10 Crate Engines That Will Turn Your Car Into a Powerhouse

Nothing beats the thrill of swapping in a powerful crate engine and unleashing raw performance. These engines turn ordinary cars into roaring beasts with jaw-dropping horsepower and torque. Muscle cars, tuners, or resto-mods—each build can benefit from a perfect powerhouse. Get ready to explore ten crate engines that pack a serious punch!
Chevrolet Performance ZZ632/1000

The Chevy ZZ632/1000 stands tall with a massive 632 cubic inches of displacement and a roaring 1,004 horsepower. This monster of an engine is a reliable powerhouse that doesn’t compromise on durability. Designed for serious muscle car enthusiasts, the ZZ632 is hard to beat in terms of sheer brute force.
Mopar Hellephant 426 Supercharged Hemi

For those who want their car to truly howl, the Hellephant 426 Supercharged Hemi delivers a colossal 1,000 horsepower. With 426 cubic inches and a supercharger, this engine blends raw power with the iconic Hemi rumble. It’s ready for the street and perfect for muscle car projects with serious muscle.
Chevrolet Performance LT5

The LT5, originally developed for the Corvette ZR1, cranks out 755 horsepower with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 setup. Known for its balance of track-ready power and road manners, it’s a top choice for those wanting both performance and reliability. This LT5 brings impressive throttle response and pure speed.
Edelbrock-Musi 555 Crate Engine

Edelbrock partnered with legendary drag racer Pat Musi to create the Edelbrock-Musi 555, a 555-cubic-inch big block that produces 723 horsepower. With smooth power delivery and durability, this crate engine offers a blend of high performance and reliable engineering. It’s perfect for muscle car fans looking to dominate the strip.
BluePrint Engines 632 ProSeries

If sheer displacement is your thing, BluePrint’s 632 ProSeries has 815 horsepower and 742 lb-ft of torque. Built for performance enthusiasts who crave serious power, the big-block engine is perfect for drag racing and weekend warriors. The impressive toughness makes it ready to handle anything you throw at it.
Ford 7.3L Godzilla V8

Ford’s 7.3L Godzilla V8 has made waves with its impressive torque—600 lb-ft, to be exact. Designed initially for heavy-duty trucks, it’s now a popular crate option for hot rods. With 430 horsepower, this pushrod V8 is a reliable choice for builders wanting a big engine with lots of low-end grunt.
Mopar 345 Hemi Crate Engine

The 345 Hemi from Mopar is a 5.7-liter engine that packs 383 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. While it’s not as wild as some on this list, it’s built for reliability and easy swaps. A fantastic option for those looking to bring Hemi power to classic muscle cars without the added bulk.
Roush 427IR Crate Engine

The Roush 427IR is a small-block engine delivering 560 horsepower and 540 lb-ft of torque. Designed for vintage Mustang builds and classic resto-mods, it’s built for torque-heavy power and has a classic look. Roush Engineering makes it a reliable option with a serious rumble and plenty of street credibility.
Honda K20C1 Turbo Crate Engine

For a different flavor, Honda’s K20C1 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is a powerhouse for compact builds, delivering 306 horsepower. This one is ideal for tuners looking for high output in a small package. This engine, used in the Civic Type R, is compact, efficient, and ready to bring turbocharged thrills to custom projects.
Toyota 2JZ-GTE

The legendary 2JZ-GTE from Toyota, pushing 276 horsepower stock, is famous for its tuning potential. Capable of reaching extreme power levels with modifications, it’s a favorite for high-performance builds. This turbocharged inline-six might not be the biggest engine, but it’s unmatched in versatility and mod potential for tuners.