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How much horsepower can you get out of a 572?

For a 572 cubic‑inch engine, a modern crate or built-up application can deliver about 620 horsepower in stock form; with upgraded heads, cam, and induction you can realistically reach 700–750 hp without forced induction. With turbo or supercharging, horsepower can easily exceed 1,000 hp. The exact figure depends on compression, airflow, exhaust, fueling, and tuning.


Naturally aspirated: what to expect from a 572


Below is a look at typical horsepower targets for a 572 when it runs without any forced induction. Each step represents common, real-world outcomes based on contemporary parts and tuning practices.



  • Stock crate engine (GM Performance 572/620): about 620 hp at around 5,600 rpm, with roughly 650 lb-ft of torque.

  • Upgraded cylinder heads and camshaft: roughly 650–750 hp, depending on port flow and cam duration.

  • High-flow heads, larger intake, and optimized exhaust: around 700–800 hp with strong mid‑ to high‑rpm performance.

  • Extreme naturally‑aspirated builds (advanced porting, high compression, careful tuning): roughly 800–900+ hp under race-oriented conditions.


In practice, naturally aspirated 572 builds punch above their weight when paired with high-flow heads, efficient intake manifolds, and precise cam timing, but reliability and drivability factors often cap sustained street use well before the theoretical maximum.


Forced induction: boosting the 572 beyond NA limits


When adding boost, the 572’s potential expands dramatically. The following outlines common paths and what they tend to produce on pump and race fuels under typical conditions.



  • Single turbo or roots/centrifugal supercharger delivering moderate boost: roughly 900–1,200+ hp on pump gas, depending on boost level and fueling capability.

  • Well‑tuned multi‑valve, intercooler‑equipped setups with aggressive fueling: commonly 1,000–1,500 hp, with race fuel and careful tuning.

  • Race‑worthy boosted combinations (big superchargers or large turbo assemblies): 1,500–2,000+ hp possible, but require extensive hardware upgrades and fuel systems.


Forced induction radically increases horsepower potential, but it also demands robust supporting systems—fuel delivery, combustion control, intercooling, lubrication, and drivetrain integrity—to maintain reliability and longevity under stress.


Reference point and practical considerations


A concrete benchmark is Chevrolet Performance’s own 572‑CID big‑block crate engine, rated at about 620 hp and 650 lb‑ft of torque in stock form. This serves as a widely cited baseline for a modern 572. Other builders offer higher‑flow cylinder heads, cam profiles, and induction options that push NA output upward, while any form of boosting can dramatically elevate horsepower. Real‑world wheel horsepower will be lower than crank horsepower due to drivetrain losses, and durability becomes a core concern as output climbs.


Summary


In summary, a 572 can produce about 620 hp in a stock crate configuration. Upgrades to heads, cam, and intake can push NA output into the 700–800 hp range, with extreme NA builds approaching 900 hp under ideal conditions. Adding forced induction commonly moves the target into the 1,000–1,500 hp realm, and high‑end race setups can exceed 2,000 hp with substantial supporting hardware. The exact horsepower is shaped by compression, airflow, induction method, exhaust, fuel strategy, and tuning, as well as the durability and reliability requirements of the intended usage.


Summary takeaway: a 572 offers substantial headroom, and the final horsepower number is defined by the combination of parts and the goals of the build.

How much horsepower can you get out of a 572 big block?


between 620 to 750 horsepower
The horsepower output of a 572 Big Block crate motor can vary depending on the specific configuration and modifications made to the engine by the manufacturer offering it. However, generally speaking, a 572 Big Block crate engine can produce between 620 to 750 horsepower and 645 to 710 lb-ft of torque.



What makes a 572 big block engine special?


It features a big-bore 4.5" block and a 4.5" stroke, along with massive aluminum cylinder heads designed to flow huge amounts of air. Rated around 655 horsepower and 710 lb-ft of torque, the Boss 572 is a naturally aspirated powerhouse. It uses a solid roller camshaft, forged internals, and a 10.0:1 compression ratio.



What is the difference between a 572 and 632?


The ZZ632's iron block shares a mold with Chevrolet Performance's ZZ572 crate engines, but the castings are machined to accommodate the massive 632-cubic-inch displacement. The bore grows by 0.040 inch compared to the 572-cubic-inch V-8s, with most of the displacement gain coming from a stroke that's 0.375 inch longer.



How much horsepower does a 572 Hemi make?


A 572 Hemi crate engine typically produces between 700 and 750+ horsepower in naturally aspirated forms, but can be built to produce much more, with supercharged or twin-turbo versions exceeding 1,000 horsepower. The exact horsepower depends on the engine's specific configuration, including the block material (iron or aluminum), cylinder heads, and whether it uses forced induction like a supercharger or turbocharger.
 
You can watch this video to see a 572 Hemi engine being built and dyno tested to reach over 750 horsepower: 1mPOWERNATIONYouTube · Jun 26, 2021

  • Naturally Aspirated (NA) 572 Hemi: A standard, naturally aspirated 572 Hemi crate engine from reputable builders typically makes around 700–750 hp. For example, one common configuration produces 750 hp at 6500 RPM. 
  • Forced Induction 572 Hemi:
    • A twin-turbocharged version from Nelson Racing Engines (NRE) can produce over 2,250 hp. 
    • A roots-blown Hemi from NRE is advertised as producing 1,050 hp on pump gas and 1,150 hp on E85. 
  • Key components that affect horsepower include:
    • Block: Can be iron for durability or lightweight aluminum. 
    • Cylinder Heads: High-flow aluminum heads are a common feature, with larger intake valves further increasing horsepower potential. 
    • Camshaft: A solid roller camshaft is typical for high-performance applications. 
    • Forced Induction: Superchargers or turbochargers dramatically increase horsepower output. 

This video shows a 572 Hemi with a supercharger producing over 1,000 horsepower: 1mPrestige Motorsports Inc.YouTube · Feb 24, 2022


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.