How much horsepower does a 410 sprint car engine have?
Most 410 sprint car engines deliver roughly 800–900 horsepower on a dynamometer, with typical builds centered around the mid-800s and some peak near 950 hp in highly optimized setups. Real-world track power depends on tuning, fuel, rpm, and how the power is delivered through gearing and traction.
Understanding the 410 sprint car engine
The 410 sprint car is a purpose-built racing powerplant used in American dirt-track sprint car competition. It is defined by a 410 cubic inch displacement (about 6.7 liters), is normally fueled by methanol, and is typically paired with a four-barrel carburetor. The engine is naturally aspirated and engineered for rapid throttle response and strong torque in short, high-intensity races.
Core specifications
Key specifications that shape how much horsepower the engine can produce are listed below.
- Displacement: 410 cubic inches (approximately 6.7 liters)
- Induction: Naturally aspirated, methanol-fueled with a four-barrel carburetor
- Valvetrain: High-performance pushrod V8 with race heads and springs
- Rev limit: Typically in the 7,500–9,000 rpm range depending on build
- Materials: Lightweight, race-grade blocks, heads, and components
These fundamental specs set the ceiling for horsepower achievable in the 410 sprint class.
Typical horsepower range
Before examining the numbers, it helps to understand the standard expectations for horsepower in this class.
- Typical dyno output: about 800–900 hp at the crank for a standard 410 sprint engine
- Optimized or well-tuned builds: around 900–950 hp on the dyno
- In racing conditions, usable power is shaped by gearing, traction, and track temperature, so on-track "effective horsepower" can differ from dyno figures
In practice, most teams aim for a reliable balance of power, durability, and drivability rather than chasing maximum peak horsepower alone.
On-track dynamics: horsepower in sprint car racing
Power numbers on paper rarely tell the full story on dirt ovals. The sprint car's performance depends on how that horsepower is delivered to the ground through the drivetrain, tires, and chassis under racing conditions.
- Gear ratios and rear-end setup determine how quickly the engine’s power translates into acceleration
- Rear tire grip, track surface, and moisture influence traction and exit speed
- Weight transfer and suspension geometry affect torque delivery and cornering stability
- Driver throttle control and engine response shape how power is used during a lap
Ultimately, horsepower is one input in a complex system that includes chassis, track, driver, and rules, and teams optimize all of them to maximize lap times.
Summary
The 410 sprint car engine typically produces about 800–900 horsepower on a dynamometer, with peak figures around 900–950 hp in well-tuned builds. Real-world performance depends on a mix of engine construction, fuel, RPM range, and, crucially, how the power is delivered through gearing, traction, and chassis setup. In dirt racing, managing that power cleanly and efficiently often matters more than chasing the top-end number alone.
How much horsepower does a 410 sprint car put out?
around 900 horsepower
This is how sprint car racing separates its main classes: 305, 360, and 410. Here's a rough breakdown of the typical horsepower for each: • 305 – around 500 horsepower • 360 – around 750 horsepower • 410 – around 900 horsepower.
How much does a 410 sprint car engine cost?
$60,000 to $70,000
Each brand new engine will cost $60,000 to $70,000. An engine can be ran from 12 to 20 races depending on a teams preference. On top of the initial expense, each rebuild can cost a team around $10,000 to $12,000 depending on what needs to be done during the freshen.
How much horsepower does a 305 sprint car have?
A 305 sprint car engine typically produces 450 to 500 horsepower, depending on the specific rules package and engine build. For example, a Racesaver engine is generally around 450 horsepower, while other packages may reach up to 500 horsepower. This makes the 305 a popular entry-level class, providing plenty of power for a competitive race car.
- Racesaver engines: Roughly 450 horsepower, sometimes specified as 475 horsepower on a dyno.
- Other custom builds: Can be built to reach around 500 horsepower, often using a cast iron head.
- General horsepower range: It's common to find 305 sprint cars with just over 450 horsepower.
- Entry-level class: The 305 is often considered the lowest-powered sprint car class, making it a great starting point for drivers.
What is the horsepower of a 360 sprint car?
The iRacing USAC 360 Sprint Car Series is a great introduction to non-winged sprint car racing but with “only” 720 horsepower on tap, not quite as fast or furious as the 410 sprint cars of the iRacing AMSOIL USAC National Championship.
