The next-generation Dodge Viper isn’t due for another year or two but that doesn’t mean Mopar can’t give you a taste of Viper power – if you have the cash.

Chrysler Group’s Mopar performance division has just announced the availability of a V10 crate engine at the SEMA show. It’s an impressive lump – it’s a hand built 512 cubic-inch (8.4 litre), aluminum block V-10. In terms of power it pumps out 800 horses and 941Nm of torque.

Mopar claims that the engine is designed for drag racing which may mean it has emissions issues for on-road use. There are future versions planned for off-road racing and circuit racing but don’t expect these crate engines to come cheap. (more…)

Ford Racing over in the States now has a new crate engine offering for hot rodders and muscle car makers – the Boss 302 5.0L V8.

It was last year when Ford made the Mustang’s 5.0L V8 available as a crate engine and it went well for the blue oval with many finding homes in some serious machines. Now, Ford Racing is offering the Boss 302 as a standalone purchase through its performance parts catalogue, so anyone can drop the 331kW/444hp motor into their own project car.

Why pick the Boss 302 over the standard Mustang 5.0L V8? Well a 23kW power increase for starters, everyone wants more power. The Boss 302 also features some more serious internals like a new high-flowing intake manifold, CNC-machined cylinder heads, upgraded exhaust valves, forged pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft, and a more aggressive camshaft.

The Boss 302 crate motor isn’t going to come cheap, and Ford Racing is listing the Boss 302 V8 crate engine at $11,999 ($14,820 NZD). The standard 5.0 Mustang motor costs much less at $6,999.00 ($8,640 NZD). (more…)

Racers and project car builders have two fresh engine options to choose from in the American Ford Racing parts catalogue. Fans of the classic 302 cubic inch V8 and on a tighter budget can go for the 340 horsepower X302 crate engine. At $3,495 USD, the X302 is a classic cast iron block option with aluminum cylinder heads mated with forged aluminum pistons and die cast aluminum valve covers.

If you crave more horsepower the new 427 FE could be for you. It’s sased on the Boss 351 block with four-bolt main bearings carrying the forged steel crankshaft and rods. The block is topped with Ford Racing aluminum cylinder heads with 10.5:1 compression ratio, producing 535 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque and costing $8,800 USD.

Saleen is offering, for the first time in company history, its high performance 302 cubic inch (5.0L) premium crate engines for sale through its Speedlab Aftermarket Division. The engine will be available in either short block or long block varieties to satisfy the most seasoned of engine builders and power enthusiasts.

The legendary 302 engine has already made its rightful return to the performance stage in Saleen product offerings such as the Parnelli Jones Edition, Heritage Series, and the new 25th Anniversary Sterling Edition. Consumers now have the opportunity to upgrade their existing vehicle with a high performance Saleen 302 crate engine.

PERFORMANCE

The 302 cubic inch crate motors (available in both long and short blocks) are available for naturally-aspirated or supercharged applications. Based on the 4.6L 3V Ford aluminum block, the entire internal package is upgraded with premium Saleen engineered forged pistons, rods, crankshaft and valve train components, and camshaft that will exceed the requirements of even the professional engine builder. The basis of our performance data is from the current 2008 Heritage Saleen platforms. Our packages will range from 390hp (normally-aspirated 302 engines) to 580hp (supercharged 302 engines) using existing EPA certified induction and exhaust systems. Furthermore, these packages can be further upgraded with 6 speed transmissions, high performance clutch/flywheels, higher performance rear end differentials, Watts link rear suspension kits and, of course, superchargers.

“We are very excited to put the 302SC long block engine into the drag racing circuit this year under the hood of the Saleen Speedlab/JDM Engineering performance drag car”, states Michael Lingo, Vice President of Operations & General Manager – Aftermarket Division, “We are planning to place the vehicle on display throughout the season; proving the durability and reliability of the Saleen motors in the most demanding environment imaginable.” The 302 crate engines will launch in May, 2008 and will be available for purchase direct from the factory or through select Saleen Speedlab dealers in the USA.