Mopar Moves Forward with 1,000-hp Crate Engine
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Mopar unit will begin offering its $30,000 “Hellephant” crate engine by year-end after the program was delayed several months to fix quality problems.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Mopar unit will begin producing its $30,000 “Hellephant” crate engine by year-end after the program was delayed to fix quality problems, company sources tell Muscle Cars & Trucks.
![](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/ABG/2019-ABG/mopar-hellephant-o.jpg;maxWidth=385)
The issue related to camshaft failures caused by excessive tension, according to the report. The supercharged 7.0-liter V-8 aftermarket engine—announced last October at the Specialty Equipment Market Assn. show in Las Vegas—generates 1,000 hp and 950 lb-ft of torque.
Mopar declined to comment other than to say all products need to be fully validated prior to customer applications. The company sold out full-year production for the Hellephant within two days of accepting orders in April.
Designed for pre-1976 vehicles, the hand-built engines feature an aluminum block with a 4-inch stroke and 4.1-inch bore. The supercharger displaces three liters and has a high-efficiency rotor that produces 15 lbs of boost.
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