Top 10 Most Powerful Crate Engines of All-Time

Restomodding is all about blending the classic charm of vintage cars with modern performance, and when it comes to turning your ride into a beast, crate engines are your best friend! These are 10 of the nastiest crate engines that money can buy!

Updated: May 16, 2024  // 

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1. Hennessey Fury – 1,817 HP

Hennessey Fury Venom

1,817 HP | 1,193 lb-ft | Based on GM’s LS engine.

The Hennessey Fury is a monster crate engine, boasting a staggering 1,817 horsepower and 1,193 lb-ft of torque. It’s in a league of its own. While there are other impressive crate engines out there like the Alien 427 and the DSR 1150, none can match the Fury’s ability to unleash almost 2,000 horsepower.

For genuine gearheads, the Fury engine is nothing short of a dream come true. Its immense power output and spine-tingling roar make it an absolute joy to behold. No wonder car enthusiasts all over are drooling over it. The Fury stands as a testament to Hennessey’s relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of high-performance engineering.

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2. Nelson Racing Engine Alien 427 – 1,270 HP

Nelson Racing Crate Engine Alien 427

1,270 HP | Based on the LS block.

One more big name in crate engines is the Nelson Racing Engine Alien 427, which has an amazing 1,270 horsepower. The Alien 427 has its own advanced airflow system, and the block features high-quality parts like forged pistons, billet connecting rods, and a billet crankshaft.

3. DSR Performance DSR 1150 – 1,150 HP

DSR Performance DSR 1150

1,150 HP | Based on the Gen III 426 HEMI engine.

It takes a lot of power to beat the DSR Performance DSR 1150, which has 1,150 horsepower. The Gen III 426 HEMI engine is what this beast is built on, but it has been heavily modified with high-performance parts. The DSR 1150s has its own Whipple blower for the 3.0-liter engine. Dodge beefed up the cylinder heads, custom camshaft profiles, and high-tech valvetrain parts to allow massive power for a long time.

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4. Chevrolet Performance ZZ632 Crate Engine – 1,004 HP

Chevrolet ZZ632

The Chevrolet ZZ632 is a treasure among muscle car aficionados, and it’s no wonder why. With its colossal 10.3-liter V8, this engine churns out an astounding 1,004 horsepower and 876 lb-ft of torque. It’s a powerhouse that sets a new standard for Chevrolet crate engines.

What’s more exciting is that the ZZ632 comes stock with the 2023 Camaro COPO, destined to become an instant classic among gearheads and muscle car enthusiasts. Available for roughly $37,758, it’s a tempting option for those craving serious power for their rides.

Whether you’re building a drag racer, a street machine, or just want to infuse muscle into your ride, the ZZ632 engine is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

5. Mopar Hellephant – 1,000 HP

Chrysler's Hellephant Crate Engine

The Mopar Hellephant engine is a Chrysler engineering marvel launched the high-horsepower crate engine craze. This supercharged 426 cubic inch V8 engine churns out an incredible 1,000 horsepower and 950 lb-ft of torque, firmly establishing itself as one of the most potent engines in Mopar’s lineup.

While Dodge announced that the Hellephant engine wouldn’t be installed in any production car, many muscle car enthusiasts have managed to fit this powerhouse into various vehicles. The Hellephant’s power and performance recall the golden age of muscle cars on American streets and drag strips.

6. Ford Megazilla 1000 – 1,000 HP

Ford Megazilla 1000

1,000 HP | 801 lb-ft | Based on the Ford Performance 572 CI big block engine.

Last but certainly not least, we have the Ford Megazilla 1000, a true monster of a crate engine. This engine is nothing to play with, it puts out 1,000 horsepower and 801 lb-ft of torque. Based on the Ford Performance 572 CI big block engine, but it’s been extensively modified to reach its full potential.

The Megazilla 1000 features a high-lift roller camshaft, CNC-ported cylinder heads, and a custom-built carburetor to ensure optimal performance. Whether you’re looking to dominate the drag strip or simply want to cruise the streets with a thousand horses under your hood, the Megazilla 1000 delivers the goods.

7. Dodge Demon Crate Engine – 839 HP

Dodge Demon - 839 HP Crate Engine

We at WhichCar.org love the Dodge Challenger Demon, and with only 3,300 units produced, it’s also one of the rarest modern-day muscle cars. If you ever wanted to slam one of these Demon engines into your own car, you’re in luck. Dodge now offers the 839 hp Demon crate engine for all your speed needs.

8. Blueprint Engines ProSeries 632 – 815 HP

Blueprint Engines Pro Series 632

If you’re in the market for a high-powered crate engine that’s ready to drop into your project car or truck, the Blueprint Engines ProSeries 632 is worth considering. The ProSeries 632-cubic-inch V8 engine packs 815 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque.

The ProSeries 632 features a cast-iron block, aluminum heads, and a hydraulic roller camshaft for optimal performance and durability. Whether you’re building a drag racer, a pro-touring machine, or a high-horsepower street car, this crate engine has the muscle to get the job done.

9. Ford Predator – 760 HP | $28,935

Ford Predator - 760 HP Crate Engine

Image source: Ford Authority

This Ford Predator crate engine can make your car a serious Hellcat killer. We’re talking a massive 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. It’s one of the beefiest engines Ford has ever made!

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10. Chevrolet ZZ572/720R Deluxe – 727 HP

Chevrolet ZZ572/720R Deluxe

When it comes to high-performance cars, horsepower reigns supreme. Whether you’re racing on the track or cruising the streets, having plenty of power under the hood is essential. One way to achieve this is by swapping in a high-performance crate engine, and the Chevrolet ZZ572/720R Deluxe is a prime example of what’s possible.

The Chevrolet ZZ572/720R Deluxe cranks out 727 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque all fit into a 572-cubic-inch V8 engine. It features a 9.6:1 compression ratio and a hydraulic roller camshaft for excellent low-end torque and drivability. Whether you’re building a street rod, a muscle car, or a high-performance truck, the ZZ572/720R Deluxe will not disappoint you.

Final Thoughts: Long Live Crate Engines

When it comes to restomodding your vehicle and transforming it into a high-performance beast, crate engines are the ultimate solution. These top 10 crate engines represent the best of power and performance now.

About The Writer

Devin Joy

Devin's love of cars came from his father and mother over 35 years ago. They always told stories of their old cars and the adventures they had in them were so amazing he dove headfirst into the car world, and never looked back.

Disclaimer: The writers of this article may have used artificial intelligence to help them with some of the material. It should not be a replacement for professional help.