Mopar Performance
In addition to the popular Jeep-swappable Gen III 6.1L Hemi crate engine, Mopar is set to release a Jeep 4.7L stroker. Target output is 260 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. This stroked 4.0L straight-six will be assembled primarily from all-new parts-including the block. Mopar sees it as a cost- and labor-saving alternative to a Jeep V-8 swap. Information: Mopar Performance/Direct Connection, 888.528.4364, www.mopar.com
Outfront Motorsports
Outfront offers turnkey Subaru 2.0L and 2.5L four-bangers for rock buggies and sandrails needing lightweight, torquey power on a budget. Offerings range from used Japanese domestic market (JDM) units to performance-prepped ones up to 600 hp. Two of its most popular "stock" packages are the naturally aspirated 200hp 2.5L and the turbo'd 220hp 2.0L. Outfront also offers closed-deck 2.5L blocks and performance parts. Information: Outfront Motorsports, 714.994.5222, www.outfrontmotorsports.com
Pacific Fabrication
Pacific Fab offers new and used GM Gen III/IV LS-based engines (4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L 6.0L, 8.1L, ECT). The company specializes in conversions of '67-'91 Chevy trucks and offers standalone engine wiring harnesses, custom fuel systems, and more. Pacific also provides installation services. Information: Pacific Fabrication, 408.250.1772, www.pacificfab.net
Redline Performance
Redline started years ago with high-revving Mazda rotary crate motors. Now larger-displacement LS packages are its specialty: 5.7L LS1, 6.0L LS2, 6.2L LS3 (shown), and 7.0L LS7. Iron-block LQ9s are also offered, as are a 500hp turbo Caddy Shortstar V-6 and a 650hp twin-turbo Northstar. Information: Redline Performance, 714.777.5758, www.redlineperformanceonline.com
Scoggin-Dickey
Scoggin-Dickey offers factory crate engines from GMPP, Goodwrench replacement engines, Ford Racing, and Mopar as well as from Edelbrock and Roush. In addition to its own SDPC line of customized GM crates (shown), Mast Motorsports LS92, LS3, LS7, and LSX Turnkey Crate Engines are available. Information: Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center, 800.456.0211, www.sdpc2000.com
Speed-O-Motive
Stroker crate engine experts Speed-O-Motive has built Chevy engines for the CORR series. The company offers popular big-block and small-block crates from Ford, GM, Mopar, World, and Edelbrock. Standalone AMC and Jeep stroker kits are also available. Popular off-road swaps include the 500hp/575 lb-ft Chevy 427-cid High Torque Street Special Stroker Engine (shown). Information: Speed-O-Motive, 626.869.0270, www.speedomotive.com
TA Performance
TA specializes in Buick performance. Its biggest crate engine is the Stage 2TE V-8, which is based on a 455 block that's punched out to 464 ci. For optimal power-to-weight, TA offers an all-aluminum turbo V-6. It's only 23 inches long and comes with a multi-pattern bellhousing. TA can build this V-6 to 1,200 hp, and a programmable feature allows power to be backed down as necessary. Information: TA Performance Products, 480.922.6807, www.taperformance.com
Turn Key Engine Supply
Turn Key specializes in GM Gen III/IV engines as well as 2.2L Ecotecs. V-8 choices include the Vortec 5.3L, 410hp LS1/LS6, stock LS2, LS3 (used by Shannon Campbell), LQ9, and LS7. Stroker and twin-turbo versions are available for some models (LS2 shown). These ready-to-run engines come complete with computer, trans adapter, and even oil. Electronics require five- to seven-wire hookup. Information: Turn Key Engine Supply, 760.941.2741, www.turnkeyenginesupply.com
World Products
World Products adds Warhawk all-aluminum Chevy LS racing engines to its lineup. The 427 version uses an aluminum LS7X block topped by either LS1 heads (600 hp) or LS7 heads (650 hp on pump gas). An MSD ignition is optional. The engine carries a two-year/24,000-miles warranty for noncompetition use. Information: World Products, 631.981.1918, www.worldcastings.com
Chevy Small-block generations
The Chevy small-block V-8 is America's universal internal-combustion engine. Introduced in 1955 as the Turbo-Fire V-8, the "Mighty Mouse" engine that early stock-car racers nicknamed for the cartoon hero has been original equipment in millions of cars and trucks as well as boats and even airplanes. It's been unoriginal in countless other applications.
Fifty-plus years after its launch, the Chevy small-block is on its fourth generation. The first generation, typified by the beloved 350, took a bow in '03 models, although the 350 block is still manufactured for crate engines. Gen I cubic-inch displacements are 265, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, 350, and 400. Compact 4.40-inch bore centers were its engineering signature.
Gen II "LT" small-blocks debuted in 1992. Reverse-flow cooling is the main difference from its predecessor, and many parts aren't interchangeable with Gen I engines. However, motor mounts and bellhousing patterns stayed the same, making for easy retrofits.
The LS engine family appeared in 1997. Only the bore-center spacing was retained from the previous small-blocks. The third generation features coil-on-plug ignition, a different firing order, six-bolt main bearing caps, and aluminum blocks for car applications. (The iron-block truck branch of the family is often called Vortec.) The LS1 was ultimately trumped by the LS6 in the '01 Corvette Z06. The Gen III family also includes the LQ4/LQ9 6.0L V-8.
The LS2 ushered in the Gen IV era in 2004. High displacement/high output-and often OE in the Corvette-set this generation apart. Notable family members include the LS3, LS4, LS7, LSX, and supercharged LS9. Parts interchangeability among LS engines is generally good, especially heads. Several of the engine builders listed here can answer specifics about mixing and matching LS parts.