Top 5 Supercharged Crate Engines for Modern Muscle
By X Factors Motorsports
Supercharged crate engines are redefining modern muscle cars—delivering massive horsepower and torque gains right out of the box. Whether you’re building a dedicated drag racer or a high-performance street machine, forced-induction motor swaps offer unrivaled throttle response and power delivery. Below, we explore five of the best supercharged crate engines currently available, comparing key features and ideal applications.
1. Why Choose a Supercharged Crate Engine?
- Instant Boost: A supercharger delivers immediate power off idle, unlike turbos that rely on exhaust-driven spooling.
- Broad Power Band: Expect sustained torque throughout the rev range—perfect for racing or spirited street driving.
- Tunable Performance: Adjust boost levels, pulley sizes, and fueling to tailor the engine’s output to your build.
Internal Link: Learn about Preparing Your Drivetrain for 1,000+ HP to ensure it can handle the torque of a supercharged setup.
2. Chevrolet Performance LT5
Originally powering the Corvette ZR1, the LT5 is a supercharged small-block that blends modern EFI technology with high-end performance.
| Horsepower | Torque | Displacement |
|---|---|---|
| 755 HP | 715 lb-ft | 6.2L |
Why It’s Great: The LT5’s Eaton TVS supercharger delivers near-instant boost, making it an ideal choice for pro-touring and street/track builds alike.
External Link: Visit Chevrolet Performance for official specs and part numbers.
3. Mopar Hellcrate Redeye
An evolution of the legendary Hellcat engine, the Hellcrate Redeye brings extreme performance to modern Mopar fans.
| Horsepower | Torque | Displacement |
|---|---|---|
| 807 HP | 717 lb-ft | 6.2L |
Why It’s Great: With a bigger supercharger than the standard Hellcat, the Redeye delivers relentless torque—perfect for quarter-mile domination and high-powered street fun.
4. Ford Performance 5.2L Aluminator SC
Borrowing from the Shelby GT500’s blueprint, the Aluminator SC merges factory-forged internals with a roots-style supercharger.
| Horsepower | Torque | Displacement |
|---|---|---|
| ~700–760 HP | 625+ lb-ft | 5.2L |
Why It’s Great: It’s a balanced package for enthusiasts seeking a high-revving, supercharged engine that can excel on road courses or as a daily street performer.
5. Chevrolet Performance LSX454 Blower
For those who love big-cube LS engines, the LSX454 Blower harnesses forced induction for massive torque and horsepower.
| Horsepower | Torque | Displacement |
|---|---|---|
| 750+ HP | 700+ lb-ft | 7.4L (454 c.i.) |
Why It’s Great: This big-displacement LS platform is known for robust construction, ensuring the engine can safely handle the added stress of supercharging.
6. Mopar Hellephant 426
When 800 HP isn’t enough, Mopar answered with the Hellephant 426—one of the most powerful production crate engines available.
| Horsepower | Torque | Displacement |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 HP | 950 lb-ft | 7.0L (426 c.i.) |
Why It’s Great: The Hellephant is built for extreme builds—delivering four-digit horsepower right off the shelf.
Related Product: Check out our Hellephant Installation Kit for fuel system upgrades and engine mounts.
7. Comparison Table
| Engine | HP Range | Torque Range | Displacement | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT5 | 755 | 715 lb-ft | 6.2L | Street/Track, Pro-Touring |
| Hellcrate Redeye | 807 | 717 lb-ft | 6.2L | Quarter-Mile, Modern Mopar |
| 5.2L Aluminator SC | ~700–760 | 625+ lb-ft | 5.2L | Road Courses, Street Builds |
| LSX454 Blower | 750+ | 700+ lb-ft | 7.4L (454 c.i.) | Classic Muscle, Big-Block LS |
| Hellephant 426 | 1,000 | 950 lb-ft | 7.0L (426 c.i.) | Extreme Power, Show Builds |
8. FAQ: Supercharged Crate Engines
- Are these engines street-legal?
- Emissions regulations vary. Check local laws or opt for EO-certified supercharged crate engines if available.
- Do I need a custom ECU tune?
- Yes, each engine requires proper fueling and ignition calibration for optimal performance.
- Which transmission is recommended?
- Heavy-duty automatics (TH400, 4L80E) or reinforced manuals (T56 Magnum) are popular choices to handle the torque.
- What about cooling upgrades?
- Larger radiators, intercoolers, and upgraded fans are essential to manage heat generated by supercharging.
9. Related Blog Posts
- Engine Swap Essentials for Modern Muscle Cars
- Carbureted vs. EFI: What’s Right for Your Build?
- Tips for Handling 1,000+ HP in Your Drivetrain
10. Conclusion
If you’re aiming for a high-powered, forced-induction swap in your modern muscle car, these Top 5 Supercharged Crate Engines offer a range of horsepower, torque, and displacement options. From the race-ready Hellephant 426 to the balanced Ford Aluminator SC, each powerplant caters to specific performance goals.
X Factors Motorsports provides expert guidance and a comprehensive catalog of crate engines, transmissions, and supporting mods for your next build. Contact Us or browse our Forced Induction Upgrades to take the first step toward dominating the street or strip with a supercharged setup!
LEAVE A COMMENT