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How much horsepower does the Chevy Beast have?

There isn't a single, official horsepower figure for a Chevrolet model branded as the "Beast." The power of a Chevy Beast depends on the specific car or kit being referenced — from factory performance versions to aftermarket tuners — and can range from several hundred horsepower to well over 1,000 in extreme builds.


What does the term mean in practice?


Official Chevrolet models


Chevrolet does not market a current model named "Beast." The most powerful factory Chevy car in recent years is the Camaro ZL1, with 650 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Other stock Camaros sit lower, such as the Camaro SS with around 455 horsepower. These figures are for stock configurations and do not carry the "Beast" branding.



  • Chevrolet Camaro SS — around 455 horsepower (6.2L V8; current generation).

  • Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 — 650 horsepower (supercharged 6.2L V8).


These numbers reflect factory ratings and are not specific to any nickname-based package.


Aftermarket interpretations


Outside Chevrolet’s own lineup, the "Beast" label is frequently used by tuning shops to describe high-performance builds. horsepower claims vary by package and can differ from manufacturer data.



  • Typical tuned Camaro builds branded as "Beast" commonly target roughly 700–900 horsepower using forced induction (superchargers or turbochargers) and upgraded components.

  • Top-tier or extreme builds can exceed 1,000 horsepower, but these are specialized, high-maintenance projects and are not representative of road-legal, daily-drivable stock equivalents.


Potential buyers should verify with the tuner, request dyno sheets, and understand drivetrain and warranty implications.


How horsepower is measured and verified


horsepower figures can be reported at the crank (engine) or at the wheels (as installed in the car). Dyno results vary by atmospheric conditions, gear ratios, and testing methods. When evaluating claims, look for the following:



  • Crank horsepower vs wheel horsepower distinctions.

  • Dyno type and correction factors used (SAE, STD, etc.).

  • Whether the figure represents a stock, tuned, or race-spec setup.

  • Warranty and driveline considerations for boosted builds.


Independent testing and manufacturer documentation are the best sources for verifying horsepower claims.


Summary


The phrase "Chevy Beast" does not correspond to a single official horsepower specification. For factory cars, Camaro SS sits around 455 hp and Camaro ZL1 around 650 hp; for aftermarket "Beast" builds, horsepower commonly ranges from about 700 hp to beyond 1,000 hp depending on the package and tuning. Always verify with the seller or tuner and consider how horsepower is measured when comparing claims.

Is GM really making a $8000 pickup truck?


No, GM is not making an $8,000 pickup truck; this is a false rumor likely originating from clickbait videos. GM's smallest truck, the Chevrolet Montana, is sold only in South America, and its price would be significantly higher than $8,000 in the U.S. even if it were imported.
 
This video discusses the GM $8,000 pickup rumor and its potential impact on the market: 58sGarage HeadsYouTube · Jun 1, 2024

  • False rumor: The idea of an $8,000 pickup truck is a marketing tactic that has spread through sensationalist videos and online posts, often misattributing the claim to GM or Ford. 
  • Chevrolet Montana: GM does sell a small truck called the Chevrolet Montana, but it is designed for the South American market and is not sold in the United States. 
  • Pricing in the US: Even if the Montana were available in the US, its price would be much higher than $8,000 due to import taxes and other market factors. 
  • Actual GM trucks: GM's current trucks, such as the Chevrolet Silverado, have starting prices far above this amount, with prices ranging from roughly $30,000 to over $80,000 depending on the model and features. 



How much HP is a 454 big block?


A 454 big block engine can produce a wide range of horsepower depending on its build, from the 230-450 hp of early models to over 1,000 hp in modern, high-performance versions. For example, a factory-style crate engine might be rated around 438-460 hp, while custom-built engines with performance parts like forged internals, high-lift camshafts, and turbochargers can reach significantly higher figures. 
Factory and crate engines

  • Original factory power: Original 454s varied widely, from the original 450 hp LS6 version to later models detuned for emissions, with some reaching just 230 hp. 
  • Modern crate engines: Today's crate engines offer performance packages with specific horsepower ratings. 
    • A Chevrolet Performance 454 HO engine is rated at 438 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. 
    • A BluePrint Engines 454 crate engine is listed at 460 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. 

This video shows a 454 big block engine being built and its final specs: 1mThe SS454 GarageYouTube · Mar 9, 2025
Custom and high-performance builds 
  • Bolt-on upgrades: Simple upgrades on a stock engine can boost power. A cam swap on a tired 454, for instance, increased output from 376 hp and 482 lb-ft to 428 hp and 507 lb-ft. 
  • Extreme performance: High-end, custom builds can achieve much higher horsepower. 
    • A twin-turbocharged LS 454 from Nelson Racing Engines can produce 1,000 hp on 91 octane gas. 
    • Custom builds are capable of even higher numbers through forced induction and other modifications. 

You can watch this video to see the process of installing a new cam on a 454 engine and the resulting horsepower increase: 55sPOWERNATIONYouTube · Nov 14, 2021



What is the Chevy Beast?


Yes Chevrolet. Thank you the Chevrolet Beast concept takes the popularity of the high performance off-road trucks to the next level said Jim Campbell GM US Vice President of Performance.



What Chevy truck has 1000 hp?


Specialty Vehicle Engineering builds on that legacy by boosting the Silverado's output to an incredible 1,000 horsepower.


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.