Mopar Revs Up 1,000-hp Crate Engine

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Mopar parts unit has developed a supercharged 7.0-liter V-8 aftermarket crate engine that kicks out 1,000 hp and 950 lb-ft of torque.

The carmaker unveiled the “Hellephant” engine in a heavily modified 1968 Dodge Charger (right) at this week’s Specialty Equipment Market Assn.’s show in Las Vegas. The name is a combination of Chrysler’s 1960s-era 426-cu-in (7.0-liter) “Elephant” V-8 and the 6.2-liter Hellcat V-8 launched in the 2015 Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars.

FCA claims the engine is the first OEM-built crate engine to top 1,000 hp. Designed for pre-1976 vehicles, the engine features an all-aluminum block with 4-inch stroke and 4.1-inchbore. The supercharger displaces three liters and has a high-efficiency rotor that produces 15 lbs of boost.

The engine assembly includes a water pump, flywheel, front sump oil pan, supercharger, throttle body, fuel injectors and coil packs. A separate installation kit adds a powertrain control module, power distribution center, engine wiring harness, chassis harness, accelerator pedal, ground jumper, oxygen sensors, charge air temperature sensors, fuel pump control module and cam bus interface device.

Other extras include a front-end accessory drive system with an alternator, power-steering pump, belts and pulleys.

Pricing for the Hellephant hasn't been announced. The current Hellcat crate engine goes for more than $19,000, plus $2,000 for the installation kit.