Tuner Company Offers 1,000-hp Chevy SUVs

Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE), a New Jersey-based tuner company that specializes in modifying General Motors Co. vehicles, is introducing 1,000-hp variants of the Chevrolet Suburban (pictured) and Tahoe SUVs.

The vehicles are powered by a modified version of GM’s 5.3-liter V-8 engine. The engine is bored out to 6.8 liters and fitted with a forged steel crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons and a large supercharger.

GM says the customized engine generates 1,000 hp and 875 lb-ft of torque. This compares with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft for the stock engine.

SVE also offers slightly more sedate versions of the Suburban and Tahoe. These vehicles come with uprated versions of either the 5.3-liter or GM’s 6.2-liter engines that make 810 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque.

The SVE models also get an upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission, a heavy-duty suspension, stainless-steel dual exhaust tips and optional 22-inch wheels. Special badging is abundant throughout the interior and exterior.

The vehicles can be ordered directly through select Chevrolet dealerships. The 810-hp package adds $45,000 to the base price of the $51,500 Tahoe/Suburban, while the 1,000-hp setup goes for a $67,000 premium.

SVE was launched in 1987 as Street Legal Performance by former race car driver and performance guru Ed Hamburger. The company has modified more than 65,000 GM vehicles to date, including 1,000-hp variants of the Chevy Camaro and Corvette.