29,995 on Direct Connection's website. The problem is, the HEMI brute is temporarily unavailable to purchase directly from Direct Connection. On the upside, multiple retailers have the 1,000-hp monster in stock.

Much obliged to reach 6,800 revolutions per minute, the Hellephant drinks premium fuel exclusively. Sold without a warranty, the 426-ci bruiser includes a cast aluminum block and 356 aluminum cylinder heads.

The 7.0-liter Hellephant is closely related to the 426 used in the Dodge Challenger Drag Pak quarter-mile land missile, whereas the aluminum block makes it lighter than the iron-block Hellcat. Its valvetrain is similar to the Demon's 840-horsepower Hellcat V8.

18. Prestige Twin Supercharged 427 Ford Small Block (1,000+ hp)

One supercharger is more than enough for most performance-oriented crate engines. Prestige Motorsports takes it up a notch with dual blowers for a 351-based 427, which – of course – runs on pump gas.

The superchargers come courtesy of TorqStorm, and they're reassuringly compact due to being centrifugal superchargers rather than positive-displacement designs. As opposed to a Whipple or an Eaton, a TorqStorm blower is always built to order, which is why each kit takes approximately four weeks to build.

Similar to the nitrous'd 427 from earlier, this motor uses electronic fuel injection from Holley and MSD ignition control. Price? That'd be $34,999, thank you!

17. Prestige Supercharged 427 LS (1,000+ hp)

Coincidentally, the Prestige Motorsports 427 LS Next Supercharged also costs $34,999 at press time. Dubbed a game changer, the Dart LS Next SHP iron-blocked crate engine produces 900+ pound-feet (1,220 Nm).

Running at 9.5:1 as opposed to 10.0:1 and 10.5:1 for the aforementioned 351-based Fords, this LS employs LS3-style CNC ported aluminum heads. Fitted with Motion Raceworks valve covers, the 7.0-liter colossus further boasts a catch can from Motion Raceworks.

Topped by a 3.0-liter Whipple twin-screw blower, Prestige's hard-hitting LS maxes out at 6,500 revolutions per minute. Similar to the 427 Fords from earlier, it's also covered by a three-year warranty.

16. Chevrolet Performance ZZ632/1000 (1,004 hp)

The largest and most powerful crate motor in Chevy's long and illustrious history, the ZZ632/1000 takes its name from 632 cubic inches and just over 1,000 horsepower. A naturally-aspirated leviathan that costs in excess of $30,000 as of July 2023, the big-block V8 makes 876 pound-feet (1,188 Nm) at 5,600 rpm.

First displayed in the metal at the 2021 SEMA Show, the ZZ632/1000 uses R S-X Symmetrical Port cylinder heads. Ron Sperry, the man behind this design, is also credited for the symmetrical ports of the Gen III small block in the 1997 model year Chevrolet Corvette.

Based on the ZZ572's iron block, the ZZ632 flaunts a larger bore (by 0.040 inches) and a longer stroke (by 0.375 inches). According to the biggest of the Big Three in Detroit, a pre-production engine lasted more than 200 simulated quarter-mile passes on a dyno.

15. NRE Intercooled LS Whipple 427 Hot Rod Series (1,100 hp)

Spoiler alert: no fewer than 10 crate engines from Nelson Racing Engines have made this list. NRE also makes the most powerful crate engine of the bunch, a 2,500-hp beast we'll talk about later on.

Their first entry in this top 20 is a 1,100-hp LS with a 4.0-liter Whipple. Starting at $29,999, the Intercooled LS Whipple 427 Hot Rod Series uses Delphi LS7 hydraulic roller lifters, a custom camshaft, plasma molybdenum piston rings, and JE forged pistons.

Add-ons include a Nick Williams 103-millimeter throttle body and an E85 injector upgrade. Nelson Racing Engines also has a transmission for this force-fed 427, namely a Stage 6 4L85E priced at $9,500.

14. Wegner 376 Whipple 3.0L Supercharged LS3 (1,100 hp)

376 cubes equals just under 6.2 liters, which is the standard displacement of the good ol' LS3. The Wegner 376 Whipple 3.0L Supercharged LS3 goes beyond Chevrolet's design with a flurry of upgrades, including a Nick Williams 102-millimeter DWB throttle body, a Callies forged crank, and Callies Ultra conrods.

Wegner Automotive promises anything between 900 and 970 pound-feet (1,220 and 1,135 Nm), which is slightly better than the 965 pound-feet (1,308 Nm) of NRE's 427. Complemented by a WAK075 front accessory drive painted in the same black as the blower, this lump carries a starting price of $30,500.

Each one takes around four to six weeks to deliver because each one is built to order. Speaking of which, options include a 408-ci GM iron block, a 416-ci stroker kit, a 427-ci Dart SHP iron block, and a 112-millimeter DBW throttle body from Nick Williams.

13. Prestige Twin Supercharged 427 LS (1,100+ hp)

Prestige's most badass drop-in crate engine is a twin-supercharged LS with 427 cubes to its name. Once again, we're dealing with centrifugal superchargers.

Built around a Dart LS Next SHP block, the twin-supercharged 427 belts out in excess of 1,100 ponies with VP Racing Fuels C16 in the tank. C16 is formulated specifically for drag racing applications, and costs $129 for a five-gallon pail at press time.

The crankshaft and connecting rods are made from 4340 forged steel, whereas the pistons are 2618 forged aluminum. Just like the Whipple-blown 427, this one is also beautified by Motion Raceworks valve covers.

12. DSR Performance 1150 HEMI (1,150 hp)

NHRA legend Don Schumacher made a name for himself on the blacktop. Founded in 1998, Don Schumacher Racing specializes in fast stuff. The 1150 certainly falls into this category, for it produces 1,150 horsepower on 93-octane gasoline rather than E85.

Developed from the DSR Challenger Drag Pak program, the $40,000 engine is a 426 with modified Hellcat aluminum heads and a Hellcat-sourced oil sump. The first production run of the 1150 was limited to 20 examples of the breed at $37,950 per unit.

The third-gen HEMI is compatible with ZF's 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission, which is why DSR Performance also offers stage kits for the 8HP. The stage 1 kit, for example, takes the 8HP95 of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk to 1,300 horsepower and a simply ludicrous 1,100 pound-feet (1,491 Nm).

11. NRE Roots Blown Mopar HEMI 572 (1,150 hp)

572 cubic inches is big-boy Mopar territory. Then again, you need lots of displacement in order to make lots of power. 1,050 horsepower on pump gas, that is, or 1,150 ponies on 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

Price-wise, the Roots Blown 572 from Nelson Racing Engines isn't for the faint of heart. It's the first $50k engine in this top 20, the kind of money that would get you a nicely equipped 2024 Ram 1500 pickup truck.

Distinguished by a flat torque curve, the 9.4-liter engine is built around an Indy Maxx aluminum block with cast aluminum valve covers. The Blower Shop Billet 12-71 Roots-type supercharger does its job with the help of two 850-cfm carburetors from Holley.

10. Wegner 427 Whipple 3.0L Supercharged LS7 (1,200+ hp)

1,200+ boosted ponies are a lot for 427 cubic inches, but still, Wegner Automotive is known for building extremely stout crate engines. Capable of 1,100+ pound-feet (1,491 Nm), this LS7-style mill dons custom valve covers and a front accessory drive kit.

Governed by a Holley engine control unit, the Wegner 427 Whipple 3.0L Supercharged LS7 uses a Callies eight-counterweight crank, forged pistons from Mahle, a Melling oil pump, Del West and Manley valves, HD pushrods, and a Holley driver-by-wire control unit.

The piece de resistance is – of course – the 3.0-liter blower sitting on top of this fine-looking piece of mechanical engineering. Priced from $34,900, said LS7 is based on either a GM block or a Dart block.

9. NRE Twin-Turbo 540 Budget Series (1,400 hp)

The Budget in Twin-Turbo 540 Budget Series isn't exactly what it seems. At $31,999, you could buy a brand-new Camry for the price of this crate motor.

The Dart Big M iron block alone costs $4,000, whereas each of the 46-millimeter Precision Turbo wastegates is $402 on the manufacturer's website. JE forged pistons, BoostLine forged connecting rods, Holley Terminator injectors, and Edelbrock induction are only a few of this rather handsome motor's highlights.

Notable components further include Brodix Big Brodie heads with Cometic MLX gaskets, tubular headers, and CNC billet valve covers. The valvetrain comprises a hydraulic roller cam with hydraulic roller lifters, roller rockers, and Smith Brothers chromoly pushrods.

8. DSR Performance 1500 HEMI (1,500 hp)

A Direct Connection-DSR Performance collab, the 1500 is a $60k masterpiece with a huge appetite for corn brew. Similar to the 1150, the 1500 wouldn't have been possible without Whipple's fifth-gen blower.

Injector Dynamics 1,700-cc fuel injectors are joined by 356 ported aluminum cylinder heads, a custom camshaft, billet aluminum pistons, and a billet steel crankshaft. Good for more than 1,000 pound-feet (1,356 Nm) of torque at full chatter, the 1500 engine sweetens the deal with "industry-leading drivability."

Any 1500-swapped motor vehicle manufactured prior to the 1976 model year can be driven on public roads. Those manufactured after 1976 may violate federal, state, or local emissions laws and regulations.

7. NRE Twin-Turbo Alien Windsor 428 (1,500 hp)

Nelson Racing Engines has refined its Windsor-based 428 twin-turbo crate engine for more than a decade now. The most potent iteration to date packs a 1,000-horsepower punch on 91 octane. Give it more expensive race gas, and you can expect 1,500 ponies.

Advertised as being " a full street engine," the 7.0-liter behemoth is equipped with a Nelson Racing Engines hydraulic cam that doesn't require valve adjustments. In a similar fashion to Prestige's nitrous 427 small block, this 428 uses 220-cc heads from Air Flow Research.

The Alien in Twin-Turbo Alien Windsor 428 comes from the intake's design. Spruced up with billet valve covers, the no-nonsense motor brings together 72-mm turbos, 46-mm wastegates, and a TiAL BOV.

6. NRE Twin-Turbo LS 427 Pro-Touring Series (1,600 hp)

Yet another 427-ci LS, and yet another Nelson crate engine! With 1,225 horsepower on pump gas at 7,000 revolutions per minute, this Pro-Touring Series motor is best described as an eight-cylinder tire shredder.

Give it race fuel, and Nelson Racing Engines estimates a whopping 1,600 horsepower at 6,800 revolutions per minute. Considering its output numbers, it's also a value-oriented motor at $31,999 before any options.

Extras include $725 for the head stud upgrade, $250 for the main stud upgrade, and $2,500 for adjusting the boost from the cockpit by gear, engine speed, or time. An option worthy of your consideration is the Darth Vader Package, which – as implied – features black turbos, valve covers, a black Dart block, and the same finish for the Shaun's Custom Alloy intake manifold.

5. NRE Twin-Turbo Alien LS 427 Pro-Touring Series (1,650 hp)

Priced from $36,999 on the engine shop's website, the Alien LS 427 Pro-Touring Series isn't all that different from the Twin-Turbo LS 427 Pro-Touring Series. The biggest upgrade – both visually and from the standpoint of performance – is the ant eater-like intake manifold.

Reportedly designed to be driven 400 miles (approximately 650 kilometers) per day without breaking a sweat, the 7.0-liter LS is equipped with custom aluminum ported cylinder heads with Pac springs and titanium retainers. Other custom components include the forged pistons, hydraulic roller camshaft, and 1,200-cc flow-matched injectors.

Even the exhaust manifolds are fully custom, produced in-house from 304 stainless steel. A 50-mm BOV is standard, but if you so desire, Nelson Racing Engines can fit a second blow-off valve for a reasonable $340.

4. NRE Twin-Turbo Mopar 426 HEMI (1,900 hp)

$69,000 may seem way too many bucks for a 7.0-liter HEMI. Looking at the bigger picture, this 426 makes way more ponies than Direct Connection's Hellephant and DSR Performance's 426 engines. The question is, why is the NRE Twin-Turbo 426 so expensive?

For starters, many parts are made from solid billet: wastegates, valve covers, intake manifold, crankshaft, connecting rods, and mechanical roller camshaft. It also runs 76-mm turbos and two injectors per cylinders.

The eight-cylinder mechanical artwork needs a whole lotta air to belt out 1,250 horsepower on 91 octane and 1,900 horsepower on race fuel, hence the dual throttle bodies. The Full Show Polish Package of the pictured engine retails at $2,580, whereas a multi-stage dry-sump lubrication system adds $4,000 to the tally.

3. NRE Twin-Turbo Alien LS 427 Warrior Series (2,000 hp)

Not surprising in the least, Nelson Racing Engines also sells 2,000-horsepower crate motors from the LS, Chevrolet big block, and HEMI engine families. The Twin-Turbo Alien LS 427 Warrior Series is one of those incredible mills, priced from a cool $46,000.

NRE says that it's a race engine in disguise, albeit its valvetrain life is worse than the 1,800-hp Hot Rod Series. NRE's ultimate dual-purpose LS employs Dart Pro LS7 heads and a Dart SHP LS Next Pro block.

Sporting 76-millimeter turbos and 46-millimeter wastegates, the Warrior Series can be fitted with three in-tank fuel pumps for $1,500. Those who intend to run E85 need a set of E85 injectors, priced at merely $350.

2. NRE Twin-Turbo Alien 572 (2,000+ hp)

The $45,000 Twin-Turbo Alien 572 is packed with hi-po goodies. From the flow-matched 2,200-cc injectors to the dual ball-bearing turbos and Oliver billet conrods, literally everything about this engine is top-notch.

Offering "the best dollar-for-dollar value in the twin-turbo big-block world," NRE's most exciting take on the Chevrolet big block uses ISKY Racing Cams Red Zone lifters and Dart 355 aluminum cylinder heads. Traction control software is available for $550, along with an $800 upgrade to ceramic ball-bearing turbos.

Over 2,000 horsepower from 9.4 liters is a lot, but fret not. $550 gets you the so-called Safety Package, which protects the engine by means of sensors for the fuel pressure, oil pressure, and water temperature. This package further includes strategies designed to protect the 572-ci mammoth in case something goes south.

1. NRE Twin-Turbo Mopar HEMI 572 (2,500 hp)

The California-based engine shop refers to its most powerful street-strip crate motor as "The Elephant," a nod to the second-generation HEMI that came in 426 cubes exclusively. Are you ready for the numbers?

2,253 horsepower at 25 psi, 2,500 horsepower at full wick. Most impressively, Nelson Racing Engines designed the Twin-Turbo Mopar HEMI 572 with air conditioning in mind. Available from $74,000 sans extras, this lump uses huge turbochargers (88 millimeters) and huge wastegates (60 millimeters).

Built around an Indy Maxx aluminum block, NRE's astounding HEMI uses a dry-sump system with a 10-quart or 9.4-liter tank. By comparison, the 1,025-hp Dodge Demon 170 is rated at 7 quarts (6.6 liters).

If you still have any curiosities related to V8 crate engines, please refer to the FAQ section below.

What is a crate engine? Simply put, a fully-assembled engine sold separately from the vehicle. Crate motors usually come in three flavors: short block, the more complete long block, and ready to run. The latter shouldn't be taken literally because even a turn-key motor needs a few additional bits and pieces before starting and running. Think supply and return fuel lines, a 12-volt battery, and so forth.

Why is it called a crate engine? As implied, it's packaged in a crate for shipping.

Do crate engines come with a warranty? They do! Chevrolet, for example, offers 24 months to 36 months or 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers), whichever comes first.

What does a crate engine's crate actually include? For example, the Ford Performance 7.3-liter Godzilla's crate includes the fully-assembled engine, intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, oil pan, flex plate, ignition coils, and ignition wires. The starter, control pack, accessory drive kit, and air conditioning kit are sold separately.

Why are most crate engines V8s? Crate engines are most prevalent in the United States, where the V8 has been a stalwart in cars, trucks, and SUVs for a long time now. Given this country's love for all things V8s, are you even surprised that the majority of crate engines feature this layout?

Is the LS better than the LT? Easier to service and modify, yes. But better overall, no. Direct rather than port fuel injection, 12-millimeter head bolts compared to 11s, enhanced combustion due to relocated spark plugs, and better cylinder head flow are only a few of the LT's advantages over the LS.

Are crate engines street-legal? If your vehicle has OBD II (vehicles built from 1996 onward), that's a big fat no. Be that as it may, the E-ROD LS3, LT1, and LT4 from Chevrolet Performance are eligible for installation in 1995-and-earlier vehicles in the state of California.

How much power does a budget crate engine make? If you're in with the Ford crowd, that would be 340 horsepower for the Boss 302, which is currently priced at $10,995. A Chevrolet Performance HT383 is more affordable yet seven horsepower down on the Boss 302, whereas the 345 HEMI offers 383 horsepower for $7,495.

Is supercharging better than turbocharging for a V8 crate engine? Exhaust-driven turbochargers are easier to fit in an engine bay, whereas superchargers provide boost instantly at the expense of a few ponies. Both have their advantages and downsides, which is why the answer to this question depends from build to build.

As of July 2023, what is the most powerful V8 crate engine that money can buy? Excluding marine crate engines and those designed for racing applications, the Twin-Turbo Mopar HEMI 572 from Nelson Racing Engines is the pokiest of the bunch thanks to 2,500 horsepower.