The Chevrolet Performance ZZ632 Big Block V8 engine is the biggest and most powerful crate engine ever built from GM, and even comes with its own disclaimer that using it on city streets may violate public roadway rules and regulations. Chevy makes it clear the engine should be used on closed courses only. It runs on 93 octane gas and it boasts a Hellephant-beating 1,004 horsepower at 876 lb-ft torque. As far as we know, the ZZ632 Big Block V8 only resides in one vehicle; the Hoonigan third-gen Camaro Z/28, which was on display at the 2021 SEMA Show.
The beast of an engine reaches its max power at 6,600 RPM but can redline at 7,000 RPM, which is unprecedented for an engine of this size. Traditionally, GM Big Block V8 engines have been designed with variations in port shape from cylinder to cylinder, and what makes the ZZ632 unique from its predecessors is that all eight intake ports have the same length, volume and layout. Additionally, all of the ZZ632’s exhaust ports are identical. This symmetry ensures individual cylinders all produce more power and identical power to one another. The system dubbed RS-X was created by longtime GM engineer Ron Sperry.
The engine will become available in 2022 where MSRP is listed at a whopping $37,758, which is nearly the MSRP of a 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS. But while you get an actual car for the money, the Camaro SS doesn’t even put out half the horsepower, despite going from 0-60 in just four seconds.
During the 2021 SEMA Show, the Chevrolet Performance ZZ632 crate engine was recognized as a best new product for the show, beating out the likes of the BD Diesel Venom CP3 conversion kit for 2019-2020 Cummins Ram trucks, and the Ford Performance Eluminator crate motor (batteries not included) in the street performance category.
Image copyright Manoli Katakis, Muscle Cars & Trucks.
