3 Crate Engines We’re Thankful For 

This is the time to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives as we get ready to feast. Here at The BLOCK, those include our family, friends and the extensive automotive community.   

And of course, Chevrolet Performance crate engines.* 
 
Below is a brief look at three new crate power plants we’re excited to gobble up. 

L8P 
The L8P* is the latest addition to the modern Gen V Small-Block flock, a grouping better known as LT engines. The L8P is based on the 6.6L L8T* – the largest in the LT family – which appears in Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models. 

However, the "P" stands for performance, and the L8P is capable of 523 horsepower and 543 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine features a unique, billet-steel hydraulic-roller camshaft based on the one in the high-revving LT2 powering the eighth-generation Corvette Stingray. That's just one of several performance-oriented valvetrain upgrades. 
 
But the engine also maintains impressive strength and durability with heavy-duty elements including a cast-iron block, a forged crankshaft and rods, high-flow cylinder heads, and a composite intake manifold. What's more, the L8P includes direct injection for precise fuel control. 
 

SP502/605 
The SP502/605 crate engine* is a new Big-Block featuring 502 cubic inches of displacement and a full plate of performance features. The engine uses the ZZ502* as a starting point, but has greater output thanks to components including higher-compression pistons, a new hydraulic roller camshaft, CNC-ported oval-port heads and more. As its name implies, the engine is rated at 605 horsepower and 580 lb.-ft. of torque. 
 
Its looks match its performance, highlighted by cast-aluminum valve covers reading "502" in raised numerals. The SP502/605 comes in a Deluxe kit that includes an 850-cfm carburetor and aluminum intake manifold, among several other finishing components, that make it a perfect choice for a hot rod or classic vehicle. 

525 RLB 
For racers who want to pick their own toppings, the 525 RLB* might be a perfect choice. The LS-based engine is available as a sealed long-block assembly and derived from Chevrolet Performance’s 6.2L CT525 circle track crate engine.* The 525 RLB is rated at 533 horsepower and 477 lb.-ft. of torque with a four-barrel carburetor and intake manifold.  

Components include LS3 rectangular-port cylinder heads to optimize airflow, forged pistons and heavy-duty connecting rod bolts. However, the engine comes without an induction or ignition system, making it an option for universal sanctioning bodies. 
 
The engine has proven to be a good choice for spec-based off-road racing applications where many engines are LS-based, but rules allow for a variety of upgrades, necessitating the services of an engine builder. The 525 RLB comes with many of those features as part of the package out of the crate. 

These are just three crate engines of dozens in the Chevrolet Performance portfolio, and we’re thankful there is an option to fit nearly every need. With choices like that, everything else is just gravy. 
 
Keep watching The BLOCK for a variety of crate engine-powered builds from events nationwide. 
 
 
*Debido al efecto en el desempeño de las emisiones de un vehículo, estos motores están hechos para uso exclusivo en vehículos de competición. Estos motores están diseñados y concebidos para su uso en vehículos destinados exclusivamente a la competición: en carreras o competiciones organizadas en recorridos separados de las carreteras, calles o autopistas públicas. Es probable que la instalación o el uso de estos motores en un vehículo que circule por carreteras, calles o autopistas públicas infrinja las leyes y normativas estadounidenses, canadienses, estatales y provinciales relacionadas con las emisiones de vehículos de motor.