Mopar Unveils Six Turn Key V8 Crate Engines From 385 To 1,025 Horsepower With A Warranty Of Three Years Or 100,000 Miles, And No Price Is Announced Yet

Mopar fans who like to swap in their own power just got a big menu to choose from. Direct Connection, Mopar’s in-house performance parts division, unveiled six turn-key V-8 crate engine packages at SEMA.

A red and black V8 car engine seen from above.

The output ranges from 385 to 1,025 hp, and every package is backed by a three-year or 100,000-mile warranty. Hagerty Media’s Ronan Glon covered the launch in a report on November 6.

A Complete Kit, Not Just A Block

These are turn-key packages. Each one includes many of the parts needed for a swap, such as wiring, sensors and a throttle pedal.

The engines also carry Direct Connection branding, serialized plaques and branded crate packaging. On the 345 and 392 packages, buyers can pair them with an 8-speed automatic or a Tremec Magnum 6-speed manual.

The Six Packages, From Street Strip To Super Stock

The 345 Street Strip uses a 5.7-liter engine with a remanufactured block and makes 385 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. The 345 Super Stock has the same 385 hp but uses a new block, Redeye valve springs, a Hellcat oil pump and an SRT oil cooler.

Moving up, the 392 Street Strip is a 6.4-liter engine rated at 485 hp and 475 lb-ft. A 392 Super Stock rounds out that family.

At the top are two supercharged 6.2-liter engines. The Hellcrate Redeye Super Stock makes up to 885 hp and 787 lb-ft.

The Hellephant C170 Reaches 1,025 Horsepower

The star of the lineup is the Hellephant C170 6.2L Super Stock. With a 3.0-liter supercharger, it makes 1,025 hp and 945 lb-ft on E85.

That is big-block territory from a modern V-8, and it comes in a crate with a warranty. For a lot of builders, that combination is a new kind of option.

They Join The HurriCrate

The new engines join the existing HurriCrate, a version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six. That gives buyers a choice between modern V-8 muscle and the newer six-cylinder approach.

The engines are set to go on sale shortly, with pricing still to be released.

What A Crate Engine Swap Involves

A crate engine is a complete or nearly complete engine delivered ready to install. Builders use them to replace a worn motor, to update a classic car or to turn an ordinary vehicle into a hot rod.

The appeal of a turn-key package is that the hard parts of the electronics come with it. Wiring, sensors and a throttle pedal can be a headache to match up, so having them in the box saves time and guesswork.

A factory warranty is also a big deal in a world where many crate motors come with only limited coverage.

A Name With Real Racing Roots

Direct Connection has been a Mopar performance name for decades, tied to Chrysler’s drag racing and street performance parts. Super Stock is a drag racing term as well, so the labels on these packages carry a bit of history with them.

The Hemi name goes back to the early 1950s, when Chrysler introduced its first hemispherical combustion chamber V-8. The design earned a reputation for power that has lasted ever since.

Today’s Hemi engines are a long way from those early motors, but the idea of a big American V-8 with serious muscle is still the draw.

What E85 Means For Horsepower

The 1,025 hp figure for the Hellephant C170 comes on E85, a fuel blend that contains up to 85% ethanol. Ethanol has a high octane rating, which lets engines run more boost and make more power.

That means owners who want the full number should use the right fuel. Anyone planning to run regular pump gas should expect the engine to make less power, so it pays to ask about the details before you order.

Hearing a number like 1,025 is thrilling, but real-world results depend on fuel, tuning and the rest of the car.

Why Builders Like A Warranty In A Crate

Swaps are often done by hobbyists in home garages, and the biggest worry is spending thousands on an engine that fails early. A three-year or 100,000-mile warranty gives some peace of mind and shows that Mopar stands behind the product.

Before you buy, read the terms closely. Warranties usually spell out how the engine must be installed and used, and keeping receipts for the installation is a good habit.

Tips Before You Plan A Swap

Dreaming of a Hemi in your project car is the fun part. A little planning keeps the project on track.

Match the engine to the car. A 1,025 hp motor needs a strong transmission, rear end, brakes and cooling.
Budget for the whole job, including mounts, exhaust, fuel system and tuning, not just the engine.
Pick the transmission early. These packages work with an 8-speed automatic or a Tremec Magnum 6-speed manual on the 345 and 392 engines.
Read the warranty terms so you know what counts as normal use.
Check local emissions and inspection rules, which vary by state, before you buy.

For muscle car fans, the news is a sign that the V-8 is far from finished. With six packages that range from a mild 385 hp street motor to a 1,025 hp monster, there is something for almost every project.

Whether you want a street cruiser or a drag strip terror, Mopar has put a whole menu on the table, and many builders will be watching for the price list.

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